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A range of security camera devices for outdoor surveillance
Vivint and Ring are both leading providers of smart home security systems. Each home security company offers competitive features like the latest home automation devices, 24/7 professional monitoring, and the ability to customize your security system to fit the needs of your home and family. While Ring has a little more flexibility because of its do-it-yourself (DIY) set up, Vivint is more involved in customer support due to its smart home design assistance, professional installation and in-home support.
Compare Vivint and Ring
Installation
Winner: Vivint
While Ring requires do-it-yourself installation, Vivint sends a Vivint Smart Home Pro to your home to install the equipment. Professional installation ensures the security system is set up properly and provides an opportunity for one-on-one instruction and questions. Vivint installation typically costs anywhere between $50 and $200. Ring does not offer professional installation as an option, but the company’s DIY security systems might be an option for you if you’re tech savvy and want to save a little extra money.
Price
Winner: Ring
Vivint’s security solutions are more expensive than Ring’s. Vivint professional installation starts at $50, and you’ll need to purchase requires a minimum of $599.99 worth of equipment (financing available) for the provider’s service. After that, the monthly monitoring cost starts at $29.99/mo. On the other hand, Ring’s least expensive home security system costs just $199, and you can purchase professional monitoring for $10/mo. or $100/yr.
Home Automation
Tie: Vivint and Ring
Both Vivint and Ring boast home automation features and have smart home devices. Vivint Home Security integrates with Google Home devices to enable voice commands via Google Assistant. Vivint’s alarm panel features Z-wave technology so it can support many compatible devices from third-party manufacturers. Ring is also competitive in the smart home security space with smart lights, smart plugs and security cameras with unique features. Since it’s owned by Amazon, many devices work seamlessly with Alexa-enabled devices.
Trial Period
Winner: Ring
Vivint doesn’t offer an extended no-risk trial period, apart from the three days that are required by law. Vivint does offer a free quote and consultation to decide if it is right for you. There is also a 120-day warranty on all equipment. Ring, however, offers a 30-day no-risk return period for all products sold through Ring.com. If you’d like more time to try out your security system, Ring would be the better option.
Professional Monitoring
Winner: Vivint
Vivint’s monitoring service is more expensive, but it is also more thoroughly vetted. Vivint has an award-winning in-house monitoring center that’s certified by the Underwriters Laboratory with Five Diamond accreditation.While Ring’s monitoring is comparatively affordable, it is subcontracted to a third party. When we reached out to Ring for more information, and the agent advised that the “trusted third party monitoring service” is revealed after you sign up. For a more vetted service, we’d recommend Vivint.
Security Cameras
Winner: Ring
Vivint offers three security camera options: the Vivint Video Doorbell, Ping Indoor Camera and the Outdoor Camera Pro. Each of these cameras feature HD resolution, night vision, wide angle lenses and artificial intelligence features like smart motion detection. Ring is slightly ahead in the camera category because of its variety. In addition to video doorbells, you’ll find indoor and outdoor cameras with HD video, wide angle viewing, night vision, and power options (solar, wired or battery).
Differences: Ring vs. Vivint
The biggest differentiators between Vivint and Ring are cost and level of DIY ability. Vivint doesn’t allow you to purchase standalone equipment, install your own system, or skip pro monitoring and monitor your own system. Ring allows all of the above. Vivint is a better choice if you’re willing to pay for professional help, accredited monitoring services and more robust smart home compatibility with support. Ring appeals to individuals that want to save money with do-it-yourself installation, a lower equipment investment and subcontracted monitoring services (or self-monitoring).
Vivint requires professional installation, which could cost anywhere between $50 and $200. Ring security systems are designed to be self-installed. Ring does not offer professional installation as an option.
You can use Vivint Home Security contract-free if you pay for the equipment upfront. If you finance equipment, the service contract matches the length of your financing agreement. With Ring, there are no contracts. Ring has monitoring plans that you can pay for monthly or annually, and you can cancel at any time.
Vivint professional monitoring starts at $29.99/mo. plus an additional $5 per month for every camera that needs monitoring. Alarm monitoring is required, camera monitoring is optional. Ring provides professional monitoring through the Protect Plus plan that costs $10/mo. or $100/yr.
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Dashia researches and writes on all things home automation and security. She focuses on the latest news, products, and providers to share only the best with you.