Updated On

December 31, 2023

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    Since 77% of Americans have a smartphone and nearly half of Americans use a voice assistant, it’s shocking that only 20.61% of Americans between the ages of 18–29 own a home security system, according to research from the Pew Institute. Home security systems don’t just protect you, your family, or your pet from potential break-ins—they’re designed to make your life smarter and easier.

    With a smart home security system, you no longer need to worry about stolen packages or stress about a high energy bill because you forgot to adjust the temperature before leaving for vacation. You don’t even need to be there to let the neighbor in to feed the cat.

    Home security is more advanced, more protective, and more accessible than ever before. We explore the importance of home security and why we recommend Vivint for your home security and home automation services and products.

    If you want to learn more about Vivint, get a free quote, or hear more about the current promotions, call 888.841.5276.*



    Smart Home Security Systems: What to Expect

    Home security systems are exactly as they sound: systems set up to secure the home. Essentially, networks of electronic devices work together to protect against home invasion.

    Typically, should someone try and open a protected door or window, an alarm goes off. Then a signal or notification is sent to the homeowner, a professional monitoring company, or the authorities indicating a potential intruder or invader.

    Common Home Security System Products

    Home security systems typically include certain products such as:

    • A control panel that tracks and monitors the system
    • Security cameras set up inside or outside of the home
    • Door and window sensors
    • Motion sensors and motion detectors
    • A siren or alarm system
    • Yard signs or window stickers

    Although yard signs and stickers seem unnecessary, they alert potential intruders to the security system to deter them from trying to break in. According to a study that surveyed 422 incarcerated burglars from WTOP, security signs were considered one of the top 10 most important security measures.

    When it comes to home security, you have many options. You can buy a DIY home security kit or a professional security system. Often, the problem with the equipment is that it requires self-monitoring, which isn’t ideal. What if you go out of town? What if you step away from your phone or monitor and miss something? Some companies offer professional monitoring but not professional installation, and DIY isn’t for everyone.

    That’s why we started reading Vivint reviews. Powered by professionals, this home security company requires professional installation and includes 24/7 professional monitoring in their home security plans, and they make their award-winning equipment. What’s not to love about that? We’ve evaluated their reviews, products, and costs before recommending them. Read on to learn more.


    The Vivint Smart Home System Products and Services

    Unlike some home security companies, Vivint offers customizable packages so that you can pick and choose additional products based on your needs. They also support Amazon Echo, Nest smart thermostats and other Nest products, and Apple iPhones and iPads.

    Are you a parent who wants to protect the family and let the dog in and out while you’re not home? Are you a frequent traveler who wants to be able to control the temperature and monitor deliveries while you’re away? Are you a remote worker who wants to feel safer while being home alone all day?

    With Vivint, you can choose from various security products (such as sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, and professional monitoring) and home automation products (such as a doorbell camera, two-way talking, and a garage door control).

    You can enjoy mobile control using the Vivint Smart Home app, voice control using Google Home, or home control using the Vivint Smart Hub™, a touchscreen that allows you to control all facets of your home security.

    All three will connect to your Vivint products and services through a shared wireless connection that you access at home or on WiFi while you’re away.

    There are multiple package options, but Smart Control and Smart Complete are the two most popular. They both come with the following services and products:

    • Vivint Smart Hub™ (included in all packages)
    • Vivint Smart Home app (included in all packages)
    • CO Detector
    • Smoke Detector
    • Food/Free/Heat Sensor
    • Yard Sign and Light (included in all packages)
    • 6 Vivint Smart Sensor
    • 2 Vivint Motion Sensor
    • Vivint Doorbell Camera
    • Vivint Element Thermostat
    • Kwikset Smart Locks
    • Garage Door Controller
    • Vivint Lamp Modules

    With even more focus on safety and security, the Complete Smart package also comes with the Vivint Ping Camera and Vivint Outdoor Camera.

    Related: Vivint Solar Review


    Vivint vs. Other Smart Home System Companies

    We’ve compared Vivint to other companies and found that Vivint offers many perks: you can customize your plan, get a free consultation at home, enjoy more high-quality products, and have 24/7 professional monitoring.

    Vivint Smart HomeADT PulseXfinity Home
    Free in-home consultationYesNoNo
    Professional installationYesYesYes
    24/7 customer serviceYesYesYes
    Two-way voice panel with monitoring supportYesNoNo
    Hands-free voice control to lock doors, close garage doors, arm the security system, and adjust the thermostatYesNoNo
    Smart doorbell cameraYesNoNo
    Smart thermostatYesYesYes
    Smart door lockYesYesYes
    Occupancy-based temperature managementYesNoNo
    Smartphone appYesYesYes

    As you can see, Vivint offers more products and services than these two other companies. Even when you compare Vivint’s products to Ring’s products, you’ll find that Vivint’s wireless setup, professional installation, and two-way talk feature are unique. Vivint also records continuous videos for 30 days, so you can track any activity that occurs in or outside of your home.

    Have a safer, smarter home: Vivint reviews

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    We think that choosing Vivint for home security is one of the most effective ways to create a safer home. Not only does Vivint offer nearly 20 years of industry experience, but they work with a team of experts and create their products using high-quality technology.

    BBB gives them a B- based on multiple factors, including customer comments and complaints. On CNET, Vivint received a 7.6/10 and is considered a “solid choice for creating a robust smart home security system.”


    Vivint Customer Reviews

    Pulling from different sites, we wanted to overview what customers are saying about Vivint home security. We waded through positive and negative reviews to find that Vivint has received mostly positive reviews, often with high scores.

    On Trustpilot, for instance, Vivint has received 4/5 stars based on more than 12,000 reviews.

    “The service technicians are all well trained, polite, and professional. I have had nothing but great service for the last 4.5 years! I cannot say enough about the professionalism, cleanliness, respectful behavior, and knowledge of everyone I’ve dealt with at Vivint Smart Home Security.”

    Rhonda

    “The system is wonderful and I love the features it allows me to use from my phone as well. This makes me feel very safe with all the features. My technician was wonderful and very friendly. He showed everything that the system could do and took the time to develop a personal connection.”

    Marie, Consumer Affairs

    The customer reviews, of course, aren’t all positive. The most common complaints have to do with the panel being able to sustain dozens of products. The more products you add to the system, the harder it is to run everything. Another key factor is cost. Vivint is expensive compared to some other home security companies, but you can enjoy a low-cost start-up or additional promotions if you’re a new customer.

    Vivint actively responds to customer reviews, and customers have nothing but good things to say about the Vivint technicians who visit their homes to install or repair items. Many consider their customer service excellent, and we would have to agree.


    How Much Do Vivint Packages Cost?

    The package costs vary. The Smart Control package, for instance, focuses on home security, smart home technology, and cloud storage. Pricing starts at $39.99 per month, but call 888.841.5276 to get a free quote for the services you want.*

    Vivint Smart Home security package prices might seem high, but if you’re interested in high-quality technology, 24/7 monitoring, and the ability to use WiFi to control your home, it is worth the cost. You aren’t required to pay for everything upfront if you don’t want to.

    Vivint has changed its payment format thanks to various Vivint reviews. They now offer Flex Pay™ options so that you can customize your pay period. These are your two options:

    1. You can pay for your equipment upfront and prevent a long-term commitment.
    2. You can pay for your equipment monthly.

    If you choose the second option, you then have two financing term options: 42 months (3.5 years) or 60 months (5 years). You will not be penalized for paying the total price of equipment early. If you pay for a portion of the equipment upfront, you can enjoy a lower monthly payment.

    Once set up, you don’t have to pay extra for the Vivint Smart Home app because it’s free for all smartphones. With the app, you can unlock and lock doors, open and close the garage, monitor your camera’s sensitivity settings, and talk in real-time with visitors on your front porch.

    The Vivint Smart Home app has received phenomenal reviews, ranking higher than 4/5 on Google Play and iTunes. It has a simple, attractive, and convenient-to-use interface.

    As you decide which home security company you prefer, it’s essential to look at all aspects of the package, terms, and payment details, so you’re not stuck with any surprises. To make the most well-informed decision, we suggest talking to one of the Vivint sales reps (which we’ve already done) and ask the following:

    If you have any questions about products, packages, installation, or technical issues, you can call 888.841.5276 and speak with a Vivint customer service representative.


    Today’s Homeowner’s Vivint Review: Peace of Mind, Professional Installation

    Vivint has a team of customer service representatives, expert technicians, and professional monitors eager to protect and serve their customers.

    If you choose Vivint, know that professional installation and monitoring are included in your home safety services, no matter what. Professional month-to-month tracking costs $39.99 per month for basic home protection services and $49.99 per month for those services and two unique security features.* You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your family is being protected.

    Vivint is offered throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. If you already have service through Vivint, make sure you download the Vivint Smart Home app so that you can monitor your home system from anywhere.

    Call 888.841.5276 to hear about current promotions and get a free quote.


    *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.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    photo of Roxanne Downer

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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