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ADT vs. Vivint: Features, Pricing
ADT is more affordable and offers self-monitoring, but Vivint’s service gets higher reviews.
Dalia Ramirez Writer | Estate planning, home security
Dalia Ramirez writes about home services and estate planning for NerdWallet. She has a Bachelor of Arts in science and technology studies and critical theory from Wesleyan University. Her work has appeared in publications including The Washington Post, Bloomberg and The Associated Press. She is based in New York City.
Tina Orem Assistant Assigning Editor | Taxes, small business, Social Security and estate planning, home services
Tina Orem is an editor at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has been a financial writer and editor for over 15 years, and she has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance for several public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
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ADT and Vivint are both popular home security providers that offer alarm systems with rich features. Both companies offer professional installation and monitoring and sell equipment as packages instead of individual items.
Overall, ADT’s packages are less expensive than Vivint’s, and ADT gives customers the option to choose self- or pro-monitoring. ADT is also one of the most well-known home security companies, with almost 150 years in business.
However, ADT requires a multiple-year contract for professional monitoring, while Vivint offers month-to-month payments (unless you’re financing the equipment). Vivint also has higher average customer reviews and a cleaner privacy record than ADT, making it a better choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line home security provider that’s fully installed and monitored by professionals.
Exclusive features and complete professional management.
Hardware cost
$194.98 and up.
$599.99 and up.
Video monitoring cost
Self-setup:
$24.99 per month for professional monitoring with no cameras.
$34.99 per month for professional monitoring with cameras.
Professional installation:
$45.99 per month for pro-monitoring with no cameras.
$59.99 per month for pro-monitoring with cameras.
Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase: $41 per month without cameras and $46 per month with cameras.
Installation cost
Free for self-install.
Included in pro-install equipment package starting at $499.99.
Included.
Contract
36-month minimum; 24 months in California.
Monitoring is month to month unless financing equipment.
Compatibility
Smart-home integration with Alexa and Google.
Smart-home integration with Alexa and Google.
Customer support
Live chat is available 7 a.m. to midnight EST.
Support center on website.
Customer service is rated 1.2 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.
Phone and live chat are available.
Help center on the website.
Customer service is rated 3.1 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.com.
Why ADT is a better choice
ADT and Vivint both offer professionally installed and monitored home security systems, but Vivint is more costly than ADT and doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option.
Cost
Vivint’s equipment and monthly professional monitoring fees are more expensive than ADT’s, though Vivint’s base kit includes more products.
Vivint’s professionally installed and monitored base kit, at $599.99, includes a control hub, four door/window sensors and one motion sensor.
ADT’s self-installed base kit, at $194.98, includes a smart home hub, door/window sensor and app. ADT’s professionally installed version of the same plan, which requires professional monitoring as well, costs $499.99.
Vivint’s professional monitoring costs $41 per month or $46 with cameras, while ADT’s costs $24.99 per month or $34.99 with cameras.
ADT’s self-monitoring is free, and Vivint doesn’t offer self-monitoring.
Monitoring and installation options
ADT offers professional monitoring services and also allows customers to monitor their own systems, while Vivint requires professional monitoring for their equipment.
You can also install ADT systems yourself, while Vivint’s equipment must be professionally installed.
If you’re looking for a hands-off experience, Vivint is a great choice, but if you want the option of DIY setup and monitoring, ADT is a better pick.
"NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews."
"NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews."
Equipment cost
$194.98
Base kit comes with one ADT Smart Home Hub, one ADT Door/Window Sensor and the ADT+ app.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99 and up
$59.99 with cameras. A monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase, but you can choose self-monitoring starting at $24.99.
Hazard detection
Add-on CO detector, smoke detector and water/temperature sensor.
View details
Key facts
ADT is a well-known home security provider, with well-reviewed professional monitoring services.
Pros
Owns its own monitoring stations.
Has a self-monitoring option.
Integrates with Nest cameras.
Cons
Has had a security breach.
Required monthly monitoring fee is on the expensive side.
Vivint is still a top choice, especially for people who want a fully professionally managed system with an airtight privacy record.
Flexible contract
ADT’s professional monitoring services come with a fairly long contract term — a 36-month minimum in all states except California, which has a 24-month minimum. Though Vivint doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option, customers can pay for professional monitoring month to month and cancel more easily if they purchase equipment upfront.
Better reviews
We couldn't find any public record of privacy breaches at Vivint, but two class-action lawsuits were filed against ADT in 2020 after a former employee allegedly accessed the security systems of over 200 customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Vivint also has 3.1 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, a consumer review website, while ADT has 1.2 stars out of 5 stars.
Special features
Vivint offers several standout features for home security equipment that ADT doesn’t.
Vivint’s outdoor cameras and doorbells have a theft-deterrent feature that can identify potential “porch pirates” and respond with dramatic lights and sound to let them know they’ve been spotted.
Vivint also offers a “Car Guard” device that pairs with your security system and sends disturbance alerts for bumps and towing. It also provides location tracking and car diagnostics.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$599.99
Base kit includes Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel, four door/window sensors, and one motion sensor.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$41
Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase. $46 with cameras.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and water sensor.
View details
Key facts
Vivint offers best-in-class video and alarm features, including theft deterrence and vehicle protection, with white-glove service.
Pros
Offers top-tier professional installation and features.
Highly rated for security and privacy with no history of breaches.
For homeowners and renters who want a more DIY option at a lower cost, a security system or individual items from providers such as SimpliSafe or Arlo may be a better fit.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$249.96
Base kit includes one base station, one keypad, one entry sensor, one motion sensor. Sometimes you can get one free Smart Alarm wireless indoor security camera and a free trial of professional monitoring if they're running a promotion.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$29.99
Self-monitoring available for $9.99 per month. You can also access basic features with no plan.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector, water and temperature sensor.
Haven plan includes hazard sensors, alarm system, siren and panic button for $520.
View details
Key facts
SimpliSafe offers comprehensive packages at affordable prices with both self- and pro-monitoring subscription options.
Pros
Offers affordable packages with add-ons and a build-your-own-system option.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes one keypad sensor hub, two sensors, and a free three-month pro monitoring trial.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Some sensor features not available without subscription. Self-monitoring for cameras starts at $7.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Sensors can detect water and temperature and alert you when a smoke/CO detector goes off.
No smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Arlo provides a flexible system for a variety of safety needs with 8-in-1 sensors.
Pros
Flexible system with 8-in-1 sensors.
No record of security breaches.
Cons
Cellular and battery backup costs extra.
View details
Ring and Abode, two of our other top-reviewed home security providers, are also good options.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$199.99
Base kit includes Alarm Base Station, keypad, door/window contact sensor, motion detector, Alarm Range Extender and free 30-day trial of Ring Protect professional monitoring. "Pro" starter kit comes with a Wi-Fi router.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$20
Self-monitoring available with plans starting at $3.99 per month.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke/CO detector and listener, flood and freeze sensor.
View details
Key facts
Ring offers affordable professional monitoring and a DIY system with high-quality cameras.
Pros
Lowest-priced professional monitoring service among competitors.
Offers a self-monitoring option.
Pro system includes a Wi-Fi router that can replace or extend your existing coverage
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula considers the type of home security system being reviewed, as well as pricing, offerings, video features, privacy and customer reviews.
Equipment cost
$139.99
Base kit includes security hub, key fob and mini-sensor for door/window.
Professional monitoring monthly cost
$24.99
Self-monitoring with extra features is $7.99 per month, but you can still use the alarm system for free.
Hazard detection
Add-on smoke alarm monitor and leak detector.
No smoke/CO detector.
View details
Key facts
Abode's security system is compatible with the widest range of smart home products including Amazon Echo, Google Home and Nest.
