If you’re seeking a home security system that combines cutting-edge technology with professional service, Vivint stands out as a premium choice. With high-resolution cameras, robust home automation features, and a powerful central hub, Vivint delivers an advanced security experience that few competitors can match. However, all these smart features come with a cost—both financial and contractual.
In this comprehensive 2025 Vivint review, we’ll walk you through the platform’s strengths and shortcomings, help you understand installation, break down pricing plans, and highlight how Vivint compares to top competitors like SimpliSafe and ADT.
Quick Overview
- SecureScore™: 9.1 / 10
- Installation: Professional only
- Monitoring Options: 24/7 cellular monitoring
- Smart Features: Z-Wave compatibility, AI cameras, smart locks, automation routines
- Price Range: $599–$1,000+ for equipment, $29.99–$59.99/month for monitoring
- Best For: Large homes, tech-savvy homeowners, automation enthusiasts
Why Choose Vivint?
Vivint is not your average home security system. It offers a luxury-level experience with a fully integrated ecosystem of devices, including doorbell and outdoor cameras, glass break sensors, and a smart thermostat. Everything is connected via the Vivint Smart Hub and mobile app, delivering centralized control with minimal friction.
But this experience is tailored for homeowners who value innovation and are willing to invest. Vivint isn’t ideal for renters, those seeking a budget DIY solution, or users who want flexible, short-term arrangements.
Pros and Cons
✔️ Pros:
- Exceptional smart home integration
- AI-powered cameras with 4K sensors and deterrent features
- Sleek 7″ touchscreen Smart Hub with two-way communication
- Cellular LTE backup and battery redundancy
- Custom automation rules for personalized protection
❌ Cons:
- Higher upfront equipment costs
- Requires long-term contracts (up to 60 months)
- Only three days to cancel after installation
- No transparent pricing listed on the website
Getting Started with Vivint
Vivint offers a white-glove experience from the moment you connect with a sales rep. You’ll speak with a professional who assesses your home security needs and recommends devices and a monitoring plan. Installation is then scheduled, and a technician sets up everything—from sensors to cameras—while walking you through system operations.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask about same-day installation if you’re in a rush. Vivint occasionally offers expedited service depending on availability.
Installation Experience
Vivint handles all installation in-house—no third-party contractors. Our technician, Don, arrived punctually, performed a thorough home analysis, and installed the full system in about three hours. He then provided a personalized walkthrough of the system, including the app, Smart Hub, and camera usage.
🧼 Bonus Touch: Technicians wear shoe covers indoors to protect your flooring—a small but appreciated detail.
Keep in mind that once your system is installed, you have only 72 hours to cancel without penalty. This short cancellation window is stricter than ADT’s six-month money-back guarantee or SimpliSafe’s 60-day return policy.
Hands-On Review: Performance and Use
Design & Build
Most Vivint devices are sleek, but we found some of the adhesive sensors slightly bulky compared to brands like Ring or SimpliSafe. Still, everything performed smoothly and looked professional when installed.
Monitoring and Alerts
Vivint provides 24/7 cellular monitoring, supported by multiple monitoring centers. We tested the alarm system multiple times—each time receiving a call from Vivint within 30–40 seconds. Notifications were sent instantly to both our app and email, and the system includes a 100 dB alarm for on-site deterrence.
⚠️ Note: Vivint offers a 30-second grace period before contacting emergency services after a trigger—this could be shorter for faster action.
Smart Hub: Central Command
The Vivint Smart Hub is the brain behind your security system. It connects all your devices, enabling automation, remote control, and real-time communication. Key features include:
- 7-inch touchscreen display with intuitive navigation
- Two-way talk with cameras and the monitoring center
- Automation controls for scenes, schedules, and routines
- Power and connectivity backup via a 24-hour battery and LTE cellular support
This hub allows full control whether you’re locking doors remotely, speaking to visitors, or checking camera feeds—all from one place.
Vivint Mobile App: Remote Security in Your Pocket
Vivint’s mobile app is one of the most polished in the security industry. With a clean interface and quick load times, you can manage your system remotely with ease. Highlights include:
- Custom notifications based on sensor activity
- Instant video access to indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
- Scene creation for automating routines like “Goodnight” or “Away”
- System arming/disarming with a simple swipe
🔔 We especially loved the ability to receive hyper-specific alerts, such as “Garage Door Opened at 10:07 PM.”
Camera Technology
Vivint’s camera lineup is sophisticated, with options for every part of your home.
🏡 Outdoor Camera Pro
- 4K sensor with HDR
- Built-in Smart Deter siren
- Night vision and person detection
- Works with optional Spotlight Pro for enhanced deterrence and color night vision
🚪 Doorbell Camera Pro
- Wide-angle lens with Smart Deter
- Instant tripwire alerts
- High HDR quality, even in low light
- Facial recognition and package detection
🛋️ Indoor Camera Pro
- Two-way talk and callout button
- Swivel mount for flexible placement
- Enhanced chip for sound detection (glass break, CO, smoke alarms)
- MicroSD local storage for privacy
🎥 Note: All Vivint cameras integrate seamlessly with the app and Smart Hub, making them a central piece of the system’s ecosystem.
Automation & Ecosystem
Vivint excels in smart home automation. With compatibility across Z-Wave, Zigbee, Alexa, and Google Assistant, your home can respond to custom rules and triggers.
Examples of smart rules you can create:
- Automatically lock all doors at 10 PM
- Turn off all lights when you arm the system
- Record video when motion is detected in the backyard
- Close the garage door if it remains open after 8 PM
You can even set up unusual pairings—like turning on your coffee machine when you disarm the system in the morning.
Additional Vivint Services
🚗 Car Guard
Monitor your vehicle with location tracking, tamper alerts, and movement detection. This compact device connects directly with the Vivint app.
☀️ Vivint Solar
One of the top solar providers in the U.S., Vivint partners with Mercedes-Benz to offer solar solutions bundled with home battery backup systems. It’s another step in the brand’s vision of a fully integrated smart home.
Pricing and Plans
Equipment Costs
Starter kits begin at $599.99, but most users invest between $800–$1,200 for a robust system with cameras and smart features.
Item | Price |
---|---|
Smart Hub | Included |
Outdoor Camera Pro | $399 |
Doorbell Camera Pro | $249 |
Indoor Camera | $199 |
Smart Locks, Sensors | Varies |
Equipment financing is available for up to 60 months, though this requires signing a contract.
Monitoring Plans
Plan | Monthly Fee | Video Support | Automation |
---|---|---|---|
Smart Security | $29.99 | ❌ | ❌ |
Smart Home | $39.99 | ❌ | ✅ |
Smart Control | $44.99+ | ✅ | ✅ |
Monitoring is competitively priced, especially when compared to ADT’s $50+ plans with video support. Keep in mind that adding more cameras will increase your monitoring fees.
Final Verdict: Is Vivint Worth It?
Vivint is best suited for those who want a premium, professionally installed home security system with maximum automation potential. If your budget allows and you’re looking to future-proof your home, Vivint is a top-tier choice.
While it isn’t the most affordable option, the system’s intelligence, design, and performance justify the investment. Compared to DIY alternatives like SimpliSafe or Ring, Vivint offers a more holistic and seamless smart home experience.
Compare Vivint with Competitors
Brand | Installation | Monitoring | Starting Equipment Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Vivint | Professional | $29.99+ | $599+ |
ADT | DIY or Pro | $28.99+ | $194.98 |
SimpliSafe | DIY or Pro | Optional | $150 |
Frontpoint | DIY | $34.99+ | $129 |
Cove | DIY | $17.99+ | $250 |
Ready to Secure Your Home?
If you’re serious about home protection and smart tech, Vivint is hard to beat. From AI cameras to sophisticated automation, it’s the security system of the future—available today.
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