Ring Security vs. Frontpoint

After researching Ring security systems vs. Frontpoint, we pick the winner in this DIY security system match.
Winner
Frontpoint
Frontpoint
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starts at
$34.99
/mo
  • pro
    Affordable starter package
  • pro
    Many equipment options
  • con
    Cameras included in kits
Runner up
Ring
Ring
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
Starts at
$20.00
/mo
  • pro
    Affordable monitoring
  • pro
    Large camera selection
  • con
    No cameras included in kits

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

Frontpoint is our pick in this DIY security system matchup. Its starter package is more affordable, and Frontpoint offers high-quality equipment and unique features like identity protection and Crash & Smash protection.

Ring stands out with a wider camera selection and lower monitoring fee, but it just can’t beat Frontpoint overall as the best home security system.



Frontpoint pros and cons

pro
Frontpoint pros
pro Many equipment options
pro Crash & Smash protection
pro ID theft protection
pro Financing options
con
Frontpoint cons
con Higher monitoring fees

Frontpoint is best for quality DIY equipment

If you want quality equipment but want to install it yourself, there’s no better choice than Frontpoint. Frontpoint alarm systems are also easier to afford with lower starter package costs and financing options.

Read our Frontpoint review to learn more.

Ring pros and cons

pro
Ring pros
pro Built-in Eero Wi-Fi 6 router
pro Wide camera selection
pro Affordable monitoring plan
con
Ring cons
con No cameras included with kits
con No financing option

Ring is best for camera-based security

Ring is best for people that want to center their DIY home security system around cameras. Its camera selection and quality are hard to match. Ring has floodlight cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and video doorbell cameras.

Plus, Ring’s low monitoring fees are more budget-friendly long-term.

Read our Ring home security review and Ring FAQ to learn more.

How Frontpoint and Ring compare

Company
Star rating
Lowest monitoring price
Starter equipment price
Financing available?
Learn more
Quality DIY pick
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
$129.00
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best camera-based security
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
$199.99
Icon No  LightNo

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

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Frontpoint vs. Ring similarities

Frontpoint and Ring have many similarities that make them some of the best home security systems available:

Frontpoint vs. Ring differences

While Ring seems to win with price, Frontpoint is the real MVP. Frontpoint also serves up special features (like identity protection) that Ring can’t compete with.

Best warranty: Tie

With basic plans, Frontpoint wins the point. It offers a three-year warranty while Ring only provides a one-year warranty. But, if you spring for the Ring Protect Plus plan, Ring wins. With its premium plan, you get a lifetime warranty on Ring devices.

Best plans and pricing: Frontpoint

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

With up-front costs, Frontpoint wins out. You can get a starter package for just $129.00, which is more than $70 less than Ring. Frontpoint also offers financing. While you need to sign a contract to get the financing, this is a good option for those who can’t pay high out-of-pocket costs.

When comparing monthly costs, Ring alarm systems have the edge. At just $20 per month for its most expensive plan, it beats out Frontpoint’s least costly plan by more than $10.

Light Bulb
Isn’t free better?

Ring alarm systems have free monitoring, but we don’t recommend it. You don’t get video streaming, which kinda makes having a camera-based home security system worthless, and you don’t get the backup that comes with professional monitoring.

Best cameras: Ring

Ring has more camera options, including a whole lineup of doorbell cameras.  Ring is a knockout pick for video surveillance. Especially if watching the kids and fur kids, or keeping an eye out for packages are your main reasons for adding a security system to your home. We love the Ring Floodlight Camera because it offers bright light, camera surveillance, a siren, and motion detection all in one device.

That said, Ring cameras don’t come with any Ring home security packages. You have to buy them separately and pay a monthly subscription for video storage. Frontpoint, on the other hand, offers cameras in its packages.

Ring Spotlight Cam

Spotlight Cam Battery

This battery-powered camera includes LED spotlights, motion detection, and a siren.

Check out our Ring Spotlight camera review to learn more.

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

This is Ring’s entry-level battery doorbell camera. It delivers motion-activated alerts, two-way talk, and night vision.

Find out more in our full Ring video doorbell breakdown.

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

Ring Stick Up Cam Battery

This battery-powered camera is Ring's newest addition to its camera lineup. You can get this indoor camera/outdoor camera for around $100.

Learn more in our Ring Stick Up Cam review.

Ring Floodlight Camera

Ring Floodlight Cam

A motion-activated camera that features floodlights, two-way talk, voice control with Alexa, and a siren. Take a look at out Ring Floodlight Cam review for more info.

Thumbs Up
Ring also has Alexa Guard

You can use the Alexa Guard home security feature with or without a Ring alarm system. Using your smart speaker, Alexa listens for intruder sounds (like broken glass) and alerts you. You can learn more about Alexa Guard in our guide.

Bonus features: Frontpoint

Frontpoint wins with helpful features that are hard to find with other systems.

The security company offers identity protection with all of its monitoring plans. (Ring doesn’t offer identity protection at all.) This cool free upgrade does a lot:

  • Helps you control personal data
  • Sends notifications when something iffy occurs with your accounts
  • Provides data professionals to help out when things go awry

Frontpoint home security also has a touchscreen hub control panel to view camera footage on-screen. It’s helpful to watch camera footage on the same device you use to arm and disarm your security system. Imagine you’re just about to disable your alarm when you arrive home but hear a noise. You can access the nearest Frontpoint camera to check for an intruder and get help right away.

You’ll need to buy an Alexa smart home device like an Echo Show to see footage anywhere other than your phone with Ring. Learn how to connect Ring with Alexa in our step-by-step guide.

Another unique feature is Frontpoint’s Crash & Smash protection. A “crash and smash” is when an intruder destroys a security system’s keypad before it can call the police during a break-in. Frontpoint security tracks opened doors in the home. So even if the base station is destroyed, the call center will call for help because the system wasn’t disarmed after the door was opened.

The Ring Alarm Pro series has a few standout features, like a TrueMesh Eero Wi-Fi 6 router and 24/7 backup internet to keep your Ring security system working when your internet is weak or disconnected. We weren’t impressed, though.

The router is supposed to strengthen Wi-Fi connections for devices far away from the system, but we didn’t notice a difference. And most security systems can function without Wi-Fi using a cellular connection, so the backup internet isn’t blowing our minds either.

Winner: Frontpoint beats Ring

Frontpoint is a winner because it delivers just about everything you could want from a security system. It has a low introductory price, quality equipment, and helpful features. Ring is no slouch, but it just doesn’t beat Frontpoint.

Still undecided? Read our full Frontpoint and Ring security reviews to learn more, or take a look at our DIY home security page.

Check out our other comparison articles to see how top home security brands compare.

DIY installation:


Professional installation:

How we decided: Frontpoint vs. Ring

We used our decades’ worth of experience with safety and security systems and hours of hands-on testing when judging the Ring security system vs. Frontpoint. We also interviewed industry experts and company representatives and scoured customer reviews to understand how these systems work in real-life situations.

To learn more about how we review services and products, take a look at our methodology page.

Related articles on SafeWise


Disclaimer

*Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Google: Google, Google Nest Secure, [any other related Google Products] and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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