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Vivint is a home security provider that offers comprehensive security systems with high-tech equipment, including alarm systems, cameras, doorbells and other smart home accessories. It offers standout video and alarm features, including theft deterrence, vehicle protection and infrared sensors to detect movement.
Unlike some of its competitors, though, Vivint is not a DIY system; its equipment must be professionally installed and monitored. All packages come with 24/7 video monitoring.
Vivint’s home security offerings aren’t for everyone, but it’s a top choice for those looking to invest in a top-notch system they don’t need to self-monitor.
Deciding factors | |
|---|---|
One-time costs | $599.99 and up. |
Monthly fees | $41 per month and up. |
Installation | Included. |
Video monitoring | Professional monitoring plan is required with equipment purchase: $41 per month without cameras and $46 per month with cameras. |
Contract | Monitoring is month-to-month unless financing equipment. |
To purchase Vivint products, customers have to visit the Vivint website and then call a representative on the phone. You can compare equipment packages on the website, but you won’t easily see pricing information without calling for a quote. The Vivint blog has some pricing information that’s not on the main website.
Vivint equipment comes with a 120-day warranty for repair or replacement.
You can purchase a package upfront or finance through a monthly payment plan with one of the company’s three third-party partners.
Contract terms can be up to 60 months (five years) and can come with 0% interest for qualified customers. However, financing equipment will lock you into a professional monitoring contract for your term length, whereas if you purchase equipment upfront, you can pay for professional monitoring month to month.
After you purchase a Vivint system, you schedule a time for a technician to come to your home and install the equipment.
You control your equipment and receive alerts from alarms and cameras through the Vivint app.
If an alarm is triggered, the monitoring company will contact you to check whether you’re safe. If you don’t respond, it may contact emergency services.
Vivint offers smart lights, speakers and thermostats that can integrate with other smart home devices such as Google Home, Nest, and Amazon Echo.
All Vivint bundles include a touchscreen smart home hub, access to the Vivint app to control your hardware, a smart sensor, 24/7 professional monitoring, professional installation and a Vivint yard sign.
The company often offers discounts, such as a free doorbell camera with system purchase.
You can customize any system by adding specific items, such as smoke detectors, smart locks and glass break sensors, to an existing package.
Package | Price | Items |
|---|---|---|
Core Home Security | $599.99 plus $41 monthly monitoring fee. | Vivint Smart Hub Control Panel, four door/window sensors and one motion sensor. |
Indoor Security Bundle | $849.99 plus $46 monthly monitoring fee. | Everything in the Core plan plus an indoor camera. |
Porch & Package Protection | $849.99 plus $46 monthly monitoring fee. | Everything in the Core plan plus a doorbell camera with theft-deterrent features. |
Total Home Security | $999.99 plus $46 monthly monitoring fee. | Everything in the Core plan plus an outdoor camera with theft-deterrent features. |
Unlike several other home security providers, we could not find any public record of any security breaches.
Vivint offers several standout features for home security equipment that other providers don’t have.
The company’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. It sends disturbance alerts for bumps and towing; it also provides location tracking and car diagnostics.
Vivint is the priciest of our top picks for home security providers. The professional installation, required monthly professional monitoring and high-tech equipment may explain the relatively high price tag, but Vivint is likely out of budget for many homeowners and renters.
on SimpliSafe's website
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