Free 4.5 star smart home app
Overview
Vivint allows homeowners to build a custom home security system with intrusion alarms, cameras, motion sensors, and many more. It also offers smart home devices, life safety alarms, and a management device with a touchscreen feature. Some people might find Vivint’s equipment pricier, but the higher price point gives you excellent products and services.
Highlights and Features
Vivint provides top-notch home security systems with various features. Here are some of the best features from Vivint.
Smart Hub
The Smart Control Hub allows you to manage the security system in just a single place. The control hub has a touchscreen panel and features tools to arm or disarm the system, review live footage from your cameras, manage smart devices at home, reach out to customer support, and more.
Third-Party Integrations
One of the things we like the most about Vivint is its security systems are compatible with a good selection of third-party devices. You can integrate your system with Amazon’s Alexa or your Google Assistant.
Smart Deter
Outdoor cameras from Vivint have an advanced feature called Smart Deter. If the camera detects an intruder, this feature will be activated bright lights and loud sounds will be produced to scare off unwanted visitors.
Two-way Voice
The Smart Control Hub allows you to talk with customer support agents with the two-way audio feature. This is highly useful if you’re in a situation where your phone is not working or you don’t have access to one.
Security Sensor
You can choose from several types of security sensors to place around your home when you build your custom security system with Vivint. You can include window and door alarms, glass break sensors, and motion sensors that will notify you of unwanted guests.
Products from Vivint
Home Security Camera
Vivint’s product offerings include indoor and outdoor cameras as well as doorbell cameras that you can connect to your security system. Indoor cameras have a two-way voice feature so you can place them in any part of your house and communicate through them. The Outdoor Camera Pro features the Smart Deter which blasts bright lights and loud sounds to ward off intruders it detects.
Their doorbell camera is also quite intelligent as it features a 180-degree field of view, thief deterrence, and package detection. If you link up your cameras with your security system, you can watch live footage in the Smart Hub or in the mobile app. The cameras can be expensive for some as it starts at $200 upfront or $3.34 a month.
Home Security System
Vivint’s home security systems are built based on the need of each customer so you can get what you actually need to protect your home. Their advanced security solutions are supported by 24/7 professional monitoring and powerful hardware.
The Smart Hub is an integral part of the home security system which acts as the main control panel. With the Hub, you can add window and door sensors, glass break detectors, and motion sensors to your system. There are also several smart home automation devices that you can link with the security system. You can add as many indoor or outdoor cameras as you would need.
Across the board, Vivint offers competitive pricing. You can add or get rid of certain parts if your system doesn’t need them. The one thing that we’re looking for from their range of products and services is a medical alert device.
Life Safety Alarm
Vivint offers several types of life safety alarms that you can also connect to your home security package. You can add flood sensors, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. A flood sensor will cost you $50 so this should give you an idea of how much you would spend on these safety alarms.
Connecting life safety alarms to the security system provides you round-the-clock life safety monitoring. Vivint’s monitoring team will be immediately notified of any issue that occurs and they can dispatch the relevant authorities or emergency personnel quickly.
Smart Home Compatibility
Vivint also has a decent collection of hardware and tools for smart home automation. For $169.99, you can get a smart thermostat. There are also other tools that let you unlock doors, control the garage door, adjust the lighting, and more.
Available Plans and Prices
Each customer has different needs so Vivint’s packages and pricing are customized to each one. If you are interested in getting your security solution, we recommend that you talk to their sales team to get an estimate of how much your package will cost. There are some fixed packages that you can get on the website starting at $10 a month for the equipment only and an additional $21.47 for monitoring services.
Eligible customers can access financing with no interest. All packages include free installation as well. You can customize these packages by adding more cameras, security sensors, or smart devices.
| Starter | Premium | Premium Plus | |
| Price | Starts at $10/month | Starts at $18/month | Starts at $25/month |
| Installation Fees | None | None | None |
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | Starts at $21.47/month | Starts at $21.47/month | Starts at $21.47/month |
| Mobile Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video Surveillance | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Access, Smoke, CO Detector | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Smart Home Integration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medical Alert | None | None | None |
What to Expect with Vivint’s Services
Vivint offers various professional services such as installation and 24/7 monitoring. When you start building a security system, a team of security experts will guide you and give advice on the best package for your home.
All their packages include professional monitoring with emergency response. Their monitoring centers are all based in the US and you can even choose the monitoring center you want. If your alarm is activated, Vivint will immediately respond. They will send you an alert and if necessary, dispatch emergency responders to your address. Some of the highlights of their monitoring service are:
• Choosing your preferred monitoring center
• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Mobile and text alerts
• Notify emergency services
Even when you’re not at home during an alert, you will be updated about the situation in your home.
Mobile App
You can get the Vivint Smart Home app on Play Store and App store for free. The Android version has a 4.3 rating while the iOS counterpart is rated 4.7 stars. You can control almost every part of your security system through the Smart Home app. For instance, you can arm or disarm the whole system, view live footage from your cameras, and speak with guests using the two-way voice feature. You can lock or unlock doors, open the garage door, and control lights at home.
With the mobile app, you can customize the types of notifications you receive especially if you want to prioritize certain situations. You can set you system to send text, email, and push notifications.
Installation Process
Buying a Vivint’s security package comes with free installation from professionals. You can book your preferred installation date when you buy your package. Unfortunately, there is no option to install the security system by yourself.
When the technicians get to your house, they will help you with choosing the best location for each device. Each part of the system is installed by professionals and will be connected to the Smart Hub. Installation of a complete security package takes three hours on average to complete and varies depending on your customization. Once they’re done setting up the system, they will walk you through each feature of the system.
Warranty and Contract
Vivint requires its customers to get a long-term contract for their services. The terms and length of your contract will be based on the security package you choose. You will be charged a $300 cancellation fee if you cancel the contract in the first 12 months. If you cancel between your 13th and 24 months, you will be charged a $150 termination fee.
Professional installations have a 120-day warranty and include free replacement or repair of defective equipment. You can still get free replacements outside the 120-day window but you will shoulder the taxes and service fees. One downside we’re worried about is the significantly shorter 3-day moneyback guarantee especially if you compare it to other providers in the market.
Client Service and Customer support
Vivint has email, phone, and live chat support. Their phone lines are open 24/7 but the operating hours for email and live chat support are not included on their website. The live chat connects you to an agent in just a few seconds. The support team seemed knowledgeable when asked about the company’s services. However, they were a bit insistent that we call their sales team when we asked for details on the contract and warranties.
Vivint customers can access a collection of self-help resources from the support center. You will find how-to guides and articles to take advantage of your security system. The FAQ section gives you answers to basic questions while the blog also contains additional resources.
Vivint Vs. Other Home Security Providers
| Vivint | ADT | Frontpoint | Ring | |
| Highlighted features | Advanced technology | Professional guide and installment | DIY custom home security system | Remote control and monitoring |
| Warranty period | Lifetime | Yes (available add-on) | 3 years | 1 year |
| Money Back Guarantee duration | 3 days | 6 months | 30 days | 30 days |
| Mobile Accessibility | iOS and Android | iOS and Android | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Price | Starts at $19.99 | Starts at $28.99 | $49 | Starts at $3 (Professional monitoring for $20) |
Vivint vs ADT
Vivint and ADT are both leading brands for home security solutions. ADT is known for top-quality home security systems and offers an amazing 6-month money-back guarantee. For homeowners who want a home security system from a trusted provider, ADT is an affordable option.
Vivint vs Frontpoint
Vivint and Frontpoint both offer advanced systems supported by the latest technology. Both brands will allow you to set up a customized security solution and provide a mobile app to help you manage your system. When it comes to warranties and moneyback guarantees, Frontpoint wins the round. However, Vivint is a good choice if you’re looking for smart home integrations
Vivint vs Ring
Ring is a decent and affordable option for home security if you want an inexpensive solution with self-monitoring. Their security systems are centered on doorbells and security cameras. However, Ring doesn’t really match up to the technological power offered by Vivint. If you really want a custom solution that fits your home, we recommend going with Vivint.
Bottom Line
Overall, Vivint’s products and services are among the top solutions we’ve seen for home security. They allow homeowners to build a custom system based on their needs and budget. Packages come with professional monitoring and you can even add life safety alarms and smart devices to integrate with your home.
If you want a system backed by a leader, we recommend that you speak with their sales team. Vivint is a powerful choice worth your time and money.
