Vivint
check_circle VerifiedVivint Smart Home offers comprehensive home security and home automation solutions for more than one million customers across the United States. Vivint provides wireless home security systems with 24/7 professional monitoring and a lifetime equipment warranty. Its systems are professionally installed and supported by 24/7 customer service teams.
The company 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.
Continue reading for The Good, The Bad, and The Bottom Line about Vivint Smart Home, and check out customer reviews of its home security and home automation.
Go Directly to Vivint Smart Home Customer Reviews
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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 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 access to voice-controlled control features. Vivint is also compatible with other popular technology, including the 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
- $99 Moving Fee
- Lengthy Contracts
- Vivint Home Security Cost
$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 if you choose to finance your products. 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 if you choose to finance your products rather than pay for them upfront. This is longer than most home security companies out there. However, the fact that Vivint offers product financing for the length of the contract may be a benefit.
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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Vivint Frequently Asked Questions
What comes as standard equipment in Vivint home security packages?
Vivint provides customized systems based on each customer’s unique needs, so it’s difficult to define standard equipment. That said, there is a Starter Kit that most customers begin with as a solid baseline.
Typically, the Starter Kit will include the touchscreen Vivint Smart Hub control panel, a Vivint yard sign and light, two door/window sensors, a motion sensor, and $100 worth of customizable equipment. Most customers also opt for at least one or two security cameras and a few additional pieces of equipment.
What is Vivint’s cancellation policy?
In most cases, a customer can cancel within their right of rescission (three days) without any penalty. After that, the customer is required to pay the remaining balance of the service and equipment for the life of the agreement.
Does Vivint require an installation or activation fee?
Vivint typically charges a $49 install fee. It does not charge an activation fee.
Does Vivint run a credit check?
Vivint will run a credit check if the customer intends to finance the equipment. If the customer pays upfront for the equipment, no credit check is needed.
How much does Vivint professional monitoring cost?
Vivint’s monthly monitoring service starts at $29.99 per month.
Do you own your Vivint home security equipment?
Once a customer pays off their equipment, they own it. The vast majority of customers finance the equipment over 60 months.
What devices can you use to access your Vivint cameras?
Customers can access their Vivint camera feeds through the Vivint Smart Home app which is compatible with most smartphones and tablets. It is not compatible with Kindle tablets or older flip phones.
Message from
Vivint
User Reviews
Star Rating
3,555 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
bookmark Featured Review
Verified Customer
Kevin
Great company. I've recommended them to everybody. They make the person who is purchasing the equipment properly knows exactly what they ae getting, what everything does, and how to use it. It is one of the best customer experiences and provides the best new age technology. The price is competitive and a little cheaper than a few others. The technician was very thorough and made sure to clean up after drilling the walls, which was fantastic. The security system works off the home network and you know your access is going to be secure. I feel very safe remoting into the system.
Reply from Vivint
Mar 05, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Kevin! We are so glad to hear about your experiences with us and your Smart Home Pro. When you have a chance, give us a call at 1-800-216-5232 to get your referral code that can lead to great perks.
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Verified Customer
Lawrence
I had ADT before and I didn't like it so a neighbor introduced me to vivint. I really like them and the products. I like the option of being able to see what's going on at home through my phone app. I've had it about two years and only once I've had to contact them with an issue and it was quickly resolved. They gave outstanding, professional customer service.
Reply from Vivint
Mar 05, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Lawrence! We are so glad to hear about your experiences with us and how you're enjoying your system. When you have a chance, give us a call at 1-800-216-5232 to get your referral code that can lead to great perks.
Clif Dennis
Clif Dennis I like the Vivint system. But when we hit the wrong thing on the phone, it completely messed up everything. Customer Service is almost non existent. If you call, there is at least a thirty minute hold. I've tried nine ways from Sunday to change my password with no success. It says the PW is changed, but it still doesn't work. Thus, the system is of no value to me. Vivint needs local customer service. I won't recommend until local service is available.
Jordan Schwartz
Vivint is by far the worst alarm company imaginable. Their equipment is all junk, their technicians don't have a clue what they're doing, their customer service is actually laughable. Trying to keep this equipment even borderline operational is a part time job.
Verified Customer
Harold Johnson
Excellent: Tech support, customer service, equipment, and most of all the people who represent Vivint everyday.
Sal Mirza
Do not go with Vivint. There are hundreds of other companies that are much better and easy to deal with. Vivint has a lot of hidden contracts and such that they get you stuck in so you can’t leave when you figure out how awful they company really is. Please go with Ring or something else.
Reply from Vivint
Jun 30, 2020
Thank you for your feedback, Sal. We'd like to see how we can assist you with your issues. Please call in with us 24/7 so we can discuss this further, and make sure you are taken care of. 18002165232
Calvin Wright
This company is very crooked, im a truck driver. My wife was soon due to have our baby boy in a couple of weeks. So she let this busniess guy talk her into buying a home security system on jun 7 2018. What my wife was told was it was a buyer agreement for the equipment for payoff in 5 years with 0% interest, we are now in limbo with them trying to cancel this and we are being told it was a 5 year contract also for thier services. We payed off the equipment in july 19 2018, we barely ever use it and the driveway camera missed a lot of stuff and isn't very good. So we just didn't want their services anymore. Im now being told I have to buy out my the remaining months of my contract for $900 at which time i would not get any more services at all. This is very wrong and stay away from this. I did not sign the contract. My wife did and was not told this at all.
Reply from Vivint
Jun 30, 2020
Thank you for your feedback, Calvin. We'd like to see how we can assist you with your issues. Please Chat in with us 24/7 so we can discuss this further, and make sure you are taken care of. 18002165232
Shannon Hadley
We recently bought a home that had Vivint installed when we viewed the home and thought it looked great so we wanted to continue once we purchased the home. We had install set a month prior to move in. We were going to be getting a 300 discount for military and then another 200 (I think ) for being referred by someone who partners with vivint. We moved in on May 15 had scheduled install for the 18th. The day came and went by the end of the day after not hearing from them i called to find out where they were. I was informed that the system had auto rescheduled for some reason and was now set to be installed on the 21st as that was the first available next appointment. Well guess what 21st came and went and as it got closed to end of install time i called. At this time i was informed that it had been cancelled d/t the fact that somehow when it was scheduled it was schedule for some address in Texas. I was irritated they offered to take some money off of product. They then told me that next available was the 29th. I told them i would have to think about it as i was irritated at this point and wanted to look at other options. When i called back that was no longer next available now i was looking at June 4th for install. They told me they would be try to get me in sooner but that did not happen. June 4th came appointment time came to around 330 and had not heard from the install people, mind you i had got a confirmation call the night before. So i called Vivint and i was informed that it had been cancelled. After much complaint, irritation spoke with an account manager Ashley who informed me she could understand my frustration and wanted to make it happen was on hold for a very long time finally found out that apparently this time they had the correct address but it had been cancelled by the technician because he had an emergency and was not in town. NO call from anyone. Ashley assured me that she was in the process of contacting the regional manager for the area to rectify the situation and have someone come as soon as possible for install also took a little more off the purchase price as 10 a month monitoring. However i did not hear back from her and the soonest they were able to get me on for was the 19th of June which i received an email about. I was still under the impression (stupidly) that this lady was trying to reach out and get me in sooner. So i again get a call confirming this install the night before. Day came again close to end of install time 350 have not heard from the install person so i call. This time when i call i am informed that my appointment is for the 20th. I said it is not it was for today 19th have email stating this and got a call the night before extremely irate at this time ask to be transferred to someone higher up that can handle the situation. I was transferred to a man Steve (I think) who put me on hold to find out what happened again apparently this technician had an emergency and was not able to come. He told me that he confirmed install would be on the 20th and could offer me 10 off monitoring fee for an extended 3 months. I told him that this was completely unacceptable customer service and that i would like to speak with someone higher up. At this time i spent the next 40 min on the phone with Naomi who was a supervisor she was pleasant confirmed she would oversee that the install would take place but that they were unable to do it today. I told her this was horrible practice the company was making me feel like an extremely lowest priority. She told me she would take another $100 off the product price bring my total off the product to 1587. However when we went over what was included it wasn't even correct as to what i was originally told i would be receiving so it had to be reworked and although she gave me another discount it would now be 1805. seriously i mean seriously you have got to be kidding me. I said never mind for that price I should be treated with much greater respect and have absolutely no trust in this company to handle any needs if they should arise. I had already requested my security deposit refunded. Never once did i get any follow up calls or calls to cancel appointments. Horrible practice customer service. would not recommend to anybody they dont care about their customers.
Reply from Vivint
Jun 23, 2020
Thank you for your feedback. We understand your frustration and would like to see how we can assist you. Please call us in with us 24/7 so we can discuss this further, and make sure you are taken care of. Please call us at 18002165232.
Michelle Felch
After being a customer for six years I renewed my contract for one more year since they offered me a lower rate. When we first got service they failed to follow through on any of the extra devices we wanted like doorbell camera, auto deadbolt, etc saying they don’t get those in Alaska very often. Yikes. So we renewed this last time under the promise they would send us an electronic deadbolt and they said no problem. 4 weeks later no arrival and I called they just ‘didn’t send it for some reason’...2 weeks later we get a refurbished deadbolt missing faceplates. I called and they said whoops AGAIN and after holding another 30 minutes said it would be mailed correctly. They offered me ask a loyal customer’ a referral code LOL So if I refer a friend or family they can give me a credit. Why would I ever after all this refer them a customer?? They didn’t offer to do anything for me after all of these years of service and having paid them over $4500 total now. I’ll never renew again, make sure you hold them accountable if you get service here.
Jan
Sales Rep is misleading and you lock in for 6 years and Fortiva is one of their financing Company. I was approved for $2000 for the security system and it was installed the same day, but after further review of the contract I sent a message to Rep. to let him know he wasn't honest with us and to cancel my contract. Did every step within 48 hours. Went back to my Company ADT. I got a letter on 6-16-20 stating my credit was to low... WHAT A LAUGH. Be careful if you do business with them.
Reply from Vivint
Jun 16, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Jan. We appreciate your honesty about your experience with Vivint Smart Home and would love to investigate this further. So that we can, please contact our Support team at 1-800-216-5232
Shelita
Sales Rep solicited me on June 2, 2020. The offer was a extended Memorial Day Special of Doorbell camera free if I place there sign in the yard. Once you hear the rest of their sales pitch I they sign you up for a basic monitoring systems without any bells or whistle, not even the door bell camera he started off offering. Was told I had 3 days to cancel with all monies refunded. I tried to cancel day 2 through their customer service and Kyle would not do just that. he kept making different offers none of what I wanted. He tried to wear me down for about a hour of my precious time. Finally I told him I needed to go but only wanted to cancelled. The next day which was the 3rd day, I called again the spoke with M. Williams whom was rude as hell once I told her I wanted to cancel. She started to making other offers as well as it was my 3rd day , I only wanted to cancel and I did not want to be stuck with this Security System. After a back and forth she told me I needed to email a statement about cancelling and she rudely hung up on me. I did send them an email asking to cancel it. It is June10, I still have not heard back from them and no one has come to get this system. They are very misleading in their selling pitch for this product. All lies from beginning of sales presentation to the end. They do not want you to cancel within 3 days like they say. I was not provided with any information about this system. The only thing that was emailed to me was the information from Citizen One their finance company which stated how much this system cost what payments would be. Still awaiting this to be cancelled.
Reply from Vivint
Jun 12, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Shelita. We appreciate your honesty about your experience with Vivint SmartHome and would love to investigate this further. So that we can, please contact our Support team at 1-800-216-5232
Verified Customer
dana stefan
Professional, helping in a quick manner, friendely
Verified Customer
Inder Bilkhu
good but just some minor issues. the front never locks without pulling on the handle. the back door lock I have changed the batteries but the lock is still not working and I know I should be calling in to Vivint but have been busy.
Verified Customer
Donna Wilbert
Great Company I feel very secure and safe. Excellent response time
Verified Customer
Denise
Excellent, always helpful if any issues arise, spot on if an alarm triggers. We're very comfortable with using them as our security service.
Verified Customer
Amere
My experience with Vivint has been positive. I love the system and am so glad I switched from my previous home security company.
Verified Customer
Kim Thomas
Fantastic product and service love everything about it!
Verified Customer
Cathy Meier
not very good, I have not been able to access my account online
Verified Customer
Hermilo Ruiz
Very Good, recomanded Vivint to my son and my sister.
Verified Customer
Lorraine Centeno
Doesn’t record for the whole activity, I need more time record and when the Electricity went out for 30 minutes I could not see anything through my phone
Verified Customer
Don Culbreath
Fantastic service and excellent equipment!
Verified Customer
Labaron Harris
It’s 💯 % better than xfinity... but I would love for Vinint to put out a better quality entry door lock system.
Verified Customer
Phillip Nelson
Solid performance day in and day out, above and beyond attention to details
Verified Customer
Steve
Great, easy to deal with. More words to complete survey.
Verified Customer
Laneen Morgan
Staff is knowlegable and helpful. They take time to explain all the products and services.
Verified Customer
Billy
Excellent well love they system especially the video the two way I love customer service they have patience with u.
Verified Customer
N Young
Good system, easy to program. Satisfied with purchase.
Verified Customer
Pearl
Vivint suits my security needs. They are always ready and willing to fix any issues I have with the system.
Verified Customer
Beverly Andrews
Great!! I really like the idea that I can look to see who is at my door.
Verified Customer
Jim S.
Vivint has given me real piece of mind knowing they are monitoring my home when I am away. fast response from thier monitors gives me a good sense of security.
Verified Customer
J. Wright
So far so good there have been a few minor glitch’s
Verified Customer
Reynaldo Zavala
Great service thst gives my family and myself piece of mind.
Verified Customer
Bob Mark
I have found everyone at Vivint professional and efficient.
Verified Customer
Paul Harper
Good system, good service.Far better service than others I have used.
Verified Customer
Steven
The app is easy to navigate and the camera’s for monitoring are top notch
Verified Customer
Mike Finch
It is a good system,everything is great quality
Verified Customer
John
It has been good. I wish the old app would be fixed. I can't view triggered videos on my iphone.
Verified Customer
Jennifer Snow
Amazing, they have always been friendly and have helped me out with any issues I have had!
Verified Customer
Alvin Dunnam
It has been fine. Always able to get someone when I call. Take care of issues in a timely manner.
Verified Customer
Bonnie
great service quick response great customer service
Verified Customer
Barbara Ehlers
Excellent. They have always been very helpful any time I had any problems.
Verified Customer
Nakia Simmons
So far so good. Only thing is cameras doesn’t always record
Verified Customer
Washington
service has been very good. WHY!! I gave you all the experience you need for this survey.
Verified Customer
Lisa Sarber
Very responsive and helpful when I had problems or concerns
Verified Customer
John Lukawesky/ KenWatson(son)
Love it. Very quick responses. And not hard to learn and no worries!
Verified Customer
paul B Williams
I'm with Vivint for almost two years now and it is the best choice I have ever made when it come to home security I could not ask for better, no matter where I am it feels like at home, I can see everything that is happening at home and also talk to whoever is at my door from my phone its like I never leave.. customer service to me is always great, I would recommend Vivint to anyone who is looking smart home security if thy are looking to feel comfortable at home and away.. Vivint is the best way to go.. I am one satisfied customer...
Verified Customer
Virginia Bennett
In protecting my property and responding to alarms Vivint has been quick. However, it took some time to resolve a problem on the operation of my equipment. And I feel the company should replace batteries even if I must pay for them. In the booklet of operation there was supposed to be a three year check and this would take care of some problems.
Verified Customer
Willie Williams
Their service has been great! Customer service is very knowledgeable and kind. I would highly recommend this company!
Verified Customer
V. Henderson
Great, I love the service. Helps me to feel safe at home and when I’m away from home.
Verified Customer
Robert
They can definitely do better. I still haven't had my issue resolved