If you are looking for the perfect home security system to protect your family and home… you’ll probably never find one. But, Vivint may be as close as you get. It is one of the premier companies in the industry. Vivint excels at offering comprehensive solutions with advanced equipment, integration features and home automation. Yes, that comes at a price, but ensuring security and peace of mind for your home and family always involves some investment. But is Vivint worth it? I am a security buff with experience in security installation and monitoring. I’m also a father and business owner. So, I also want to find out if Vivint is the bees knees! Balancing cost against the benefits is the key. So, in this article, we’ll dig in and examine Vivint’s offerings, covering everything from installation types, monitoring options, equipment and automation, customer service and warranties. Let’s go.
History of Vivint
The history of a company can be telling. Longevity can provide stability but also can mean it has had a chance to dig in, establish and innovate based on customer’s feedback and the market. Vivint isn’t new. It’s one of the more mature in the industry. But it also hasn’t been around for a generation like a ADT for example. That said, Vivint has definitely made a dent in the security industry and has positioned itself well.
Vivint was founded in 1999 under the name APX Alarm Security Solutions. It rebranded to Vivint in 2011, and since then, it has become one of the leading home security companies in the US. Vivint has prioritized innovation and technology. That means it has continued to evolve with it’s customers and their needs and expectations. This is especially evident with Vivint’s advanced home automation features and integration with popular smart home devices.
How Vivint Works
Our refrain here at securemystuffnow.com is “be smart and stay safe”. Being smart often means acquiring knowledge. Getting to know how things work a bit. Asking questions as to why certain elements are necessary, how they can be useful, and what are the best practices for using a technology, device or system. So, read up on what makes up an alarm system here.
Vivint alarm systems are designed to provide comprehensive protection for your home and family. The system works by utilizing a combination of smart sensors, cameras, and other devices that are connected to a central hub or control panel. The system can be controlled using a mobile app, a touchscreen control panel, or by voice commands with compatible voice assistants.
Vivint alarm components
Here’s a breakdown of how the different components of the Vivint alarm system work:
- Smart Sensors: Vivint’s smart sensors detect when doors and windows are opened or closed, as well as motion in designated areas of your home. When triggered, the sensors send alerts to the central hub and the Vivint monitoring center.
- Cameras: Vivint’s cameras provide live video feed of your home and property, as well as recordings of triggered events. You can access the camera feeds through the mobile app, the touchscreen control panel, or a compatible voice assistant.
- Control Panel: The Vivint control panel acts as the central hub for your entire alarm system. It allows you to control all of your devices, receive notifications and alerts, and communicate with the Vivint monitoring center.
- Mobile App: The Vivint mobile app allows you to control your system from anywhere, at any time. You can arm and disarm your system, view camera feeds, receive notifications and alerts, and communicate with the monitoring center.
- Voice Assistants: Vivint’s alarm systems are compatible with popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to control your system, check the status of your devices, and receive notifications.
A Vivint alarm system uses the smart sensors, cameras, and other devices listed above to detect activity in and around your home. When triggered, the devices will send alerts to the central hub or control panel (the brains). This hub will in turn contact the Vivint monitoring center. The monitoring canter is manned by humans(!) who will then contact you and/or dispatch emergency services if necessary. The Vivint system can be controlled through a variety of methods including their mobile app, a touchscreen control panel, or compatible voice assistant (like Alexa).
How Vivint is Installed
Vivint offers professional installation for its home security systems. No DIY option. This means that a trained technician will come to your home and install the system for you. This ensures that everything is set up correctly and functioning properly, straight out the gate. No guesswork.
There are a few major benefits to having a professional installation. The first is … that you don’t have to do the work! No ladder, screws, drills or anything. The second major benefit is that they know what they are doing- they bring years of experience and can advise you on where devices should be. They can examine your home’s layout and tweak sensor locations or recommending a specific device that benefits your lifestyle. All this enhances the security you will experience as well as reduced false alarms. The third benefit is that you get one-on-one instruction on what to do and how to sue your system.
If you do prefer a DIY approach, Vivint may offer some self-installation options for some of their equipment, such as cameras and doorbell cameras.
Monitoring Options
Vivint offers 24/7 professional monitoring for its home security systems. This means that if an alarm is triggered, a team of professionals will be notified and will take the appropriate action, including contacting you and dispatching emergency services if necessary.
Vivint’s agents and monitoring stations are well-established and have great reputations.
Equipment Offered by Vivint
Vivint offers a range of equipment options for its home security systems. These include:
- Smart Hub: The Vivint Smart Hub serves as the main control panel for the system and comes with a touch screen interface to manage all system features.
- Door and Window Sensors: These sensors can detect if doors or windows are being opened or closed. If they detect an unauthorized entry, they can trigger an alarm.
- Motion Sensors: The sensors can sense movement in a room and activate an alarm if they detect movement while the system is armed.
- Glass Break Sensors: If someone tries to break into your place, the sensors here can pick up the sound of breaking glass and set off an alarm.
- Smoke Detectors: Vivint’s smoke detectors are connected to the home security system and can trigger an alarm if smoke is detected.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These detectors are also connected to the home security system and can detect the presence of carbon monoxide, triggering an alarm and alerting the monitoring center.
- Indoor and Outdoor Cameras: Vivint offers a range of indoor and outdoor cameras that can be used to monitor your home and property. The cameras can be accessed through the mobile app or web interface and can be set to record continuously or only when motion is detected.
Other Equipment
Vivint provides additional devices that can bolster your home security system on top of the regular equipment. Some of these devices are:
- Smart Locks: Vivint’s smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely using the mobile app or web interface. You can also set up custom codes for family members or guests.
- Smart Thermostat: Vivint’s smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling remotely. You can set up custom schedules and adjust the temperature from anywhere.
- Garage Door Controller: This device allows you to control your garage door remotely using the mobile app or web.
Home Automation & Integration
One of the standout features of Vivint’s home security system is its home automation capabilities. Vivint’s system is compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Nest. This allows you to control your home’s temperature, lighting, and other devices using voice commands. Vivint’s system also integrates with popular third-party devices, such as the Ring video doorbell and Philips Hue lighting. Vivint has given a lot of attention to automation and it’s one of the areas in which they excel. The options are increasing all the time too, as IoT and online services blow up.
Standout Features
Vivint’s standout features include its professional installation, very wide range of equipment options, and home automation capabilities. The company’s mobile app is also a noteworthy feature, as it allows customers to control their system and view their home’s security footage from anywhere. Combing the two- alarm and cameras in one – and doing it well, is a really great feature with Vivint.
Vivint also offers a unique service called Vivint Car Guard. This allows customers to monitor their car’s location and receive alerts if it is moved without their permission.
Ultimately, all the many features Vivint offer combine to make a very comprehensive security solution that puts Vivint in the premier status among home security systems.
Customer Service
Vivint has a reputation for excellent customer service. The company offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Vivint also has a mobile app that allows customers to contact customer support directly from their smartphone. In addition, the company offers an online knowledge base and video tutorials to help customers troubleshoot any issues they may be experiencing.
Warranties, Guarantees & Money Back Options
Vivint provides great customer support but also some decent reassurance on their product performance.
Their 24/7 customer assistance, online knowledge, and video tutorials make it easy for to get help when they need it. Plus, the company guarantees their products with a limited lifetime warranty – if any of your equipment malfunctions or breaks due to a manufacturing defect, Vivint will replace it for free. Additionally, you can test out the system for yourself with the 120-day money back guarantee – if you’re not satisfied within the first 120 days of service, just cancel your contract and receive a full refund.
Cost & Contracts
Vivint’s pricing varies depending on the equipment and monitoring services a customer chooses. The company does not offer a pre-set pricing plan, but instead creates custom pricing plans for each customer. So, a ballpark figure for equipment cost could be from $599 to $1,789. Monitoring services range from $29.99 to $49.99 per month. Vivint’s contracts are typically for 36 months. That’s important to note, as it means you are contracted for the service and on the hook for payment during that time.
Who Is Vivint For?
Vivint is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a truly comprehensive security with home automation and a wide range of features and options. It is particularly well-suited for those who are interested in integrating smart home devices and want a system that is professionally installed and maintained. The system is also ideal for families with children and pets, as the motion sensors can differentiate between human and animal movement and can be adjusted accordingly.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll probably want to pass on Vivint and look for an alternative, cheaper option. But for those can and who are willing to invest in a high-quality security and home automation system, it offers excellent value for money. The system is also ideal for those who want to customize their security and home automation setup, as Vivint offers a wide range of equipment and integration options.
How Does Vivint Compare?
Vivint is a top-of-the-line home security and automation system, but it is not the only option on the market. Here’s how it compares to other popular systems:
Vivint vs Frontpoint
Frontpoint is a DIY system that offers a good range of equipment and monitoring plans. Yes, it is less expensive than Vivint and it does some nice integration. But, Vivint still comes out on top because of the breadth of equipment, the features offered, the enormous integration possibilities and customization options.
Vivint vs ADT
ADT is a well-established brand that offers both professionally installed and DIY systems. Of all the competitors, ADT is probably closest to Vivint in price and the features offered. ADT wins for brand strength and history and probably for monitoring too, but their equipment offerings are similar. Where Vivint shines a little brighter is in the home automation and integration options.
Vivint vs Simplisafe
SimpliSafe is a DIY system that offers affordable equipment and monitoring plans. While it is a good option for those on a budget, it may not offer the same level of customization and integration as Vivint.
Vivint vs Arlo
Arlo offers a range of high-quality security cameras. That’s their bread and butter and I am a big fan of their cameras. They have just recently introduced a home security system that is very promising too. However, the customization, equipment and features are more basic compared with Vivint’s comprehensive alarm system offering.
Vivint vs Cove
Cove is a DIY system that offers affordable equipment and monitoring plans. Again, Cove is a decent choice for those who are concerned about spending dollars. However in terms of feature-set, customization, breadth of equipment and integration, the more expensive Vivint wins out.
Where can I purchase a Vivint system?
To purchase a Vivint alarm system, you can visit the official website at vivint.com. From there you can explore the different packages and equipment options available. You can also call their sales team at 855-758-4838 to get personalized assistance and help in choosing the right package. Vivint is a real professional outfit providing excellent knowledge and help at every stage. Whether it’s sales, install, maintenance or monitoring, you’ll get quality advice and service.
As for the cheapest places to shop, Vivint is a premium home security brand. It does not typically offer discounts or promotions on its products. However, you may be able to find some deals or discounts by visiting the official website or contacting the sales team.
If you happen to know anyone with a Vivint system, ask them about their experience. What do they like? Are there any pain points or bad experiences? Getting first-hand information on the pros and cons from someone you trust can make a big difference.
The Final Score: Is a Vivint alarm system right for me?
Overall, Vivint is a top-of-the-line home security and automation system. It’s packed with a wide range of features and options. It is most ideal for homeowners who want a professionally installed and maintained system that integrates with other smart home devices…. and who have a wallet to match. No, it is not the cheapest option on the market. But for those that have the means, it does offer excellent value for money and ultimately, it is a good investment for those who want a premier, highly comprehensive security and home automation system.