Vivint vs. ADT
Compare pricing, plans and home security equipment
Both Vivint and ADT offer high-quality home security systems that include wireless technology and offer advanced features. Both have pre-designed plans for consumers to choose from and offer you the choice to customize your own security system with equipment such as sensors, controls and cameras.
Vivint vs. ADT
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting monitoring cost | $29.99/month | $24.99/month |
| Available plans/systems | 2 monitoring plans and 4 security system packages | 3 monitoring plans and 3 security system packages |
| Contract requirements | No contract required if equipment purchased up front; contracts start at 42 months | Minimum 36-month contract required |
| Professional installation | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment customization available | Yes | Yes |
| Guarantee | 30 days | 6 months |
| Customer satisfaction | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| Starting monitoring cost | Available plans/systems | Contract requirements | Professional installation | Equipment customization available | Guarantee | Customer satisfaction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29.99/month | 2 monitoring plans and 4 security system packages | No contract required if equipment purchased up front; contracts start at 42 months | Yes | Yes | 30 days | Read reviews |
| $24.99/month | 3 monitoring plans and 3 security system packages | Minimum 36-month contract required | Yes | Yes | 6 months | Read reviews |
Vivint home security
Although ADT has a long history in home security, Vivint is a strong contender with its new technology and proprietary equipment. They offer four main packages:
- Home security with sensors and touch-screen technology
- Smart home control with centralized controls
- Video security includes live video feeds and video storage
- Smart complete has comprehensive security and automation system
You can also create a custom system with the features and tools that best suit your home. Their options include home security sensors, smoke and CO detectors, cameras and more.
How much is Vivint?
Vivint monitoring starts at $29.99 per month. Your total cost will depend on your situation and the plan and equipment you choose. They offer free, no-obligation quotes where they will match you with the equipment and plan that’s right for you. If you don’t want to deal with a long-term contract, you’ll be required to buy your equipment up front, which will cost you several hundred dollars.
ADT home security
ADT has a strong standing in the field of home security. Not only do they offer an impressive host of features and standard equipment, but they have also been in the security industry for over 140 years, so they have the experience to back up their products and services.
ADT has their main packages, but they also allow customers to create custom plan systems. In addition, they offer a six-month guarantee. They offer three main packages:
- Traditional with a high-decibel alarm, keypad, and entry sensors
- Control that includes everything from the traditional package plus text alerts
- Video which offers see and store live video from triggered events
While all ADT systems include entry sensors, motion detectors, high-decibel alarms, backup batteries and 24/7 monitoring, there are also upgraded features available at higher plan levels. At the Control level, you can access your home security system right from your phone or tablet and get access to email and text alerts. The Video plan provides all of the above, plus access to video footage from indoor and outdoor security cameras, including live video feeds.
How much is ADT?
With monitoring, plans start around $36.99 per month. Your total ADT cost will depend on the specific equipment and plan options you choose. ADT offers in-home consultations to provide free estimates. Contracts are required, which are usually a minimum of 36-months in duration. In addition to their three main plans, ADT also offers products and services in home automation, video surveillance and life safety, which includes the addition of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors and a panic button.
Compare Vivint and ADT monitoring plans
Both Vivint and ADT have some solid options for smart home and video monitoring alarm systems. While Vivint’s cost per month does come in a few dollars shy of ADT’s, the two systems provide comparable coverage at a similar rate. Compare the two plans line by line using the chart below.
| SmartHome Video by Vivint | Premium Protection by ADT | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $49.99 | $52.99 |
| Installation cost | $49.99 | $99–$199 |
| 24/7 monitoring | ||
| Video monitoring | ||
| Live alerts | ||
| Motion detection | ||
| Sensors | 3 | 3 |
| Voice control | ||
| Wireless connection available | ||
| Landline connection available |
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Bottom line: Vivint or ADT?
Both Vivint and ADT are highly reputable companies with a strong following and advanced technology. While each company has slight differences, they both are solid options in home security.
Vivint is the best choice for homeowners looking for proprietary equipment because they build some of their own security equipment, while ADT primarily uses third parties for its equipment. Like ADT, they also offer home automation services and cutting-edge technology. Vivint equipment is covered for the first 120 days. With its wireless technology, Vivint is a good choice for those who don’t have a dedicated landline.
ADT is the best option if you are looking for professional installation and a consultation to evaluate your specific security needs. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a brand with a trusted track record in home security and good options for security features and monitoring, as well as control over your own security. While it does require a contract, it can be a good choice for homeowners looking for both traditional and modern security packages. Vivint can only be used with wireless technology, while ADT has a landline option if that is important to you.
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