Vivint and Protection 1 offer similar security features, technology and modern features you’d expect to see in the modern smart home. Vivint is a relative newcomer to the home security industry but offers standout innovative equipment and custom packages. Protection 1, on the other hand, has been around for more than 30 years and provides good installation options alongside excellent features and customer service. Both providers offer home security solutions, which include physical equipment, sensors, gadgets, and innovative features. They also offer different installation and payment options, varying levels of customer service, and around-the-clock safety and monitoring solutions.
Equipment
Winner: VivintVivint designs some of its own equipment, which guarantees customers receive the best in home security technology. For example, its outdoor camera features highly competitive specifications and advanced artificial intelligence that actively deter potential intruders. The only catch is that Vivint necessitates purchasing at least $599.99 worth of equipment in order to use their services. While Protection 1 offers a range of equipment, it’s devices aren’t proprietary.
Security Cameras
Tie: Vivint and Protection 1Vivint and Protection 1 both provide state-of-the-art security cameras that enable users to keep an eye on their home no matter where they are. Vivint provides 1080p HD resolutions security cameras that pan and zoom their entire home, alongside 30 days of continuous recording and low-cost, high-capacity storage. Protection 1 provides up to six cameras in its web-based video surveillance, which is accessible in an easy-to-use interface, protected by wireless encryption and storage of up to 100MB. Both also provide wireless technology, smart devices, and activity alerts.
Warranty & Guarantees
Winner: Protection 1Vivint offers a nice lifetime warranty on its equipment, but no additional guarantees. Protection 1, on the other hand, wins this round with its $1,000 Theft Protection Guarantee. This policy will pay up to $1,000 toward your insurance deductible if you are burglarized while under Protection 1 monitoring, which provides extra peace of mind.
Home Automation
Winner: Protection 1Vivint sells smart locks and other devices from Kwikset and makes its own, while Protection 1 gives you all the smart home devices you need for controlling your home remotely when you purchase the Smart Control plan. Additionally, Protection 1 has an option for geo-fencing, which triggers a series of set home automation functions (such as turning off the lights or locking the doors) once your phone crosses a certain radius beyond your home.
Price
Winner: Protection 1Protection 1 requires no upfront payment for equipment; you only need to get started with a monitoring service contract and the company will send you everything you need. That means can pay as little as $34.99 to start out. Vivint is a lot more expensive. While it does give you a financing option for equipment, you need to purchase at least $599.99 worth of equipment to get monitoring services with Vivint, and you're required to pay an additional $5/mo. for each camera monitored.
Installation
Tie: Vivint & Protection 1Installation of Vivint’s equipment requires professional assistance at a cost of $49.99, while Protection 1 only offers professional installation. Vivint’s Smart Home Pros will show customers where equipment has been installed and how to use it, while Protection 1 guides DIY customers through the entire installation and maintenance process in addition to sending out a trained technician if you prefer professional installation.
Overall Winner: Protection 1
 Protection1 | ||
|---|---|---|
Professional monitoring starts at | $29.99/mo. | $34.99/mo. |
Installation | Professional | DIY and Professional |
Minimum contract length | 42 to 60 months, or pay equipment in full | 3 years |
Trial period | 3 days | 3 days |
Warranty | Limited equipment warranty | None |
Guarantees | None | $1,000 Theft Protection Guarantee |
BBB rating | C- | A+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Vivint vs. Protection 1
Vivint provides users with professional installation of its home security equipment for $49.99 (but it can sometimes be free with special promotions). Protection 1 offers professional installation too, but it also offers users the opportunity to install their solution themselves.
Customers need a contract to sign up for Vivint and Protection 1’s home security services. Vivint offers 42 or 60-month contracts depending on how long you choose to finance your equipment, while Protection 1 requires customers to sign a minimum three-year contract.
Vivint and Protection 1 both provide 24/7 monitoring services, but it is not possible to self-monitor. Both provide these services from their central monitoring centers.
Vivint doesn’t offer any preset packages that you can purchase, but you can select your devices. Protection 1 has four packages you can choose from: Secure, Secure+, Smart Control, and Video, which offer varying levels of home security features and price points.
