Vivint 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
To redeem this offer, call NOW and use
promo code "BESTCOMPANY"
Vivint offers a comprehensive smart home solution, including a control panel 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:
The home security company offers security systems that are professionally installed by a Vivint smart home pro. This means that your sales rep will schedule a smart home pro 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.
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.
All Vivint equipment is under a lifetime warranty, while installation comes with a 120-day warranty. After 120 days, service calls are $49.
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.
Customers have the option of a zero-percent interest loan for 42 or 60 months, so they can get a complete Vivint security system 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.
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 Vivint 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 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, the alarm company 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.
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.
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.
Customers can get a Vivint alarm system 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 for its home security system on its website, so you will need to call Vivint's customer service reps to gather all pricing information.
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 ala carte, meaning every system is completely customizable to the homeowner's needs. The home security provider's equipment is also 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
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, which is the least expensive professional installation fee in the industry. 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.
Star Rating
5,757 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Verified Customer
Kelly & James Surmon
Several problems. Alarm going off when it wasn't set. Outside cameras doesn't work. Need someone to come to residence and no one comes.
Verified Customer
Mrs Jackson
Their customer sucks, they are not responsive to concerns related to their equipment. The offers they lure you in with, you never receive them and they continue to prolong you and string you along. We are very sorry we moved forward with this service and I will attempt to reach them again today to see what the outcome of this call will be this time around. The front camera continues to be foggy and cloudy.
Verified Customer
Amy Stewart
Not as expected. The camera in my den detects items that I do not see when I review. Sometimes the doorbell camera drops items.
Verified Customer
Elsa Martinez
Good. A bit of a mix up with some documents that almost cost us 800.00 but I'm glad I saved the emails
Verified Customer
Timothy Ramsey
The equipment was not completely installed. I have one more sensor that needs to be installed but Customer Service says that I need to install it. I don't understand
Verified Customer
Carol Burrell
We have a lot of trouble connecting and we need help with some issues to connect.
Verified Customer
Tameka
It was a nice experience. From the sales person to the installation was a good experience.
Verified Customer
SILVIO CACERES
I have some concerns, like since the lady update, I can no longer delete footage as a group. Another concern is that I cannot answer the door bell on my phone in real time. On the control panel, if I attempt to view the camera to see who's ringing the bell, there's always a lag before the screen comes on
Verified Customer
Brendon Guymon
Experience is good when the equipment decides to work, the cameras loose and regain connection very often even with 4 wifi bridges. Also the technicians seem to be drill happy and could run wires in a cleaner and professional manner.
Verified Customer
Jose
Ever since i signed up , service has been the worst . Cameras turn off out of no where . I have to be rebooting system all the time.
Verified Customer
Lisa
Vivant has been an ok service. I have 3 cameras and they go offline often and do not work! Very frustrating that I pay this amount of money for a system that does not work half the time.
Verified Customer
Michael Kemo
I have re-contracted with Vivint in the 1st quarter of last year (2020) after trying another system. I was not completely happy. I like Vivint they are up front with details and service.
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, Michael! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Tami Tabacchi
I called for assistance with saving a clip. The woman I spoke with couldn't help me and was totally worthless. I left a review on the phone call. Someone reached out to me and I advised they could contact me via email. That was the last I heard. So disappointed.
Verified Customer
Malba Wynn
This is the WORST company we have ever dealth with. These people can NOT be trusted!!! They are scammers and pray on people that do not understand the type of services they are previding. We are in the process of hiring a lawyer to get out of this mess.
Verified Customer
Gabriel
Worst ever front camera flashes at night just to get a hold of M theses ppl is a waste of time
Verified Customer
Dr Angela Hackworth-Wilson
I can't get anyone on the phone, because I felt the rep. who came out was not offering me the best package. Dissatisifed with their products and services.
Verified Customer
Mike Hempfling
The front door look has always said that it is not locked when it is locked. I followed he directions on the web site and the lock will not reset even after changing batteries.
Verified Customer
Jackie
Very frustrating. When I am alerted that someone is at my door, there is a huge delay, like hours!! Sometimes a day or 2! I had a package delivered today and I saw the lady drop it at my front door but when I got home it was gone and my system does not have a video of this person because there seems to be a delay. I want my package back!
Verified Customer
Alissa Cose
Vivint is overpriced. And sometimes unreliable.
Verified Customer
Thomas rose
Not very good. I have been having constant thermostat issues and all I can do is chat with someone. I really want my money back
Verified Customer
Johnny Lunsford
I need help with my cameras, they had to be unplugged, my garage door will not work with them plugged in
Verified Customer
John Hammond
Terrible. Camera doesn't always record. Has lines through it at night. Cuts off in the middle of interactions at the door
Verified Customer
Yeni Gonzalez
Fantastic and easy to use. Also, lots of bang for your buck. I got 2 cameras for the same price I was paying with a competitor and no surveillance.
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, Yeni! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Nita Lee
We love Vivint. Have been recommending it to others. Clear video. More security.
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, Nita! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Dulce Sanchez
A bit frustrating , cameras will not record at times, application will buffer for a long time, vr recorder will not play when needed
Verified Customer
HILARY KESLER
The system is OK, but customer service needs a makeover. Trying to get to the right person is a loss.
Verified Customer
Jay
It has become as essential as the light and water bill for our family!
Verified Customer
Robin Clack
I am very upset because my system is broke and they have not sent help yet.
Verified Customer
Frances Olivieri
Mixed. Video cameras act erratically. Customer service phone reps are TERRIBLE. Our service technician is great.
Verified Customer
Christie
Poor, lengthy contract with high price for poor quality equipment. Equipment is not reliable but they still expect you to pay regardless of the lack of performance in their product.
Verified Customer
Happy Camper
Excellent customer support and equipment is high quality! They do stand by their products and will replace them if needed. The app could use some work for IOS users as I have experienced some bugs. The option to pay up front is great, however it will hurt the wallet a bit. If you pay up front the monthly monitoring fee is very low. The equipment will not work if you stop paying so keep that in mind. Overall great company, products, and support!
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Dee Gonzales
Very easy to manage. Love the fact that when I'm out of town. My doorbell rings on my phone. Great feature.
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, Dee! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Tessa
It's okay. We only used it for a few months then moved and now we are stuck with something we can't use until we get established in our next home so paying full price for it next month isn't going to be ideal. When we were using it everything worked ok but still wasn't worth the price.
Verified Customer
Karie Moorehead
We are very happy with our change to Vivint. Our upgraded panel & camera system provide peace of mind that is priceless. And, our service cost went down with our switch to Vivint!
Verified Customer
Justin Stein
Good system. Indoor cameras are of poor quality. Outdoor cameras are amazing and HD. Not sure whey they cant be the same. Not a fan of the thermostat, like the Nest better.
Verified Customer
Jacob
Unreliable equipment. I am always having to reset the equipment. Like the front control panel or the thermostat sensors. I spent 3 hours on the phone one night figuring out why my upstairs wouldn't cool down. It's annoying that if it isn't connected or installed correctly you can't have accurate temperature in your home. The away feature is annoying too. By the time it senses you are home it takes 4 plus hours for your house to reach the temperature you want. If it wasn't on this system it would take 30 minutes if that
Verified Customer
Wynne Deets
Not Great! Sometimes it takes a minute or more to notify that someone is at the door
Verified Customer
Gail Reeves
I had fox in back yard and only recorded once . During snow there was tracks coming up to the house right in camera view and nothing was recorded. Came home today and a fox ran off porch where camera is and I checked and did not record it . Not too happy with it
Verified Customer
Cynthia
Misleading holds back crucial info when selling products
Verified Customer
Robert
Totally unhappy . Feel like I was misled and can not afford this service. It costs way more than I was led to believe.
Verified Customer
Claire Pope
Contracts are too long, quality of keypads are not up to par, no upgrades to what has already been installed other than the door camera, never got my DVR that was promised to host recordings, etc...
Verified Customer
Alfredo valdes
My system hasn't worked in 2 months, and when I call customer service they keep in blaming it in my internet, I asked for a tech to come over and twice they have said they will send someone and they never did I'm about to cancel... system still dosent work
Verified Customer
Juan
My experience has been not great not bad they help answer questions i have when i call in but i don't know if it's the system or my phone company that it takes to long to load the video clips
Verified Customer
Patriot Petroleum Solutions
Our technician did a wonderful job explaining all issues to our team
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
Verified Customer
Reynaldo garza
I am upset that a credit card was issued for payment that I was not told about. I gave my bank info to Be taken put of my account.. instead Im paying $15 fee that I don't want ON THE CARD. I cant get hold of anyone to help me. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND Vivent to anyone for this reason. Instead of my payment being $42.60 it is now $57. That, to me is fraud. I needcto TALK , NOT email, to discuss & correct this matter if you really care about your customer as you say you do. I need more instruction on using the app as it is not working right. Often the app says its not in service or an error has occurred Is there a tech or someone who can come & help me about the app?
Verified Customer
Rick Jones
The sales person started by saying we would receive certain equipment free then later in the presentation said we would pay for the equipment over time. He lied.
Verified Customer
Dottie
Horrible !!never stays online! never can i access it through my phone due to it being off line, having to pay for extra router and it still doesn't work properly, I'm sorry I referred my friend when I first got it!!
Verified Customer
Claire Shea
I was pressured into signing up for a loan on the spot and then canceled my service.
Verified Customer
Debra A Garcia=Brooks
Difficult always a problem or long wait. Always a different answer to question system has issues from day one no one can fix
Verified Customer
Johnny
Its been really awesome so far, I haven't had any problems with it,,