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Vivint home security review
Whether you're looking for a traditional home security system or want a full automation system, Vivint has excellent plans that make it a great fit if you're looking to simplify your life. It's not the cheapest, but additional features like expert installation and automation make it well worth it for many customers.
Pros:
- Expert security monitoring
- Advanced home automation
- Monthly contracts options
Cons:
- More expensive than other options
- Have to pay for equipment upfront
Vivint packages
Packages | Price* | Best for | Ease of Use | Type of Installation |
Smart Security Monitoring | $29.99 | Outdoor cameras | Easy | Professional |
Smart Home Monitoring | $39.99 | Home automation | Intermediate | Professional |
Smart Home Video Monitoring | $44.99 | Video surveillance | Advanced | Professional |
All information accurate as of 06/11/2020.
*Plus equipment financing if paying for equipment over contract term
Vivint offers three basic packages that offer all of the services you need.
Vivint specializes in superior equipment with full home automation -- something not all home security companies offer. There is also live 24/7 support to ensure there is someone to help if you need it.
We really liked Vivint Car Guard, a helpful addition to your security when there's a teenager or a senior driver in the home. Available separately or with your plan, Vivint Car Guard will notify you of fender benders, accidents, tows and theft with smart notifications and geo-fencing to keep the vehicle close.
Who is each Vivint package best for?
Vivint's packages are highly customizable, but here are our recommendations for some of their most popular options.
- Smart Security Monitoring: Best for Starters
- Smart Home Monitoring: Best for Home Automation
- Smart Home Video Monitoring: Best All-Inclusive Security
Smart Security Monitoring
When you need basic security monitoring without the fuss of video and home automation, smart security monitoring lets you take control of home security yourself.
Smart Home Monitoring
Protect your family with professional monitoring that includes extra features like window and door sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a smart app that keeps you plugged in even when you are not at home.
Smart Home Video Monitoring
It's tough to beat Vivint's technology with indoor and outdoor cameras that identify lurkers and built-in body detectors.
Vivint equipment:
- Basic Home Equipment
- Door sensors
- Motion sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors
- Water sensors
- Cameras
- Ping Indoor Camera
- Outdoor Camera Pro
- Doorbell Camera
Vivint prices
Vivint's pricing is mid-range among its competitors. Contracts can run up to five years long, but you also have the option of a month-to-month account. However, you will have to purchase your equipment upfront that can call for an expensive initial investment. There is a 120-day warranty for purchased equipment and unlimited repair on any equipment covered under a service plan.
Ease of use
Regardless of your plan, you can still enjoy access to its apps. This allows you to control your home from anywhere in the world. No matter where you are, you can log into the Vivint app to unlock the door for family or turn off the light you missed on your way out. You won't be able to receive any of these benefits until you complete the in-person installation process with an actual rep.
Vivint types of installation
Professional installation
Vivint values customer service, and that is no more apparent than its installation process. You will benefit from a personal technician who will come out to your home to create and install your perfect security system personally.
Pros
- You can benefit from the expertise of a professional who can customize the right package of you.
- You can add on equipment during your installation appointment.
- You receive high-end equipment that is installed for you without the time and trouble of doing it yourself.
Cons
- Vivint does not include its equipment in its packages; instead, you must purchase it separately.
- Installation can be an expensive process.
DIY installation
Vivint does not offer DIY or self-installation.
Vivint types of monitoring
Self-monitored | Smart Security Service | Interactive | |
Cost | Equipment purchase required | $29.99/month | $39.99/month |
Monitoring | DIY | Professional | Professional |
Installation | Professional | Professional | Professional |
Mobile App Control | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
When it comes to monitoring, you have plenty of options. If you want to skip the monthly monitoring service, you can go the DIY route, but you will still need to purchase your equipment upfront to avoid the contract.
If you opt for a monitoring plan, you can choose from two different plans, Smart Security Service and Smart Home Service. The Smart Security plan offers you basic monitoring with fire, theft and carbon monoxide detectors, window and door sensors and smoke alarms. If you want to add video surveillance, you can opt for the Smart Home Service, which is just a few dollars more a month.
Additional benefits
- App access included
App access is included with all plans, and you have the option to add Vivint Smart Drive to store all of your data so that you aren't forced to part with any records or footage that you may need later. However, this is an additional purchase that will cost you.
- No shortage of features
Vivint doesn't slack on technology. You can benefit from up to 1080p resolution on the indoor and outdoor cameras for an even better picture, and The Ping Indoor Camera even has calling capability.
- Extra security
The cameras can provide you with a wide field of vision of up to 180 degrees. Vivint also incorporates new, improved technology like infrared night vision, 4K image sensors, body and lurker detectors and a siren.
Additional drawbacks
- Long contracts
If you don't purchase your equipment outright, you can finance it, but that will come with a minimum contract of five years. It is a long time to commit to a home security plan when your needs can easily change before then.
- Requires an investment
Other companies like Ring offer DIY installation and service as low as $3 a month, and while they don't have Vivint's technology, they don't require you to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment purchases.
Compare home security providers
Our Rating* | 4.73/5** | 4.63/5 | 4.34/5 | 3.67/5 | 3.54/5 |
Cost | $29.99/month | $15/month | $35/month | $28.99/month | $3/month |
Installation | Professional | DIY/Professional | DIY | DIY/Professional | DIY/Professional |
Contract length | No contract | No contract | 12 – 36 months | 24 – 60 months | No contract |
* Our rating is based, in part, on industry metrics such as Better Business Bureau grades and rankings in the J.D. Power 2019 Home Security Satisfaction Study, as well as user ratings via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
** Pricing is for the basic package. Please note pricing will vary based on customization, package tiers, and fees.
The bottom line
Vivint is among the very best in the industry. The free app offers a live feed and past footage, while smart home automation lets you turn off the lights and lock the doors from anywhere in the world.
The customer service is stellar, with live representatives standing by to dispatch help when and where you need it, no matter the time. It's an additional layer of security that makes a real difference in an emergency.
Is Vivint better than ADT?
Vivint offers more options at a lower price than ADT, and its no-contract option provides far greater flexibility than its competitor.
Is Vivint better than Ring?
Ring is a more affordable option, offering the DIY packages that Vivint lacks, but you won't be able to benefit from a professional installation with Ring as you do with Vivint.
Do I need Wi-Fi for Vivint?
Vivint works off a wireless connection, so you will need WiFi to use your new security system. This is more convenient for you because the installation will not require any risky wires that need to be cut or moved.
Is Vivint easily hacked?
Vivint uses a wireless connection, which is not as easily hacked as a wired connection. However, any wireless connection is vulnerable to a cyberattack, so using the latest software updates and security programs is always important.
How long do Vivint batteries last?
Vivint batteries last a long time before they need to be repowered. Some devices run on traditional batteries for over eight months, while others can be recharged in a matter of hours or even minutes.
Does Vivint work if the power goes out?
Most Vivint systems utilize a wireless connection, so your wireless connection usually holds strong even if you lose power at home. If you lose WiFi, Vivint includes a backup battery in each of its devices.
Can you use Vivint without a subscitption?
The advantage of Vivint's equipment is that once you purchase it, it will work without a professional monitoring contract. However, you will be limited to certain features and will lose access to things like the mobile app and 24/7 support.