Simplisafe vs. Vivint

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint: What's the difference?

SimpliSafe has carved out a strong position in the affordable DIY security market. Its sensor lineup covers both security threats and environmental hazards, and higher-tier plans include live agent intervention — a feature more commonly found at premium providers.

Vivint is a full-service smart home security provider that specializes in professionally installed, high-end equipment. Its systems integrate deeply across its own smart devices and can include cameras, smart thermostats and compatibility with Amazon Echo and Google Assistant.

What we like about SimpliSafe

• Active Guard technology: The top-tier plans pair live security agents with AI to proactively deter intruders through two-way communication and camera sirens — a capability typically reserved for premium-tier providers.
• Scalable affordability: A low cost of entry combined with month-to-month service means you can start with a basic setup and add components as your needs change.

What to consider: SimpliSafe's professional monitoring plans carry higher monthly fees than some major DIY competitors like Ring and Cove. Because installation is DIY, you're responsible for sensor placement and setup — though the process is designed to be straightforward.

What we like about Vivint

• Proprietary technology: Vivint controls its entire technology stack, including its own smart locks and outdoor cameras with intelligent person detection.
• Proactive security: The Smart Hub uses on-device analytics to deter crime — such as whistling at lurkers — before an alarm is even triggered.
• Unified control: The Smart Hub serves as a single control point for security, lighting, locks and temperature, bringing true smart home automation under one interface.

What to consider: Equipment costs are the biggest hurdle — comprehensive systems can exceed $2,000. Vivint also requires financing contracts of up to 60 months, which is one of the longest commitments in the industry.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint: System and installation

SimpliSafe is designed for fast DIY setup, while Vivint requires professional installation by a trained technician. Here's how the two approaches compare.

SimpliSafe system and installation

• System type: SimpliSafe runs on a wireless, modular platform anchored by a base station with a built-in cellular chip and 24-hour backup battery, keeping it operational during power outages or tampering attempts.
• Installation options: The system is fundamentally DIY — no tools required and most sensors attach with adhesive strips. If you prefer professional help, third-party services like OnTech are available, typically starting around $125.

SimpliSafe equipment costs

SimpliSafe is competitively priced and frequently runs sales. Prebuilt packages start around $250 for the basic Foundation kit and can exceed $700 for comprehensive kits with multiple cameras and environmental sensors. You can also build a custom system a la carte.

Vivint system and installation

• System type: Vivint's wireless equipment is centered around the Vivint Smart Hub, a touchscreen control panel that manages security and smart home functions.
• Installation options: Professional installation by a Vivint Smart Home Pro is required. Installation fees typically run between $99 and $199, though they're often waived with promotional offers or higher-tier packages.

Vivint equipment costs

Starter packages begin around $599, while fully custom systems with multiple cameras can easily exceed $2,000. Equipment can be purchased outright or financed over 42- or 60-month terms.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint: Monitoring plan costs

SimpliSafe gives customers month-to-month flexibility, while Vivint ties monitoring to a long-term professional contract.

SimpliSafe monitoring plans

• Self Monitoring: $9.99 per month. Remote arm/disarm, scheduled arming, unlimited camera recordings, text and push notifications for alarms, warnings, camera activity and more.
• Standard Monitoring: $21.99 per month. Covers 24/7 police dispatch and cellular backup, but does not include video verification or camera recording.
• Core (formerly Fast Protect): $31.99 per month. Adds visual alarm verification, unlimited camera recording and "Intruder Intervention" for indoor cameras.
• Pro / Pro Plus: $49.99 to $79.99 per month. Adds "Active Guard Outdoor Protection," which lets live agents monitor outdoor cameras overnight (Pro) or around the clock (Pro Plus) and engage prowlers via two-way audio.

Contract commitment: SimpliSafe does not require a long-term contract. Every plan runs month-to-month, and you can cancel or switch tiers at any time without penalty.

Vivint monitoring plans

• Smart Security (sensors only): Starts at $24.99 per month for professional monitoring of your sensor-based system.
• Smart Home Video: Starts around $44.99 per month, with cloud storage for cameras available at approximately $5 per camera per month.

Contract commitment: If you finance your equipment — as most customers do — you'll sign a 42- or 60-month agreement. Customers who pay for all equipment upfront can opt for a month-to-month service arrangement.

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SimpliSafe vs. Vivint: Equipment and technology

Compare SimpliSafe's straightforward proprietary tech with Vivint's sleek, advanced equipment lineup.

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

What SimpliSafe customers say

SimpliSafe has somewhat mixed reviews on our site. Happy customers like the price, easy setup and mobile monitoring. A few reviews mention equipment malfunctions or billing disputes, and one customer was unhappy the company wouldn't provide services to uninstall the system.

What Vivint customers say

Reviewers of Vivint's systems report positive experiences with technicians who take the time to carefully install and explain how the equipment works. One customer said he would "refer everybody I know to this company." Most customers are satisfied with the performance of the system, but a few experienced faulty equipment or installation and were frustrated by the lack of communication from the company. Overall, however, reviewers are happy with the professional and friendly service they received.

Bottom line: SimpliSafe or Vivint?

Choose SimpliSafe if you want low-cost DIY security with no contracts and room to grow your system over time. It delivers more environmental sensors and proactive monitoring than most DIY competitors, though premium plans run higher than Ring or Cove — so if basic monitoring is all you need, simpler options may cost less.

Choose Vivint if you want a custom-designed system with cutting-edge technology and white-glove installation, and you're prepared for premium pricing. It requires long financing contracts if you don't pay upfront, so budget-focused buyers or those who prefer DIY flexibility will likely be better served elsewhere.

» MORE: Vivint vs. ADT