When comparing Vivint vs ADT security systems with other professional installation options with monitoring services and smart home integration they both come out as some of the best security companies on the market in 2022.
ADT and Vivint have been making quality home security systems for a long time. These systems are designed to be both very effective and affordable at the same time. They have several different packages, giving you lots of options, depending on your needs.
So, which one should you choose for your home security needs? Let’s find out by comparing the two!
Table of Contents
ADT vs Vivint: Difference between Vivint and ADT home security systems
Although ADT might be the better-known security company, with over 100 years of expertise, don’t be too hasty to write off Vivint! Let’s take a look at the differences between these two home security system companies.
Vivint and ADT Overview
So which home security system should you choose? Let’s take a quick look at both so you can decide! We have also compared Ring vs ADT for those interested!
ADT System Overview
ADT customers often choose this security company because it’s arguably the biggest in the game. With nine redundant monitoring centers, you can be sure your home will be protected 24/7, no matter what!
If you’re looking for smart home automation, ADT has got your back. the ADT security system can connect to a huge range of devices, including Samsung SmartThings, Google Nest, Z-Wave, and many more.
ADT installation costs start at $99, up to $199 depending on the equipment you choose, like doorbell cameras, glass-break sensors, or anything else you want to add to your ADT package.
Our Take
When it comes to professional monitoring, it’s hard to look past ADT. It’s still the biggest name in the security business, and offers some of the best equipment on the market.
Best Features
- Remote access through the mobile app
- Professionally-installed equipment – you’ll be shown how to use it by the installer
- Loads of equipment available – burglar alarm, video doorbell camera, indoor and outdoor security camera, smart home products
- Smart display panel to easily monitor your system.
Vivint Home Security System Overview
Although perhaps not as well-known as ADT, Vivint is no stranger to home security – the company has over 20 years of experience!
Like ADT, Vivint offers 24/7 live video monitoring and excellent integration with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The equipment available depends on your home – you can get in touch for a tailored quote. However, you can choose from things like door and window sensors, smart locks, outdoor and door cameras, and more.
You can choose to pay for the equipment upfront or add it to your monthly payments to reduce the initial outlay.
Our Take
Vivint offers similar equipment to ADT and often at a lower price – add this to the smart home integration and you have a winning formula.
Best Features
- Smart home integration available in the basic monthly price package
- Video footage stored on the cloud for 14 days
- Environmental monitoring also included – smoke and carbon monoxide
- Add up to six cameras to keep your house safe from all angles.
ADT and Vivint Prices
It’s essential to consider the ongoing monthly fee when choosing your security equipment. And, Vivint and ADT differ when it comes to the initial equipment cost.
Many companies require customers to sign up for a contract, so you’ll need to consider this overall cost of the professional monitoring service, too.
ADT Pricing
There are quite a lot of costs to consider, from paying for the security equipment upfront to the initial installation fees. Then, you have to choose between the different monthly monitoring fees.
Key points to note are:
- ADT requires customers to take out a 36-month contract
- The equipment is professionally installed at a cost of $99
- You are protected by a 6-month money-back guarantee if you find the service unsatisfactory.
When it comes to your monthly monitoring package, you have three options:
- Basic – $28.99 per month
- Smart Home – $45.99 per month
- Video & Smart Home – $59.99 per month
You get access to the ADT Pulse app with each of the three price plans, but if you want to add additional security equipment, there will be further monthly charges on top of the above.
So, even on the most basic package, you’ll be looking at a total spend of slightly over $1100 over the three-year monitoring contract.
Vivint Pricing
On the whole, Vivint costs less than ADT. Some key costs with this company are:
- Installation is $50 cheaper, at $49
- You won’t be tied in to a contract so long as you buy the equipment outright initially
In terms of monthly costs, like ADT, Vivint offers three options:
- Smart Security – $29.99 per month
- Smart Home – $39.99 per month
- Smart Home Video – $44.99 per month
Although these costs seem lower at first, there are some other extras you might have to fork out for. Only one camera is included as standard, to monitor from additional cameras, you’ll be looking at a cost of $4.99 per month per camera. If you add the maximum of six cameras, this will take your total monthly cost up to $69.94.
You’ll also have to pay for every piece of equipment you want to add to your system. While this can be expensive initially, it’s yours to keep as long as you wish. With ADT, you’ll have to return the equipment when your contract ends.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for some of the pieces of equipment:
- Door/window sensor: $50.00 each
- Glass break detector: $100.00
- Motion sensor: $100.00
- Smart locks: $159.99
- Smoke/Carbon monoxide detector: $100.00 each
- Element thermostat: $169.99
- Appliance control module: $49.99
- Indoor camera: $199.99
- Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro: $299.99
So, as you can see, setting up a security system with home automation isn’t going to come cheap! However, depending on how long you plan to keep the products, you might save money by buying them outright at the start with Vivint.
Our Overall Winner
So, ADT vs Vivint; who is the winner?
Although ADT offers top-of-the-range equipment and is undoubtedly the biggest name in the security business, it’s hard to look past the flexibility offered by Vivint. We also love how Vivint offers such a great range of connectivity with smart home appliances – if you’re looking to create a safe, automated home, this is the brand to go for!
FAQs: ADT and Vivint Home Security Systems
Want to know more about the two systems? Read on!
What are the similarities between ADT and Vivint home security systems?
Both offer round-the-clock professional monitoring to keep your home and family safe at all times. Both offer top-of-the-range equipment and can connect with smart devices for home automation – making your life easier!
How do Vivint and ADT home security systems work?
Both systems work pretty similarly.
Vivint
Vivint requires users to buy their chosen equipment first, then a professional will come and get everything set up. When it’s ready to go, you’ll have access to live monitoring services 24/7.
The plan you’ve signed up for will affect how the system works and what services you have access to.
The most basic plan will allow you full access to your security system but won’t allow you to make use of any smart home features. With the mid-level plan, you can use these kinds of features, as well as things like Kwikset smart locks and the Nest thermostat. With the more expensive plan, you’ll get full access to video recording and all other features.
ADT
ADT offers customers a package of equipment for rental throughout the duration of their three-year contract. However, like Vivint, you’ll have to have this professionally installed.
The price plans are similar between the two companies too, in terms of what you get at each level. At the most basic level, ADT gives customers professional monitoring, meaning the team can access the system remotely to keep you safe.
To get smart home integration, you’ll need to upgrade to the mid-level price plan. And, like Vivint, if you want full video monitoring, you’ll need to fork out for the priciest of the monthly subscription plans.
What are professional monitoring services with Vivint and ADT?
Both ADT and Vivint offer professional monitoring, meaning there’s always someone on standby to respond when your alarms are triggered.
This team of professionals can contact emergency services like the local police or fire station if it looks like a genuine alarm.
As part of your monthly monitoring prices, you will also have access to help at any time via phone or live chat. So, if you have a query about your equipment or a security concern, you can get in touch quickly and easily, any time of day or night!
Should I pay for a professionally installed security system?
Professional installation is usually worth paying for unless you really know what you are doing. You can book a security consultation to find out what kind of equipment you might need based on the size of your home.
What is the best home security system for the money?
Overall, the monitoring plans between the two companies offer similar features at each level. If you want to use smart devices, you’ll generally need to pay more.
The main difference in cost is in the beginning – ADT loans you the equipment with the cost included in your monthly payments. You won’t get to keep it eventually, and you are tied in to a contract for three years.
On the other hand, Vivint requires customers to select and pay for their own equipment upfront, which they then get to keep indefinitely. So, depending on the equipment you need and how long you plan to keep using it for, the two can work out either similar or drastically different. It’s best to think about what you’ll need and for how long, and get a quote from each company to compare.
Check out more related security articles and reviews here:
