- Vivint
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.
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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.
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Learn MoreUser Reviews
Star Rating
3,831 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Verified Customer
David
They’ve been awesome for the years we have had them. There was a glitch that wasn’t their fault with the cameras but other than that everything has been great. They were able to help with my issues. It is the best having remote accessibility on the cell phone.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Easy to use and I like the smart home features. I don’t think they covered every window in the house so I don’t like that aspect of the equipment but other than that, it is quality stuff, I would just like full coverage of every window to make sure it is was fully secure.
Verified Customer
Penny
They’re doing a fine job. I’ve never had any trouble with them. I’ve recommended Vivint to a lot of friends.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
I like being able to unlock my door remotely but I don’t like that sometimes the cameras go down randomly.
Verified Customer
Shaine
I’ve had Vivint for years. I recently upgraded.so we have additional cameras. I love the company. When I call them, they help us no matter what. It is great. I like the entire product. It is quick and user friendly.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Wish it worked better, I’ve had nothing but trouble with the sensors. It is only working half the time. They always try help in customer service.
Verified Customer
Lori
The best thing is having it all online. I also like the microphones. They come out to my house quickly when I need them.
Verified Customer
James
The reason we went with Vivint is that they offered more features than the other service we had. They offered quality cameras and availability on out phone. It is even fu us, an elderly couple to understand. We have never had any issues with our Vivint system. Our interactions with the staff have been positive.
Verified Customer
Lajuana
The best thing is the technical support. When I have someone come to my house, it is a professional person always. The equipment is good. I have the cameras and they pick things up good.
Verified Customer
Stephen
At first, I did have a problem, I wasn’t sure how everything was going to be covered, but after I explained everything, they took care of it. The equipment is made my humans so there will be failures, which I had with one piece of equipment. I do like the cameras in the front and the rear and also the app on the phone so I can keep an eye on things.
Verified Customer
Laneta
We are pleased with how it works. The representative that came to our house provided more details. Any time I have a problem, they walk me through it and work with us until it is resolved.
Verified Customer
Carol
Everything is my house is secure. I don’t have any problems with the equipment but it can be sometimes hard to get through to customer service.
Verified Customer
Marjorie
I feel very secure with Vivint. They’re always there. I can depend on it.
Verified Customer
Georgia
It is very easy to operate. It seems to work. No one has broken into my house. I like their software. My house is safe. They are nice to me 99% of the time.
Verified Customer
Izak
Vivint is not competitive in the price section and that would be the reason I wouldn’t work with them in the future. Otherwise I was easy to set up and easy to manage the monitoring, it’s pretty clear. They are pretty responsive.
Verified Customer
Lester
I really appreciate the service. I can call them anytime if I have issues and they help me fix it right away. They’ve been supportive and reliable. I feel safe with the equipment. It is easy to operate. When someone is near my home, I can look at the camera.
Verified Customer
Earline
For me personally, the best thing is that they are right there and if I have a problem with anything, I can call and they will walk me through it. Every person I’ve talked to has been respectful. I really love the service. They’re a great company.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
The technical people are very patient with me when I have a problem.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
The camera is the best. I love it. Customer support helps me if there is a problem to figure out.
Verified Customer
Joseph
Vivint is just great. The security system is excellent. I like the way the cameras work. I feel very comfortable in my home. Whenever I have a problem, they’ve been able to answer it and take of me. They are very professional people.
Verified Customer
Capri
I like that I can access it through my phone. There was a miscommunication when I called to set up the system but I was able to get the right person to be able to resolve my issues and set me up.
Verified Customer
Manuel
The equipment is very reliable. I have never had any problems with it. It’s easy to use. Every time I need something, I can call and they help me out.
Verified Customer
Stephanie
It’s always up to date. I like the cameras and the doorbell cameras. I can see who is there.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
They came to my door and offered to install the system several years ago. It has been easy and they help walk me through whatever I am trying to do.
Verified Customer
Mark
The system is reliable and responsive, they just need to expand their smart home offerings.
Verified Customer
Bobby
It is much better quality product than anybody else has got. The protection that it procideds and the quick response back if something goes wrong is great.
Verified Customer
Timothy
Their staff is always very friendly and easy to work with. I have the cameras outside in Oklahoma and we have severe storms and I’ve never had any issues with them. I like that I am not tied to a contract and that it is easy for my wife to use.
Verified Customer
Gay
Having the capability to see who is at the door before answering it is nice. They could be a little more helpful when you call customer service with questions. I have asked for different things but nothing has come of it.
Verified Customer
Jill
The times I’ve called, I’ve gotten very good feedback and answers to my questions. There are some bugs, my garage door won’t close some time, but it is a good system.
Verified Customer
Janet
They are always there when we need them so I am happy. I am glad I have Vivint.
Verified Customer
Alexis
It’s a good value for the money. I have looked at several security products and it seems to be a better fit for me. I like the product. It’s easy. I like that I can access and set everything from my phone. The only time I had a problem, they came right out and figured out that the equipment needed to be replaced.
Verified Customer
Leslie
For some reason, my service was discontinued for several months without my knowledge or permission and there is no reimbursement because I was paying during that whole time.
Verified Customer
Joann
I’ve had Vivint for about 6 years. It’s okay. It is very expensive. Sometimes you have to wait forty minutes for service. I like the cameras and I don’t like ADT.
Verified Customer
Joe
They have good salesmen. I like being secured by them.
Verified Customer
Herman
It is convenient and it makes me feel comfortable. Customer service is very prompt.
Verified Customer
Joann
When I first started out, there were a few issues, but since then it has been fixed and I am very satisfied with the service now. I give them the highest rating and I would definitely recommend.
Verified Customer
Spencer
It works. It’s easy to use. I have had no problems with it in the last five years.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
Their reps are very courteous and explain things properly. The equipment serves my purposes. It sends the alarms.
Verified Customer
Bonnie
It's a good, reliable company. I never had any problems with it. It’s so easy. You have the remote in the car to turn it off or on. I find them very helpful and polite. They address your concerns right away.
Corlyce Barth
Amazing how my review disappeared from a couple of weeks ago. I have been very dissatisfied and I wrote that they could not come fix my thermostat for a week when we were having 112 degrees weather and I ended up called somebody and for $250 he was able to give me a new thermostat. All they say is I have a contract with them even though they have not kept up with their contract
Christie Rogers
Customer service agents not empowered to help - constant "I'm sorry" and no solution. Nothing in place to help those dealing with Covid-19 issues. Contract is horrible and does not allow for "special circumstance" as they proclaim. I recommend to not sign any agreement with this company unless you are sure that your future is in place and nothing will arise for you to ever have to leave your home lose your home don't do it.
Reply from Vivint
Jul 20, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Christie. 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
John Litten
Beware this company has very poor customer service and when, not if, their equipment fails they blame you and they never release you from their contact
Reply from Vivint
Jul 20, 2020
Thank you for your feedback John. 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
Chris
This company steals from you. This was 6 years after I originally had the equipment installed. Contract was over, owned the equipment. Panel stopped communicating with the call centre or whatever it is. They emailed me to say it was no longer working so I would assume that since they couldn’t monitor my system I wouldn’t pay the monitoring fee. Nope, continued to charge for months and when I noticed, they would not refund the money...... for a service that they did not provide. At that point I had put a hold on their automatic withdrawals from my account. Scheduled someone to come out and it turned out that the wifi antenna on the panel was done so the guy replaced it and then it was communicating with the call centre again. Left the hold on their withdrawals because I’m my opinion they still owed me money and after a couple months of not paying they let me know that there was an interruption in services due to non payment. Makes sense but, they still continued to charge me the monthly fee after they INTENTIONALLY turned the service off. I cancelled my account and they immediately ent it to collections. Needless to say, I’ll take the hit to my credit before I ever give these cunts another cent. Called customer service numerous times and never could get an answer as to why taking money for a service you’re not providing is ok. Long story short, greasy thieving company.
Reply from Vivint
Jul 20, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Chris. 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
Misty Lacey
We have used Vivint for about 4 years. Mostly its been great, but sometimes we do have issues with it not recording at times & customer service hasnt been the greatest. But we have gotten some really funny videos from the cameras!
Verified Customer
Ronald L McGuire
Equipment works best. It works ninety nine percent of the time. I can always get a hold of customer service but sometimes the problem doesn’t get fixed and I have to call back. They are pleasant and helpful but they don’t know how to fix it the first time.
Verified Customer
Lena
Never had any issues. They always have what I need in a short period of time. I am satisfied with the results.
Reply from Vivint
Jul 16, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Lena! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint Smart Home and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Lori
They’re always there to help use. We feel safe at night. They’re doing good.
Verified Customer
Dan
Friend of mine had Vivint and we liked being able to lock and unlock the house from the phone. the cameras are little bit too sensitive.
Verified Customer
Patricia
The system seems to be adequate. I’ve had a lot of technical problems and customer service is great. It’s a good value.
Reply from Vivint
Jul 16, 2020
Thank you for your feedback Patricia. 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
Verified Customer
Kathy
If I have a problem, I can call them and feel like I’ve talk to somebody knowledgeable enough to know everything. I had a problem with the lock on the back door that they never fixed and I can’t afford to upgrade my equipment.