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
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 installation
$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
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.”
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!”
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.
