ome security systems come in various options, but the good thing is that there’s literally a system out there for everyone. There are really great and affordable DIY systems that offer a basic feature set; and, there are professionally-installed home security systems like Vivint Security Systems that provide top-of-the-line equipment and 24/7 monitoring for your home.
Most do-it-yourself smart home security systems are affordable, making them great choices for homeowners looking to save money by monitoring their homes. However, these systems leave the heavy lifting to the homeowner – it’s up to you to attend to any events when an alarm is triggered.
These Home Systems don’t offer the convenience of checking to see if everything is OK when a smoke alarm is triggered, or when your garage door is opened outside the set time, and they don’t call the local authorities. For that kind of security response, you’ll need a professionally installed, subscription-based service like that included with the Vivint Smart Home security system.
With Vivint Security systems, you get around-the-clock home monitoring with an incredibly fast response when an alarm goes off, as well as a variety of home automation services that you can control from your smartphone or a 7-inch touch-screen control panel. But like any great device or tech gadget, Vivint Smart Home systems and components don’t come cheap.
Even with the high cost of Vivint (both equipment and monitoring), professional installation takes away most of the drawbacks associated with home security systems. Once you settle on a plan, you don’t have to do anything, Vivint technicians will come to your house, do a complete installation, and give you a detailed tour of how the system works.
Is the hefty price tag worth it? Well, it all depends on your security needs. One thing we are sure of though: Vivint Security is one of the top-tier security systems that provides unmatched safety. Again, ADT Command offers even better customer service and costs more than Vivint; depending on your needs, both are our top picks for professional-install home security systems.
About Vivint Smart Home System
Vivint isn’t meant to appeal to everyone. Instead, this is a niche security system designed for homeowners looking for a comprehensive security system with very little consideration of the price. As such, the target client base is people looking for top-tier services with the latest technology.
Indeed, Vivint’s security packages offer exactly that: All of Vivint’s devices are backed by the latest technology, and more recently, Vivint’s mobile app and Smart Hub have gained popularity – which is more reason you need to try them out. Also, even with the new tech, Vivint is very easy to use; and with the advanced technology, everything runs smoothly.
Vivint Security Plans and Pricing
Ordering a Vivint Smart Home kit is very easy and straightforward: you just purchase the hardware you need such as door/window sensors, motion sensors, and cameras. A basic Vivint Starter Kit starts at $599 and comes with a Smart Hub, a pair of door/windows sensors, one motion sensor, and one water sensor. It also qualifies you for a $100 credit towards additional components.
The Vivint service plan starts at $39.99 per month, of which, you get 24/7 professional monitoring, and full use of the mobile app, including alert notifications. It also allows you to control devices such as door locks, video doorbells, and thermostats, and it also offers support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant commands.
Additional benefits of the service plan include 30 days of recorded video storage for clips of up to 90 seconds in length, 10 days of continuous storage with the purchase of a Vivint Playback DVR (costs $299), 24/7 online telephone technical support, in-home technician services, and extended equipment warranty.
Keep in mind, that a Vivint service plan isn’t mandatory, but without it, you will have to monitor the system on your own and forgo the use of the mobile app as well as remote access to the system and 24/7 tech support. In short, without the service plan, you’re better off with the more affordable DIY security suites.
Vivint Smart Home Security Components
As mentioned, additional component prices are notably higher than what you get from the competition.
Here is a typical breakdown of a Vivint bill, but can vary depending on your home requirements:
- Starter kit: $500 (includes Hub, two door window sensors, motion detector, flood sensor)
- Vivint Smart Drive: $250
- Vivint camera: $400
- Door-window sensor: $50 each
- Glass break sensor: $50 each
- Indoor camera: $200
- Vivint Car Guard: $200
- Kwikset Smart Lock: $180
- Vivint Smart Thermostat: $170
- Smart plugs: $50 each
- Doorbell Camera Pro: $130
- Motion detector: $100
- Flood sensor: $100
- Smoke detector: $100
- CO detector: $100
- MyQ garage door opener: $100
The Vivint starter kit
At the heart of Vivint’s smart home is a $500 package of devices including the touchscreen Vivint Smart Hub, two door/window sensors, a flood sensor, and a motion detector. It’s not cheap, no matter how you view it, but if you consider that it is the core smart holding the larger system together, the $500 you’re spending is very reasonable.
Vivint Smart Hub
The Vivint Smart Home system is centered around the Vivint Smart Hub. This is the main control panel for operating the system around the home, and it received an update last September that improved the overall usability of the panel. From here, you can control your smart home devices, view the cameras, and make any system changes (like arming or disarming).
Indoor Ping Camera
The Vivint Indoor Ping Camera offers two-way talk, night vision, and other useful features. It feels extremely well-made and comes with a swivel mount. It comes with a 1080p HD resolution, but in real use, the image seems like something you’d get from a 720p HD camera. Not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to note.
Outdoor Camera Pro
This is perhaps Vivint’s best product and the new version is even better. This outdoor camera is hardwired, which is more reason you need professional installation. It uses a Wi-Fi connection with a PoE Wi-Fi Bridge. With a PoE connection, you’re assured of fast and reliable signals, and since the camera is hardwired, you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries.
Its image resolution is an impressive 4K sensor with HDR for ultra-crisp and clear video. The Vivint Outdoor Pro camera has a built-in siren for active deterrence, and anytime the siren goes off it’ll also sound from the camera. Vivint calls this Smart Sentry, and it’s impressive.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
This doorbell camera sports a pretty slim profile with a modern black-and-white design. Anytime someone approaches the door, it will trigger an instant notification to your smartphone. This way, you can launch the app and view the activity in real-time.
Vivint Home Automation
Vivint has the smart home category dialed in. If you want to use your voice to arm and disarm your system or perform any number of specific commands, then you’ll be glad to know it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Plus, there are smart devices for purchase directly through Vivint. These include the Element smart thermostat, smart lock, smart plug, and plenty of smart environmental sensors like smoke detectors and flood sensors.
Vivint Mobile App
Vivint’s mobile app is one of the better smart home apps on the market right now. It offers a ton of features, which may make you think it would be complex, but Vivint has done a great job of simplifying the actions. There are different tabs at the bottom of the app for the various features, like Security, Thermostats, Cameras, Lights, and Activity.
The app allows you to control all of your compatible smart home devices from the same place, and you can even create routines that involve multiple devices at the same time.
There’s a bit of a learning curve for some of the more advanced routine features, but overall, the Vivint app is easy to use and has been reliable.
Is Vivint Security Smart Home System worth it?
With Vivint Smart Home Security system, you get a solid home security system that’s monitored consistently on a 24/7 basis, and a robust home automation solution you can control right from anywhere, including cameras with Smart Deter, a high-res video doorbell, and a device to monitor your car(s).
Competitors like Abode or SimpliSafe offer DIY security systems that will save you a lot of money, but that means you’ll be responsive for the installation and maintenance of each component.
Overall, as with most fully monitored home security services, the Vivint Smart Home System isn’t cheap, but if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected 24/7, the Vivint Security system is money well spent.
Recommended Configuration
REOLINK 4K Security Camera System, RLK16-800B8 8pcs H.265 PoE Wired with Person Vehicle Detection, 8MP/4K 16CH NVR with 4TB HDD for 24-7 Recording
The Review
Vivint Security Smart Home
The Vivint Security Smart Home system combines stellar 24/7 home monitoring with advanced smart home automation features and professional installation, but it doesn’t come cheap.
PROS
- Professional monitoring
- Integrations with Alexa and Google Assistant
- User-friendly app
CONS
- Expensive monthly monitoring
Review Breakdown
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ARS RATING
