Vivint Home Security System Cost and Pricing

Vivint Perks

As a top-of-the-line system with a 24/7 monitoring service, you can count on Vivint to protect your home from potential threats.

Beyond basic safety, though, Vivint offers the latest in smart home integration and home automation features, including smart lighting and temperature control, smart security sensors, and smart door locks. Your Vivint system can even learn your routines and adjust accordingly. Best of all you can control everything from your lights to your smart vacuum using the award-winning Vivint Smart Hub panel and Vivint mobile app.2 Finally, life can be a little more like the Jetsons.

We also have to mention Vivint’s Smart Deter system. Any time a Vivint camera, including doorbells, notices someone has been hanging out on your lawn for too long, it hits them with an LED light and sounds an alarm – or just a soft chime to let them know they’re being recorded; your call. And that highlights another aspect we like about Vivint, which is its customizability. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in home security, and Vivint made sure every customer can personalize how their system reacts to scenarios.

Our Vivint Equipment Selection

Key Features

Vivint’s Pricing

We feel that that’s a good summary of our experience testing Vivint, but now comes the hard-to-swallow pill. How much will it cost you to enjoy those perks?

Vivint doesn’t transparently publish its prices online. That makes its prices seem scarier. But if there’s any good that comes out of that, it’s that you get to work with a security expert to build your security system. Vivint is looking to sell its products, and so it’s likely going to recommend the best it can offer.

You don’t have to go in blind, though. We tested Vivint ourselves and we understand how much it costs. We can also give you tips on how to save money. In fact, here’s our first tip: Know what you want before you give Vivint a call. That’s what we did. We told the sales rep the square footage of our house, that we want security cameras inside and outside, and that we’re looking to integrate the system with our smart home gadgets. It worked; the sales rep kept the upselling to a minimum.

If you want to do the same, start by figuring out what types of equipment you want, and then getting a rough idea about how much they cost.

Equipment Fees

No matter what home security system you purchase, you can expect that your biggest cost is going to be the equipment. Equipment is also usually an upfront cost, and that can be prohibitive for some homeowners.

What you end up paying for equipment will depend on your specific security needs. If you’re trying to protect a small townhome, you’ll pay less than someone living on a sprawling compound. With Vivint, though, expect to pay at least $1,000 for equipment.

Any way you slice it, that’s a chuck of change. Vivint’s outdoor camera costs $399 by itself, and that seems especially high when you consider that you can get an entire SimpliSafe package for around $250. While SimpliSafe is an excellent system, it’s not a Vivint system. Vivint offers superior equipment with superior features. If you want to know exactly what we mean here, we’ve got a Vivint vs SimpliSafe comparison that will answer all your questions. We’ll say it again: no one is suggesting that Vivint isn’t worth the money if you have it.

You should also keep in mind that Vivint offers financing options. Up-front pricing isn’t as up-front as you might think. With the Vivint Flex Pay plan, you can spread payments out over 60 months. You have to be sure you want five years of Vivint since it’s virtually impossible to get out of contracts, but you can get a great system for between $10 and $30 a month. Most homeowners can afford that.

Monthly Monitoring Fees

Thankfully, monitoring fees with Vivint are a bit more straightforward. The company offers its base option – 24/7 professional monitoring – for $29.99 per month. That price is right in line with the industry average. In fact, in some cases it’s cheaper than other high-end security providers like ADT.

Here’s the thing, though: Other companies will include base equipment in their packages. Brinks packages cost more than Vivint, but each of those packages includes three or more sensors as well as a touch-screen control panel. Vivint’s style is more akin to ADT’s plans and packages. You choose your equipment package, and then sign up for the corresponding monitoring plan.

Professional Installation Fee

There’s one more Vivint fee we need to talk about: Vivint’s professional installation fee. That fee starts at $99 no matter which package you decide on, but increases based on the size and inclusions of your package. Now, there’s no doubt that’s an extra cost. If you go with a DIY company, like abode, you’ll pay

There are a few factors you should keep in mind. First, we’ll say it again – white glove service. This installation fee is standard across full-service professionally-monitored home security systems. You could pay even more with ADT, depending on which package you choose. Second, this is a technologically sophisticated home security system. You’re probably going to want someone qualified to install it. And third, when you go with professional installation, you get to relax, and that’s something to savor in today’s hectic world!

When all is said and done, you’ll pay anywhere between $40 per month and $75 per month over the course of a four- or five-year contract for home security and automation with Vivint. If you purchase the equipment upfront, you pay as little as $29.99 per month for professional monitoring, as Vivint doesn’t offer a free self-monitoring option.

Vivint charges a premium compared to the market as a whole. But when measured against similar high-tech systems, Vivint prices are par for the course, especially considering the features and technology. You can read more about Vivint’s features and tech in our full Vivint review here.

Now, we know we said there are only three main pricing factors to consider. And that’s true. But we should also talk about what you pay if you need to purchase Vivint add-ons and upgrades. That can certainly add to your bottom line. We get into Vivint equipment options below. You might want to brace yourself, though. Like Vivint’s package prices and monitoring prices, its a la carte equipment prices can be a bit steep compared to DIY options.

Vivint Equipment Packages

As we mentioned, we can’t tell you to the penny what you’ll pay for your system. We can talk generally, though, about what you should expect in terms of Vivint costs. Below, we offer some ballpark figures about Vivint’s equipment packages. But first, a quick rundown of Vivint’s features in all of its packages.

Vivint Features

Currently, Vivint offers three equipment packages (though again, you won’t find these described on the company’s website): the Starter Kit, the Premium, and the Premium Plus. Very few customers actually wind up with one of these packages. Instead, Vivint uses them as a baseline and then creates customized packages to suit your individual needs.

Here’s what comes in each package, though:

Basic

What’s included:

• Smart Hub
• Flood/ Water Sensor
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors

Monthly Cost: $10.00

Upfront cost: $599.00

Premium

What’s included:

• Doorbell Camera Pro
• Outdoor Camera Pro
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• Key Fob
• Smart Hub
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors
• Flood/ Water Sensor

Monthly Cost: $21.34

Upfront Cost: $1,279.96

Premium Plus

What’s Included:

• Doorbell Camera Pro
• Indoor Camera
• Outdoor Camera Pro
• Smart Thermostat
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• MyQSmart Garage Hub
• Key Fob
• Smart Hub
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors
• Flood/ Water Sensor

Monthly Cost: $37.17

Upfront Cost: $2,229.92

Both packages include 24/7 monthly monitoring for $51.47.

Vivint Package Pricing

Vivint Add-On Equipment Prices

One of the benefits of going with a Vivint system is just how easy it is to customize your package to suit your needs and your tastes. There’s a mile-long list of add-ons and upgrades, and their equipment plays well with hundreds of third-party devices like Phillips, Kwikset, and Nest.7 A lot of Vivint’s equipment options — like smoke detectors, garage door controllers and lighting control — will help you integrate your system into a smart-home suite, allowing all sorts of automations to make your life a little more convenient.

Vivint smart devices include:

• Element thermostat
• Lighting control module
• Car Guard (GPS tracker & diagnostic tool)
• Smart garage controller
• Video doorbell cameras
• Indoor and outdoor cameras

All of these are products Vivint offers directly. Convenient, but just the tip of the iceberg. Vivint works with a host of smart platforms and devices, such as:

• Google Home
• Nest Thermostat
• Amazon Echo
• Kwikset Smart Locks
• Philips Hue Smart Lights
• And more!

Not enough smart devices for you? Vivint also works with Z-Wave compatible devices, and that opens up seemingly endless home automation opportunities.8

Unless you’re as rich as Bill Gates, we wouldn’t recommend buying all this smart home equipment upfront. Still, it’s nice to know that Vivint works with all of it. That means you can start with a basic Vivint SkyControl Starter Kit with monthly payments you can afford, and then buy additional equipment over time.

Vivint Features and Tech

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Vivint is one of the more feature-rich home security systems on the market today, especially when it comes to home automation. If you’re tech-savvy, you’re probably doing a little dance.

Here’s the thing, though: when the technician comes out to set up your system, they’ll troubleshoot everything and make sure it’s working smoothly. They’ll also help you learn your new system. That’s the beauty of professional installation. Plus, we can tell you from experience that the Vivint hub controls everything, and it’s very user-friendly.

SafeHome.org Editor Andrew Garcia unboxing the Vivint control panel

You can also take Vivint’s control panel on the go with the Vivint Smart Home app, one of the highest-rated apps in both Apple and Google Play app stores.9 This award-winning mobile app puts the power of the control panel in the palm of your hand. We liked the app, but we didn’t find anything ultra innovative about it compared to other companion apps we’ve tested.

Other standout features from Vivint include instant mobile alerts, reliable cellular monitoring, keychain remote controls, disaster protection, hands-free voice control, and remote garage control. Overall, Vivint offers plenty of features if you’re willing to make a sizable investment.

Expert Examined

From Rob Gabriele, Managing Editor & Home Security Expert

“One thing to keep in mind with Vivint is that sometimes the latest and greatest technology isn’t for everyone. Features like Geofencing are excellent tools when utilized properly, but they can also be overkill for families looking for more basic features. I’ve spoken with homeowners who turned off their alerts and notifications because they were receiving too many, only to one day come home and find their home broken into.”

MOBILE ALERTS	In the event of a possible security breach or fire emergency, Vivint’s monitoring service immediately sends text alerts to notify alarm owners and their listed contacts, such as neighbors and relatives.
24-7 MONITORING	Vivint provides 24-hour security monitoring using high-quality cell radio networks. Cellular monitoring is more secure than landline monitoring because it eliminates the opportunity for criminals to cut communication wires.
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT	Vivint security equipment is 100% wireless. It won’t cause your home to be cluttered with cords, and installation usually doesn’t require adding holes to walls. You can easily move your equipment to a new residence.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS	Vivint's doorbell cameras allow you to view and respond to visitors using a mobile connection from anywhere in the world. Vivint also provides standard indoor and outdoor cameras.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION	Professional technicians help ensure that Vivint security equipment is free of defects and set up properly. Installation may be available within a few hours of ordering your security service.
SMART HOME OPTIONS	Vivint streamlines home management with an app for arming your residence, controlling lights, adjusting the thermostat, and more. Voice recognition technology is among the options.
DISASTER PROTECTION	Smoke alarms are most effective when they’re monitored. For comprehensive home protection Vivint provides monitored smoke sensors in addition to home security equipment.
REMOTE CONTROL	Keychain remote controls make it convenient to arm and disarm your system without using the touchscreen control panel. Keychain remotes also have panic buttons that directly connect with emergency dispatchers.
VOICE RESPONSE	Vivint has partnered with Amazon Echo to offer home automation equipment that responds to voice commands. Get hands-free control of your thermostat, lights, security system and more!
REMOTE GARAGE CONTROL	Ever wonder if you forgot to close your garage door? Vivint security can alert you when the garage door is left open. Vivint’s mobile app lets you open or shut the garage door from anywhere.

Current Vivint Deals

Given that a basic Vivint security package costs a little north of $1,000, it’s understandable that you’d want to find discounts where you can. We’re not currently seeing anything that the company is advertising publicly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t savings to be found. We recommend always asking to waive the installation fee when talking to your sales rep, and seeing if there are any discounts you can realize by bundling equipment.

Vivint’s Overall Value

We’ve tested hundreds of home security systems, and we can say without a doubt that Vivint is one of, if not the most high-tech, sophisticated systems out there. You might find a better system protecting some company headquarters, but if you’re looking for home security, you can’t do better. You’ll be hard pressed to use all the amazing features. Vivint made a choice when it entered the market to leapfrog the competition and position itself as the tech leader. That kind of investment comes at a price, and Vivint, of course, passes both the technical wizardry and the cost of that wizardry on to its customers.

We believe Vivint’s biggest drawbacks are its prices and contracts. The equipment packages can reach nearly $2,000 or more with add-ons. This cost can be broken into smaller monthly payments, but then you’ll have to sign a 60-month contract to get the goods. That’s five whole years! Some people won’t mind this commitment at all, while others won’t even consider it. All in all, if you have the money to spend, and you want one of the best home security and automation systems on the market, if not the best, then Vivint is likely a great fit for you.

Vivint FAQs