Vivint Overview
Many homeowners have a hard time deciding between Vivint and ADT. We love Vivint for its wide variety of innovative smart home and security solutions. The company offers 24/7 professional monitoring and installation for your comfort and peace of mind. Each package comes with security must-haves, including sensors, motion detection and a touchscreen control panel that doubles as a smart hub.
But Vivint is best known for its smart cameras with Vivint Smart Drive to store all clips and continuous video recording. The company also works with popular smart home products such as the Nest Thermostat, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Vivint has many smart home and security features that make it a popular choice nationwide.
Pros
- FlexPay to finance your equipment
- Continuous video recording with Vivint Smart Drive
- Control panel doubles as a smart hub
Cons
- Expensive packages and service fees without FlexPay
- Long contract agreements
- No money-back guarantee
Vivint: Top Choice for Smart Homes
If you love the control and convenience of home automation, Vivint’s the best choice for you. You’ll have smart security and automation together with full control using your voice assistant, Vivint mobile app and touchscreen control panel that doubles as a smart hub.
Most of Vivint’s equipment is wireless, but professional installation gives you peace of mind knowing that your system is set up correctly. You’ll also have 24/7 professional monitoring for Vivint to respond to an emergency at any time.
Safety Score
| Prevention | Control | Reliability | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9.7 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.3 | 9.9 |
Prevention
Vivint’s equipment and features help prevent break-ins and will notify you the moment there’s a water leak, fire or carbon monoxide detection. There are a few must-have Vivint devices to consider adding to your system, including the Ping Indoor Camera and Outdoor Camera Pro to get motion-triggered alerts, speak to guests using two-way audio and see live activity. The outdoor camera also is equipped with Smart Sentry™ to detect human activity and prevent false alarms.
Vivint also offers environmental monitoring equipment to help prevent costly damage to your home. The equipment lineup includes a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and water sensor. The Vivint smoke detector will turn off airflow to prevent the fire from spreading. If your carbon monoxide detector notices a rise in CO levels, your Vivint monitoring specialists will be notified immediately. And any time your equipment’s sensors are triggered, you’ll get a mobile alert to keep your home and family safe from harm.
Control
Vivint’s control panel doubles as a smart hub to control all of your security and smart home devices in one place. You’ll be able to disarm your system, see live camera footage, control your smart thermostat and more from just one device. The smart hub also lets you wirelessly connect other devices using the panel.
Vivint’s mobile app also gives you full control of your equipment and keeps you in the know with motion-triggered alerts if your sensors are triggered. You’ll be able to see live camera activity and speak to guests using two-way audio. The app also lets you create custom routines to disarm your system, turn on the lights and more from your smartphone for convenient control.
Reliability
Vivint’s equipment is durable and backed with a reliable professional monitoring service. Customers also get a 120-day warranty service plan to cover any repairs or replacements. After the warranty period is over, Vivint will still fix defective equipment based on your contract. However, Vivint doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee or theft protection guarantee to promise customer satisfaction.
On the bright side, Vivint wants to make sure your system is always working correctly, even during a power outage. The control panel has a 24-hour battery backup and products include cellular connectivity. Vivint works best on WiFi, so some features such as video recording and live streaming may not be available during a power outage.
Response
Vivint requires professional monitoring, but you’ll get peace of mind knowing that monitoring agents are always ready to respond if there’s an emergency. Suppose your sensors are triggered or you press your panel’s panic button. In that case, Vivint monitoring specialists will respond in three seconds, which is lightning speed compared to the industry average of 30 seconds. Professional monitoring is required and starts at $29.99 per month.
Best of all, if a sensor is triggered, you’ll receive a mobile alert to determine whether it’s a false alarm or whether you need help immediately. And Vivint’s cameras also give you the power to respond or let intruders know you’re watching with the two-way audio feature to hear and see guests using Vivint’s mobile app. Vivint’s cameras also support their new Smart Drive for continuous video recording (CVR) and to share saved clips with emergency responders.
Our Take
With Vivint’s Smart Security Service, you’ll get the basics you need to protect your home. The touchscreen SkyControl Panel boasts two-way audio capability, allowing you to speak with a Vivint Smart Home monitoring specialist in the event of an emergency. You can build a home security system with Smart Security Service beginning at $650 in equipment costs.
Equipment to choose from:
- Starter Kit (1 Panel, 2 Smart Senors, 1 Motion Sensor)
- Vivint Smart Sensor
- Vivint Motion Sensor
- Recessed Door Sensor
- Glass Break Detector
- Smoke Detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
- FireFighter
- Flood/Freeze/Heat Sensor
- Key Fob
- Panic Pendant
Our Take
Vivint’s Smart Home Service allows you to have home climate control, door lock control and garage door control with several smart home products. This package is great if you’re looking for intrusion protection, video surveillance and home automation all in one place. You can build your system with Smart Home Service beginning at $650 in equipment costs.
Equipment to choose from
- All products in Smart Security Service
- Kwikset Smart Lock
- Garage Door Controller
- Element Thermostat
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- Lamp Module
- Vivint Doorbell Camera
- Vivint Outdoor Camera
- Vivint Ping Camera
- Vivint Smart Drive
Our Take
Vivint’s Smart Home Service comes with everything found in the Smart Security Service monitoring plan. You’ll have basic intrusion detection, home environmental monitoring, video surveillance, and home automation. This monitoring service includes a number of cameras and smart devices to include: the Vivint Ping Indoor Camera, Vivint Doorbell Camera, Nest Learning Thermostat, and much more. The Smart Home Service monitoring plan costs $39.99/mo.
Package Features
- Kwikset Smart Lock
- Garage Door Controller
- Element Thermostat
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- Lamp Module
- Vivint Doorbell Camera
- Vivint Outdoor Camera
- Vivint Ping Camera
- Vivint Smart Drive
Our Take
Vivint’s Smart Security Service comes with everything you’ll need for basic intrusion detection and home environmental monitoring. This monitoring service includes the Vivint Starter Kit, a motion sensor, recessed door sensor, smoke detector, panic pendant, and much more. The Smart Home Service monitoring plan costs $29.99/mo.
Package Features
- Vivint Starter Kit
- Vivint Smart Sensor
- Vivint Motion Sensor
- Recessed Door Sensor
- Glass Break Detector
- CO Detector
- FireFighter
- Flood/Freeze/Heat Sensor
- Panic Pendant
Vivint Home Security Review: Our Take
7.7 out of 10
Vivint: Our Recommended Pick for Innovative Features
Vivint has innovative home security solutions as well as smart home features that make the company stand out among other competitors. We go into our Vivint security review of six categories: price, stand-out features, equipment, installation and trial period.
Vivint Review: Pricing & Packages
7 out of 10
Highlights
- Equipment costs $599+ and financing is available
- Monitoring service starts at $38.99/mo.
- Vivint offers two packages for those who want basic home security or smart home automation
Vivint is a premium home security provider and it is relatively expensive, especially when compared to budget options. One thing to note, however, is that the provider gives customers the option to finance their security packages through the Vivint Flex Pay program.
Vivint’s pricing structure requires customers to pay for their equipment upfront (or finance it through Flex Pay) and then pay a monthly monitoring fee for the duration of the contract.
You can build out your custom system to include equipment for intrusion protection, smart home capability or both. Exact equipment costs vary depending on the items selected, but Vivint requires at least $599.99 worth of equipment in order to start your service.
Vivint offers two packages to help secure your home. The Smart Security Service package includes monitoring $29.99/mo. and comes with motion detection and home environmental monitoring. The Smart Home Service package has monitoring that starts at $39.99/mo. and includes everything from the Smart Security Service package. It also includes security cameras, smart home devices and video monitoring. You can add on video monitoring for an additional $5/mo per camera.
Standout Features
10 out of 10
Highlights
- Manage your security system and smart devices using the Vivint Smart Hub
- Get weather alerts to help keep your family safe
- Optional video monitoring
Vivint has a number of stand-out features and innovative equipment. In addition to mobile app access, you can also manage your security system and smart devices through the Vivint Smart Hub. If your security system package or monitoring plan comes with smart home devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat, Kwikset Smart Lock, Smart Garage Controller or others, then you can easily control them through your smart hub.
If your package or monitoring plan doesn’t include smart devices but you have a compatible Amazon device, you can link your Amazon device to the Smart Hub. By linking this device, you’ll be able to arm your security system using voice control.
Another perk of the Vivint Smart Hub is the ability to receive weather alerts. If there is a severe weather alert for your area, you’ll get notifications to help keep you and your family updated so you can stay safe. This is a feature that’s especially good for those who live in tornado or hurricane-prone areas.
Last but not least, Vivint also provides an option for live video surveillance. This service isn’t offered by many providers. Add it on to your monitoring plan for an additional $5 per month, per camera.
Equipment
10 out of 10
Highlights
- Get environmental monitoring for carbon monoxide, fires, floods and freezing
- In addition to your home, protect your vehicle with the Vivint Car Guard
- Vivint offers a wide variety of smart home products including smart thermostats, locks and cameras.
Vivint has a reputation for innovative equipment. It offers a full suite of equipment for environmental monitoring, intrusion protection, video surveillance and home automation, which can all be controlled through the Vivint Smart Hub and the Vivint smartphone app. Whether you’re at home or away, the system is always ready to work for you.
Security equipment options include smart door and window sensors, glass break detectors, motion sensors and panic pendants. Environmental monitoring equipment options include a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and a flood/freeze/heat sensor. Indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras are also available. On the home automation front, you can select anything from garage door controllers to smart thermostats and locks. Smart home equipment such as smart lamp modules start at $50, Vivint’s most expensive smart home product costs $299.99 at retail value.
The best part is that customers can pick and choose the exact set of devices to fit their unique needs. You’re not limited to predetermined equipment packages that include features you don’t need or want. With Vivint, you’re free to choose what’s right for your home.
Installation
10 out of 10
Highlights
- Vivint provides professional installation for your home security system
- DIY installation is not available
Some home security companies offer both DIY and professional installation for you to choose from. Vivint Smart Home professionals will help ensure that your security system is properly installed so you can avoid mistakes and get started using your system. The installation fee varies depending on your home and equipment (though occasionally free installation is available through a promotion).
With a professional setup, you’ll be able to ask your service technician questions regarding your system and can gain insight into the security needs of your home. We highly recommend this type of installation for customers who do not feel comfortable with navigating technology. But, if you’re on the other side of the fence and would like to install your own system, we recommend choosing a DIY security solution – which Vivint doesn’t provide at this time.
Customer Service
6 out of 10
Highlights
- Average Customer App Rating: 4.75
- BBB Rating: C+
- Trustpilot Rating: Great
Vivint also has a Trustpilot rating of ‘Great’ for their professional installation, helpful technicians and high-quality security equipment. Customers rave about their camera quality and ability to easily see what’s happening at home.
However, Vivint’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is a C+. Some past customers complained about their customer service experiences – especially when trying to cancel service and speaking with door-to-door salesmen.
Fortunately, Vivint’s mobile app has a 4.5 rating on Google Play and 5 star rating on the App Store. Many love that the app is easy to use and control your security equipment. Some customers do face troubles with the app’s speed, playing back camera footage and crashes.
Guarantees & Trial Period
3 out of 10
Highlights
- Vivint has a 3-day refund period
- The provider also has a Premium Service warranty and regular warranty period of 120 days
- No money-back guarantees or other customer satisfaction incentives at this time
Vivint has a refund period of 3 days for customers to try out their security systems and determine if it is a great fit for them. This is the shortest trial period available by law.
Vivint doesn’t have any customer service guarantees in case you’re not satisfied. However, there is a Premium Warranty service that you can opt into, or you could use the regular warranty period. With the Premium Service warranty, Vivint will repair and replace your equipment for up to 120 days at no charge. If you do not opt for the Premium Service warranty, Vivint will still repair and replace your equipment, but you’ll have to pay a service fee plus taxes.
While checking Vivint reviews, we found that there is a complex process when canceling service. Customers will have to make sure that they are satisfied and want to continue using their Vivint services within a very brief period.
Vivint Packages
Our Take
Vivint’s Smart Security Service comes with everything you’ll need for basic intrusion detection and home environmental monitoring. This monitoring service includes the Vivint Starter Kit, a motion sensor, recessed door sensor, smoke detector, panic pendant, and much more. The Smart Home Service monitoring plan costs $29.99/mo.
Package Features
- Vivint Starter Kit
- Vivint Smart Sensor
- Vivint Motion Sensor
- Recessed Door Sensor
- Glass Break Detector
- CO Detector
- FireFighter
- Flood/Freeze/Heat Sensor
- Panic Pendant
Our Take
Vivint’s Smart Home Service comes with everything found in the Smart Security Service monitoring plan. You’ll have basic intrusion detection, home environmental monitoring, video surveillance, and home automation. This monitoring service includes a number of cameras and smart devices to include: the Vivint Ping Indoor Camera, Vivint Doorbell Camera, Nest Learning Thermostat, and much more. The Smart Home Service monitoring plan costs $39.99/mo.
Package Features
- Kwikset Smart Lock
- Garage Door Controller
- Element Thermostat
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- Lamp Module
- Vivint Doorbell Camera
- Vivint Outdoor Camera
- Vivint Ping Camera
- Vivint Smart Drive
Compare Vivint Packages
Monitoring price starts at | $29.99/mo. | $39.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|
Motion detection | Yes | Yes |
Home environmental monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Security cameras | No | Yes |
Smart home devices | No | Yes |
Video monitoring options | No | Yes |
Compare Vivint to Other Providers
Monitoring price starts at | $29.99/mo. | $38.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
Installation | Professional | Professional | DIY |
Monitoring options | Professional | Professional | Professional |
Minimum contract length | 42-60 months - or pay equipment in full | 12 months | No contract required |
Guarantee | None | $500 Theft Protection Guarantee | None |
Warranty | 120-Day Equipment Warranty | Option to extend Lifetime Warranty | 3-Year Limited Equipment Warranty |
Our Review of Vivint
Vivint is a great traditional home security service that offers all of the smart home integrations you need at an affordable price. You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of equipment to cover smart home, environmental and security needs with one provider.
However, there are a few factors to keep in mind. If you don’t pay for your equipment upfront, you’ll be locked into a 42-60 month contract. Vivint’s service also comes with mixed reviews about customer service, app functionality and the system’s overall ease of use. And, unlike other home security providers, Vivint doesn’t come with a customer satisfaction guarantee in case you’re unhappy with your service. They only have a three-day return policy.
On the bright side, Vivint makes picking a package easy based on your needs and offers affordable monitoring. You’ll also have hassle-free professional installation and help from their technicians.
Pros and Cons of Vivint
Pros
- Offers Vivint Flex Pay program, which gives you an easy financing plan to spread out payments for your home-automation and home-security equipment.
- No activation or installation fees if you opt for Vivint Flex Pay.
- Professional installation ensures you won’t have issues due to a DIY installation process.
Cons
- Expensive monitoring and installation fees if you don’t opt for Vivint Flex Pay.
- Long contract periods make it difficult to get out from under your agreement if you aren’t happy with the service.
- Mixed customer service Vivint reviews mean you could end up unhappy with the way your account is handled.
Sources
FAQ
The Vivint Smart Home Service Monitoring Plan is only $1 more per month, but it covers your needs for everything from basic home intrusion protection to environmental monitoring and home automation. Remember that home automation features aren’t just convenient, they also increase your home’s security. For example, smart lighting deters burglary by giving the appearance that someone is home, while smart locks allow you to grant temporary access to your home without leaving a key under the mat.
Because Vivint home security systems are highly encrypted, it is extremely unlikely that your security system will be hacked. However, there have been some reported incidents of Vivint systems being hacked, so you need to do everything you can to eliminate the possibility. This includes regularly checking your system for hackers and noting anything suspicious. If the positions of your cameras change or you notice strange noises from your cameras, you might want to do some more digging. Both are signs you’ve been hacked. You should also keep an eye on your system settings to make sure no changes have been made.
This answer depends almost entirely on what your needs are in a home security system. While ADT Home Security has been around for a long time, Vivint is giving ADT a run for the money thanks to the flexible contracts and monitoring fees, which are lower than ADTs.
