The well-being and safety of your family and your home is one of your top concerns. Home alarm systems provide peace of mind that your home is protected. Mechanical home security systems have been around for over 160 years, when businessman Edwin Holmes installed the first electric burglar alarm.
You may already have an unintended alarm system in your home if the family dog gets excited when seeing a new person. A home alarm system, however, is much more reliable than an overzealous dog when it comes to home security.
In our guide to home alarm systems, you’ll learn about different types of smart home alarm and how much they cost. At Today’s Homeowner, we recommend a Vivint alarm system for your home. Vivint offers an array of smart home packages to meet any family’s home security needs. Read on to find out why Vivint is our top choice in home alarm systems, and give them a call at 888.841.5276 to get a free quote.
Exterior protection
There are several alarm options to protect your family and belongings from intruders or other outdoor threats. Protection from burglars and other intruders is one of the top reasons to invest in a home alarm. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program provided this information on burglaries for 2017:
- Cost of burglaries—Victims saw an estimated $3.4 billion in losses from burglaries.
- Average cost of burglary—Victims suffered an average of over $2,400 in losses for each burglary.
- Forced Entry—Burglars forced entry into a home in 57.5% of burglary crimes.
- Targeting Homes—Residential properties were targeted in 67.2% of burglaries.
There are several products that can be used to protect your home from forced entry. Vivint alarms that protect the exterior of your home include cameras, window and door motion sensors, and smart locks.
| Vivint Alarm Product | Benefits |
| Outdoor Camera | This wide-angle camera with HD resolution sends an alert when motion is detected outside your home. Recorded video is sent directly to your Vivint Smart Drive for your viewing. |
| Security Sensors | Sensors alert 24/7 Vivint monitors when unexpected movement occurs in doors and windows. They’ll let you know when something’s not right. |
| Kwikset Smart Lock | Unique access codes for family and friends let you know who’s coming and going. Get alerts when someone attempts entry or a door is left unlocked. |
Interior protection
Often overlooked, the interior of your home can be dangerous with hazards such as fire or carbon monoxide. Luckily, there are home alarm options that detect these dangers before they cause your family harm.
| Vivint Alarm Product | Benefits |
| Smoke Detector | In addition to an audible alarm, smart detectors alert you when smoke is detected via the Vivint Smart Hub™. Vivint experts monitor 24/7 to alert authorities if a fire is detected. |
| CO Detector | Carbon monoxide poisoning resulted in 393 deaths in 2015, according to the CDC. The CO Detector sends an alert to your Vivint Smart Hub™ when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are present. |
Why choose a Vivint alarm?
At Today’s Homeowner, we know you don’t want to blindly follow recommendations. We make our recommendations based on values that matter to you. Check out the reasons we think Vivint alarms are a great choice in home security systems.
| Company Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Excellence in technology | Top-of-the-line technology means you get more than basic home security. Innovative features and new technology mean you’ll continue to see benefits in the long term. |
| Completely connected home | Vivint provides a comprehensive smart home solution. You can connect your entire home into one central location: your phone. This lets you simplify your life, giving you time for the things that matter most. |
| Direct supply chain | No outsourcing of software, hardware, or service technicians means Vivint can pass savings and efficiency directly to you. If you need help, there’s no waiting for a third-party technician to be found—Vivint will send one of their trained professionals right to your door. |
| Designed with customers in mind | Vivint provides several policies designed for the modern family. Cancellation is simple with a written notice, or you can transfer your service to a different party. Military families receive free cancellation when moving. If you’re moving, take your Vivint products and service with you to your new address. |
| Giving back | Vivint gives back to children with developmental disabilities. They offer customized smart home solutions at discounted rates for families with children with intellectual disabilities. |
| Awards that matter | Vivint was named to the 2018 Shatter List from Women Tech Council, which awards tech companies that are shattering the glass ceiling with opportunities for women. |
Is a smart home alarm system for you?
There are many reasons why a Vivint alarm may be right for you and your family. Smart home alarm systems provide more than just security—they may save you money on insurance or help you sell your home. Many homeowners find that increased resale appeal and potentially lower insurance costs are secondhand benefits of the peace of mind that comes with a home alarm system.
- Safety—Home automation systems like a Vivint alarm deter criminals and alert you to dangerous situations within your home.
- Save on home insurance—Many insurance companies offer discounts for security alarm systems, upgraded fire detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors because it lowers the risk of damage to the home. The savings may allow you to add additional insurance protection to your home, such as flood or earthquake insurance.
- Appeal to potential buyers—Along with other quick upgrades, adding smart home features to your home now can increase its appeal to potential buyers down the road. Alarm systems show you care that your home is protected.
Recommended Vivint alarm packages
Everyone has different needs from their home alarm systems. We believe, however, that investing in a monthly package that provides the protection you want using cutting-edge technology is the best long-term solution to home security. Vivint offers many different products and packages, but we recommend those that offer smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring and home security.
- Smart Control—A smoke detector, carbon monoxide sensor, and flood sensor keep your house safe from the inside out. A Vivint Doorbell Camera and two sets of Kwikset Smart Locks help you monitor who enters and leaves your home.
- Smart Complete—This package includes a comprehensive Vivint alarm system. Included are the smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, doorbell camera, Kwikset Smart Lock, outdoor camera, and more. The Smart Complete package provides full home automation and security.
- Safety & Security—Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as sensors for doors and windows, keep you and your family safe from potential threats.
What do homeowners say about Vivint alarm systems?
In addition to the comprehensive security provided by Vivint, many customers mention the great customer service they received during the purchase and installation process. Check out some of the reviews of Vivint from happy customers.**
Customer 1: Mike
Though Mike had issues with his software, he was able to get a technician out to fix the issues the same day. He was impressed by the customer service of everyone involved and when tech support couldn’t solve the problem, they sent a technician out right away.
Per Mike’s review, “Met with technician Paul (located in central Florida) and found 4–6 issues from software to hardware with system and fixed it all on same day! But again with great professionalism and friendliness! I am impressed!”
Customer 2: Sharon
Sharon was most impressed with her installation technician who made sure the entire family knew how to use the system. She’s also happy with how easy it was to learn and use the system.
In her review, she mentions, “Leonard made sure that everyone in the household had a clear understanding of how to use the system before he left.”
Customer 3: Kristi
In her review, Kristi mentions how happy she was that she could use Vivint’s moving policy to take her alarm system to her new home. She was impressed with the friendly, efficient service of the technician that installed her Vivint alarm in her new home.
Kristi says in her review, “I have loved my Vivint system so much. When we moved I was pleased to know I could take it with me … [our tech] was efficient, informative, and so helpful.”
Which is the best home security system?
Choosing a home alarm system is an important decision. While you want to get a great deal, it’s more important to have trust in the company that monitors your home. Vivint provides excellent customer service and friendly, expert technicians to get you set up and running with your new home security system. Their complete line of smart home upgrades and home alarm systems give you the newest home alarm technology from a company you can trust.
Other brands like ADT boast long-term success in a traditional home security model. However, today’s homes require new, smarter security systems. Older alarm companies sometimes charge premium rates for outdated services.
Alternatively, DIY smart home alarm systems like SimpliSafe offer a less expensive option for home security. The downside to these systems is they usually lack 24/7 monitoring by professionals or the help of a professional technician, should something go awry. We’ve detailed some of the third-party reviews from these companies, as well as their offerings.
| Brand | Alarms and Services Offered | TrustScore | Customer Reviews |
| Vivint | Comprehensive smart alarm packages, video doorbells, video surveillance, smart locks, | 7.7 out of 10 | Trustpilot: 4 out of 5 StarsToday’s Homeowner’s Pick |
| ADT | Home security packages with some smart features, premium package with video service | 1.5 out of 10 | Trustpilot: 1 out of 5 Stars |
| SimpliSafe | DIY home alarm systems including motion detectors and video doorbells | 6.7 out of 10 | Trustpilot: 3 out of 5 Stars |
Simplify your life with a Vivint alarm
A Vivint alarm system gives your home the security you want at an affordable price. Their professional installation technicians spend the time to expertly install your smart security system and show you how to use it. Today’s Homeowner recommends Vivint alarms for their great technology as well as their commitments to hiring women in tech and helping children with intellectual disabilities.
Get a free quote and hear about running promotions today by calling 888.841.5276.*
*Conditions apply. Click here for plan details. Plan Details: *Minimum $39.99/month services agreement required. Minimum $549.99 equipment purchase may be financed at 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for up to 60 months with no down payment (for example $9.17/month for 60 months for $549.99 of equipment financed). $49 to $199 installation fee applies. Subject to credit approval. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased up front. Additional equipment may be purchased and financed. Financing options require monthly services agreement coterminous with applicable financing agreement (for example $39.99/month for 60 months = total services cost $2,399.40). Camera functionality starts at $49.99/month for services, with additional equipment purchase or financing required. System supports up to four cameras subject to sufficient wifi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Taxes and local permit fees may apply. New Vivint Customers only. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here. †According to App store Rating 1/11/2017 § https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategy-analytics-announces-the-top-10-smart-home-service-providers-in-the-us-300395620.html https://www.strategyanalytics.com/access-services/devices/connected-home/smart-home/reports/report-detail/the-top-10-us-smart-home-service-providers#.Wmj8diOZO8h ^ Average time in 2017 for a Vivint agent to give a price quote is 11.8 minutes. Setting up the account may add additional call time. **Reviews from Trustpilot are current as of November 13, 2018.
