Ring vs. Vivint
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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 |
| 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 | $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 | 1.2 | 4.6 |
| Verified customer reviews | Ring reviews | Vivint reviews |
| 1.2 | Ring reviews |
| 4.6 | 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.
The overall security system is great because it allows you the ability to connect between different devices. I am able to connect my outdoor floodlight camera with the Ring mobile app and my doorbell camera. It's also great you can connect it to your Amazon Alexa device to view who is at your front door.”
– Cameron of Clovis, CA
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.
Luke, my sales rep, was absolutely amazing! Explained everything in detail! And my technician was just as amazing! Made sure all my equipment was fully functional before leaving! Overall, I had a really great experience with this company, and highly recommended this company!”
– Megan of Abilene, TX
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.
