Vivint vs. ADT

Compare pricing, plans and home security equipment

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ADT and Vivint
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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 comparison video
Vivint and ADT are two of the most popular home security companies in the US. Both offer customizable equipment packages, professional installation, and 24/7 monitoring. Here are some points to consider as you're deciding which is best to protect your family and property. Number one, equipment and technology. Both companies personally help you design your own system, starting with a touchscreen control panel and intrusion detection with door, window and motion sensors. You have options for indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras, as well as safety alarms for fire, carbon monoxide and flooding. Both companies are also big on smart home automation. You can monitor your system, view video and remotely control locks, lights, appliances, your thermostat, and your garage from each company's app. Both integrate with Google Assistant and Alexa. Number two, cost. ADT monthly monitoring costs 28.99 to 59.99 per month with a minimum equipment purchase amount of $449. Vivint monthly plans start at 29.99 and go up to about 50. And you have to spend at least $599.99 on equipment. Both companies allow you to finance the equipment purchase at 0% for 60 months. Installation costs at Vivint go from $49 to $199. At ADT, they're $99 to $199. Number three, customer friendly policies. ADT includes a no obligation, in-home consultation, a six month money back guarantee, services and repairs with same or next day service, and a theft detection guarantee with up to $500. But Vivint has its advantages. It allows you to go month-to-month if you pay for equipment upfront, instead of signing a long term contract. Vivint also gives you access to its mobile app, regardless of your plan, while ADT excludes it from its base plan. The bottom line, both providers are standouts in the monitored home security business and each company gets strong reviews on consumeraffairs.com. Reviewers praise Vivint for its customer service and installation and ADT for how easy its systems are to use.

Vivint vs. ADT

vivint-smart-homeadt
Starting monitoring cost$29.99/month$24.99/month
Available plans/systems2 monitoring plans and 4 security system packages3 monitoring plans and 3 security system packages
Contract requirementsNo contract required if equipment purchased up front; contracts start at 42 monthsMinimum 36-month contract required
Professional installationYesYes
Equipment customization availableYesYes
Guarantee30 days6 months
Customer satisfactionRead reviewsRead reviews
Starting monitoring costAvailable plans/systemsContract requirementsProfessional installationEquipment customization availableGuaranteeCustomer satisfaction
vivint-smart-home$29.99/month2 monitoring plans and 4 security system packagesNo contract required if equipment purchased up front; contracts start at 42 monthsYesYes30 daysRead reviews
adt$24.99/month3 monitoring plans and 3 security system packagesMinimum 36-month contract requiredYesYes6 monthsRead 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 VivintPremium 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 33
Voice control
Wireless connection available
Landline connection available
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Call Center Open (833) 830-7970 Get a Quote
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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.

>>MORE: Simplisafe vs. ADT

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