Vivint review (2024)
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Vivint is a leading name in the smart home security industry, and it is known for its advanced technology and comprehensive solutions. With smart home integration, 24/7 professional monitoring, and cutting-edge equipment, Vivint stands out in the competitive market.
Are you considering getting Vivint’s home security system for your property? This article was created for you. Along with the Cybernews research team, I’ve conducted in-depth tests on the Vivint home security system, and I’ll help you determine if Vivint is the right choice for your home security needs.
In this review, I’ll examine Vivint’s features, cost, equipment options, and overall user experience to give you a clear picture of whether it’s worth the investment.
Vivint overview
Vivint is a home security service provider that offers fully customizable packages to suit different needs. Focusing on smart home automation, Vivint is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who want seamless control over their security and smart devices.
The system is user-friendly and powerful, featuring options like smart locks, security cameras, and environmental sensors that can be controlled via the central Vivint app. Unlike many DIY systems, Vivint requires professional installation to ensure your equipment is set up correctly.
Offering 24/7 monitoring and rapid emergency response, Vivint is built for people who want a reliable and high-tech home protection solution. Whether you’re looking to monitor your home remotely or integrate your security system with your smart home devices, Vivint delivers a flexible and future-proof option in the home security market.
| ⭐️ Rating | 4.8 |
| 💵 Price | from $450 |
| 🛠️ DIY installation | No, pro installation with FREE activation |
| 🧾 Financing | 60 months of interest free financing |
| 🔝 Standout feature | Exclusive Smart Deter technology |
| 👁️ Professional Monitoring | Yes, up to 4 months FREE |
Vivint: pros and cons
Vivint’s home security system has a variety of strengths and a few notable downsides. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons:
What does Vivint do?
Vivint offers a comprehensive smart home security system that combines advanced technology and 24/7 professional monitoring. At the core of the system is the Vivint Smart Hub Panel, which acts as the control center for all connected devices. These include smart locks, security cameras, motion detectors, and environmental sensors for smoke and carbon monoxide detection. The system is designed to protect your home at all times, even when you’re away.
Vivint's 24/7 monitoring service ensures that any alarm trigger — whether from a break-in, fire, or carbon monoxide leak — alerts Vivint’s Smart Home specialists. These professionals are trained to respond quickly and notify emergency services if necessary.
For example, if a sensor detects a break-in or smoke, the monitoring team immediately takes action, even contacting the authorities if you're unreachable.
The Vivint home security system offers a seamless experience, allowing users to manage everything remotely through the Vivint app. Despite the high-tech integration, Vivint is committed to privacy; monitoring specialists do not access your camera feeds unless an emergency occurs and you authorize it.
This combination of smart technology and professional monitoring makes Vivint a standout choice for homeowners seeking reliable, round-the-clock protection.
Vivint equipment overview
Vivint offers a variety of smart home security equipment designed to provide comprehensive protection and seamless automation. Below, we’ll break down the essential components of Vivint’s equipment lineup, highlighting how each contributes to a secure and smart home environment.
- Smart home integration: Vivint’s equipment seamlessly integrates with various smart home devices, allowing you to control everything through the Vivint app. This includes smart thermostats, locks, lighting systems, and even garage door controllers. Vivint also supports popular smart home platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
- Security sensors: Vivint’s security sensors form the backbone of its home protection system. These include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors designed to alert homeowners to potential intrusions. The sensors are connected to Vivint’s central hub. If a break-in or suspicious activity occurs, an alert is sent immediately to the monitoring center and your mobile device. Vivint also offers environmental sensors, such as smoke, carbon monoxide, and flood detectors, to provide comprehensive safety against intrusions and environmental hazards.
- Indoor and outdoor cameras: Vivint provides a range of high-quality indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras. These cameras are equipped with advanced features like night vision, two-way audio, and 1080p HD video quality. The Vivint outdoor camera, with an LED ring and speaker, can identify potential threats and alert homeowners. The Vivint indoor camera allows for real-time communication and monitoring of indoor spaces, making it ideal for checking in on kids or pets. Doorbell cameras are also available, offering motion alerts and video footage of visitors.
- Mobile app control: Vivint's mobile app offers full remote control of your security system and smart home devices. Available on iOS and Android, the app allows you to arm and disarm your system, view live video feeds from your security cameras, and receive real-time alerts about potential security breaches or environmental hazards. You can lock or unlock doors, adjust your thermostat, or control lights, all from the convenience of your smartphone. One of the app's standout features is the option to customize notifications. For example, you can set alerts for specific events, like if a door is left open or unusual motion is detected in your yard. The app also supports two-way communication with indoor cameras, allowing you to check in on your home from anywhere.
- Add-ons and accessories: In addition to its core security components, Vivint offers a wide range of add-ons and accessories that allow you to enhance and customize your system further. Some notable options include voice control, which integrates with popular platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your system hands-free. Another valuable feature is the ability to save and view stored video clips, which offers on-demand access to recorded footage through the Vivint app. You can also add vehicle protection, a unique feature that helps secure your car through Vivint’s system, offering another layer of security outside the home.
Vivint equipment packages
| Package name | Features included |
| Starter package | 24/7 monitoring, intrusion detection, control panel, mobile app access |
| Premium package | Starter Package + video surveillance, active theft deterrence |
| Premium Plus package | Premium Package + voice control, stored video clips, full smart home automation, vehicle protection |
Vivint customer support
Vivint has multiple customer support channels, including phone, live chat, and email, giving you different options to get help. Additionally, Vivint provides an extensive online help center with troubleshooting guides, system updates, and answers to frequently asked questions. This ensures that you can resolve many issues independently without contacting support.
However, customer experiences with Vivint’s support have been mixed. While some users report positive interactions with helpful and responsive representatives, others express frustration with issues such as dropped connections during a live chat or difficulty reaching a representative.
Phone support, in particular, has received criticism for long wait times and being transferred between multiple agents, making resolving issues time-consuming.
Despite these concerns, Vivint continues to improve its support services by offering dedicated technical support for installation and ongoing maintenance. While there are occasional delays, the overall accessibility and availability of support options ensure that most users can eventually get the help they need.
Vivint monthly costs
Vivint’s pricing structure includes three main components: the cost of equipment, professional monitoring services, and optional add-ons or subscription features. The monthly cost varies depending on the monitoring package and financing options you select.
Vivint offers flexible financing, allowing you to spread the equipment cost over time. However, this option typically requires a long-term contract commitment, usually 3 to 5 years, which can limit flexibility for homeowners who prefer short-term options. For professional monitoring, Vivint’s pricing starts at $39.99 monthly.
In addition to this base cost, you can opt for additional services, such as video monitoring, which costs an extra $5 per camera per month, and cellular network maintenance, priced at $1.48 per month. Vivint also offers Car Guard services to monitor vehicles. The first device costs $9.99 per month, and any additional devices cost $4.99 each.
This detailed table outlines the monthly monitoring costs and features for each option:
| Monitoring feature | Price per month |
| Regular | $39.99 |
| Cellular network maintenance | $1.48 |
| Per camera for video service | $5 |
| Car guard service for the first device | $9.99 |
| Car guard service for second device and more | $4.99 |
How to install Vivint
Vivint requires professional installation, ensuring all equipment is correctly set up and integrated with your home’s smart devices. This guarantees that your system works seamlessly without the hassle of DIY setup. The Cybernews research team observed Vivint’s installation process and found it efficient and user-friendly.
Here’s what you can expect during installation:
- Scheduling: After purchasing, you’ll schedule an installation appointment with a certified Vivint technician.
- Assessment: The technician will conduct a walkthrough of your home to determine the best locations for cameras, sensors, and other equipment.
- Installation: The technician will install all equipment, from security cameras to smart locks, ensuring everything is connected and working correctly.
- System setup: The technician will also configure the Vivint app on your phone and demonstrate how to manage your system remotely.
- Final check: Before leaving, the technician will perform a final system test to confirm everything is functioning perfectly.
Vivint app overview
The Vivint mobile app is a powerful tool that gives you complete control over the home security system from anywhere. Available for iOS and Android, the app allows you to monitor and manage the Vivint system remotely, whether at home, at work, or traveling. With just a few taps, you can arm or disarm the security system, lock or unlock doors, and even control smart home devices like lights and thermostats.
One of the app's standout features is its live camera feed, which lets you view real-time footage from your indoor, outdoor, or doorbell cameras. This feature is handy for checking on your home and your pets when you're away or keeping an eye on deliveries. The app also sends instant push notifications for any detected motion, security breaches, or environmental hazards like smoke or flooding.
The app’s user-friendly interface allows easy navigation through a range of features. Homeowners can review recorded video clips, customize alerts, and set up automation rules for their smart home devices, such as automatically locking doors or turning off lights at a specific time.
Overall, the Vivint app simplifies home security management, offering centralized control, customization, and continuous updates.
Vivint home security reviews
Vivint home security reviews from users on platforms like Reddit, Quora, and Yelp offer a mix of positive and negative feedback. On the positive side, many users praise the effectiveness of Vivint’s equipment, noting that the smart cameras, doorbell cameras, and sensors perform well in real-life situations.
The ease of using the Vivint app also receives consistent applause, with users finding it intuitive and convenient for managing their home security remotely. The seamless smart home integration is another common pro, allowing users to control everything from locks to lights effortlessly.
However, there are also some negative reviews. One of the most frequent complaints revolves around Vivint’s long-term contract requirements, which can feel restrictive for customers who prefer more flexibility. Some users have also reported customer service issues, particularly regarding response times and difficulty resolving technical problems.
Cybernews’ research team compared these reviews with feedback on other home security providers and found that while Vivint’s equipment and app consistently outperform competitors, contract terms and customer support remain common pain points.
Despite this, Vivint stands out as a strong option for those seeking advanced security features with smart home capabilities.
Our methodology
To create this in-depth Vivint review, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Vivint based on multiple factors crucial to home security. I weighed each feature based on its importance to the overall user experience:
- Security (40%): I analyzed Vivint’s equipment quality, monitoring services, and overall reliability to ensure it provides the highest level of home protection.
- App functionality (25%): I assessed the ease of using the Vivint app and its effectiveness in remote control and monitoring.
- Cost (15%): I compared Vivint’s pricing and financing options with other home security providers to gauge its value for money.
- Smart home integration (10%): I looked at how well Vivint’s system integrates with third-party devices like smart locks, thermostats, and lights.
- Customer support (10%): Customer service reviews, response times, and problem resolution contributed to my final evaluation.
My final verdict on Vivint's home security
Vivint stands out as a top-tier home security system, offering advanced technology, smart home integration, and professional monitoring. Its ease of use, particularly with the Vivint app, makes managing security and automation simple and efficient.
While Vivint’s higher costs and long-term contracts may not appeal to everyone, the quality of its equipment and 24/7 monitoring make it a solid choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection.
Based on my tests and research, I recommend Vivint as a premium, all-in-one smart home security solution. If you prefer a more flexible and affordable option without the commitment of long-term contracts, consider other providers. However, for tech-savvy users who want complete control of their home security and automation, Vivint remains one of the best options on the market.
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FAQ
Can Vivint see my cameras?
No, Vivint cannot access or view your cameras without your permission. Only you control the cameras via the Vivint app. However, if you grant permission, the monitoring team may access footage during emergencies to ensure faster response and enhanced security when needed.
Can you cancel Vivint?
Yes, you can cancel Vivint, but there may be early termination fees if you’re under contract. To cancel, contact Vivint’s customer service. Remember that Vivint’s long-term contracts often require several years of commitment, so it's important to review your contract terms before cancellation.
Can you use Vivint for free?
No, Vivint is not available for free. While the app is free to download, the system requires equipment purchase and monitoring services, which have associated monthly fees. Financing options are available to spread out equipment costs, but there is no free version or plan for Vivint services.
Is Vivint worth it?
Yes, Vivint is worth it if you're looking for advanced security features, smart home integration, and professional 24/7 monitoring. While it may cost more than DIY systems, Vivint offers high-quality equipment and services that provide strong protection and convenience, making it a solid investment for home security.
Is Vivint Security worth it?
Yes, Vivint Security is worth it for homeowners who want a reliable and professionally monitored system with robust smart home integration. Though pricier than some DIY alternatives, its high-quality equipment and seamless automation offer excellent value for those seeking advanced home security and convenience.
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