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.

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 worth of equipment (financing available) for the provider’s service. After that, the monthly monitoring cost starts at $38.99/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.

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.

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.

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.

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).