Vivint Home Security System Cost and Pricing

Vivint’s Pricing

Vivint isn’t exactly transparent when it comes to pricing. The company will tell you that these are bespoke systems, custom-designed to fit your individual security needs. And it’s true that every property is different, and what works for you may not work for another homeowner. Having to talk to a customer service agent isn’t exactly our idea of a good time, though. And we like trying to buy a home security system blind even less.

As we’ve already mentioned, these systems can be pricey. But you could probably use a little more info to work with. Even we don’t know what Vivint charges to the penny, but we can give you a ballpark estimate of what to expect. Below, we go through all of Vivint’s equipment, top to bottom. We focus on what you get with that equipment, and we’ll also give you some idea of what you can expect to pay for it. Plus, we offer insight into Vivint’s other fees, like their monthly monitoring charges and their professional installation costs. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get to it.

Equipment Fees

As is the case with most security systems, your biggest cost with Vivint is going to be the equipment itself. Exactly how much are you going to pay? That’s a good question, but not one that we can answer here, at least not easily.

Since your Vivint system is going to be customized for your specific security needs, your total bill is going to be dependent on how much equipment you purchase. A townhome is going to need less protection than a sprawling estate, right?

However, you should expect to pay at least $1,000, and that is a considerable chunk of change. The outdoor camera alone costs $399. Plenty of home consumers will balk at that number, and we get it. When you consider you can get an entire SimpliSafe package for around $250, it can be hard to justify paying four times that amount.

Don’t freak out just yet about the costs, though. Vivint can be flexible when it comes to financing. The company’s Flex Pay plan, for instance, allows you to spread payments out over 60 months. There are some stipulations here and there, of course, but at the end of the day, that can drop package prices to around $10 to $30 per month. That’s doable for most homeowners.

Keep in mind as well that SimpliSafe is a DIY system. It’s a darn good DIY system (good enough to be near the top of our list of best home security systems), and it offers solid equipment. That equipment can’t stand up to comparison against Vivint’s equipment though. Check out our Vivint vs SimpliSafe comparison to find out what we mean. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for. Did we say that already?  If you want the best (ahem, Vivint), you have to expect a hefty price tag.

Vivint Package Pricing

Keep in mind you can always customize these packages, or you can build out your own custom security kit. In fact, almost no two systems Vivint sells are alike. That’s one reason the company doesn’t like to publish prices online.

Monthly Monitoring Fees

Thankfully, monitoring with Vivint is a bit more straightforward. The company offers just one option – 24/7 professional monitoring – for $51.47 per month. And that price is right in line with industry averages. In fact, in some cases it’s cheaper than other high-end security providers like ADT.

Here’s the thing, though: Other companies will include base equipment in their packages. Brinks packages cost a bit more, but each of those packages includes three or more sensors as well as a touch-screen control panel. Vivint’s style is more akin to ADT’s plans and packages. You choose your equipment package, and then sign up for the corresponding monitoring plan. And compared to ADT, whose monitoring plans can go up to $61.99 per month, Vivint is more affordable.

Professional Installation Fee

There’s one more Vivint fee we need to talk about: Vivint’s professional installation fee. That costs $99 no matter which plan or package you decide to choose. Now, there’s no doubt that’s an extra cost. If you go with a DIY company, like abode, you’ll pay nothing for installation.

There are a few factors you should keep in mind, though. First, from what we’ve seen, this cost is standard in the industry. You could pay even more with ADT, depending on which package you choose. Second, this is a technologically sophisticated home security system. You’re probably going to want someone qualified to install it. And third, when you go with professional installation, you get to relax, and that’s something!

When all is said and done, you’ll pay anywhere between $40 per month and $75 per month for home security and automation with Vivint. If you purchase the equipment upfront, you can pay as little as $29.99 per month for professional monitoring, as Vivint doesn’t offer a free self-monitoring option. Vivint charges a premium compared to the market as a whole. But when measured against similar high-tech systems, Vivint prices are par for the course, especially considering the features and technology. You can read more about Vivint’s features and tech in our full Vivint review here.

Now, we know we said there are only three main pricing factors to consider. And that’s true. But we should also talk about what you pay if you need to purchase Vivint ad-ons and upgrades. That can certainly add to your bottom line. We get into Vivint equipment options below. You might want to brace yourself, though. Like Vivint’s package prices and monitoring prices, its a la cart equipement prices can be a bit steep.

Vivint Equipment Packages

While they used to offer a handful of packages to choose from, Vivint has streamlined things a bit. These days there are only three equipment packages to choose from with Vivint: the Starter Kit, the Premium, and the Premium Plus. Keep in mind, though, that all of these packages can be customized, and paid for monthly. Here’s the breakdown:

Basic

What’s included:

• Smart Hub
• Flood/ Water Sensor
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors

Monthly Cost: $10.00

Upfront cost: $599.00

Premium

What’s included:

• Doorbell Camera Pro
• Outdoor Camera Pro
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• Key Fob
• Smart Hub
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors
• Flood/ Water Sensor

Monthly Cost: $21.34

Upfront Cost: $1,279.96

Premium Plus

What’s Included:

• Doorbell Camera Pro
• Indoor Camera
• Outdoor Camera Pro
• Smart Thermostat
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• MyQSmart Garage Hub
• Key Fob
• Smart Hub
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors
• Flood/ Water Sensor

Monthly Cost: $37.17

Upfront Cost: $2,229.92

Both packages include 24/7 monthly monitoring for $51.47.

Vivint Features

Vivint Add-On Equipment Prices

One of the benefits of going with a Vivint system is just how easy it is to customize your package to suit your needs and your tastes. There’s a mile-long list of add-ons and upgrades, and their equipment plays well with hundreds of third-party devices like Phillips, Kwikset, and Nest.7 A lot of Vivint’s equipment options — like smoke detectors, garage door controllers and lighting control — will help you integrate your system into a smart-home suite, allowing all sorts of automations to make your life a little more convenient.

Vivint smart devices include:

• Element thermostat
• Lighting control module
• Car Guard (GPS tracker & diagnostic tool)
• Smart garage controller
• Video doorbell cameras
• Indoor and outdoor cameras

All of these are products Vivint offers directly. Convenient, but just the tip of the iceberg. Vivint works with a host of smart platforms and devices, such as:

• Google Home
• Nest Thermostat
• Amazon Echo
• Kwikset Smart Locks
• Philips Hue Smart Lights
• And more!

Not enough smart devices for you? Vivint also works with Z-Wave compatible devices, and that opens up seemingly endless home automation opportunities.8

Unless you’re Bill Gates, we wouldn’t recommend buying all this smart home equipment upfront. Still, it’s nice to know that Vivint works with all of it. That means you can start with a basic Vivint SkyControl Starter Kit with monthly payments you can afford, and then buy additional equipment over time.

Vivint Features and Tech

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Vivint is one of the more feature-rich home security systems on the market today, especially when it comes to home automation. If you’re tech-savvy, you’re probably doing a little dance. If you’re not, we can understand why you might be feeling a little anxious.

Here’s the thing, though: when the technician comes out to set up your system, they’ll troubleshoot everything and make sure it’s working smoothly. They’ll also help you learn your new system. That’s the beauty of professional installation. Plus, we can tell you from experience that the Vivint hub controls everything, and it’s very user-friendly.

SafeHome.org Editor Andrew Garcia unboxing the Vivint SkyControl Panel

You can also take Vivint’s SkyControl panel on the go with the Vivint Smart Home app, one of the highest-rated apps in both Apple and Google Play app stores.9 This award-winning mobile app puts the power of the SkyControl panel in the palm of your hand. We liked the app, but we didn’t find anything ultra innovative about it compared to other companion apps we’ve tested.

Other standout features from Vivint include instant mobile alerts, reliable cellular monitoring, keychain remote controls, disaster protection, hands-free voice control, and remote garage control. Overall, Vivint offers plenty of features if you’re willing to make a sizable investment.

Expert Examined

From Rob Gabriele, Managing Editor & Home Security Expert

“One thing to keep in mind with Vivint is that sometimes the latest and greatest technology isn’t for everyone. Features like Geofencing are excellent tools when utilized properly, but they can also be overkill for families looking for more basic features. I’ve spoken with homeowners who turned off their alerts and notifications because they were receiving too many, only to one day come home and find their home broken into.”

MOBILE ALERTS	In the event of a possible security breach or fire emergency, Vivint’s monitoring service immediately sends text alerts to notify alarm owners and their listed contacts, such as neighbors and relatives.
24-7 MONITORING	Vivint provides 24-hour security monitoring using high-quality cell radio networks. Cellular monitoring is more secure than landline monitoring because it eliminates the opportunity for criminals to cut communication wires.
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT	Vivint security equipment is 100% wireless. It won’t cause your home to be cluttered with cords, and installation usually doesn’t require adding holes to walls. You can easily move your equipment to a new residence.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS	Vivint's doorbell cameras allow you to view and respond to visitors using a mobile connection from anywhere in the world. Vivint also provides standard indoor and outdoor cameras.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION	Professional technicians help ensure that Vivint security equipment is free of defects and set up properly. Installation may be available within a few hours of ordering your security service.
SMART HOME OPTIONS	Vivint streamlines home management with an app for arming your residence, controlling lights, adjusting the thermostat, and more. Voice recognition technology is among the options.
DISASTER PROTECTION	Smoke alarms are most effective when they’re monitored. For comprehensive home protection Vivint provides monitored smoke sensors in addition to home security equipment.
REMOTE CONTROL	Keychain remote controls make it convenient to arm and disarm your system without using the touchscreen control panel. Keychain remotes also have panic buttons that directly connect with emergency dispatchers.
VOICE RESPONSE	Vivint has partnered with Amazon Echo to offer home automation equipment that responds to voice commands. Get hands-free control of your thermostat, lights, security system and more!
REMOTE GARAGE CONTROL	Ever wonder if you forgot to close your garage door? Vivint security can alert you when the garage door is left open. Vivint’s mobile app lets you open or shut the garage door from anywhere.

Current Vivint Deals

Given that a basic Vivint security package costs a little north of $1,000, it’s understandable that you’d want to find discounts where you can. We’re not currently seeing anything that the compy is advertising publicly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t savings to be found. We recommend always asking to waive the installation fee when talking to your sales rep, and seeing if there are any discounts you can realize by bundling equipment.

Vivint’s Overall Value

We’ve tested hundreds of home security systems, and we can say without a doubt that Vivint is one of, if not the most high-tech, sophisticated systems out there. You might find a better system protecting some company headquarters, but if you’re looking for home security, you can’t do better. You’ll be hard pressed to use all the amazing features. Vivint made a choice when it entered the market to leapfrog the competition and position itself as the tech leader. That kind of investment comes at a price, and Vivint, of course, passes both the technical wizardry and the cost of that wizardry on to its customers.

We believe Vivint’s biggest drawbacks are its prices and contracts. The equipment packages can reach nearly $2,000 or more with add-ons. This cost can be broken into smaller monthly payments, but then you’ll have to sign a 60-month contract to get the goods. That’s five whole years! Some people won’t mind this commitment at all, while others won’t even consider it. All in all, if you have the money to spend, and you want one of the best home security and automation systems on the market, if not the best, then Vivint is likely a great fit for you.

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