Choosing the best home security system can be a difficult task. There are so many different options and a huge variety of service levels. Vivint is a security system that people either seem to really love or feel is very overpriced. But as a full-service security system with monitoring and a huge array of security tools, it’s definitely worth the extra money for the right users.
Pros
- Huge range of supported technology types
- Integrated with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Lots of easy ways to reach customer service
Cons
- Equipment is proprietary and cannot be transferred to a different service
- Professional monitoring is required
- No online pricing information is available
![Vivint](https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/fit-in/x/https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/vivint.png)
At a Glance
At first glance, Vivint is a hugely functional home security package that you can customize to meet your specific needs. With three levels of security and a huge selection of equipment to choose between, you can have the perfect security system for your neighborhood and needs in absolutely no time.
However, if you’re looking for self-monitoring options, it doesn’t offer that, nor will it let you DIY your installation. The equipment is also proprietary, so if you decide Vivint isn’t for you, you won’t be able to migrate it to another provider.
Fortunately, most Vivint customers are ultimately pretty happy with their decision, even if it takes a little bit of tweaking to get it just right.
***Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission was reviewing claims regarding Vivint accounts being opened improperly. Make sure to properly vet every company you consider.
Plans and Pricing
Unfortunately, Vivint is not very open about disclosing its pricing. Rather than offering online quotes or starting prices for packages, everything has to go through its Smart Home Consultants over the phone, according to Vivint customer service. Vivintt claims this is so it can customize a package for you, but it makes it impossible to comparison shop without the risk of high-pressure sales tactics.
The prices below reflect generic installations and may vary from region to region.
Equipment
Vivint has some basic package offerings but also offers upgrades, depending on your needs. You’ll be able to speak with someone at the company about your custom configuration and custom pricing for the most specific details on equipment cost.
VIVINT EQUIPMENT PACKAGE | UPFRONT COST | PRICE PER MONTH |
---|---|---|
Starter Package | $599.99 | Starting at $10 |
Premium Package | $1,479.96 | Starting at $25 |
Premium Plus Package | $2,379.92 | Starting at $40 |
Installation
Vivint requires professional installation of its products no matter how many you choose. Customers report that this fee is typically about $199, but Vivint’s own website says it can be as much as $250. However, Vivint also frequently offers free installation for new customers, so if you’re not in a hurry to get your system installed, it may be worth waiting for promotional installation pricing.
Relocating your system also requires professional removal and reinstallation, which can run more than a first-time installation. Prices from $129 to $149 each for removal and installation (a total of $258 to $298) have been mentioned by customers.
Monitoring Plans
Vivint does not allow self-monitoring with its systems, so you’ll have to choose a monitoring plan, depending on your needs. Vivint offers packages from $19.99 to $44.99.
MONITORING PLAN | SMART SECURITY MONITORING | SMART HOME MONITORING | SMART HOME VIDEO MONITORING |
---|---|---|---|
Price (monthly) | <$19.99 / month | $39.99 / month | $44.99 / month |
Installation | Up to $250 | Up to $250 | Up to $250 |
Mobile Access | X | X | X |
Entry, smoke and CO detection | X | X | X |
Medical pendant support | X | X | X |
Professional 24/7 monitoring | X | X | X |
Smart home integration | ‘- | X | X |
Video surveillance | ‘- | ‘- | X |
The Fine Print
If you intend to stay in your home for the long-haul, Vivint could be a great system for you, but if you’ve been moving every few years, it can get really expensive to take your system along for the ride. The uninstall and reinstall fees mentioned above are cheaper than a new system, but will still add up quickly.
The other thing to pay attention to regarding your long-term usage is that if you choose to finance your Vivint home security system, you may be locked into a contract for up to six years. You only have a few days to try the system out before you are committed for a length of time longer than some people’s marriages.
Vivint Add-Ons
Unlike other parts of Vivint’s website, its online store is very transparent about the many different add-ons you have available to you as well as their pricing for up front or monthly payments. It has everything from basics like extra glass break sensors; door and window sensors; and motion sensors, to smart thermostats; Kwikset locks with keypads; and garage hubs.
One of Vivint’s greatest strengths is just how many different tools it offers for its security systems. If you want it all, it has it all – and can set everything up to work together without a fuss.
Video Storage
Vivint’s highest tier package offers video surveillance of your home, but video storage is an extra cost. If you want continuous recording or offsite video storage, you may want to consider upgrading to Vivint’s Smart Drive or Playback DVR, which can store up to 10 days of footage for up to 12 cameras.
Smartphone Controls and Smart Home Integration
The required Vivint smart home hub allows you to fully integrate every one of your Vivint security tools into a handy central location. and using smart home systems like Amazon Echo and Google Home, the digital assistant integration further gives you the ability to control all of that with voice commands to your favorite non-Apple iOS device (sorry, Siri).
Mobile App
Vivint’s mobile app has been a hit with customers, with hundreds of thousands of downloads at both the Apple Store and the Play Store. Apple customers rate the mobile app a 4.6 and Android customers a 4.0.
No matter where you are, the app allows you to monitor your home and control every aspect of your security system. You can even play back video if you opted for additional video storage capacity. If you’re going to be gone for a while, you can set up routines that will turn lights on and off or adjust the thermostat throughout the day.
If you’re expecting someone to come and check on your pets or plants, you can even lock and unlock your home from the app if you have a Vivint-compatible smart door lock installed.
How Vivint Home Security Stacks Up
Is Vivint the Right Home Security Company for You?
If you want a robust home security company that can offer you the latest home security tech and install it all professionally, Vivint may be the company you’ve been looking for. It offers low-to-no APR financing, in exchange for a long-term monitoring contract, and will customize your package to your needs.
However, if you’ve never had a security system before and you’re wanting to build slowly, Vivint may not be the best choice. Each service call can cost you a couple hundred dollars, and even something as simple as adding a new camera has to be professionally installed and integrated into your system.
Vivint Comparisons
Methodology
To determine the best home security companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 19 companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
Pricing (15%)
Pricing is an important factor when choosing among the best home security companies, which is why it accounts for 15% of the total ranking.
App Reviews (5%)
App reviews, similarly to overall customer ratings, can indicate the health of a home security company’s user experience for customers. Ratings from the App Store and Play Store were evaluated, and the higher the rating for a company, the more points the company received.
Customer Reviews and Reputation (20%)
Customer ratings are a strong indicator of a company’s performance, making it 20% of the total ranking. The team evaluated customer ratings from platforms like the BBB, Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
Customer Support (14%)
Customer support options accounted for 14% of the total ranking, and include each company’s offering (or lack thereof) of live chat, phone service, community forum, knowledge base and a blog.
Features and Smart Home Integration (10%)
Extra smart home features are a commodity in a time of homes adapting to smart home integration, which is why this category received 10% of the total ranking’s weight. The editorial team evaluated each home security company’s list of smart home integrations with platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung, Apple Homekit and more. A home security company’s warranty policy could be a major decision-maker for homeowners. The editorial team evaluated the warranty policies for each company as well as the length of each warranty.
Options and Equipment (20%)
A home security company’s offering of equipment and package options is paramount when deciding how to approach your home’s security needs, which is why it makes up 20% of the total ranking. The team analyzed each company’s offerings of equipment including full professionally installed systems, wireless security options, cellular network cameras, night vision cameras, Wi-Fi security cameras, plug-in wired cameras, outdoor cameras, fire detection and smoke alarms, panic buttons, water leak detection, sirens and more.
Setup (5%)
Whether or not a home security company required a contract and how long that contract is made up 5% of our ranking. Our team also took into consideration if a company offered pro installation as part of this category.
Editorial Judgement Points (11%)
Additional editorial judgments were considered for various reasons, including points for special features and improving customer support experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install my Vivint system myself?
No, Vivint requires all systems to be professionally installed. There is no DIY option, unfortunately.
What is Vivint’s installation fee?
Vivint charges up to $250 for professional installation of your system, which you cannot do yourself. However, the company often runs promotions with free installation, saving new customers a bundle.
How do I move my Vivint system?
Vivint systems must be professionally moved to your new home. This means an installer will come and uninstall your existing system, then reinstall it at the new location. If you need additional equipment for your new place, like an extra camera or additional door and window sensors, they can install those at that time.
This service doesn’t come without a price and can run up to about $150 each for uninstallation and reinstallation. Keep this in mind if you plan to move in the few years after you have your system installed.
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