These days, everything is DIY, from YouTube makeup tutorials to home security systems. But Vivint isn’t your average home security system.
With professional installation, high-quality cameras, and 24/7 professional monitoring standards on all systems, Vivint offers a robust variety of hardware and integrations. Of course, with these services come higher-than-average costs. Is Vivint a worthwhile investment, and if so, who would it be best for?
Key Takeaways
If you want to barely lift a finger for your smart home security system, Vivint could be a great choice for you. You’ll be able to get it professionally installed and monitored, and also check in on your system whenever you want through the Vivint iOS or Android app. Fortunately, Vivint has lowered its costs of professional monitoring to a minimum of $10 a month, half of the cost of Ring Alarm and one-fifth of ADT. Plus, installation is free, a rarity in the world of professional installation (ADT’s costs around $150, for example).
However, if you want to save money by monitoring your system yourself — and avoid fees aside from the actual equipment — you’ll want to look elsewhere. Vivint is not the best choice for someone who wants self-monitoring only and zero monthly fees.
Vivint Packages and Equipment
Vivint’s website doesn’t always list prices for its various home security systems, so you may need to call the company directly to get a fully accurate quote that matches your needs. Vivint’s professional monitoring costs range from $10 to $40 a month with five-year packages. Prices aren’t any cheaper if you sign up for five years, so if you have the money, pay upfront to avoid this long-term contract. Keep in mind that prices are subject to change, but these were the prices as of November 2022. Additionally, as of November 6, 2022, Vivint’s website was offering free installation plus a $50 gift card with a qualifying system purchase if you mention the code ENJOY50 when you call.
Package | Starter | Premium | Premium Plus |
---|---|---|---|
24/7 professional monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Intrusion detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Touchscreen control panel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video security | No | Yes | Yes |
Theft deterrent | No | Yes | Yes |
Voice control | No | No | Yes |
Stored video clips | No | No | Yes |
Smart home automation | No | No | Yes |
Vehicle protection | No | No | Yes |
Minimum monthly cost | $10 | $25 | $40 |
Total cost after 5 years | $600 | $1,500 | $2,400 |
Minimum APR | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Length of contract in months | 60 | 60 | 60 |
While all systems come with 24/7 professional monitoring, I went with Premium Plus so I could get smart home automation plus voice control. Plans start at $10 a month, which is one half the price as 24/7 professional monitoring from Ring Alarm. It’s also cheaper than ADT, which starts at $45.99 per month. In fact, Vivint is one of the most affordable companies when it comes to 24/7 professional monitoring, an essential part of smart home security.
The equipment itself is high quality, particularly the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro. This camera comes equipped with a red LED light and a siren that will go off if someone lingers too long on your property. I haven’t seen this feature from any other camera on the market aside from Deep Sentinel.
You can check your camera at any time and see what’s going on at home, and even tell the package thief to bug off once you get your motion notification. Here’s a complete list of all the security equipment that Vivint offers, from a video doorbell to window sensors and everything in between:
Name of item | Monthly cost with 5-year plan | Cost if you pay upfront |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Camera Pro | $6.67 | $399.99 |
Doorbell Camera Pro (Gen 2) | $4.17 | $249.99 |
Indoor Camera | $3.34 | $199.99 |
Playback DVR | $4.17 | $249.99 |
Door and Window Sensor | $0 | $0 |
Motion Sensor | $0 | $0 |
Glass Break Sensor | $1.67 | $100 |
Water Sensor | $0 | $0 |
Emergency Pendant | $0.84 | $50 |
Garage Door Sensor | $0.84 | $50 |
Car Guard | $3 | $200 |
Smoke and CO Detector | $2 | $100 |
Smoke and CO Monitor | $1.67 | $100 |
Smart Plug | $0.84 | $50 |
Smart Thermostat | $2.84 | $169.99 |
Key Fob | $0.84 | $50 |
Kwikset Smart Lock | $3 | $179.99 |
myQ Smart Garage Hub | $1.67 | $99.99 |
Keypad | $0.84 | $50 |
Smart Hub | $0 | $0 |
Yard Sign | $0 | $0 |
Window Decals | $0 | $0 |
Smart Home Integrations
Vivint worked well with my Alexa and Google-connected smart home, integrating both Google Assistant and Alexa seamlessly. The company offers many smart home products such as:
- Security systems
- Security cameras
- Locks
- Garage door controllers
- Thermostats
In addition, Vivint works with third-party Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as:
- Nest thermostats
- Philips Hue smart bulbs
- Kwikset smart locks
Having tested out dozens of IoT products over the years, I’ve amassed quite a large collection and enjoyed having my smart bulbs turn on when my Vivint security system was disarmed, for instance. I also set my smart locks to lock when my system was armed, because what good is a security system if I forget to lock my door? These automations made one less thing to think about.
Vivint does a decent job of working with IoT devices, but it certainly doesn’t have the most integrations on the market. That would go to Abode and Scout, which also work with brands like:
- Nest
- Ecobee
- LIFX
- Yale
Voice Control
Few things are worse than being cozy and tucked into bed, then realizing you have to get up to turn a lamp off, or to arm your downstairs motion sensors (if you’re lucky enough to have a downstairs, that is). That’s why I was thrilled that Vivint works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. While I’m personally in a Google ecosystem, I don’t discriminate against Alexa users (all are welcome!). Both voice assistants let you perform the same actions, which include:
- Checking if the front door is locked or unlocked
- Locking or unlocking the front door
- Arming the security camera or system
- Checking if the garage door is opened or closed
- Opening or closing the garage door
- Checking if a camera is on or off
- Viewing a camera
- Turning a camera on or off
- Checking the temperature
- Changing the temperature
- Closing and opening doors and windows
- Checking if lights are on or off
- Turning lights on or off
If you’re signed up for the Premium Plus plan, you’ll be able to control your IoT devices with your voice alone and use smart home automation. However, I wish Vivint allowed these actions with all of its plans instead of only Premium Plus.
Installation
Since all Vivint systems are professionally installed, I didn’t have to lift a finger to get my Vivint system up and running. The best part? Installation is free! That saved me about $100, or more if I had purchased more equipment.
Vivint Monitoring
Just as all Vivint systems are professionally installed, professional monitoring is standard. It was nice to know that even if I was working or otherwise unavailable, if someone set off one of my motion sensors, the professional monitoring team would have been alerted. If necessary, they could contact the police for me, essentially providing 24/7 security to my home for $10, $25, or $40 a month, depending on the package. Again, that’s low, and it could be your only monthly cost if you paid for your equipment upfront.
Recap
Vivint is a great option if you want hands-off, smart home security with state-of-the-art cameras and equipment. By hands-off, I mean that your system will be professionally installed and monitored, and you can check in on the Vivint app as often as your heart desires. But if you’re more the DIY type and are looking to avoid monthly fees completely, you may want to steer clear of Vivint, which costs a minimum of $10 a month.
For more advice on home security system options, read our recommendations for The Best Home Security Systems for the Bay Area in 2022.