{"id":324832,"date":"2025-11-10T14:55:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T19:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?page_id=91214"},"modified":"2025-11-10T14:55:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T19:55:14","slug":"vivint-review","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Vivint Home Security Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re looking for a traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\">home security system<\/a> or a full smart\u2011home setup, Vivint combines professional installation with three primary monitoring tiers (about $29.99, $39.99, and $49.99 per month) and a build\u2011your\u2011own equipment approach. You can buy equipment upfront for month\u2011to\u2011month service or finance it (often up to 60 months). Typical installation fees run roughly $49\u2013$199 depending on promotion and scope, per current coverage from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>. App control is included with paid monitoring plans through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint app<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24\/7 professional monitoring and technical support, with multiple support channels (phone, chat, in\u2011app) and dispatch when needed (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/support\">Vivint Support<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Contact Vivint<\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced cameras and automation: on\u2011device AI, Smart Deter lights\/sounds, and unified control via Smart Hub + app (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Outdoor Camera Pro<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Doorbell Camera Pro<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Month\u2011to\u2011month service when equipment is owned; financing available (commonly up to 60 months) via Vivint\u2019s Flex Pay model (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Terms of Purchase<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pricier than DIY options; professional installation is required and typically incurs a fee (~$49\u2013$199 unless a promo waives it) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment purchase required (or financing up to 60 months); total cost depends on device mix and any financing term (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"plans\" title=\"Vivint Packages\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Packages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Packages<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Price*<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Ease of&nbsp; Use<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Type of Installation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Smart Security Monitoring<\/strong><\/td><td>$29.99<\/td><td>Entry-level security without video<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Smart Home Monitoring<\/strong><\/td><td>$39.99<\/td><td>Security + app-based home automation<\/td><td>Intermediate<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Smart Home Video Monitoring<\/strong><\/td><td>$49.99<\/td><td>Video surveillance with AI and deterrence<\/td><td>Advanced<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #999999; font-size: small;\"><em>All information accurate as of 2025.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>*Plus equipment financing if paying for equipment over contract term<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<p>Vivint structures systems around three monitoring tiers you combine with a la carte equipment. Typical monthly monitoring is about $29.99 (security only), $39.99 (adds smart\u2011home controls), or $49.99 (adds video). Video plans often include storage for one or two cameras; each additional camera typically adds about $5 per month, per recent reviews (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint specializes in tightly integrated, professionally installed equipment with proactive deterrence. Standout devices include the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Outdoor Camera Pro<\/a> (on\u2011device people detection + Smart Deter), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Doorbell Camera Pro<\/a> (package detection\/protection), the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Indoor Camera Pro<\/a>, and cloud video access via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint Playback<\/a>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/products\/smart-hub\">Smart Hub<\/a> provides a 7\u2011inch touchscreen with Wi\u2011Fi + cellular connectivity, battery backup, one\u2011touch emergency buttons, and two\u2011way talk to the monitoring center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/products\/car-guard\">Vivint Car Guard<\/a> for households with teen or senior drivers. Car Guard can alert you to bumps, tows, suspected theft, and arrivals, and it can trigger home automations like turning on lights when the vehicle gets home \u2014 all managed in the Vivint app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who is each Vivint package best for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint\u2019s plans are configurable, but these fit most use cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Smart Security Monitoring &#8211; Best for Starters<\/li><li>Smart Home Monitoring &#8211; Best for Home Automation<\/li><li>Smart Home Video Monitoring &#8211; Best All-Inclusive Security<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong> Smart Security Monitoring <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose this if you want core intrusion and life\u2011safety monitoring without video. You\u2019ll get professional monitoring and app control with a paid plan through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint app<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Smart Home Monitoring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add smart\u2011home controls (locks, lights, thermostat) to your professionally monitored system and manage scenes and automations in the app. Vivint supports voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant on supported devices (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Smart Home Video Monitoring&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upgrade to AI\u2011assisted video and proactive deterrence like Smart Deter on the outdoor and doorbell cameras, plus cloud playback via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint Playback<\/a>. Plans commonly include storage for one or two cameras, with about $5\/mo per additional camera (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086a8ce842a\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Vivint Equipment<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic Home Equipment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Door sensors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motion sensors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glass break sensors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoke detectors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carbon monoxide (CO) sensors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water sensors<\/span><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cameras<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor Camera Pro<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor Camera Pro<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doorbell Camera Pro<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Prices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint\u2019s hybrid model pairs equipment purchases with monthly monitoring. Typical monitoring tiers are about $29.99 (security), $39.99 (adds smart\u2011home controls), and $49.99 (adds video). Professional installation is required; recent reviews cite fees roughly $49\u2013$199 depending on promo and scope (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>). Equipment is sold a la carte and often priced around: door\/window sensor ~$50, motion sensor ~$100, smart lock ~$159\u2013$199, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Doorbell Camera Pro<\/a> ~$249, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Outdoor Camera Pro<\/a> ~$399, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">indoor camera<\/a> ~ $199, and smart thermostat ~ $169 (pricing varies by promo; sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>). Financing commonly runs up to 60 months; if you cancel early while financing, you typically owe the remaining equipment balance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint Terms of Purchase<\/a>). There\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/support.vivint.com\/s\/article\/Warranty-Service-Plan\">120-day warranty<\/a> for purchased equipment and unlimited repair on equipment covered under a service plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ease of Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a paid monitoring plan, you control your system through the Smart Hub and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint app<\/a>: arm\/disarm, view live and recorded video, talk through cameras, lock\/unlock doors, adjust thermostats, and run automations from anywhere. Voice control works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant on supported devices (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>). Industry\u2011wide, the <a href=\"https:\/\/csa-iot.org\">Matter 1.3<\/a> spec does not include camera support, so video integrations remain ecosystem\u2011specific; Vivint focuses on a polished in\u2011app experience and tight integration with its own devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Types of Installation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Professional Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint is professionally installed. A technician designs, installs, and activates your system \u2014 often with same\u2011day or next\u2011day availability in many areas \u2014 and walks you through the Smart Hub and app (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint Home Security<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/reviews\/vivint-smart-home\">PCMag<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You benefit from expert design and placement, including camera angles, device configuration, and app setup.<\/li><li>You can add equipment during your installation visit and have everything configured at once.<\/li><li>Training covers the Smart Hub, emergency buttons, and app features like deterrence and playback.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Installation fees usually apply (~$49\u2013$199 unless a promotion waives them) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>).<\/li><li>If you finance equipment, you\u2019ll have a multi\u2011year payment obligation even if you stop monitoring (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Terms of Purchase<\/a>).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DIY Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint does not offer DIY or self-installation.<\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"monitoring\" title=\"Vivint Types of Monitoring\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Types of Monitoring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td><br><\/td><td><strong>Self-monitored<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Smart Security Service<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Smart Home Monitoring<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td><td>Equipment purchase required<\/td><td>$29.99\/month<\/td><td>$39.99\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Monitoring<\/strong><\/td><td>DIY<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Installation<\/strong><\/td><td>Professional<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><td>Professional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mobile App Control<\/strong><\/td><td>\u2717<\/td><td>\u2713<\/td><td>\u2713<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can skip professional monitoring, but app features and cloud video are limited or unavailable without a paid plan. If you want to avoid financing, you\u2019ll still need to purchase equipment upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a monitoring plan, Smart Security covers core intrusion and life safety. Step up to Smart Home for automation controls. For video recording, deterrence, and cloud playback, choose the Smart Home Video tier (about $49.99\/mo). Plans commonly include storage for one or two cameras, with roughly $5\/mo per additional camera (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>App access with monitored plans<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With paid monitoring, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint app<\/a> provides live view, two\u2011way talk, alerts, and automations; add <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Vivint Playback<\/a> for cloud video history. Video tiers often include storage for 1\u20132 cameras; expect about $5\/mo per extra camera on larger setups (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>No shortage of features<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint\u2019s cameras emphasize intelligence and deterrence: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Outdoor Camera Pro<\/a> uses a 4K HDR sensor and on\u2011device analytics; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Doorbell Camera Pro<\/a> adds package detection\/protection; and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Indoor Camera Pro<\/a> supports two\u2011way talk and one\u2011touch callout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Extra security<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart Deter can automatically activate lights\/sounds when a person lingers or a package is detected, complementing night vision, two\u2011way talk, and precise app alerts. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/products\/smart-hub\">Smart Hub<\/a> adds Wi\u2011Fi + cellular paths and battery backup for resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Drawbacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Long contracts<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no long\u2011term service contract if you buy equipment upfront (service is month\u2011to\u2011month), but if you finance equipment, terms commonly run up to 60 months and canceling early typically means paying the remaining equipment balance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Terms of Purchase<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Requires an investment<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>DIY brands can cost less month\u2011to\u2011month. For example, SimpliSafe monitoring is typically ~$19.99\u2013$29.99\/mo depending on plan (<a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\">SimpliSafe<\/a>), and Ring\u2019s Protect Pro plan for Alarm monitoring is about $20\/mo in the U.S. (<a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\">Ring Protect<\/a>; also note recent subscription price increases across the category). You\u2019ll self\u2011install those systems, whereas Vivint emphasizes full\u2011service pro install and integrated deterrence features.<\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"competition\" title=\"The Competition\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compare Home Security Providers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td><br><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Vivint<\/a><\/td><td> <a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/value?utm_source=reviews.com&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=201810&amp;utm_term=r16945\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">SimpliSafe<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontpointsecurity.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Frontpoint<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\/packages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">ADT<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07D7Q6CHB\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B07D7Q6CHB&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=r16949-20&amp;linkId=975643bd84e59f95d63bf44cdb4e883d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">Ring<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Our Rating*<\/strong><\/td><td>4.73\/5**<\/td><td>4.63\/5<\/td><td>4.34\/5<\/td><td>3.67\/5<\/td><td>3.54\/5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cost<\/strong><\/td><td>$29.99\/month<\/td><td>$19.99\/month<\/td><td>$35\/month<\/td><td>Varies; see ADT packages<\/td><td>$20\/month<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Installation<\/strong><\/td><td>Professional<\/td><td>DIY\/Professional<\/td><td>DIY<\/td><td>DIY\/Professional<\/td><td>DIY\/Professional<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Contract length<\/strong><\/td><td>Month-to-month if equipment is owned; financing up to 60 months<\/td><td>No contract<\/td><td>12 &#8211; 36 months<\/td><td>24 &#8211; 60 months&nbsp;<\/td><td>No contract<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><br><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/simplisafe.com\/value?utm_source=reviews.com&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=201810&amp;utm_term=r16945\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">View plans<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">View plans<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontpointsecurity.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">View plans<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">View plans<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07D7Q6CHB\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B07D7Q6CHB&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=r16949-20&amp;linkId=975643bd84e59f95d63bf44cdb4e883d\">View<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B07D7Q6CHB\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B07D7Q6CHB&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=r16949-20&amp;linkId=975643bd84e59f95d63bf44cdb4e883d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" plans (opens in a new tab)\"> plans<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>* Our rating is based, in part, on industry metrics such as <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><em>Better Business Bureau<\/em><\/a><em> grades and rankings in the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jdpower.com\/business\/press-releases\/2019-home-security-satisfaction-study\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\"><em>J.D. Power Home Security Satisfaction Study<\/em><\/a><em>, as well as user ratings via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>** Pricing is for the basic package. Please note pricing will vary based on customization, package tiers, and fees.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"the-bottom-line\" title=\"The Bottom Line\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vivint is a top pick if you want a turnkey, professionally installed system with proactive camera deterrence and unified control. Expect monitoring around $30\u2013$50\/mo depending on features, plus equipment and an installation fee unless a promotion waives it (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\">U.S. News<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/home\/security\/vivint-home-security-review\/\">CNET<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>App access and cloud video require paid monitoring; in return you get 24\/7 alarm response and tech support with phone, chat, in\u2011app help, and an online knowledge base (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/support\">Support<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Contact<\/a>). If you prefer flexibility, buy equipment upfront for month\u2011to\u2011month service; if you finance, plan for a term commonly up to 60 months (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\">Terms<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n\n            <span class=\"b-toc-anchor\" id=\"faqs\" title=\"FAQS\"><\/span>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vivint Home Security FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086bf7e842b\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Is Vivint Better than ADT?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivint offers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/how-to-buy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at a lower price than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/adt-review\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and its no-contract option provides far greater flexibility than its competitor.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ADT\u2019s professionally installed packages are priced by configuration (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adt.com\/packages\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">see ADT packages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), while Vivint\u2019s entry monitoring commonly starts around $29.99\/mo with total cost driven by equipment and any financing (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/360-reviews\/home-security\/vivint\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">U.S. News<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086c25e842c\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Is Vivint Better than Ring?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/ring-alarm-review\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ring<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more affordable option<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, offering the DIY packages that Vivint lacks, but you won\u2019t be able to benefit from professional installation with Ring as you do with Vivint.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ring Protect Pro professional monitoring for Ring Alarm is about $20\/mo in the U.S. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ring.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ring Protect<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086c4be842d\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Do I need WiFi for Vivint?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivint works off a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/support.vivint.com\/s\/article\/Getting-Started-Camera-Offline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wireless connection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so you will need WiFi to use your new security system. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/products\/smart-hub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smart Hub<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> includes cellular backup and battery backup for added resilience during outages.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086c7ce842e\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Is Vivint easily hacked?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No connected system is immune to risk, but reputable vendors are adopting stronger defaults (e.g., mandatory two\u2011factor authentication, clearer update policies) as regulators push &#8220;secure by design&#8221; standards. The FCC\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fcc.gov\/cybertrustmark\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyber Trust Mark<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> program and the U.K.\u2019s PSTI regime require practices like unique passwords and disclosed support periods. To reduce risk, enable 2FA in your app, use strong unique passwords, keep firmware updated, and limit shared account access. Vivint\u2019s hub also uses dual paths (Wi\u2011Fi + cellular) to maintain monitoring if your home internet drops.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086c9ee842f\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">How long do Vivint batteries last?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivint batteries last a long time before they need to be repowered. Some devices run on traditional batteries for over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/support.vivint.com\/s\/article\/Replace-Batteries-DW20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eight months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while others can be recharged in a matter of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/support.vivint.com\/s\/article\/gocontrol-power-loss-low-battery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/support.vivint.com\/s\/article\/Smart-Sensor-DW11-Replace-Battery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086cc6e8430\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Does Vivint work if the power goes out?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most Vivint systems utilize a wireless connection, so even if you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/resources\/article\/losing-electricity-doesnt-mean-losing-home-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lose power at home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your wireless connection usually holds strong. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/products\/smart-hub\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smart Hub<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> includes battery backup and a cellular pathway so monitoring can continue during internet outages.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"block_5f086ce1e8431\" class=\"block b-accordion\" data-js=\"b-accordion\">\n    <div class=\"b-accordion__container\">\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__header\">\n            <a href=\"#\" class=\"b-accordion__title\" data-tag='cta' data-tag-element-type='LINK' data-tag-location='ACCORDION' data-tag-outcome='INTERNALLINK' ><h3 class=\"b-accordion__title--h3\">Can you use Vivint without a subscription?<\/h3><\/a>\n            <span class=\"b-accordion__toggle chevron-arrow-down\"><\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"b-accordion__content\" style=\"display: none;\">\n            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The advantage of Vivint\u2019s equipment is that once you purchase it, it can function without a professional monitoring contract. However, you will be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivint.com\/products\/app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">limited to certain features<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 app control, cloud video (Vivint Playback), and 24\/7 monitoring and tech support are part of paid plans.<\/span><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you&#8217;re looking for a traditional home security system or a full smart\u2011home setup, Vivint combines professional installation with three primary monitoring tiers (about $29.99, $39.99, and $49.99 per month) and a build\u2011your\u2011own equipment approach. You can buy equipment upfront for month\u2011to\u2011month service or finance it (often up to 60 months). Typical installation fees run [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":349578,"parent":2228,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/template-refresh-spr.php","meta":[],"categories":[1286],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Vivint Home Security Review | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whether you&#039;re looking for a traditional home security system or want a full automation system, Vivint has excellent plans that make it a great fit if you&#039;re looking to simplify your life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Vivint Home Security Review | Reviews.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Whether you&#039;re looking for a traditional home security system or want a full automation system, Vivint has excellent plans that make it a great fit if you&#039;re looking to simplify your life.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Reviews.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Reviewscom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Vivint-Home-Security-909239900.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Reviews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Security Systems\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Vivint Home Security Review\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/\",\"name\":\"Reviews.com\",\"description\":\"Your Guide to the Best Services\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Vivint Home Security Review | Reviews.com","description":"Whether you're looking for a traditional home security system or want a full automation system, Vivint has excellent plans that make it a great fit if you're looking to simplify your life.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Vivint Home Security Review | Reviews.com","og_description":"Whether you're looking for a traditional home security system or want a full automation system, Vivint has excellent plans that make it a great fit if you're looking to simplify your life.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/","og_site_name":"Reviews.com","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Reviewscom\/","og_image":[{"width":1440,"height":960,"url":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Vivint-Home-Security-909239900.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@Reviews","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/vivint-review\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Security Systems","item":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Vivint Home Security Review"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/","name":"Reviews.com","description":"Your Guide to the Best Services","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/324832"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/345"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=324832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/324832\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2228"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/349578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=324832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=324832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=324832"},{"taxonomy":"post_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_author?post=324832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}