Both Brinks and Vivint offer wireless, smart-home-compatible security systems. They also have similar equipment and protection options. The biggest differences are in their monitoring plans and DIY installation options.
Installation and cost
Installation type
Professional
Pro installation
Installation fee
$200 to $450
$49 to $199
Upfront cost
$199 to $699
Varies based on equipment
Trial period
30-day risk-free
Not listed
Contract terms
36 months
Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase
Professional
$200 to $450
$199 to $699
30-day risk-free
36 months
Pro installation
$49 to $199
Varies based on equipment
Not listed
Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase
Brinks offers up-to-date home security technology and transparent pricing. It provides equipment you can easily install yourself, but it also lets you opt for professional installation. Brinks requires customers to sign long-term contracts, which might not be appealing to some people.
Brinks plans
Smart Security Essential: The basic plan is $199 and comes with a control panel, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $39.99 a month.
Smart Security Complete: This plan is $349 and includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $44.99 a month.
Smart Security Ultimate: At $699, this plan includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, three door sensors, one outdoor camera and one yard sign. Monitoring services cost $49.99 a month.
What Brinks customers say
Brinks customers who left reviews on our site appreciate the company’s knowledgeable and polite company representatives, particularly at the installation stage, with many customers saying they're happy with their system and the service they received. Others appear to have had more mixed experiences with customer service, saying it took multiple attempts to get their issues resolved.
Brinks did a fantastic job. They came out recently to jump my system up from 3G to 4G. And they also installed a smart lock for the front door. Everything's working the way I would like it to work.”
Vivint is less encouraging about customers taking a DIY approach to installation, but the company offers excellent options to customize your plan. The company does not offer prepackaged equipment on its site, choosing to take a more personalized approach — speak to a company representative, and they’ll help identify your needs and build a custom plan for you.
Vivint packages
Vivint Flex Pay offers two options: You can purchase the equipment upfront with no contract or sign a contract and pay no upfront costs.
Purchase upfront: This plan lets you buy the equipment you need for your custom monitoring plan upfront. There’s no contract with an upfront purchase, so your only commitment is the monthly monitoring cost.
Sign a contract: If you’re not willing or able to pay upfront, Vivint offers 42-month and 60-month contracts. The contracts come with 0% interest, so you’re not paying higher costs over time.
What Vivint customers say
Vivint’s Smart Home systems frequently garner positive reviews from its customers, many of whom mention friendly and polite technicians who answered all their questions. One reviewer noted that their technician “didn't mind going over it twice so they knew I understood how it all worked.” Other reviewers critique miscommunication about pricing or installation schedules, and some found it hard to get a representative on the phone. That said, many reviewers would recommend Vivint based on their experience.
Justin was great and accommodating, he explained everything thoroughly and made sure before he left that everything was how I wanted. ... I will refer everybody I know to this company. ... This right here, is the bees knees.”
Brinks and Vivint offer customers similar services with similar equipment. Both have smart-home integration and mobile apps for convenience. The most significant difference between the two is the approach each takes with its customers.
Brinks is best for customers who prefer a more DIY approach to home security and don’t mind signing a contract.
Vivint is best for customers who would like a white-glove approach and the option of a month-to-month contract.
