Ring vs. Vivint

What is the difference between Ring and Vivint?

Both Ring and Vivint offer contract-free home security systems. Both companies offer 30-day trials, wireless systems and lots of smart-home features. However, there are some differences between Ring and Vivint when it comes to price, bundling, installation fees and medical monitoring.

Installation and cost

Installation type	DIY or professional via X Line	Pro install
Installation fee	None if DIY	$49 to $199
Upfront cost	Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010	Varies based on equipment
Trial period	30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus	Not listed
Contract terms	None; discount for prepaying annually	Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase

	DIY or professional via X Line	None if DIY	Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010	30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus	None; discount for prepaying annually
	Pro install	$49 to $199	Varies based on equipment	Not listed	Typical contract is 60 months; month-to-month available with upfront equipment purchase

Monitoring plans and pricing

Monitoring price range	Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring	$19.99 to $29.99+
Monitoring options	Professional or self-monitored	Professional
Self-monitoring	Free	Not offered
Upgraded self-monitoring	$3/month to store recorded video	Not offered
24/7 professional monitoring	$10/month	Starting at $19.99
Upgraded professional monitoring	Not offered	Custom plans and packages available

	Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring	Professional or self-monitored	Free	$3/month to store recorded video	$10/month	Not offered
	$19.99 to $29.99+	Professional	Not offered	Not offered	Starting at $19.99	Custom plans and packages available

Security equipment

Wired or wireless?	Both	Wireless
Camera options	Indoor and outdoor cameras	Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor	With Alexa-enabled devices
Keychain remote	—
Siren
Panic button		Vivint Emergency Pendant
Yard sign

	Both	Indoor and outdoor cameras					With Alexa-enabled devices	—
	Wireless	Indoor and outdoor cameras								Vivint Emergency Pendant

Smart-home features

Smart locks
Smart lights
Smart thermostat	—
Garage door control	Works with Chamberlain garage door openers
Temperature sensor	—
Water sensor
Smoke detector
CO detector

			—	Works with Chamberlain garage door openers	—

Technology

Mobile app
Mobile app monitoring
iOS rating	4.5	4.6
Android rating	3.7	4.4
Notification/alert options	Push	Text and push
Home automation capabilities
Voice integration
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Other integrations	Honeywell and Alexa-enabled devices	Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest

			4.5	3.7	Push					—
			4.6	4.4	Text and push					Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

Overall star rating	1.5	4.7
Verified customer reviews	Ring reviews	Vivint reviews

	1.5	Ring reviews
	4.7	Vivint reviews

All information accurate as of publishing date.

Ring

Ring offers a smart security system that lets you control some of your home’s appliances and monitor your home from a smartphone or computer. Ring customers can turn off their lights or lock their doors remotely. All Ring systems require DIY installation, and customers can select a plan with 24/7 professional monitoring.

Ring cameras let you monitor your home using 1080p high-definition cameras with a 160-degree horizontal view and a 90-degree vertical view. Should an event occur at your home, Ring security systems send push notifications through the company's app by Wi-Fi. A two-way intercom feature lets users speak to people at the front door.

Ring plans

All three of Ring’s plans offer contract-free monitoring with discounts available to those who sign up for a year:

• Ring Protect Free: This plan is available at no cost and includes motion-activated push notifications, video monitoring in real time, two-way talk and burglary protection.
• Ring Protect Basic: This plan starts at $3 a month and includes all the features of Ring Protect Free with the addition of video surveillance for either one doorbell or one security camera. Users can also save and share videos.
• Ring Protect Plus: This plan starts at $10 a month. It includes all the features of Ring Protect Basic and Ring Protect Free as well as 24/7 professional monitoring and recording coverage for all monitoring devices at your address. Ring Protect Plus also includes extended warranties on all devices and a discount on select accessories.

What Ring customers say

Ring has generally positive customer ratings on ConsumerAffairs. Many customers we talked to like that it’s simple to install and comes with remote accessibility features. Some complained about issues with their devices occasionally going offline. Happy customers frequently highlighted Ring’s video quality.

Vivint

Vivint offers smart technology for home security and management. The system lets you remotely control your home security equipment, video surveillance, HVAC, lights and small appliances using wireless technology. All Vivint systems are professionally installed and monitored 24/7.

Vivint systems use five different types of alarms: burglary, panic, medical, fire and duress. The alarms trigger the appropriate emergency responses. If there's a false alarm, you and your authorized users can enter a code to deactivate your system. If an alarm goes off and you can’t be reached, Vivint professionals will contact the authorities for you.

Vivint plans

All three of Vivint’s plans come with professional installation and monitoring:

• Smart Security Monitoring: This plan starts at $29.99 a month and includes mobile access, entry detection, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and medical pendant support.
• Smart Home Monitoring: This plan starts at $39.99 and includes all the features of Smart Security Monitoring but adds smart-home integration.
• Smart Home Video Monitoring: This plan starts at $49.99 and adds video surveillance to all the features of Smart Security Monitoring as well as the features of Smart Home Monitoring.

What Vivint customers say

The Vivint home security system has many satisfied customers on our site who report better-than-expected experiences and positive interactions with friendly technicians. Most customers praised the company's efficient and professional customer service, though some complained about price issues that proved difficult to fix. The majority of customers were pleased with the equipment and system.

Bottom line: Ring or Vivint?

While Ring is certainly the least expensive choice, Vivint plans include high-end features, such as medical monitoring, which can be attractive to many customers. Ring doesn’t offer professional installation, so those who don’t feel comfortable installing the system themselves are likely to prefer Vivint. However, if you don’t have medical needs and feel comfortable with DIY installation, Ring is a better choice with low pricing and great features.

• Ring is best for budget-conscious shoppers who are comfortable installing a security system themselves.
• Vivint is best for those who are looking for more high-end features, professional installation and medical monitoring.