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.
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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.
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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, 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
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
Jay
It has become as essential as the light and water bill for our family!
Verified Customer
Alejandra Barragan
My experience has been nothing but amazing. Great customer service and the cameras are clear. We haven't had any problems and are extremely satisfied
Reply from Vivint
Jan 19, 2021
Thank you for your feedback, Alejandra! We are so glad to hear about your experience with Vivint and how you're loving your system.
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
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
PATRICIA GRAHAM
NOT HAPPY AT ALL - THE REASON THAT I WENT WITH VIVINT THEY DISCONTINUED AFTER 6 MONTHS - I USED TO BE ABLE TO ARM, DISARM AND SEE WHO HAD BEEN AT THE DOOR FROM MY COMPUTER - NOW YOU NEED A SMART PHONE TO DO THESE THINGS WHICH I DO NOT HAVE - WOULD SWITCH IF I COULD BUT I AM LOCKED INTO A CONTRACT
Verified Customer
Mackenzie Romero
They take forever to answer the phone and do nothing to help you after a hurricane when you lost everything.
Verified Customer
Bridgette
My camera recording is fuzzy and I need to report it. I like having a camera to see what's happening around my home. I'm not as into things going through my internet. I prefer it going through my home phone. The internet gets shaky and the connection is not always spot on when I want to turn it on or off.
Verified Customer
James Lamb
It has been a good experience so far. I like having the ability to see outside without having to go outside.
Verified Customer
Matt Behounek
It works seamlessly and reliably. I wish there was an option in the app to turn off cameras periodically.
Verified Customer
James Lynch
Not impressed. To expensive and to many false alarms still having g issue with my back sliding door cause the senser dose not work there with tube doggie door there. So yes still a few issues and anytime I want to look up a video it will not show it of when someone is coming to to the front door
Verified Customer
Terry Lewis
Very disappointing. Way over-priced for an average product. The customer is never right. Beware of their sales representatives.
Verified Customer
Holly E
100x times better than my previous company. From the quality of images on the doorbell cam to the user friendly app, I love everything about this company.
Verified Customer
Jason Wilt
I need my refund the equipment has been returned
Verified Customer
Nicholas A Link
never worked. Reported them to AARP fraud & CO attorney general. They won't cancel the contract they breached.
Verified Customer
Donisa Page
Pro Camera still gets knocked off Wi-Fi, lately happens almost every late at night.
Verified Customer
Maggie Beesley
Poor everything the salesman said was not accurate and we didn't realize till after the install they had drilled into the house we're RENTING when I asked before install we were told there were not modifications to structure
Verified Customer
Brian
horrible. customer service sucks. products don't work. cant even get a call back.
Verified Customer
Niki
Excellent product. Does produce some false positive alerts but can be controlled with settings. Better more sensitive than not enough. Great value. Fabulous quality equipment
Verified Customer
Dena Saylor
Not happy with the products, slowly changing out stuff. I've replaced the thermostat, we are about to change the door lock.
Verified Customer
John C. Smith
Terrible company. Terrible service. Equipment is not worth the money.
Verified Customer
Cub
It's good the customer service was great along with the installation
Verified Customer
Andrew Espinosa
I like Vivint but have had some of my sensors fall off there mark. For whatever reason it keeps happening.
Verified Customer
Brenda
I love the service, camera and the technology
Verified Customer
Linda Alexander
Presentation was very good. Main reason for signing up. Installation not so much. 1)Service was rushed (due to installers trying to win a contest) Doorbell was installed on the front of the house. Prior to installing, doorbell worked for both front and back doors. 2)After installation my back door bell no longer worked. 3) cannot hear VIvinit doorbell in back bedroom. Panel is installed in kitchen. The salesperson did return for follow up; that was good. We told him of our issues and he indicated someone would get back in touch with us to rectify. NEVER HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE. Called salesperson and left message regarding this, NEVER HEARD BACK.
Verified Customer
Curtis Rathbun
from the start not good...from day one to order to actual installing of equipment...customer service is horrible...paying $42.00 a month for equipment wasn't planned as my equipment was suppose to work...now stuck with payment for 5 years
Verified Customer
Tracy Burns
Okay - very little interaction. Had to call twice for service
Verified Customer
Doug
Not great. It has taken 7 tech visits and over 10 hours on the phone in 6 months to finally get everything set up properly.
Verified Customer
James &Norma Petty
My doorbell keep going off line I keep rebooting
Verified Customer
Tim
I'm very happy with Vivint! I can check my home from work or anywhere! It alerts me and I feel safe! I also like the sign!
Verified Customer
Heather travis
The install and cameras app, and security system
Verified Customer
Mike
Meh at best, works when it wants to. Cameras work about 30% of the time, always offline more than not. Have called more times than I care to try and get it resolved. I finally gave up and don't use the system anymore.
Verified Customer
Trinity Seehafer
Overall, good but I had to remove the doorbell to have a new door installed and they weren't able to send someone to do this.
Verified Customer
Glenn Hayes
Hate It! Slow, no show, insensitive, horrible customer service. The system interferes with my cable service; if one works it takes the other connection out.
Verified Customer
Brian Strauss
I was sold something that is overpriced and does not work very good. High pressure sales
Verified Customer
James Fails Jr
The customer service is very knowledgeable and excellent
Verified Customer
SAMUEL J ROBINSON SR
I love my system, it does everything I expected it to do and more. I can see who is at my door and what is being delivered.
Verified Customer
Harris
Very good alarm system but a bit pricey. Alarm works
Verified Customer
Carlen Rhone
it has been okay. have had some issues. not easy to work with on the app. my porch camera picks up the sounds from inside my house and you can hear what is being said on my porch. not a fan of that at all.
Verified Customer
Josh Lockard
Great quality security systems. I love the ability to monitor our house from any where
Verified Customer
Marcus
Ok. Customer service is not good. Could not answer basic questions
Verified Customer
Hilton
Overall okay. Sometimes the alarm alert when coming through the garage.
Verified Customer
Gene Conerly
Very poor, had service since august, I didn't get all of my sensors installed, they kept calling for me to pay a bill every day! I was credited for 3 months, they said it was cancelled, I still haven't gotten my other sensor installed, no one has contacted me or anything
Verified Customer
kayla
all equipment has worked properly. Customer service friendly
Verified Customer
Debbra ward
Very good. As soon as alarm goes off I receive an email. Let's me know that they are on top of things
Verified Customer
Antwanette Gordon
Bad I'm paying for products that dosen't work. I called and reported several time for someone to come out haven't seen anyone yet
Verified Customer
Richard
Cant get follow up on any conversation have nso Knowledge of Police Fire if they would be notified or do we have to call if there is a problem
Verified Customer
Erin Johnson
I enjoy the variety of products. However, I'm becoming increasingly more frustrated with camera & thermostat command failures. Sometimes, it's necessary to reboot the system multiple times following command failures to get systems to respond correctly- ESPECIALLY, thermostats. ‚òπ
Verified Customer
Roderick Goodwin
The only issue I have is that the monthly rate is a little more than anticipated& unfortunately the service provider I came from now has better rates and services