Vivint Home Security shines with its cutting-edge technology and smart home integration, appealing to tech-savvy users. However, it comes with higher costs and contractual commitments, which might not suit everyone’s needs or budget.
Pros
- Equipment has advanced technology solutions, including artificial intelligence
- Seamlessly integrates with devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- No DIY packages or systems are available
Cons
- Requires professional installation at an additional fee ($199)
- Higher price point compared to many competitors
- Requires long-term contracts if not paying upfront
Table of Contents
- Vivint Home Security at a Glance
- Vivint Home Security Security System Components
- Vivint Home Security Smart Home Integration
- Vivint Home Security Plans and Pricing
- Monitoring Plans
- Vivint Home Security App and Add-ons
- Installing Vivint Home Security
- What We Like About Vivint Home Security
- What We Didn’t Like About Vivint Home Security
- How Vivint Home Security Stacks Up
- What Are People Saying About Vivint Home Security?
- Is Vivint Home Security the Right Home Security System for You?
- Methodology – How We Selected the Best Home Security Companies
EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission was reviewing claims regarding Vivint accounts being opened improperly. Make sure to properly vet every company you consider.
Vivint Home Security is renowned for integrating advanced technology and smart home capabilities, offering a comprehensive approach to home security. With a focus on user experience, the system combines innovative security features, professional installation and seamless smart home integration. Its comprehensive home security systems even earned them a spot on our list of best home security companies.
Featured Partners
1
Vivint
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$19.99
2
ADT
Customer Reviews
Excellent
Contract Required
Yes
Lowest Monitoring Price
$29.99
3
Simplisafe
Customer Reviews
Great
Contract Required
No
Lowest Pro Monitoring Price
$21.99
Vivint Home Security at a Glance
Founded in 1999, Vivint has quickly become a key player in the smart home security game. At first glance, Vivint stands out for its comprehensive approach to home security, offering three distinct service tiers to fit different needs and budgets, from essential monitoring to comprehensive home automation and security.
We have to emphasize Vivint’s level of customization. The system is designed to fit unique home setups, offering various devices such as smart locks and surveillance cameras. However, it’s worth noting that Vivint emphasizes professional installation.
The lack of a DIY option might seem limiting, but the feedback from Vivint’s customer base is overwhelmingly positive. The initial customization process ensures that customers receive a security system well-suited to their needs despite a more hands-off installation.
This customer satisfaction has not gone unnoticed, as Vivint has been recognized among the best home security companies on our lists.
Vivint Home Security Security System Components
Understanding the components of a Vivint system is key to seeing how it stands out. Each piece works together to create a seamless, secure home environment.
Smart Hub
The heart of the system, the Smart Hub, controls everything. It’s your home’s security command center. From this single interface, you can manage everything—your cameras, sensors, locks and more. Its touch-screen interface is particularly impressive. It’s intuitive, making it easy for anyone in the household to understand and use.
But the Smart Hub isn’t just about control; it’s also about communication. With a built-in speaker and microphone, the Smart Hub facilitates two-way communication. In an emergency, you can quickly connect with Vivint’s 24/7 monitoring teams.
Another aspect we appreciated was its integration capabilities. The Smart Hub connects with many devices, from thermostats to lights, allowing for routines that automate your living space. You can even set custom rules. For example, you can set up scenarios like turning on the outdoor lights when the camera detects motion, adding a layer of security and convenience.
In addition, the Smart Hub uses advanced encryption methods to protect your data and privacy, ensuring your home network remains secure.
Door and Window Sensors
Vivint offers the typical door, window and glass break sensors. Linking seamlessly with the Smart Hub, alerts are sent directly to your smartphone, ensuring you know and can respond swiftly to potential threats.
However, while the sensors work as expected, their design doesn’t quite meet the sleek, modern expectations of the brand’s pricing and market presence. It’s a small detail, but in a market where details matter, the aesthetics of security sensors can influence a homeowner’s decision.
Indoor Cameras
Vivint’s indoor cameras step up the home security game. First, the Vivint Indoor Camera Pro features artificial intelligence. When something unexpected happens, the camera springs into action, recording and alerting you and limiting unnecessary notifications.
This device is a plug-in camera, eliminating concerns about battery life and ensuring continuous protection. The Vivint Indoor Camera Pro does not disappoint in terms of visual capability. It boasts 1080p with 2x HDR resolution for crystal-clear video. The camera offers an expansive 150-degree horizontal field of view and an 80-degree vertical field of view. This wide-angle covers more area within your home, minimizing blind spots.
As far as nighttime vision, the Vivint Indoor Camera Pro rises to the occasion with its enhanced night vision mode. It features two high-powered infrared LEDS with an IR cut filter to provide crystal clear nighttime viewing. However, one of the most innovative features is the two-way audio. This feature transforms the camera into a tool for direct interaction with your home environment.
However, one notable absence is local storage. The Vivint Indoor Camera Pro relies on cloud storage to save video footage. While this means you won’t have physical storage on the device, it ensures your data is accessible from anywhere and secured in the cloud. It also means considering cloud storage plans for longer-term video retention.
Outdoor Cameras
The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro features Smart Sentry Technology. This feature uses advanced analytics to identify potential threats rather than everyday movements, such as animals or passing cars. If it detects someone lingering suspiciously, it can activate a red LED light and sound a warning tone from its speaker to deter potential burglars.
The camera boasts a 4K HDR sensor, ensuring you get the clearest picture possible. It allows for live streaming and recording in HD, maintaining clarity even as you zoom in. You can even set specific zones for the camera to monitor, reducing unnecessary notifications. Plus, it has a feature for detecting and alerting you about vehicle arrivals and departures, enhancing the overall security of your property.
The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro has two far-field microphones with echo canceling, allowing you to communicate with visitors or intruders directly through the camera.
Doorbell Cameras
Firstly, the Vivint Doorbell Camera is not your average doorbell. Unlike traditional cameras that might record hours of pointless footage, this smart doorbell uses advanced sensors and algorithms to detect human shapes and movements. This means it can differentiate between a visitor at your door and a car passing by on the street, reducing false alarms and focusing on events that truly matter.
It features Smart Deter technology, which detects potential thieves and deters them with a bright LED ring and loud alerts. It also has a wide-angle lens, providing a comprehensive view of your doorstep and surrounding areas. Plus, high-resolution color photos and 1080p video quality, even in low-light conditions, thanks to powerful infrared night vision.
Smart Locks
Although Vivint doesn’t offer namesake locks, they provide customers with Kwikset Smart Locks. Kwikset, a leader in lock technology, has built a reputation on innovation, reliability and security. One of the best features is the customizable access codes. Homeowners can assign unique codes through the Vivint app for different individuals, providing safe and controlled entry without needing physical keys.
These locks also feature automatic locking capabilities. With customizable settings, these smart locks can automatically secure your door after a set time, ensuring your home remains safe even if your hands are full or your mind is elsewhere.
In addition, they integrate with Vivint’s security system, meaning that doors can automatically lock in the event of a security breach, adding an extra layer of protection.
Leak Detectors and Smoke Alarms
Vivint’s leak detectors go off the moment moisture is detected. The device sends an instant alert to your smartphone via the Vivint app, allowing swift action to prevent potential water damage. When connected to a Vivint system, if water is detected, the system will immediately connect you with emergency water mitigation services.
Vivint also offers a Smoke and CO Detector to provide early warning for two of the most dangerous threats to home safety: fire and carbon monoxide (CO). We appreciate that you’d only need to install one device to monitor for both threats.
Like other sensors, when the detector senses smoke or elevated levels of carbon monoxide, it triggers a loud alarm within the home while simultaneously sending alerts to the homeowner’s smartphone and the Vivint monitoring center through the Vivint Smart Hub.
Vivint Home Security Smart Home Integration
The required Vivint Smart Home Hub allows you to integrate all your security tools fully into a handy central location. Using smart home systems like Amazon Echo and Google Home, the digital assistant integration further allows you to control all of that with voice commands on your favorite devices.
With Amazon Echo, you can use voice commands to control lights, locks, thermostats and your security system. By speaking to Alexa, you can check whether your doors are locked, control your home’s lighting, adjust the thermostat and arm your security system.
Similarly, with Google Home, you can use voice commands to arm your security system, lock your doors, manage your lights and adjust the thermostat. Google Home also offers personalized responses for each family member and integrates well with other Google products like Chromecast and Google Nest.
Vivint also supports other smart home devices and platforms, such as Nest Thermostats, Philips Hue smart lighting and Kwikset smart locks, further expanding your smart home system’s capabilities. The system is built on the Z-Wave protocol, meaning it can integrate with a wide range of Z-Wave-compatible devices, such as Siri through Apple HomeKit.
Mobile App
Vivint’s mobile app has been a hit with customers, with hundreds of thousands of downloads at both the Apple Store and the Play Store. Apple customers rate the mobile app 4.6, and Android customers rate it 4.0.
No matter where you are, the app allows you to monitor your home and control every aspect of your security system. You can even play back video if you opt for additional video storage capacity. If you’re going to be gone for a while, you can set up routines that will turn lights on and off or adjust the thermostat throughout the day.
If you’re expecting someone to come and check on your pets or plants, you can even lock and unlock your home from the app if you have a Vivint-compatible smart door lock installed.
Vivint Home Security Plans and Pricing
Vivint’s home security and automation services come with various packages and pricing to suit different needs and budgets.
| PACKAGE NAME | FEATURES | UPFRONT COST | PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION | MONTHLY COST (WITH FINANCING) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Home Security
|
| $599.99
| $199
| As low as $17
|
| Indoor Security Bundle
|
| $849.99
| $199
| As low as $24
|
| Porch & Package Protection
|
| $849.99
| $199
| As low as $24
|
| Total Home Security
|
| $999.99
| $199
| As low as $17
|
Remember, Vivint requires professional installation, and while there is typically an installation fee, some promotions may offer this for free. It’s also worth noting that Vivint provides financing. If you opt to finance your equipment, you can receive an additional monthly payment in addition to the monitoring fee.
Monitoring Plans
The Vivint Home Security monitoring plans are structured to offer varying levels of security and convenience based on customer needs. Each plan includes 24/7 monitoring, app control, hardware warranty, 90-second Smart Clips, onsite support and instant alerts and notifications. The plans differ mainly in their monthly cost and specific features, especially regarding video service and camera support.
Core Home Security Monitoring Plan
The Core Home Security Package focuses on essential security features and system control through the app, ideal for users seeking basic home security automation.
| FEATURES | MONTHLY COST | COST BREAKDOWN |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 monitoring | $41.47 | Smart Home Monitoring: $39.99/mo |
| App control | Cell Network Maintenance Fee: $1.48/mo | |
| 1-year hardware warranty | ||
| 90-second Smart Clips | ||
| Onsite support | ||
| Alerts and notifications |
Indoor Security Bundle, Porch & Package Protection and Total Home Security Monitoring Plan
The Indoor Security Bundle, Porch & Package Protection and Total Home Security packages add video services per camera, enhancing surveillance capabilities for a more comprehensive security solution.
| FEATURES | MONTHLY COST | COST BREAKDOWN |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 monitoring | $46.47 | Smart Home Monitoring: $39.99/mo |
| App control | Cell Network Maintenance Fee: $1.48/mo | |
| 1-year hardware warranty | Video Service: $5.00/mo per camera | |
| 90-second Smart Clips | ||
| Onsite support | ||
| Alerts and notifications | ||
| Video Services |
Vivint Home Security App and Add-ons
Vivint requires professional installation of its products no matter how many you choose. Customers report that this fee is typically about $199, but Vivint’s website says it can be as much as $250. However, Vivint also frequently offers free installation for new customers, so if you’re not in a hurry to install your system, it may be worth waiting for promotional installation pricing.
Relocating your system also requires professional removal and reinstallation, which can cost more than a first-time installation. Customers have mentioned prices from $129 to $149 each for removal and installation ($258 to $298).
Unlike other parts of Vivint’s website, its online store is very transparent about the many different add-ons you have available to you as well as their pricing for upfront or monthly payments. It has everything from basics like extra glass break sensors; door and window sensors; and motion sensors, to smart thermostats; Kwikset locks with keypads; and garage hubs.
| ADD-ON EQUIPMENT | PRICE |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Camera Pro | $399.99 |
| Doorbell Camera Pro | $124.99 |
| Spotlight Pro Outdoor Camera Pro (Gen 2) | $649.98 |
| Indoor Camera Pro | $249.99 |
| Indoor Camera | $149.99 |
| Playback DVR | $299.99 |
| Glass Break Sensor | $100 |
| Door and Window Sensor | $50 |
| Motion Sensor | $100 |
| Emergency Pendant | $50 |
| Smoke and CO Combo Detector | $100 |
| Water Sensor | $50 |
| Smart Plug | $50 |
| Smart Thermostat | $199.99 |
| Key Fob | $50 |
| myQ Smart Garage Hub | $99.99 |
| Keypad | $50 |
| Kwikset Smart Lock | $179.99 |
For the most current pricing and additional details, we recommend visiting the official Vivint website or contacting their customer service.
Installing Vivint Home Security
Installing a Vivint Home Security system is designed to be straightforward and hassle-free, thanks to their professional installation service. Below is a detailed look into the installation process.
Exploring the Website
Vivint’s website has a very user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and find the products or information we were looking for. From the start, you can find their phone number to get a quote and start the process.
Do They Provide Useful Resources?
While Vivint offers a range of highly customizable packages, new users might find the array of choices a bit overwhelming. Maybe this correlates with Vivint’s push to contact their customer service representatives. So, if you’re hoping to get everything quickly done online, Vivint’s website might not be too helpful.
Getting a Quote
Getting a specific quote from Vivint is not as straightforward online and typically requires contacting them directly. While this might seem inconvenient, the direct call allows Vivint to offer tailored advice and ensure that the proposed system meets all your home security needs.
What Other Options Are Available?
Surprisingly, the shop section on Vivint’s website is a useful resource. Unlike the rest of their website, here you can order a home system, subscribe to a monitoring plan and request an installation date. This streamlined process simplifies the buying journey.
Extra Fees and Response Times
Vivint is transparent about additional costs that may come with your home security system. This includes highlighting any installation fees, taxes and additional charges not included in the upfront price.
Overall Experience
While you still need to contact a customer service representative to get a customized quote, Vivint’s website walks you through every step of the process to ensure your specific security needs are met effectively.
What We Like About Vivint Home Security
Vivint Home Security stands out with its innovative features and customization capabilities, setting a high standard in the home security industry. We like how its systems integrate advanced technology, such as Smart Sentry and home automation, that works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, enhancing both security and convenience for users.
We particularly liked the use of artificial intelligence in their Smart Sentry feature. Finally, a home system that still detects legitimate threats and reduces false alarms is needed. Moreover, two-way audio in both doorbells and indoor/outdoor cameras adds a significant layer of interactivity and security.
What We Didn’t Like About Vivint Home Security
While Vivint Home Security provides an array of impressive features, there are certain aspects that we didn’t like. One significant downside is the absence of a DIY installation option. All Vivint systems require professional installation, which can be a hurdle for those who prefer a hands-on approach or want to avoid the additional costs associated with professional services.
Furthermore, the cost can be a significant barrier for many. Vivint’s pricing is on the higher end compared to other home security options. Another point is the commitment required. Vivint often requires long-term contracts, especially if you opt to finance your equipment. This can lock customers into a service they might outgrow or wish to change, limiting flexibility.
Additionally, the need to contact customer service for a precise quote may add an extra step that some customers find inconvenient compared to fully online processes.
How Vivint Home Security Stacks Up
Let’s explore how Vivint’s offerings compare to the competitive landscape, particularly against giants like ADT and SimpliSafe.
Vivint Home Security vs. ADT
When comparing Vivint Home Security to ADT, there are notable differences and similarities that could impact your decision depending on your specific needs:
- Installation: Vivint exclusively offers professional installation, ensuring all devices are set up correctly. The cost is usually $199, though sometimes waived through promotions. ADT offers both DIY and professional installation options.
- Contracts: ADT typically requires a 36-month contract with a six-month money-back guarantee, while Vivint contracts range from 48 to 60 months, with no contract option if the equipment is paid upfront.
- Pricing: Vivint’s monthly monitoring rates start at $41.47, excluding equipment costs. ADT’s pricing varies more widely, with monthly fees that can include equipment rental ranging from $29.99 to $61.99, depending on the package and services chosen.
Choose Vivint if you value advanced smart home features, prefer cellular monitoring and are willing to invest in higher-end equipment and longer contracts. Opt for ADT if you want brand reputation, diverse communication options (including landline), or more flexibility with installation and contract lengths.
Learn more: ADT review
Vivint Home Security vs. Simplisafe
When comparing Vivint Home Security to SimpliSafe, several key factors set them apart:
- Installation: Vivint requires professional installation, typically around $199 (sometimes waived based on promotions). SimpliSafe offers primarily DIY installation, promoting ease and reducing costs; however, they also provide a professional installation option for those who prefer it.
- Contracts: SimpliSafe provides a more budget-friendly solution without requiring long-term contracts, whereas Vivint offers contract flexibility only if the equipment is purchased upfront.
- Pricing: The upfront cost for a Vivint system typically starts around $600. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, offers more affordable options, with initial equipment costs starting around $229.96.
Vivint is best suited for those seeking a high-end, integrated smart home security experience and are willing to pay for premium services and technology. SimpliSafe, conversely, is ideal for renters or homeowners who prefer simplicity, affordability and the flexibility of a no-contract, DIY security system.
Learn more: Simplisafe review
What Are People Saying About Vivint Home Security?
Customers appreciate Vivint’s advanced home security features, such as the Smart Hub and the Outdoor Camera Pro. They also enjoy Vivint’s professional installation and comprehensive smart home integration.
However, there are complaints about the lengthy contracts, moving fees and system costs. There’s also a past issue regarding a Fair Credit Reporting Act violation. The company was accused of unlawfully obtaining consumers’ credit information to approve loans without their consent, leading to defaults and debts sold to third-party collectors, essentially amounting to identity theft. The settlement required Vivint to pay $20 million and implement an Identity Theft Prevention Program.
Overall, Vivint is well-regarded for its technology but has points that some customers find less favorable.
Is Vivint Home Security the Right Home Security System for You?
If you want a robust home security company that can offer you the latest technology and install it professionally, Vivint may be the company you’ve been looking for. It offers low-to-no APR financing in exchange for a long-term monitoring contract and will customize your package to your needs.
However, if you’ve never had a security system and want to build slowly, Vivint may not be the best choice. Each service call can cost you a couple hundred dollars, and even something as simple as adding a new camera has to be professionally installed and integrated into your system.
Vivint Comparisons
Methodology – How We Selected the Best Home Security Companies
To determine the best home security companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 22 companies and 133 systems across 68 different attributes broken into categories represented in the below pie chart:
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates home security companies in our detailed methodology page.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install my Vivint system myself?
No, Vivint requires all systems to be professionally installed. There is no DIY option, unfortunately.
What is Vivint’s installation fee?
Vivint charges up to $250 for professional installation of your system, which you cannot do yourself. However, the company often runs promotions with free installation, saving new customers a bundle.
How do I move my Vivint system?
Vivint systems must be professionally moved to your new home. This means an installer will come and uninstall your existing system, then reinstall it at the new location. If you need additional equipment for your new place, like an extra camera or additional door and window sensors, they can install those at that time.
This service doesn’t come without a price and can run up to about $150 each for uninstallation and reinstallation. Keep this in mind if you plan to move in the few years after you have your system installed.
What does Vivint Home Security include?
Vivint Home Security includes professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, smart home integration with devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and customizable security equipment such as doorbell cameras, smart locks and sensors.
What is Vivint Home Security rated?
Vivint Home Security has varied ratings across different platforms and review sites. Generally, it receives positive marks for its advanced technology and home automation capabilities. However, opinions can differ based on customer experiences, particularly with customer service and contract terms.
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