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Vivint Home Security Review


ConsumersAdvocate.org Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)
119 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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Founded in 2002, Vivint is a smart home technology provider that offers home security and safety, home automation and energy management solutions. Their systems are fully customizable, feature 24/7 professional monitoring, and can all be controlled remotely via mobile app. Vivint is headquartered in Provost, Utah.
 
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How is Vivint rated?

Breakdown

4.5/5
Equipment
4.9/5
Monitoring Options and Technology
5.0/5
Value
4.8/5
Contract Flexibility

Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5 (Excellent)

Vivint pairs their innovative, self-designed technology for home automation with customizable plans and flexible payment options. Its aim is to provide fully-connected, innovative systems. The company is among the largest home security providers in the US. However, given the complexity of Vivint's systems, equipment costs can mount fairly quickly. Depending on the length of the monitoring contract you choose, monthly monitoring can be on the high side. The Vivint website does advertise a low $19.99 monthly monitoring fee option but it is attached to a high minimum initial purchase and lengthy service agreement.

How does Vivint work?

Equipment - 4.5 / 5

Vivint offers both pre-selected home security packages and fully customizable options. The company offers free professional installation of some system components, but does charge for the installation of outdoor and doorbell cameras.

Hardware options begin with the Smart Hub, to which additional devices are added, such as cameras, smart locks, a smart thermostat, and more. Some—but not all—equipment comes with a lifetime warranty.

Vivint's connected home technology offers a wide variety of optional sensors, such as smoke, glass break, carbon monoxide, and flood, all of which can be controlled via the Vivint app. The company allows customers to customize a feature-rich equipment package.
Installation
Professional
Equipment Manufacturer
Clearlink
Ability to Reallocate System
Wireless Sensors
Control Panel
Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm

Security Monitors, Sensors, & Devices

Intrusion Protection

  • Door & Window Sensors
  • Garage Door Sensors
  • Glass Break Protection
  • Motion Sensors
  • Recessed Door Sensors
  • Crash & Smash Protection

Environmental Protection

  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Flood
  • Temperature Change
  • Smoke

Surveillance

  • Indoor Cameras
  • Outdoor Cameras
  • Doorbell Cameras
  • Tilt & Pan Cameras
  • Live Surveillance
  • Event-triggered Surveillance

Life Safety

  • Panic Button
  • Medical Alert

Monitoring

Monitoring Options and Technology - 4.9 / 5

Vivint provides professional 24/7 monitoring via broadband or cellular data. Its call center can dispatch emergency personnel as needed. The Vivint Smart Hub Panel features two-way communication as part of a complete system, which gives homeowners more options during an emergency.
Monitoring Options
Professional Monitoring
Self Monitoring
Monitoring Technology
Cellular
Broadband
Number of Monitoring Centers
1
Monitoring Center Type
Owned
Professional Monitoring Services
24/7 Professional Monitoring
2-Way Intercom
Police Dispatch
Fire Department Dispatch
Medical Dispatch

How much does Vivint cost?

Contract Flexibility - 4.8 / 5

Vivint's Smart Home plans begin with a monthly monitoring fee of $39.99, while their Smart Home Video starts at $44.99. If a homeowner chooses to purchase their equipment upfront (average of $549.99), these are the only fees they'll pay subsequently, with no need for a contract. But self-monitoring is generally not recommended by security experts.

When choosing the financing option, the monthly cost includes the monitoring fees mentioned above, plus the equipment cost over their 42 or 60-month contracts. These contract lengths are lengthier than the industry standard of 24-36.
Monthly Fee (min)
$29.99
Monthly Fee (max)
$44.99
Number of Available Packages
3
Installation/ Activation Fee
$0.00
Equipment Starting Cost
$649.99
Contract Required
Minimum Contract Length
0 months
Cancellation Policy
Contract term is month-to-month, unless choosing the financing option, in which case terms are 42-60 months.
Warranty
Lifetime

Contract & Price Fine Print

Vivint offers a month-to-month plan with no contract required and contract lengths up to 60 months.

Technology Integrations

Technology Integration - 4.4 / 5

Vivint offers a high level of technology integration. Customers can select systems that combine home security, environmental safety, and energy efficiency features. The company manufactures some of its equipment itself, which is unusual in the industry.

Customers control their systems through the Vivint mobile app. Vivint can interface with Amazon Alexa and Echo, Google Home, IFTTT, and Z-Wave. They also have a cloud storage unit called Space Monkey, which holds 1TB of data and can be accessed remotely.

Compatibility

Google Assistant
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
IFTTT
Z-Wave
ZigBee
Z-Wave Plus

Mobile Access & Alerts

  • iPhone App
  • Android App
  • Email & Text Alerts
  • Live Surveillance Feed
  • Remote Arm/Disarm

Home Automation

  • Lighting Control
  • Thermostat Control
  • Appliance Control
  • Electronic Door Locks
  • Event-triggered Automation
  • History Log
  • Unique User Codes

Vivint Reputation

Reputation - 4.7 / 5

Vivint has excellent ratings across various certifying agencies, including the Central Station Alarm Association, the Underwriter's Laboratory, and the Electronic Security Association. Their customer reputation was historically poor, but they have made serious efforts in that arena, and currently offer support via various channels, including their mobile apps, website, and phone.
Trust Pilot Rating
3.8 out of 5
BBB Rating
D+
Number of BBB Positive Reviews
194
Number of BBB Neutral Reviews
28
Number of BBB Negative Reviews
485
Date Collected
2021-01-28
Year Founded
1999

Certifications & Associations

  • Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)
  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
  • Electronic Security Association

Vivint Summary

In Conclusion

Vivint Inc. is one of the largest home security companies in North America and currently provides services to over one million customers. The security company is known for “smart home” products and advanced alarm technology.

Unlike most companies that offer restrictive, pre-packaged plans, Vivint focuses on a customized approach. With Vivint’s base security package, customers receive a touchscreen control panel, a smoke detector, a door/window sensor, a motion detector, and a key fob. The key fob can be used to arm or disarm the system without having to enter the home. Additional equipment is also available, including recessed door sensors, glass break detectors, flood/freeze sensors, carbon monoxide detectors, tilt sensors, small appliance controls, doorbell cameras, smart thermostats, panic pendants, and more.

The Vivint Smart Home service packages smart home products across different brands, professional installation and monthly security monitoring. In June 2018, Vivint added two Google Home Minis to each starter kit. At CES, Vivint introduced Streety, a new neighborhood watch app.

Vivint equipment and monitoring are a bit pricey. There are two service plans. The Smart Protect plan is $39.99 per month and gives you 24/7 professional monitoring and full use of the mobile app, including alert notifications. If you add things like door locks, doorbell cams, and thermostats, you'll need the $49.99 per month Smart Home plan, which lets you control home automation devices using the app and Amazon's Alexa voice commands. Again, a service plan is not mandatory, but without one, you have to monitor your home yourself, and you don't get remote access to the system. Regardless of the payment plan you choose, Vivint simplified its three packages down to just two. The Smart Home package gets you home security and home automation only, and the Smart Home Video package adds video surveillance.

Rather than employing a third-party distributor, Vivint designs most of the equipment that’s included in each company package. Also, all devices function using Z-Wave and are wireless (including cameras and smart thermostats), so you don’t have to fumble through a problematic installation.

While Vivint’s systems are tailored to fit your needs, reviewers stated that Vivint struggles with delivering dependable customer service—both for user questions and in emergency situations. On the other hand, Vivint is highly receptive to customer feedback and works hard to implement recommended changes. Sales practices in the past damaged the company’s reputation, but it remains a leader in innovative home protection.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
https://www.vivint.com/
Company Phone
(855) 562-0243
Headquarters Address
4931 N 300 W, Provo, UT, 84604
Mailing Address
4931 N 300 W, Provo, UT, 84604

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119 Customer Comments & Reviews

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Debbie G
3/15/2017
Vivint is only interested in getting their money and not in customer service. They bring out old equipment and promise the upgraded equipment as soon as they get more in. It never happens. I paid off my full contract to get rid of Vivint. You are only able to speak with their customer service in Utah. Do NOT trust Vivint.

Steven L
3/6/2017
We have had Vivint security for about 6 months now and I cannot say enough good things about how we feel about the capabilities, installation, and upfront cost. The remote controls via cell phone have allowed us the ability to monitor our home even while abroad, who is coming to the door, being able to accept packages and unlock/lock doors from afar; even to be able to have multiple cameras with two way communication so we can open our garage door remotely, let our dog out for potty breaks during the day; and then call her through the camera back into the garage and close the door after her. We are able to turn on/off our security remotely or at the panel; it even tells us by cell phone,... Read More

Laura P
2/22/2017
The list of problems runs on & on. The smiling high pressure sales rep shows up on your property with your personal information in hand all ready in advance without you knowing anything about it. They showed up in my neighborhood on the 4th of July holiday knowing that anyone who would actually be home would no doubt be very busy with holiday preparations a good way to catch you distracted & unawares. While my visiting out of town sister & I were rushing around in & out of the house preparing for guests this sales guy was literally following me around busy trying to sell me on this system. I asked a hundred different questions, especially about the nite time camera feed. I wanted to know... Read More

Z
Zino
2/21/2017
I would give no stars if I could. Over the past 2 1/2 years, equipment has failed 3 times, and every time it is an ordeal to get it fixed. They do not have enough technicians to cover the territory. They don't show up for appointments or call when they cannot make it. This last outage ended up taking 2 months (and 2 wasted vacation days) to resolve, and I did not receive any credit for downtime. All I can say is DON'T SIGN THE CONTRACT. I am counting the days until I can get their equipment out of my house and out of my life.

J
Joseph b
2/17/2017
Called to inquire about service and was really given the run around. They wanted me to pay almost 800.00 up front in order to get. System installed.very rude and un professional service. Do not even bother to call this worthless company.look elsewhere and u will be pleased. Reported them to bbb.

I
irenewaltermilk2527
2/2/2017
BUYER BEWARE stay away from VIVINT SALES REP BRENDAN WILLIAMS he will SLAM you ,he sold us a security system with Alliance then called us several months later and told us he had a upgraded system at the time we did not know that vivint was a completely different company Brendan did we thought they bought out alliance in fact when the tech came to install new equipment I ask him that question and he said the owner of vivint is always buying other companies.Well VIVINT SALES REP LIED TO US .Now neither company will let me cancel .I have turned Vivint into NJ FTC AND NJ ATTORNEY GENERAL NEXT IS BBB. FOR slamming which is illegal Vivint install tech took all of the old equipment. I HAVE... Read More

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David
2/1/2017
Extremely disappointed in my service with vivint. Had issues with smoke alarm, door sensors, and took over a year to get door bell camera installed. Took over 3 months to get a tech out and fix after multiple calls. I feel that I should have been credited the 3 months down time, talked with several supervisors and the last I spoke to, "Cameron", offered a $25 and said that some of my system worked and I should still have to pay for that. Funny, if 3 parts of your system including fire,security and video, how would it be effective. Very disappointed how I've been treated and talked to as well as followed up with. Customer service has been terrible and I hope to be relieved of the contract... Read More

E
Edward
2/1/2017
Please stop this company from selling their service. It was a three year nightmare!!! You better off buying some watch dogs and cameras!

B
Barbara B
2/1/2017
i started with APX Alarm on or about 11/19/2008. I believe (not sure) APX either changed their name to Vivint or were purchased. Nonetheless I have been a faithful customer up until Feb 2, 2017 when my service ceased. In the beginning their was a delay in billing which always seemed to put me behind SO I solved the problem by finding out what day it was due and setting my bank up to automatically pay monthly and they have been paid faithfully for years. I came home from a month vacation on January 2, 2017 with my alarm beeping. We tried to reach Vivint but I kept getting disconnected so we had no way of knowing what happened so we called the police. I continued for approx. 1-1/2... Read More

M
Mike L
1/31/2017
Don't know what's wrong with those who trash Vivint. I've had the system for several months now and couldn't be more pleased. By nature I am an extremely picky, technical minded, individual. I looked at other systems before deciding on Vivint. Different prices but when you peel the onion, if you want a lower price be prepared to get minimally acceptable equipment for the basic installation and pay more (often a lot more) up front if you want better. When all the payments for their service are added up over the time of my commitment, the total cost is approximately the same as what some have to pay for the installation alone from one of the "Big, Well Known, Companies" if you want... Read More

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