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Premium smart home security with loads of features and professional installation
Updated November 12, 2024
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In the wide range of options available for home security systems, Vivint has positioned itself as a premium option. If you’re looking to minimize your costs with a DIY option, you should look elsewhere. Everything from the installation to the technology to the monitoring service is designed to be superior.
Vivint’s equipment is packed with the latest technology. Its Z-wave capability means it can easily talk with other smart home devices. The 4K cameras can provide video of neighborhood creepers in crisp detail. Add in smart locks and garage door controllers, and you’ve got a comprehensive smart home security system that responds to your routines and commands. On top of that, Vivint’s mandatory 24/7 professional monitoring service means help can arrive quickly when you need it.
Vivint Home Security Components
All those features and technologies come at a price, and it’s steep. There are one or two other drawbacks to Vivint as well. For instance, Vivint keeps most of its pricing hidden. Maybe because it knows customers are likely to experience sticker shock? In fact, you can’t even order online. You have to call up, talk with a customer service representative, and endure all the upselling.
There’s also a charge for installation. If you’re going to finance your equipment, you’ll be locked into a four- or five-year contract. If you need to move before that contract is up, you’ll pay even more fees for a new installation. Also, good luck getting out of a Vivint contract without forking over a lot of dough.
Are we suggesting you look elsewhere for your home security? Not at all. There’s something to be said for white-glove service with features like customized quotes. In terms of money, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes, and the safety and convenience Vivint offers are well worth the price.
It’s just that you have to know exactly what you’re getting into. That’s what we’re for.
Did You Know? Before we start, we’d like to point out that Vivint announced a new camera lineup for its security systems. We updated this review to highlight the features of the new cameras as well, so keep an eye out for that.
You might call Vivint the “Mercedes Benz of home security systems.” It’s not just a serviceable system. It comes with all the extra luxury you only get from a top brand. Of course, like an actual Mercedes Benz the system comes with a steep price tag. That means it’s not for everyone. If you’ve got the budget to work with, though, Vivint offers top-notch security for the cost.
Vivint isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but it’s not trying to. Like all good companies, it knows that different people need different features. It also recognizes that we all have different budgets for our home security. It’s positioned itself at the upper end of the market, as an option for customers who want the best equipment and white glove customer service.
The equipment from Vivint is well-designed and looks great. But the real value is what this equipment is capable of doing. The centerpiece of the entire system is the Smart Hub control panel with its 7-inch touch screen. It allows you to take control of your cameras, sensors, smart locks and other security equipment. You can also set up automations, watch live video and interact with people through the microphones and speakers on your cameras.
And the hub doesn’t just control your security components. You have the power to operate all your smart home components – thermostats, lights, TVs, coffee makers. Plus, you can use the Vivint app to do all of that no matter where you are. Forget to lock your door in the morning? Do it from work. Of course, you can do a lot of this with Alexa or Google Home, but the Vivint Hub gives those devices a run for their money.
All Equipment in the Vivint Home Security System
The best part of all? All those options and capabilities don’t make Vivint harder to use. It makes Vivint much easier to use. You don’t have to worry about combing through user manuals. You don’t have to earn a degree in software engineering to get the system to do what you want. This technology is efficient. Everything works with the push of a button or, if you prefer, a simple voice command.
Think of a Vivint system like a Mercedes. Can you get your kids to school on time with a Toyota Corolla? Of course. But all that tech makes a Mercedes nice to drive. Vivint works the same. Will a SimpliSafe system keep you safe, and at a lower price? For sure. That’s one reason that, like Vivint, they are at the top of our list of best home security systems. It won’t make your life as easy as a Vivint system will, though.
Did You Know? Vivint has been around since the late ‘90s.1 But the company recently underwent an extensive rebranding, and they’re doubling-down as the top premium home security provider in the industry.
Of course, in our fast-paced digital world, the newest tech doesn’t stay new as long as it used to. Vivint works hard, though, to keep customers supplied with the latest devices and features. In addition to its new hub, the company has added several new cameras in recent years, many of which come with active deterrent systems. They’ve refreshed their sensor lineup, and they’ve updated their equipment designs as well.
But we’re talking in generalities. Let’s dig into the Vivint system to see what you get and how it works.
Vivint is remarkably easy to get into your home because someone is helping you at every step of the way. First, you call and talk to the Vivint representative. It’s their job to walk you through all the various equipment options and help you choose the right monitoring plan. They also schedule your Vivint installation. You won’t even need to pick up a screwdriver because there’s no DIY option. And if you’re in a hurry, it never hurts to ask about Vivint’s same-day installation. They’ve been known to offer these from time to time.
Here’s the Vivint gear I ordered and tested:
The sales call went smoothly. I won’t lie, though: I’m just a bit introverted. If you’re like me, you’d rather browse through options online and make your own decisions without interacting with a live human being. But my Vivint sales rep provided great, attentive customer service, and I ended up very satisfied with a home security package that was customized to fit my needs.
Most companies with “professional installation” actually subcontract out the work. Not so with Vivint, though. Our tech for the day was an employee of Vivint. His name was Don Benke. Here he is. On time, and ready to help.
Don, our Smart Home Professional from Vivint
Don started by analyzing our home, inside and out. He pointed out sensitive access points, places he knew a thief might target. After a thorough walkthrough, Don had a better understanding of where to place sensors to maximize our protection. The process took about 20 minutes altogether, not a lot of time when you consider how much it improved our protection against break-ins.
I was a little startled when Don brought up the cancellation agreement at the end of the installation. Most home security systems give you at least 30 days to cancel without penalty. ADT gives you a full six months. Vivint gives customers just three days. That’s not a lot of time to decide if the system is right for you, and finding out you’re ‘on the clock’ can be a shock if you’re not expecting it.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got a pool, you’re going to want to let Vivint know. They can set you up with sensors to alert you if doors are opening to the area. This is especially important if you have little ones walking or crawling around the house.
The cancellation agreement is critical because once it expires, canceling your contract with Vivint can prove costly. Short of extenuating circumstances like bankruptcy or death, Vivint imposes a hefty termination fee. This practice is common in the industry, but again, other companies give customers a longer period of time to finalize their decision.
Aside from the cancellation agreement, be aware that the installation takes a little bit of time. Vivint recommends that you set aside three hours for the install.
Don, our Vivint technician, installing the Vivint Window Sensor
Another word of advice: You should be alert and awake on installation day, because there’s a lot of information to take in. It’s not exactly overwhelming, but you’ll want to have plenty of coffee in your cup!
FYI: Vivint technicians wear little booties over their shoes so that they don’t track anything into your home. This is a nice touch!
As for the equipment, the only real complaint I had concerned the stick-on sensor. It’s just not very visually appealing. For the prices Vivint charges, I expected a little higher quality. You can solve this issue by upgrading to recessed door sensors, though, which I definitely recommend if you don’t want huge chunks of plastic affixed to your doors. Not only are they visually unappealing, they’re also easy to spot by experienced burglars. Keep in mind, though, that the recessed ones cost a little more and the install is more invasive because they are inserted into your door and frame.
Vivint Door and Window Sensor
Once the entire installation was complete, Don handed us an electronic tablet and asked us to take a survey. After the survey, there’s a short video from Todd Pederson, Vivint’s CEO,2 welcoming you into the Vivint family. Classy.
Yes, OK, we were itching to wrap things up and start testing our new system, but the video was worth the watch. It tied the proverbial bow on the installation and gave us the sense that we matter to Vivint. You don’t get that extra touch with DIY security systems.
Welcome Message from Vivint CEO
Vivint covers all the bases when it comes to securing your home. It’s not just that you get to choose exactly the equipment you need, from basic sensors, to high-tech cameras, to smart door locks. That’s certainly true, but you also get both professional monitoring and on-site alarms. When the system is armed, and someone opens a door or window, the professional monitoring center reacts immediately. They’ll contact you or get emergency services up and rolling to your home. At the same time, though, you get a 100 dB alarm, and for those of you who don’t know, that’s as loud as a jackhammer. When my system went off, it even rang through our outdoor camera, which gave the friendly USPS guy a good scare. Just imagine what it would do to a jumpy burglar trying to break in.
As far as monitoring goes, Vivint requires 24/7 professional monitoring for its equipment to function. And, monitoring doesn’t come cheaply; the price is about $30 to $50 for this service, depending on your features of choice. If you think you can beat Vivint at its own game by ending your monitoring contract and trying to use your Vivint gear for free, think again. Ending your contract bricks your entire home security system.
To be fair, though, Vivint isn’t trying to please everyone, and there’s something to be said for that. The company aims to provide thorough protection through best-in-class technology and sophisticated professional monitoring. You’ll find only the most advanced features here, like granular home automation. In fact, Vivint made our list of the Best Cellular Home Security Systems.
How does that technology perform? The few times I tested the alarm, Vivint responded with a call in about 35 seconds. It’s pretty much what you can expect these days. And the times I accidentally tripped the alarm (it happens!), Vivint gave a 30-second grace period to disarm it before reaching out. I didn’t like that delay. 30 seconds is a long time for a burglar or thief to break in, take valuable items, and get out. I didn’t like that delay, and if I had a choice, I’d like to see the delay cut down to 15 seconds.
Vivint Text Notifications
We liked the fact that every time an alarm was triggered, Vivint sent an instant notification to our smartphone app and the monitoring center. That notification to our phones allowed us to check the live video feed through the app and assess the threat level. And since it’s Vivint, there are plenty of options that let us customize how the system responds to an alert. For example, you can get email alerts, or you can keep those off if you’re Gen Z and think email is soooo cringe.
Vivint Recent Alarm Event
Think of the Vivint Smart Hub as the brains and face of the system. It has a 7-inch touchscreen, communicates with other Vivint devices around your home, and has that built-in (uber-loud) siren we mentioned earlier.
A lot of people choose to mount the hub in their entryway, with the connection cord hidden in the wall. (The Vivint installer will do this for you.) But you can also choose to keep yours free-standing, which is what I did. I found it nice to have close-at-hand and more comfortable to use both the touchscreen display and built-in two-way talk.
The Smart Hub lets you arm and disarm your system, set custom notifications and rules, view your video cameras, and do almost everything the app can.
Vivint Smart Hub Settings
Person Detection on the Vivint Smart Hub
To use the hub as an intercom, using your cameras’ microphones and speakers, just open up a live view and press the Talk button. This feature definitely comes in handy for giving delivery folks instructions or greeting guests while you’re occupied with chores or cooking.
Two-way talk is also great for scaring off would-be intruders. Don’t put yourself in danger by confronting them. Just speak through the hub with your sternest voice and tell them to scram. If that doesn’t work, Vivint’s Smart Deter technology, which uses AI to distinguish between animals, passing cars, and people, likely will.
Two-way talk also works between the hub and Vivint’s monitoring center, something we don’t often see in security systems. In case of a break-in, a monitoring agent can speak through the hub’s speakers to scare away intruders. In case of a medical emergency, on the other hand, the two-way intercom feature lets you speak with an agent hands-free and even if you’re unable to pick up your phone.
Vivint Camera – Video Quality
Finally, note that the Smart Hub must be plugged into the wall (standard AC outlet), but it is LTE cellular-connected with a 24-hour battery backup for good measure. In other words, Vivint can deter crime and protect your home even if power to your home or your Wi-Fi is out. That’s top-notch security right there.
FYI: On installation day, Don warned me of another home security company that has been active in the area, attempting to sell their products as after-market integrations for Vivint. This is a predatory scam,3 so just be cautious and don’t trust every security salesperson who knocks on your door.
Whether you’re binging Netflix on the couch or away on vacation, you want your smart home security commands at your fingertips. Well, Vivint’s mobile app is an experience, to say the least. It ranks No. 1 on our list of Best Home Security Mobile Apps. Keep in mind, most home security systems come with app-based controls these days. So let’s focus on what sets Vivint’s app apart.
Vivint Smart Home App
The Vivint app just looks and feels sleek and modern. Of course, looks can be deceiving. Not in this case, though. There are an awful lot of clunky security apps out there, emphasis on the “awful.” Everything here loads lightning fast, and with intuitive controls, you can use it just as fast. Yet for all the simplicity of its design, it’s packed full of features. It’s clear that a lot of thought (and money) went into building it.
Vivint App alert
Swipe much? If so, you’ll catch on quickly. Landing on the dashboard, you have the option of swiping left to arm in “Staying” mode, or swiping right to arm in “Leaving” mode.
The main difference here is that “Staying” lets you move about your home without tripping your motion sensors or indoor cameras, while “Leaving” arms everything so that not even a mouse can scurry about unnoticed. (Ok, it’s not that sensitive, but you get the point.)
The moment your alarm goes off, you should be notified right away. (Is that too much to ask?) Thankfully, most home security systems offer instant mobile alerts. But Vivint allows you to customize them. This is a big plus, as it helps you stay two steps ahead of burglars and thieves.
You can really fine-tune the notifications in the app’s “Device Settings” drop-down. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect. And note that this is only half the list!
Vivint Notifications
Vivint App – New Notification
FYI: Vivint’s outdoor security cameras aren’t cheap. If you really want to secure your perimeter, expect to pay a pretty penny.
Here’s what those notifications look like on a smartphone. Remember, I opted for push notification alerts, but you can get these by SMS/text message and email as well.
Vivint App Package Notification
The question is … how much of this will you really use? It’s true that you might see diminishing returns if you’re not into tech. Though Vivint is among the best home automation security systems, that doesn’t really matter if you’re not interested in building a smart home. So if you think advanced features are going to be wasted, you might want to check out a more straightforward system like SimpliSafe. Though SimpliSafe is DIY, their products and professional monitoring are top-notch. Read my in-depth SimpliSafe review here.
This is where Vivint’s intelligence really starts to shine. While it’s nice to be notified when, say, you leave your garage door open at night, it’s even better if Vivint automatically closes it for you at a predetermined time.
So one custom action (or “rule”) that I set went like this: “I want my garage door to close when a person is detected by any of my cameras.” Other custom actions that I set were:
Vivint Garage Door Settings
As you can see, you can get ultra-specific if you want. Think outside the box. There’s so much you can do with a Vivint system, and the great thing is, these customizations will help you build not just a smarter home, but a safer home. Home automation ties neatly with home protection, and Vivint uses home automation efficiently to keep your home from being targeted by burglars.
The next best options for custom alerts and rules are offered by Frontpoint Security (read my Frontpoint review to learn more).
My favorite feature of Vivint, besides the smart home customizations, is probably their security cameras. We’ll talk about them more here, but if you want to deep-dive into these devices, see my hands-on analysis of Vivint cameras.
Vivint Indoor Ping Camera Closeup
NOTE: After our testing of the system, Vivint replaced the Ping Indoor Camera model with its Indoor Camera Pro. The new indoor camera is sleeker, smaller, and most importantly, on a hinge, allowing for wall-mounting or top-shelf placement.
Our Ping Indoor Camera featured two-way talk, night vision, and other helpful features. It feels extremely well made and comes with a swivel mount (pictured above).
However, you won’t be crazy about the resolution on this camera. Vivint calls it 1080p HD (which it is), but in my experience, the image quality seemed more like something you’d get from a 720p HD camera, like the SimpliCam. No biggie, but it’s something to note. Here’s a picture from the camera.
Vivint Indoor Camera Video Quality
That said, one great thing about Vivint’s indoor cameras is the One-Touch Callout feature. Press the little button on top of the device once and it’ll make a fancy chiming sound and send smartphone alerts to system administrators who are logged into the Vivint app. I used it once to call my wife, who was out grocery shopping, and she was able to hear me clearly through the camera’s speaker and microphone. This could be a great feature for parents with kids. There’s no fiddling with technology; one touch is all it takes to reach out.
Although we didn’t test it for this review, here’s a few quick notes on the Indoor Camera Pro. One added feature is the ability to detect the sound of breaking glass, the sound of a carbon monoxide alarm, or the sound of a smoke detector blaring. It also has an improved Computer Vision Chip (CVC), allowing for smarter detection, and a privacy shutter that prevents the camera from recording when you’re around. The biggest improvement, though, is the addition of a microSD card slot for local video storage.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro – Closeup
The Outdoor Camera Pro is Vivint’s best product, and the new version is even better, as we’ll explain below. But let’s talk about the version we tested first. Don was able to install this camera to cover the driveway, and it integrated seamlessly into my smart security system. How so? Well, whenever it sensed someone in the driveway or front lawn, it immediately began recording a clip and sent an alert to my smartphone. Day or night, it keeps you covered.
Alerting you isn’t the best thing this camera can do, though, as you’ll learn more below. It’s also great at discouraging criminals and keeping would-be intruders at bay. If it sees someone lurking on your property, a ring of red light coupled with an audible prompt will try to scare the potential burglar away.
Here’s a short video taken by my Outdoor Camera Pro so you can see what to expect. (You don’t have to buy flowers for your wife, but it doesn’t hurt!)
The outdoor camera is hardwired, which is where professional installation really starts to make sense. It uses a Wi-Fi connection with a PoE Wi-Fi Bridge. The PoE is one of the best connection types in the industry. It’s fast and reliable.4 And since it’s hardwired, you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. Have a look at Don and his giant drill.
Installing Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro
Again, this device was a natural fit in my Vivint system. The image resolution is impressive with its 4K sensor with HDR for ultra crisp and clear video. The Outdoor Pro also has a built-in siren for active deterrence. Anytime the siren goes off on the Smart Hub, it’ll also sound from the camera. This is something Vivint calls Smart Sentry, and it’s great. Rest assured, it’s loud enough to leave your neighbors down the street wondering what’s going on!
Vivint Outdoor Camera – Installed
While using Vivint, I welcomed some family from out of town. As their car pulled up, the push notification read: “Person Detected – Driveway.” The Outdoor Camera Pro can tell the difference between people and pets or other moving objects, which keeps down the unnecessary notifications. It also has facial recognition capabilities that help the system distinguish between you and the Domino’s delivery person. At any rate, I was able to greet the family using the camera’s two-way talk — which is a rare feature in outdoor home security cameras.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Video
At the bottom of the app (pictured above), you’ll see an “Events” tab. There, you’ll be able to pull up a running history of all video events or activities that occurred. You can also capture and save photos with the little photo icon. Finally, press the “Locks” icon and it’ll take you to the main dashboard to quickly arm your system.
Needless to say, there’s plenty of functionality with this outdoor camera. And that’s a good thing! It’s not the cheapest product in Vivint’s lineup. Expect to pay $400 for this camera. As far as outdoor cameras go, this is on the expensive side. Would I buy it again? Most likely. It also works great alongside the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro. And that’s the genius of Vivint … every component acts as an integral piece of the larger puzzle.
Speaking of that, the new Outdoor Camera Pro, which is still priced at $400, integrates with one more piece of the puzzle: the $250 Vivint Spotlight Pro. This rather expensive smart light physically connects to the camera to provide three functions. First, it acts as a smart light for your yard or front porch. Second, it provides color night vision to the camera. And third, it improves the cameras active deterrence with a spotlight that is capable of tracking trespassers as they move around your property.
That’s not the only new thing about the Outdoor Camera Pro, though. Like its new indoor camera sibling, it has better detection thanks to the improved CVC, and it stores videos locally to a microSD card. It’s also supposed to have improved video quality and better microphones.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
As you’ll see above, the video doorbell sports a pretty slim profile with a modern black-and-white design. Anytime someone comes to the door, it will trigger an instant notification to your smartphone. This way you can open the app and view the activity in real time.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro Video Quality
The motion detection works well … maybe too well. After the Video Doorbell Pro picked up a jogger on the street, I lowered the sensitivity from high to medium. (Bonus points if you can spot the jogger in the image below.)
Vivint Doorbell Camera Video Quality
You’re also able to reset the virtual “tripwire” on the camera. This is essentially a box you draw on the camera’s video feed that will trigger a recording and an alert if someone enters into it. When I stretched the tripwire’s perimeter to the very edge of the lawn, I had no problems at all with false alerts triggered by people jogging in the street. Here’s a sample video from the doorbell camera.
Thankfully, I had no package thefts or break-ins while testing Vivint. Here’s a picture (below) from the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro as we said goodbye to our out-of-state visitors.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Video
If you’re just looking for a camera system, there are stand-alone cameras on the market that are much more affordable. (Check out our guide to the best home security cameras.) But you should remember that Vivint cameras are naturally designed to integrate with the service’s broader smart home security system.
So if you do choose to go with Vivint, it’s definitely worth going all in with the Outdoor Camera Pro and the Doorbell Camera Pro. (Read our full Vivint Doorbell Camera review.)
Now, as promised, here are the details of the new Doorbell Camera Pro. Compared to the older model that we tested, the new doorbell camera has a wider LED ring so it’s easier to notice. It also comes with the same upgraded CVC as the Outdoor Camera Pro, making it harder for porch pirates to steal stuff from your doorstep. It also has an enhanced HDR for better low-light performance, and like the others, a microSD card slot. Fortunately, it retained our favorite features, including the ultra-wide viewing angle and Smart Deter feature.
FYI: Looking for reliable entryway protection to keep porch pirates at bay? Head over to our full analysis of the Vivint Doorbell Camera.
Vivint has the smart home category dialed-in. If you want to use your voice to arm and disarm your system, or perform any number of specific commands, then you’ll be glad to know it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Plus, there are smart devices for purchase directly through Vivint. These include the Vivint Smart Thermostat, Kwikset smart lock, smart plug, and plenty of smart environmental sensors like smoke detectors and flood sensors.
Finally, Vivint also works with Z-Wave and Zigbee devices, which means if you want to really transform your house into a smart home, your options are almost limitless. At last count, for example, Z-Wave works with over 10,000 different smart home devices. Want to connect your electric razor to your front door locks? With Vivint you can make that happen. We’re not sure why you’d want to, but you can, and isn’t that what really matters? The bottom line is that more than any other system on the market, Vivint over-delivers when it comes to home automation.
Pro Tip: Pick up a Vivint glass-break sensor for an extra layer of protection — particularly if you have lots of windows in your home. These nifty devices can detect the high-frequency sound of glass breaking, and they’ll trigger the alarm which will (hopefully) make the bad guys tuck tail and run.
Beyond uber-smart home security features, Vivint thinks outside the box with unique services like Car Guard and Vivint Solar.
Car Guard adds wireless security to … you guessed it … your car. It lets you know if someone tampers with your vehicle or dings your door. Plus, you can enable GPS tracking. On installation day, Don actually had one stashed in his gear bag. Have a look at this nifty little device.
Vivint Battery from Mercedes-Benz
Then you’ve got Vivint Solar. This combines Vivint solar panels with Mercedes-Benz batteries. (See, the Mercedes analogy was spot-on.) And believe it or not, Vivint Solar is one of the biggest solar brands in the U.S. — currently available in 21 states.5 Now, we’re getting a bit away from home security, so let’s rein it in and quickly touch on Vivint equipment pricing and monthly fees.
Before we dive into Vivint’s pricing, here’s a summary of Vivint specs and features.
| System communication | Wi-Fi, cellular |
|---|---|
| Professional security monitoring | Yes (required) |
| Monitoring response time | Approx. 35 seconds |
| Professional equipment installation | Yes (required) |
| Control panel | Touchscreen |
| Sensor options | Motion, entry, glass break, smoke alarms, etc. |
| Indoor and outdoor cameras | Yes |
| Coverage | 2,000 – 5,000 sq. ft. |
| App compatibility | iOS and Android |
| Equipment warranty | 120 days following installation |
| Monitoring contract | 4-5 years |
| Professional monitoring monthly cost | $29.99 – $44.99 |
| Equipment cost | Starting at $599.99 |
| Equipment financing | Available (up to 60 months) |
| Release date | 2014 (components upgraded regularly since) |
Vivint Security Equipment
I purchased a starter kit for $599 and added on extras like the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro ($249), the Ping Indoor Camera ($199), and the Outdoor Camera Pro ($399). All told, it was well over $1,000. That said, my equipment was pretty extensive. You should be able to get a great Vivint equipment package for somewhere in the range of $800-$1,000. They’ll customize the system to fit your specific home, and you can always add to the system over time. Have a look at Vivint’s latest plans and pricing.
Did You Know? You can finance Vivint’s equipment and pay in monthly installments over time. If you go this route, you will have to sign a contract of (typically) one to five years.
The only other cost you’re on the hook for is monitoring. Vivint’s monitoring prices start at $29.99 per month, which is competitive compared to other providers. For instance, if you want home automation with ADT monitoring, you’ll be spending $50 to $60 per month. Note, however, that the more Vivint cameras you include, the higher the monitoring fee goes until you hit $59.99 per month.
Vivint keeps it simple here. They offer three monitoring plans starting at $29.99 per month and ranging up to $59.99 or more depending on how many cameras you have installed. It’s worth the extra $10 to $15 per month to get video support, so if it makes sense in your budget, you’d be wise to consider the Smart Control plan.
| Smart Security | Smart Home | Smart Control | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection Level | Intermediate | Intermediate to Advanced | Advanced |
| 24/7 Cellular Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Automation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Video Support | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly Price | $29.99 | $39.99 | $44.99+ |
Compared to other top professionally installed home security systems, Vivint’s monthly subscription fees are quite reasonable. If anything is cost-prohibitive, it’s the equipment, not the monthly monitoring. But remember, you don’t have to purchase the whole setup on day one. You can finance Vivint and spread your payments out over time.
Unfortunately, Vivint contracts are the company’s biggest drawback. If you don’t purchase your equipment outright, then you’ll need to sign a contract. If you buy the equipment up front, though, you’re off the hook. So if you have the money, it’s probably worth it to bite the bullet and buy your gear.
Once you’re signed up, Vivint will send you all of your paperwork in one email for your records.
As you know, the mark of any successful company is identifying a need in the market and then filling it with a high-quality product or service. Well, the folks at Vivint saw a need for premium end-to-end home security, and they were quick to create a solution.
There’s a lot to like about Vivint. Of course, you’re not going to save as much money as you would with a DIY approach like SimpliSafe. Even ADT is offering low-cost DIY-installed systems these days. Comparing Vivint to affordable security systems like SimpliSafe or Ring Alarm is like comparing apples to oranges. It’s a whole different experience. You’re just not going to find a system out there as smart and intuitive as the Vivint system is. We don’t care how many security companies out there claim to integrate everything into “one easy-to-use platform.” Most don’t. But even among those that do, Vivint just does it better. It has a more intuitive feel, better features and tech, and equipment that’s built to last.
If you can afford it, Vivint is worth the investment. You have to know going in that you’re going to be paying $600 to $1,000 up-front for equipment, followed by monthly payments of $50. Can you really put a price, though, on protecting your home and keeping your family safe?
| System | Installation | Monitoring | Equipment Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivint | Professional | Professional | Starting at $599.99 |
| ADT | DIY or Professional | Professional | Starting at $194.98 |
| SimpliSafe | DIY or Profesisonal | Self Monitoring or Professional | Starting at $150 |
| Frontpoint | DIY or Profesisonal | Professional | Starting at $129 |
| Cove | DIY | Professional | Starting at $250 |
If you’d like to do a deeper dive with comparing Vivint to other security companies, we have several in-depth articles to help.
How does your home measure up when it comes to security? Take this quiz to see how you score, and get recommendations to protect your home.
We start with extensive research as to which security systems are available in the market and what they offer in terms of safety and security. With that information, we then purchase the products and install the security systems in our homes.
We test each security system as if we’re average homeowners, so we simulate real-world scenarios in a controlled environment to see how well the system reacts to burglaries, home invasions, and break-ins. We also conduct in-depth tests of the user-experience to understand how easy (or difficult) the products are to use.
Normally, we focus on core components like the central hub, motion and entry sensors, smoke alarms, and cameras, but we also test advanced systems with home automation, such as the case with Vivint. Our rating and review process usually lasts about a week, but with larger or more sophisticated systems, we often live with the products for a month or more.
Yes. Based on our experience, Vivint has the most comprehensive home automation system on the market. It is arguably the biggest selling point over other premier home security systems.
Yes, Vivint has a number of different camera options, including the Indoor Camera Pro, the Outdoor Camera Pro, and the Doorbell Camera Pro.
No, you do not have to pay for Vivint’s home security equipment up front. You can finance it over time with a contract that lasts four to five years. If you choose to buy the equipment up front, no contract is required.
Yes, Vivint offers a lifetime equipment warranty (conditions apply). This is the best warranty in the industry.
It sure is! But professional installation is required, so you won’t have to worry about that.
Vivint. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivint
Bloomberg. January 7, 2020. Vivint CEO Todd Pedersen Interview. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2020-01-08/vivint-ceo-todd-pedersen-interview-01-07-20-video
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (2020). Some Home Security Systems May Be Scams.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0195-some-home-security-systems-may-be-scams
What is Power Over Ethernet (PoE)? Veracity Global.
https://www.veracityglobal.com/resources/articles-and-white-papers/poe-explained-part-1.aspx
Vivint Solar. (2020). Crunchbase.
https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/vivint-solar
