Vivint Home Security Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.