Overview
Vivint is a home security company with a heavy focus on home automation services and technology. While most other home security companies factor in home automation as an ‘extra’ service, Vivint has modeled their business on integrating home security and home automation as tightly as possible.
They are a relatively new company when compared to other providers, but their support and smart home offerings make them an excellent choice for people who want a fully automated home security experience.
Features
Vivint’s unique take on home security is to combine smart automation with monitoring for a full home security package that makes it easy to keep your home safe whether you are at home or far away. They are one of the few home security solutions that are entirely integrated with the Amazon Echo, which means that with Vivint, you can control your home alarm and automation via voice controls.
More specifically, this means that you can arm your system entirely by voice control, as well as lock your doors, close your garage, and adjust lights all without the use of a control panel or phone app. No other system we’ve reviewed offers this level of automation and smart home integration to date.
They are also fully integrated with the popular Nest thermostat, which means even if you don’t have something as advanced as the Echo in your home, you can still take advantage of premium automation features on the go.
Another unique feature that Vivint boasts is the Space Monkey device. This is a full terabyte (TB) of cloud storage available for your home. You can automatically store pictures, music, and other files from any device – cell phone, tablet, PC or Mac – and have access to them across all devices within your home network. This makes family pictures easy to share with everyone in the home and provides a fast, seamless backup for digital media that you’d like to share. The Space Monkey service comes standard on the highest tier plan for Vivint and may be added to other packages for an additional fee.
Pros
By far the biggest advantage to the Vivint system is the home automation aspect and how well these options are built into the security monitoring itself. Of course, there are a lot of home security companies that offer home automation, but Vivint has positioned themselves as a premium provider of these types of services, and their focus is on growing the home automation aspect and expanding it as time goes on. What this means for you is that you can expect their home automation offerings to continue to improve and for the convenience to continue to grow as they develop additional devices and services.
For people who like to have video surveillance, Vivint also offers a broad array of cameras for monitoring both indoors and outdoors. They also have a unique doorbell camera that allows you to see who is at your front door without having to open it. All of these video monitoring solutions will stream live video or individually triggered clips so that you can view the activity around your home from inside, or on the go with their mobile app.
Cons
We can’t find much to dislike about these Vivint home security packages. The most basic package is perhaps the only real drawback to an otherwise impressive suite of security packages. Their basic home monitoring service doesn’t provide any of the home automation features that Vivint is so well-known for, but the cost does not reflect this lack of automation.
Additionally, they charge for service visits outside of the initial 120 days after installation. If you want to avoid the $49 technician fee, you have to pay $10 per month for the Vivint Premium Service plan. They do, however, replace faulty equipment free of charge.
Lastly, because the home automation features so heavily with Vivint’s home security services, the price across all of their home monitoring packages is also more expensive than most other home security solutions, which means this service is not for everyone.
Pricing Packages
Vivint has three security packages, each with a range of options for monitoring and automation. Pricing is subject to change, so be sure to contact them for the latest offers:
Smart Protect – $39.99 per month/$399 activation fee
- Vivint SkyControl panel
- Smoke detector – 1 included
- Door & window sensors – 3 included
- Motion detector – 1 included
- Key fob
- Vivint yard sign
Smart Protect & Control – $49.99 per month/$99+ activation fee
- Vivint SkyControl panel
- Smoke detector
- Door & window sensors
- Motion detector
- Key fob
- Vivint yard sign
- Choose any 2 smart home devices
Smart Complete – $60.99 per month/$99+ activation fee
- Vivint SkyControl panel
- Smoke detector
- Door & window sensors
- Motion detector
- Key fob
- Vivint yard sign
- Choose any 3 smart home devices
- 1 Terabyte (TB) of local cloud storage
Extras
Any additional monitoring devices not chosen as part of the overall pricing package shown above can be purchased for an additional fee.
Smart Home Services
- Doorbell video
- HD Video recording
- Remote door access
- Smart temperature control
- Garage door controller
- Outdoor video
Additional Optional Equipment
- Recessed door sensor
- Glass break detector
- Flood/freeze sensor
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Tilt sensor
- Small appliance control
- Panic Pendant
Is Vivint right for me?
If you are interested in smart home automation and security, Vivint is hands down the best choice. With multiple camera types, sensors, and smart home features with optional voice control, you can truly control your entire home security system from the comfort of your couch or a thousand miles away via your mobile device.
However, if you’re interested in only a very basic system, Vivint may not be right for you, as several home monitoring companies provide basic home security services for a lower rate. This is not a system for those who are budget-conscious but is best for those who want a fully-automated home security solution that includes not only alarms but lighting, temperature and appliance control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vivint
Because Vivint is a relatively new company in the home security business, we understand that you may have questions before signing up. Here are answers to the most common questions we receive about Vivint’s home security offerings.
Why should I choose Vivint home security?
By and large, Vivint is the best choice for people who are looking for home automation in conjunction with home security. While a lot of companies do offer automation as part of their service, Vivint has made it a core offering and provide integration with existing devices you may already have such as Nest thermostats and the Amazon Echo.
Are there any upfront costs to install a Vivint home security system?
Yes, there are installation fees when signing up for Vivint. You can get the latest pricing by contacting them directly.
What is the warranty on home security equipment from Vivint?
Vivint offers a lifetime warranty on the security equipment you purchase from them and will replace faulty devices for free. However, for repairs and adjustments you may be charged a fee by their technicians if you haven’t signed up for their premium maintenance agreement.
Can Vivint use my existing security system equipment?
Some security systems may be compatible with Vivint’s home security monitoring. Contact them directly to find out if your particular system is one of the ones they can take over.
Can I add more sensors or upgrade my Vivint system at a later time?
You are always able to add more sensors or enhance your home monitoring service with Vivint. There may be additional fees involved depending on the type of monitoring upgrades you request.
What happens to my Vivint service if I need to move?
Vivint has moving packages available and depending on how long you have been with the company; your move may be covered for free. Regardless, Vivint will install a new system that is comparable to the one at your old home. You will be required to bring your monitoring console and some other equipment, so contact Vivint directly for a moving kit and precise instructions.
If the phone or internet service goes out, is my home protected?
Vivint offers wireless + cellular monitoring, so your home will still be secure if the power goes out.
How do I cancel my Vivint service?
Vivint requires written notification of cancellation in most circumstances. You will be required to provide the date you wish the cancellation to be effective, your service number, a note that requests cancellation, and your signature. This written notification can be emailed, mailed or faxed:
- Email: documents@vivint.com
- Mail-in: Vivint, 4931 North 300 West, Provo UT 84604-5816
- Fax: 801-377-4116
You will likely be required to pay cancellation fees if your contract has not expired. However, Vivint does handle some exceptions on a case-by-case basis such as death, bankruptcy, or the homeowner transitioning into an assisted-living community. If you have circumstances such as this or similar, you can call 800-216-5232 x5020 to see if you qualify for release from your contract.
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