A good home security setup can offer peace of mind. Whether you’re stuck at work or hearing something go bump in the night, the latest home security technology and 24/7 monitoring can make you feel more secure.
Vivint Smart Home Equipment
There are an overwhelming number of security systems on the market today, and sifting through them is no easy job. The long and short of it is this: A small number of systems are spectacular, considerably more will get the job done, and a larger number still aren’t even worth consideration.
But don’t worry. We’re here doing the legwork so you don’t have to.
We’ve taken the time and effort to understand the ins and outs of a huge number of systems. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly — and we’re ready to report back with our findings on each of them.
Here, we are doing a comparison of two of the most well-known names in home security: ADT and Vivint. If you’re deciding between these two brands, we have compared them side by side for you, looking at everything from pricing, to features, to ease of use, and more.
We'll offer our expert insight on areas where the two systems are the same, where they differ, and if those differences are negligible. Spoiler alert: Both companies have great offerings that can make any homeowner feel secure.
Testing the ADT security system
FYI: If you want to know what it’s like living with Vivint, check out our full Vivint review here. Or, if you think ADT might be the better option, you can read more about this popular brand in our ADT review.
Understanding the Differences
The first step when you’re considering any home security system is to understand all of the options available to you. You want to have a solid understanding of your must-haves, your nice-to-haves, and your deal-breakers. It’s good to have a budget in mind, and consider modern conveniences like smart home automations — something both ADT and Vivint offer in spades.
We’re going to start with one of the biggest differences between the two brands — contracts. Both companies require them, but the difference in length is significant. If you go with ADT, you will be required to sign a 36-month contract although that does include a six-month money-back guarantee. With Vivint, the contract requires a 48-to-60-month commitment, with just a three-day grace period in most situations.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro Installed
FYI: Contracts and pricing are not “everything.” You should also consider the functions and features of each system so that you can make the best decision according to your specific security needs.
Another key difference is equipment. While Vivint carries its exclusive proprietary line of sensors and cameras, ADT sources its cameras from Google Nest. The latter can be a major draw if you’re already invested in the Google Home ecosystem.
You’re also going to see a difference in overall pricing — your equipment costs, your monthly monitoring bill, and the installation fees. In general, Vivint markets to people who want high-quality equipment, tons of features, and are willing to open up their wallets to get it. ADT tends to target the tier below premium, with system options available for a wider variety of budgets and security needs.
A final difference we’ll highlight is brand recognition. ADT has been in service for over 145 years (almost as old as Canada!). It all started when the company’s founder invented a system to send for help during a break-in using telegraphs. By comparison, the company known as Vivint today was founded in 1999. Because ADT is so recognizable, posting ADT stickers and yard signs alone can be enough to deter criminals.
Comparing Similarities of These Home Security Services
Alright, we’ve talked about their differences, but how do these two really match up in terms of essential qualities and services offered? Both ADT and Vivint offer top-of-the-line home security systems complete with professional installation and wireless equipment.
Full-home automation is also available, which can be a wonderful addition to the standard home monitoring systems by giving video surveillance to homeowners for an added sense of security. Using a mobile app, you’re able to know the status of your home instantly, anytime and anywhere. As a bonus, you can also include appliances, thermostat control, door locks, and more in your home automation setup. But after testing both systems, we have to give the edge to Vivint when it comes to smart home automation. In this category: It’s the best in the business.
The ADT indoor security camera made by Google Nest
Vivint vs. ADT: Key Features to Look Out For
When you’re deciding between top brands like Vivint and ADT, sometimes it comes down to features. That said, it’s important to read all of the proverbial — or literal — fine print. The last thing you want is to land on one provider only to find out the feature you were looking for isn’t really offered, or you’ll have to pay more for it. The good news is ADT and Vivint both will work with you to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for.
There are also aspects of each company that aren’t explicitly laid out, but are important to know. In particular, ADT has a better system for 24/7 monitoring. The company has 12 monitoring facilities across North America, which is the most of any company in the game. Each facility is designed to back up the other facilities to make sure customers get the necessary levels of monitoring and response capabilities.
On the other hand, Vivint has just two monitoring centers. Although there haven't been any reports of service interruption from Vivint, the chance of it happening is higher than with ADT due to numerical advantage.
Where Vivint really shines is the equipment quality and home automation features. It offers smart home customizations most security systems can’t provide. Even ADT, which is already a great security system with home automation, can’t fully match Vivint’s integration with third-party smart home products. What’s more, a professional installer will be able to walk you through all the cool equipment functions and how to make your life easier through Vivint’s automations.
FYI: For those who are a bit intimidated by the idea of DIY installation, you should take comfort in knowing that both ADT and Vivint offer professional installation and startup to make sure that all equipment is functioning properly and operational.
Vivint Door/Window Sensor
Vivint vs. ADT Ordering and Pricing
Undoubtedly, ADT and Vivint are both high-quality home security systems with great customer service. However, if you are someone who prefers investigating your options and ordering online, you may be disappointed with Vivint. Vivint offers a spare website with minimal product and pricing information. They also require you to order over the phone.
ADT, on the other hand, offers a much more transparent and comprehensive website and the ability to order online or by phone. In the end, this may not seem like a big difference, but transparency is important and generally a good thing.
Vivint has monthly monitoring rates starting at $29.99. However, this does not include the cost of the equipment, which is dependent on the equipment that you choose and which you are required to purchase. The more expensive package includes video and home automation. Also, if you’re going with more advanced equipment, you likely want a more comprehensive monitoring service, which increases your cost. Here’s our latest roundup of Vivint’s plans, packages and prices.
ADT offers full transparency with its monitoring prices, laying out three different tiers on its website. The most basic monitoring package is $29.99 per month, while the top package with cloud storage for video and facial recognition capabilities is $44.99 per month. Those prices are comparable to Vivint’s and it’s ADT’s equipment packages where you can likely save compared to Vivint. ADT offers three different package tiers that you can choose from based on your budget and security needs. If you want to learn more about ADT’s offerings, check out our in-depth guide to ADT plans and prices.
We’d like to add that Vivint and ADT both require a contract. The typical contract term for ADT is three years, while it’s four to five years with Vivint. The only exception is if you buy your equipment upfront, in which case, both companies will let you sign a month-to-month contract that you can get out of without penalties.
And here comes another differentiation between ADT and Vivint. ADT gives customers a 6-month money-back guarantee. During this period, if there are issues with the system that ADT can’t fix, it will refund all your monthly payments and installation fees. To learn more, check out our guide to ADT’s contract language and cancellation terms — we lay it all out in plain English for you, there.
With Vivint, there’s no such guarantee, and the window for getting out of the contract is only three days. After that, the contract takes full effect, and that means you’ll need to pay an early termination fee if you cancel.
Equipment and Installation
Knowing whether you’re able to install your own equipment or if you’ll need professional help is a major step in easing your home security startup. Vivint produces its own line of security cameras and other equipment, and Vivint has the best home automation technology available, including its own smart thermostat. A downfall to this is that Vivint is not compatible with any other brand devices. While ADT carries its own line of sensors, it uses Google Nest cameras for its security systems. This can translate to more options and flexibility.
Both brands offer professional installation, and the cost is one place where the brands are identical. The fee starts at about $200, depending on which package you choose.
Photo of our Vivint Installation Specialist, Don
Did You Know? ADT allows externally sourced monitoring equipment such as cameras, sensors, thermostats, and other home automation devices. This freedom to choose your exact equipment will always be up to you if you decide to switch to another home security provider.
Our Final Verdict on Vivint vs. ADT
Both ADT and Vivint offer wonderful, high-quality home security services that you really can’t go wrong with. Evaluating your home’s specific monitoring needs, the daily use of technology, and your desire for more synchronized applications are all vital when trying to figure out the right company to go with.
While some may be drawn to full-home automation, others might like the idea of basic monitoring on a budget. Take a moment to go over (and over!) the details, and ask for more information when necessary. After all, there’s really no such thing as too much research, especially when the safety and security of you and your loved ones are involved.
But to give you something to really sink your teeth into, we think ADT is the more well-rounded option overall. It’s less expensive, but its 12 monitoring centers provide great reliability. It’s also more flexible now that DIY installation is possible. That said, Vivint isn’t so far behind. We like its proactive approach with its cameras, and it does offer some of the most advanced and customizable smart home features we’ve seen.
