We all want to feel safe in our own homes, and having a modern security system can help you achieve this state of zen. Instead of relying solely on the window and door alarms of yesteryear, a modern security system uses high-quality videos and artificial intelligence to monitor anything and everything around your home, 24/7. Talk about peace of mind.
SimpliSafe Equipment
You may be thinking, “If these home systems are all so good, how can I possibly decide between them?” It’s a great question, and the answer is in the details. We’ve tested and tried many security systems to iron out all the specifics and found some pretty distinct features among various brands. When you’re shopping around for the right home security system, consider the following: what features does it offer, how easy it is to use, and what is the cost?
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
We recently took a close look at two well-known industry leaders, SimpliSafe and Vivint, to better help you make the right decision for your home and family.
SimpliSafe vs. Vivint: The Similarities
It goes without saying that both SimpliSafe and Vivint have proved to be two of the best brands in home security. Each offers plenty of features and, if you’re looking for total video surveillance, then these two are definitely contenders as they offer HD security cameras for both inside and outside your home (Vivint more so than SimpliSafe).
FYI: Although SimpliSafe and Vivint are similar, SimpliSafe is overall much more affordable than Vivint. You’ll have to sacrifice some advanced features, but if affordability is your main concern, then SimpliSafe is the way to go.
They also provide 24/7 off-site monitoring services, so you can enjoy that priceless peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure.
SimpliSafe Instructions – Monitoring
One of the top similarities between SimpliSafe and Vivint is the ability to control each system via their mobile app. If you’ve got a smartphone (and who doesn’t these days?), then you’ll have remote access to your system pretty much anywhere, anytime if you have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. You’ll be able to arm, disarm, and view live video footage using your smartphone or tablet.
SimpliSafe and Vivint both offer door and window sensors, as well as motion detectors, to provide complete protection of your entire home.
Each company also offers cellular and wireless connections to help ensure you’re always connected with the monitoring station. And they even have various options for environmental protection to choose from (think smart smoke/fire detectors, water leak sensors, CO sensors, and the like).
Last but not least, SimpliSafe and Vivint security systems connect to local authorities and will alert them in the event of an emergency.
FYI: Want to learn more about SimpliSafe? If so, head on over to our in-depth SimpliSafe review. We cover everything from features and tech, to living with the system on a day-to-day basis.
The Main Differences Between SimpliSafe and Vivint
The first standout difference between SimpliSafe and Vivint is the price. SimpliSafe offers a tiered range of packages, with a different tier for different security needs. The Foundation package is an apartment-sized system that costs about $250 upfront and it includes one door sensor and one motion sensor. The Beacon is the largest package and the most expensive. For an upfront cost of about $365, you get two cameras, four door sensors, and two motion sensors.
The up-front cost for a Vivint package we tried was $599.99, with a monthly cost of $29.99 for the basic system. As you can see, Vivint is much more expensive. But then again, you’re getting a much more intelligent, integrated home security experience with Vivint compared to SimpliSafe.
Your installation preference is another major factor to consider. Are you a hands-on, do-it-yourself kind of guy (or gal)? Or do you prefer to sit back, relax, and watch others perform the heavy lifting? Well, whatever your preference, one of these brands has what you’re looking for. Vivint requires one of their professional techs to install the equipment, while SimpliSafe only offers DIY installation.
Installation Specialist, Don, Installing the Vivint Outdoor Camera
Did You Know? SimpliSafe doesn’t require its customers to commit to a long-term contract, but Vivint may require a contract if you don’t pay for the equipment up front.
The equipment Vivint offers is also a bit more cutting-edge than its competitor when it comes to smart home “intelligence.” They provide a 7” touch screen control panel (versus SimpliSafe’s basic push-button keypad), and if you’re a fan of smart home automation, Vivint integrates with third-party platforms and offers loads of smart equipment like smart locks, garage door controllers, video doorbells, and environmental sensors.
Did You Know? Vivint’s security systems can interact with various Google Nest products, including Google Nest thermostats, to keep your home comfortable and secure.
Standout Features and Technology
Security and reliability are always the two main factors you should consider when purchasing a home security system. With that said, the next important thing you need to decide on is the feature-set you want in a setup. That’s where our hands-on experience comes in! We’ve thoroughly tested both systems to identify key features that you need, and a few you never knew you needed.
Best SimpliSafe Features
Unlike Vivint, SimpliSafe offers several different packages you can compare and contrast. You can also add additional devices to those packages based on your security needs. All SimpliSafe packages are meant to be DIY installations, but don’t let that scare you! We found the installation quick and easy, so you too should expect a fast and painless setup (remember, they’re called SimpliSafe for a reason).
Below are some other notable features included with various packages:
- 95 dB Siren: Everyone in and around your home will hear the alarm when this baby goes off.
- Wired Or Wireless Indoor Cameras: While the SimpliCam wired camera is a basic model with a 120-degree field of vision, it has a built-in motion sensor designed to cut down on recording unnecessary video. Meanwhile, when combined with SimpliSafe’s monitoring service, the Smart Alarm wireless indoor camera gives agents the ability to view live video and speak to intruders through a built-in speaker.
- Outdoor Camera: Available in the upper-tier packages or as an add-on, the SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera Pro captures HD video, and has both night vision and 10x zoom capabilities. This camera also comes equipped with a bright spotlight that can deter would-be intruders
Wired Indoor Camera on Table
- SmashSafe Technology: Intruders often attempt to damage security system keypads immediately upon entry. With SmashSafe technology, local authorities are alerted even if the keypad is tampered with or destroyed.
- Protection From Power Outages: With a convenient backup battery, you won’t have to worry about compromising your safety in the event of a power outage.
- Water and Fire Protection: With the heat and water sensors included in some packages, you and your family are alerted immediately if there is a fire or if a water leak is present that could lead to flooding or a pipe bursting.
- Decade-Long Battery Life: The batteries in the SimpliSafe entry sensors can last up to a decade, meaning you’ll rarely have to worry about changing them.
- Compatible With Alexa and Google Assistant: Enjoy the ultimate convenience of asking your preferred voice assistant to arm and disarm your SimpliSafe system.
SimpliSafe offers a lot of what you’d expect in a modern security system. While there isn’t much of a “wow factor”, SimpliSafe systems do what they say on the label – simple and safe.
Features of Vivint
Customization is the name of the game with Vivint’s smart home security systems. Whether you simply need a doorbell camera to see who’s at your doorstep, or want full indoor and outdoor protection of your home, Vivint can customize the package to your liking.
Below are the features you can enjoy with Vivint systems:
- Professional Installation: Vivint offers a white-glove installation service so that you don’t have to lift a finger. If you’re not into “doing-it-yourself,” then Vivint is a safe bet. The tech will even show you the ropes once the system is installed.
- Smart Cameras: Vivint’s indoor and outdoor cameras offer 1080p HD image quality, and their outdoor camera has person-detection. This cuts down on false alerts and sends you only the information you need.
Vivint Ping Camera Mounted on the wall
- Livestream Video: Using Vivint’s mobile app, you can check in on your security cameras to see what’s going on around your home even if you’re out of town.
- Two-Way Talk: Always know who’s at your door with two-way talk, a feature built into their indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell cameras.
- Review Video Recordings: You can save and review video footage 24/7 from Vivint cameras. The footage can be stored in a microSD card, in the cloud, or a DVR. Captured video can easily be viewed minute-by-minute to find exactly what (or who) you’re looking for.
- Smart Locks: You’ll never have to worry about losing keys again with Vivint’s smart locks. When you have keyless entry, everyone in the family can have a unique access code, including expected visitors.
- Garage Door Controller: Open and close your garage door using your smartphone from pretty much anywhere. This is a great extra that we highly recommend.
- Night Vision: Night vision is critical for many reasons. Whether you’re away and need to see what’s going on at your house, or if you’re checking in on the kids after bedtime, infrared night vision gives you a clear picture of what’s going on.
Pro Tip: Vivint’s glass break sensors are a great investment. Have your Vivint tech install one of these sensors on each floor of your home, within 20 feet of the windows you wish to protect. Your alarm will sound if a would-be burglar smashes a window to gain entry. To learn more about this sensor and other neat Vivint features, check out our hands-on Vivint review.
SimpliSafe vs. Vivint: Pricing, Costs, and Fees
After our thorough testing, it became clear that SimpliSafe is an ideal option for budget-minded shoppers, offering way more affordable security packages when compared to Vivint.
SimpliSafe Fees and Costs
Again, affordability is the name of the game for SimpliSafe and is one of the key reasons their systems are so attractive to customers.
Each equipment package starts with the necessary keypad and base station, which collectively cost around $150. Sensors range from $14.99 for an entryway sensor to $39.99 for a glass-break sensor. Cameras range from $99 for a basic wired indoor camera to $199.99 for the battery-powered outdoor camera. In case you’re not familiar, these are highly competitive prices in today’s market.
As for monitoring plans, SimpliSafe offers a range of options. With the Core plan (formerly Fast Protect) at $31.99 per month, monitoring agents are ready around the clock to request dispatch in the event of an emergency.
With the Outdoor Protection Pro Plan at $49.99 per month, nighttime monitoring agents are alerted by advanced AI threat detection so they can intervene to stop would-be intruders, speaking with them directly through the outdoor camera’s speaker, shining the camera spotlight, and sounding an alarm.
With the Outdoor Protection Pro Plus plan at $79.99 per month, monitoring agents are available to intervene around the clock.
FYI: You are never tied to a contract with a SimpliSafe system. With month-to-month plans, you have the freedom to cancel at any time for any reason.
Vivint Fees and Costs
Vivint does cost more than SimpliSafe, but it also offers many more “intelligent” smart home features that are worth checking out.
Case in point, the essential Vivint Smart Hub with its touchscreen interface costs $399.99. Camera prices range from the basic indoor camera at $249.99 to the Outdoor Camera Pro with the Spotlight Pro attachment at $649.99.
Here’s our latest rundown of Vivint’s costs and fees.
FYI: If you pay for the Vivint equipment up front, then you won’t have to be locked into a contract. But if you finance the equipment, Vivint will lock you into an agreement for three to five years.
Vivint Smart Hub and Ping Indoor Camera
Bottom Line: Is SimpliSafe or Vivint Better?
At the end of the day, we honestly believe both SimpliSafe and Vivint are great options for homeowners. There are pros and cons for each company, so it really comes down to your individual situation.
With Vivint, you’ll have much more flexibility and way more home automation options; however, you’ll also pay a higher price depending on the features you select. They also have some of the most innovative products on the market today, allowing for smart home capabilities inside and outside your home.
SimpliSafe doesn’t have nearly as many features, but it’s still a solid, easy-to-use system for anyone wishing to protect their home. The fact that they allow DIY installation makes them an ideal fit for budget-minded folks. We love the fact that you can try out SimpliSafe for 60-days and get your money back should you not be completely satisfied.
Our bottom line: If you want flexibility, convenience, and ultimate home protection, and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then Vivint is your best bet. If you want a home security system that simply gets the job done and you aren’t worried about all the extras, then SimpliSafe is an outstanding option (especially for folks on a budget!).
Finally, if neither of these systems make sense for you, we recommend digging into our recently updated list of the top 10 best home security systems available.
