Vivint
check_circleverifiedVivint Smart Home offers comprehensive home security and home automation solutions for more than one million customers across the United States. Vivint offers wireless home security systems with 24/7 professional monitoring and a lifetime equipment warranty. Vivint systems are professionally installed and supported by 24/7 customer service teams.
Vivint has been in business for 20 years and has received various industry awards, including the PCMag Editors’ Choice Award, U.S. News & World Report's Best Home Security System of 2019, Business Intelligence Group Excellence in Customer Service Award, and more.
Vivint reviews highlight concerns with the company including hidden fees, a difficult cancellation process, and careless customer service. We talk more about this in "The Bad" section below, and you can read all of Vivint security reviews at the bottom of this page.
The Good
- Vivint Product Ecosystem
- Professional Installation
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring
- Vivint Equipment Warranty
- Compatibility with Smart Home Devices
- Product Financing
- Vivint Smart Home App
- Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro with Smart Sentry™
Vivint Product Ecosystem
Vivint offers a comprehensive smart home solution, including a hub, security cameras, home automation devices, a connected car device, and security and safety sensors. Customers can also finance their products to get a complete smart home at the start without paying for everything upfront. Here's a detailed list of Vivint's offered products:
- Vivint Smart Hub — Single touchscreen hub to connect and control your entire smart home. Easily check the status of your system, and quickly communicate with emergency services.
- Vivint Doorbell Camera — Video doorbell that lets you answer your door from anywhere. Integration with locks and garage doors gives you full control of access to your home.
- Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro — Vivint's video surveillance camera that can intelligently identify and automatically deter a true threat. It doesn’t just record the crime; it helps prevent it.
- Vivint Ping Camera — Indoor camera that lets you see, speak, and stay connected to your home and loved ones.
- Vivint Playback — Playback ability that lets customers record 30 days of continuous video from up to four cameras to their Vivint Smart Drive and access it remotely from their mobile device.
- Kwikset Smart Lock — Smart lock that provides secure, keyless access from anywhere and can even tell you who unlocked a door and when.
- Garage Door Controller — Garage door remote that allows customers to open or close their garage door remotely from Vivin't mobile app.
- Vivint Element Thermostat — Smart thermostat that lets you control the temperature in your home from anywhere. It can also automatically adjust to keep you comfortable when you’re home and save you money when you’re away.
- Vivint Car Guard — A way to monitor whereabouts of your vehicle, car maintenance updates, or mechanical issues, all through the same mobile app.
- Vivint Smart Sensor — Door/window sensor that enables customers to ensure doors and windows are secure.
- Vivint Motion Sensor — Equipment that lets customers track movement in their homes with the passive infrared motion sensor.
- Smoke Detector — Sensor that sends a signal to the panel when smoke is detected, sounding a loud local alarm and alerting monitoring immediately to dispatch authorities.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector — Sensor that sends a signal to the panel when excessive carbon monoxide levels are detected, sounding a loud local alarm and alerting monitoring immediately to dispatch authorities.
- Vivint Water Sensor — Water sensor that notifies customers of leaks and floods inside the home, as well as freezing indoor temperatures that may lead to bursting pipes.
- Glass-Break Detector — Sensor that alerts customers if a window is broken in the home.
Professional Installation
Vivint offers security systems that are professionally installed by a Vivint technician. This means that your sales rep will schedule a technician to come to your home, consult with you on what your home might need, and help you determine where all the products should go. The technician connects your entire system for you and then shows you how to use it before leaving.
24/7 Professional Monitoring
Vivint includes 24/7 professional monitoring by security certified agents. If homeowners want peace of mind that their houses will be protected at all times, monitoring is an important part of proper home security.
24/7 monitoring means that your alarm will send a signal to a professional monitoring center when a sensor detects a break-in, smoke, or carbon monoxide. The monitoring center will then contact you through the system's cellular two-way communication to verify whether the alarm is an actual emergency or a false alarm.
Vivint Equipment Warranty
All Vivint equipment is under warranty for the first 120 days after installation and any needed service calls are at no charge. After 120 days, service calls are $49 and equipment is also warranted for 30 days after any service ticket.
Compatibility with Smart Home Devices
A useful offering from Vivint is its compatibility with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which allows homeowners to control features with their voice. Vivint is also compatible with other popular technology, including Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, Philips Hue lightbulbs, and Z-Wave Alliance certified products.
Compatibility with these smart home products is especially helpful for improving energy efficiency in your home.
Product Financing
Customers have the option of a zero-percent interest loan for 42 or 60 months, so they can get a complete smart home without having to pay for everything upfront (as with DIY systems). The accompanying service contract matches the term of the loan so that customers have service while they are paying off the products. Once a customer pays off their equipment loan, they have the ability to go to a month-to-month service subscription.
Vivint Smart Home App
The Vivint Smart Home app is available in the app stores for both iPhone and Android devices, and you can use it to manage and control your Vivint system from anywhere. Customers can also use the app to set up rules for certain events to happen automatically when triggered by other products or at specific times during the day. For example, you can have your doors automatically lock every night at 10:00 PM or have your indoor camera record a clip whenever the front door is opened.
Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro with Smart Sentry™
Vivint has an outdoor camera called the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro. The camera includes two-way talk, hybrid wired Wi-Fi connection, a customizable surveillance zone, a 4K sensor with 1080p quality with HD zoom, a wide-angle lens with a 140-degree view, and night vision. The camera even includes what Vivint calls Smart Sentry™, which is an LED ring light on the camera that lights up and plays an alert sound to let intruders know they've been spotted.
When the camera detects motion and a person is in the camera's view for too long, that's when Smart Sentry™ is triggered. You can customize notifications so that the camera will notify you when any person approaches. If you want notifications to be more specific, you can set the alert to only notify you when someone may be loitering. The camera also automatically records 20-second auto recordings whenever something triggers the camera's motion detectors.
By using the Vivint Smart Home app, you can also access live feed of your camera at any time as well as past footage that is stored in your Vivint Smart Drive. The drive saves continuous footage for up to 30 days.
If you don't want to install the camera(s) yourself, Vivint offers professional installation and will synch your Wi-Fi, your outdoor camera(s), and your Vivint Smart Home products together, so all of your devices are connected.
The Bad
- Vivint Reviews
- $99 Moving Fee
- Lengthy Contracts
- Vivint Home Security Cost
Vivint Reviews
With hundreds of negative reviews, many noting Vivint as a scam, the company has a low star rating on BestCompay.com. Common complaints include a difficult cancellation process, poor customer service, slow response time, and expensive pricing. Be sure to read Vivint security reviews below to see what else consumers have to say about the company.
$99 Moving Fee
Vivint charges customers a $99 move fee if you transfer services to a new residence within the first year of a signed contract. Many home security companies offer moving services completely free of charge.
Lengthy Contracts
Vivint requires 42- or 60-month contracts for its security services. Although contracts are common within the home security industry, typically they only last up to 36 months.
The upside to a long contract is Vivint gives you the choice of a zero-percent interest loan for the length of the contract, which may make the long-term contract worth it for some customers.
Vivint Home Security Cost
Customers can get Vivint service starting at $29.99 per month for monitoring, with no activation fee or equipment fee. This basic monitoring also requires the purchase of a Starter Kit, which includes one touchscreen hub, two door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and $100 in sensors.
Although this is a relatively low monthly monitoring fee, expanding to home automation products and adding cameras will increase this monthly service cost and require you to either pay upfront for or finance the product cost. Like some other security providers, Vivint does not list its specific pricing on its website, so you will need to call Vivint's customer service reps to gather all pricing information.
The Bottom Line
Vivint home security systems feature a comprehensive selection of home automation smart home products, video surveillance with security cameras, and energy management features with professional installation and 24/7 professional monitoring. The company's most unique offering is its Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, which automatically detects and deters crime.
In addition to Vivint's robust product offerings, the company has its own mobile app that allows customers to manage their home security system and smart home products from anywhere at any time.
Vivint products are compatible with most smart home devices, including the Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Nest Thermostat, and more. You can find the complete list in "The Good" section above.
A downside to Vivint is the company has a long-term contract that lasts 42 or 60 months. This is longer than most home security companies out there. However, Vivint does offer product financing for the length of the contract, so customers don't have to pay for their equipment upfront. This may make the lengthy contract worth it for some consumers.
Vivint is also not upfront about pricing for its security systems and has received numerous customer service complaints. With hundreds of reviews, Vivint has a low star rating from consumers, many of them complaining that the company is a scam with pushy salespeople, hidden fees, faulty equipment, and poor customer service.
You can find Vivint security reviews located below if you want to learn more about the customer experience.
Call our recommended rep over at Vivint below.
1-(855) 866-8028
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User Reviews
Star Rating
1,038 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
 Verified Customer
Chose them for the price. Their home security system is reliable and easy to use.
 Verified Customer
Vivint has a good wireless connection and I like that I am able to monitor it from my home when I'm away.
 Verified Customer
The fact that they have the latest technology was the #1 selling point for me. Their equipment runs low on battery sometimesso I have to change it regularly. It's been about a year and a half and I have had to change about four batteries, so so far it's not as reliable as AT&T or any other security systems where you never have to change any of that either way to providers. I do like that I can turn my monitoring on and off with my smartphone device from anywhere in the world. And that I can monitor everything myself. Sometimes it takes me a while to just to get a hold of someone within the call center. On average, I had to spend roughly 40-45 minutes just to speak to someone.
 Verified Customer
They pretty much answer all my questions to my satisfaction. There were only a couple of times where they were unable to pinpoint the issue and it took him a few times to get it right. Tther than that they're pretty good.
 Verified Customer
When you detect the problem they did get right on it. The system is simple.
 Verified Customer
I've worked in security before and Vivint is very reliable- it's gear is really good. I've had very few problems with the system. I think I've had to call them two times with problems and both times they've been very helpful... they come right out and it's been taken care of almost immediately.
 Verified Customer
Equipment is state of the art - same as everyone else's. I like that they contact their existing customers on a routine basis to see if there's anything they need help with.
 Verified Customer
I picked Vivint because I liked their customer service. But they need to step up their act and get more people to solve problems quicker.
 Verified Customer
When I signed up with Vivint, they were offering the best service at the time. They respond very quickly to alarms and are very good at making sure they have the most current information for you so they can get a hold of you no matter what in case of an alarm. I like that I have access to my home security via smart phone or tablet - that I have the ability to check on the house.
 Verified Customer
One of my family members had it and spoke extremely highly of your company and so we decided to give a try and then everything was smooth from calling in the order to the installer was great so that's that's why I was basically just a referral. every time I've called they have been extremely courteous they have been you know very helpful and just very friendly people to talk to. I've nevr had any issues with the equipment.
 Verified Customer
The give fasts responses to all of my question. Like that it can be remotely controlled from anywhere.
 Verified Customer
The sytem detects when something happened to the motion sensors .
 Verified Customer
The system is convenient and it works. I did ask over the phone to add equipment and I never got an answer.
 Verified Customer
Quick responses. Friendly customer service. Fast turnaround time on issues.
 Verified Customer
We had ADT, but ADT raised their prices. When we signed up, it was great and our rep was around for any questions. Maybe they could use more customer service checking in every now and then just to see how things are going.
 Verified Customer
The system is affordable. the sensor that they installed on my back door you know its not working properly and then but they did my smoke alarm did go bad and they did replace that so that that was good. I had heard that they updated their control panel and I wished that someone could explain it a little more to me I would like to get that upgraded but I don't want to have to pay a lot of money for it.
Very clever crooks. Iron clad long term contracts that are not explained. Terrible customer service and passed around when confronted. Continued to bill after transferring the contract.
I have been a customer of Vivint for 7 years under my name until Cole L came along as a Vivint salesscam to my door in August of 2019 my husband told him he wanted a camera for the outside, long story short he set up a brand new account in my husband's name ,told me to cancel my account and told me that I was not to mention that another account has been set up,just tell them you want it cancelled ,,I tried but a young man by the name of Jake wouldn't allow me to cancel without offering me incentives to stay, such as "what will it take, and "name your price",,in the meantime my account was cancelled by someone other then me! And my husband's "brand new" account is in full force. So from paying $77/Mo to $92/Mo..this is considered a good deal!! HA! After speaking to Courtney, she promised my bill would be reduced to $42.49 a month for customer loyalty, it would be sent to the "Retention Group"?? I don't know what on earth that is,,I have waited and waited and talked to countless young people,,they will not ,they refuse to put you through to any of the higher ups,,a supervisor or manager,,it's a scam folks, pure and simple the young people that answer the phones are well trained little zombies that all read from the same script "I'm sorry you had to go through this, I will fix it I will send an email to my supervisor and they will e-mail you or fix it and on and on it goes,,it doesn't get fixed and I get another bill for $92.00 a month which I'm not paying, so the bill climbs and they stall, and I won't budge! I will call them again and again and fight it tooth and nail,but my warning to any and all of you folks who are looking for a security system ,,Beware of Vivint,, Do Not get involved with this company,, their main base is in the U.S. I was very happy with them and was a good paying customer for 7 years,but I see the other side of them,the dark side of a very corrupt business,sending young fresh faces kids out to scam the people at their doors! There is so much more to this story but I'm sure you get the point.
Reply from Vivint
Nov 17, 2019
Thank you for your feedback Donna. We would love to look into this situation further. Please contact our chat support team using this link.
Do not bother with Vivint. They have the worst doorbell camera equipment. Seriously, using the app, I cannot get a clear picture of any live activity. Once the activity ceases then the picture appears clear. In other words, if anything suspicious is happening outside your house, you will not be able to view it. When someone rings my doorbell, I try to see who it is but because of all the spinning, I only get a view of the person walking away. I have complained for about 18 months and nothing has changed. Technician came out and again no improvements. Further, their contracts are lengthy for a reason as this is a sure way to keep the customer paying for three to five years. Please do not waste your time, energy, and money.
Reply from Vivint
Nov 17, 2019
Thank you for your feedback McCoy. We would love to look into your concerns further. Please contact our chat support team using this link: https://www.vivint.com/company/contact-us?email-chat=1
 Verified Customer
I don't like the fact that you can't add cameras after service u less you pay the full price
 Verified Customer
Customers service has not always been friendly or helpful. The wait for techs when the service doesn't work is unacceptable- three to four weeks and the bill was NOT adjusted. Medical issues in the home with an elderly parent and Vivint didn't care at All. Waiting for the contract to end to find a company that cares about their customers.
 Verified Customer
none, child opened door to house before. before I could get inside alarm went off. never got a response from Vivint to ensure it was just a false alarm. makes me wonder if it would have been a real break in of police would have been called.
 Verified Customer
Poor service. Constant issues with my system. The only answer I ever get is to reboot my panel. Very unhappy with the overall service.
 Verified Customer
I can't seem to get my notifications to replay on my phone.
 Verified Customer
I love the ease of use of the equipment and how responsive they are when called.
 Verified Customer
low prices for the security that we get.
 Verified Customer
Our household experience are great! This was the best decision we ever made. So far so good with our equipment.
 Verified Customer
The service is very good top-of-the-line
 Verified Customer
Pretty solid. One of my cameras doesn't work, maybe an automation that reaches out to users after a sensor or camera goes down for X amount of time.
 Verified Customer
I have liked their responsiveness to issues. I worry about the effectiveness of the smoke detector.
 Verified Customer
I've problem with my doorbell camera that was never fixed.
 Verified Customer
One of the things that impresses me is when we lost power the alarm system was still up and running.
 Verified Customer
My experience overall has been great. Great customer service. They should reduce length of contract to 3 years
 Verified Customer
Great so far - customer service has been great from installation to a small issue we had everything was resolved quickly!
 Verified Customer
I love the electronic door lock/unlock from my smart phone. What Vivint can improve on is, the downloading of real time on the cameras. It takes too much time for it to download
 Verified Customer
overall things are awesome. they can improve the main hub. I've had to reboot my system about 6 times this year since april
 Verified Customer
Very good They are accessible and service is polite and knowledgeable
 Verified Customer
I am pleased with my system. Only thing that I have noticed is calling in if you talk to 2 people I usually get different answers.
 Verified Customer
easy to use and trustworthy. Ive never really needed anything, but I when I do, customer service has been helpful
 Verified Customer
The system so far seems ok, but the phone app has issues (or at least mine does) with constantly going off line & back on along with the camera buffers A LOT. My sales person was great! UNTIL he had the sale and left and never came back like he said he would during installation to make sure we received everything we asked for but we didn't and took forever and I believe I'm still paying for a t-stat that was taken back by a technician. I gave up and just pay my bill till it ends.
 Verified Customer
Very little very deceptive less than truthful just don't trust them. I've had problems with solar and now on my home security
 Verified Customer
completing the voicing and timing when entering and exiting doors.
 Verified Customer
I disliked having to pay $49 for a service man come to replace low batteries! I am an 80 year old widow & can not get on a ladder! Is there no more customer satisfaction or customer service?
 Verified Customer
Make sure when im suppose to get an alert, make due I get it right away not a minute later.
 Verified Customer
It's been good. Only thing is that we have had to replace the system once since we had it.
 Verified Customer
Poor repair service. Went for a month no service.
 Verified Customer
When I am away from home it goes off line and I cannot view my home
 Verified Customer
Willingness to help, their patience and professionalism
 Verified Customer
More software updates to the control panel to improve functionality and look.
 Verified Customer
Average service. Customer service needs lots of work. Been advised that batteries will be provided when needed but needs to explain that every time. Prices are high compared with other companies. Telus has amazing offers.