Installation and cost
 |  | |
| Installation type | Pro | DIY |
| Installation fee | $49 to $199 | None |
| Upfront cost | Varies based on equipment | $179.99 to $579.99 |
| Trial period | 3 days | 30 days |
| Contract terms | 1 to 60 months | 1 month minimum |
 | Pro | $49 to $199 | Varies based on equipment | 3 days | 1 to 60 months |
| DIY | None | $179.99 to $579.99 | 30 days | 1 month minimum |
Monitoring plans and pricing
| | |
| Monitoring price range | $24.99 to $59.99 per month | $24.99 to $39.99 per month |
| Monitoring options | Professional | Professional or self-monitored |
| Self-monitoring | Not offered | Free |
| Upgraded self-monitoring | Not offered | Not offered |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | $24.99/month | $24.99/month |
| Upgraded professional monitoring | $59.99/month | $24.99/month |
| $24.99 to $59.99 per month | Professional | Not offered | Not offered | $24.99/month | $59.99/month |
| $24.99 to $39.99 per month | Professional or self-monitored | Free | Not offered | $24.99/month | $24.99/month |
Security equipment
| | |
| Wired or wireless? | Wireless | Wireless |
| Camera options | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell |
| Video doorbell | ||
| Control panel | ||
| Motion sensor | ||
| Entry sensor | ||
| Glass break sensor | ||
| Keychain remote | ||
| Siren | True | |
| Panic button | True | True |
| Yard sign |
| Wireless | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | True | ||||||||
| Wireless | Indoor, outdoor and doorbell | True | True |
Smart-home features
| | |
| Smart locks | True | |
| Smart lights | True | |
| Smart thermostat | True | |
| Garage door control | True | |
| Temperature sensor | ||
| Water sensor | ||
| Smoke detector | ||
| CO detector |
| ||||||||
| True | True | True | True |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.6 | 4.8 |
| Android rating | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| Notification/alert options | Email, text and push | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | True | |
| Google Home | ||
| Other integrations | Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest | IFTTT |
| 4.6 | 4.3 | Email, text and push | Google Home, Amazon Echo and Nest | ||||||
| 4.8 | 4.6 | Email, text and push | True | IFTTT |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 4.5 | 3.8 |
| Verified customer reviews | Vivint reviews | ADT Self Setup reviews |
| 4.5 | Vivint reviews |
| 3.8 | ADT Self Setup reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Vivint
Vivint offers custom-built home security systems and smart-home integration with professional installation and 24/7 monitoring. Every Vivint home security system features smart technology to intelligently identify and deter real threats. The system uses lights and sound to scare away would-be burglars. Control your system, along with lights, door locks and thermostats, from a single app or the hub. There’s also an option for no-interest financing.
Vivint plans
Every plan and system from Vivint is customized to your needs. Packages start as low as $1 per day, and you can add 24/7 video recording with 30 days of storage, all accessible from your phone.
What Vivint customers say
The smart security system by Vivint frequently receives 5-star reviews from ConsumerAffairs’ reviewers. Customers highlight their favorable experience with skilled and efficient technicians who take the time to thoroughly answer all questions about the system and equipment. Some customers experienced issues with equipment being installed incorrectly or not working as advertised, but the majority were happy with the product, stating the company exceeded their expectations.
Very personal, friendly, highly recommended. Showed up on time. Surprised on how clean of a job was done. Talked over a plan and plan was followed. If changes had to be made he talked it over with me and came upon a agreement."
– Reyes of El Paso, TX
ADT Self Setup
ADT Self Setup offers DIY home security systems with the option of no-contract professional monitoring from security giant ADT. The ADT Self Setup app also lets you self-monitor your home security system and receive mobile notifications. Devices and apps are compatible with Google Assistant for smart-home integration.
ADT Self Setup plans
- The Build Your Own System starts at $179.99 for the home hub. You can add any devices you need and get one free month of professional monitoring.
- The Starter System is $479.99 and comes with a base station, two door and window sensors, the mobile app, an ADT yard sign and ADT window stickers. It includes one month of free professional monitoring.
- The Premium System costs $579.99. It comes with a base station, four door and window sensors, two motion sensors, the mobile app, a yard sign and four window stickers. One month of professional monitoring is included.
What ADT Self Setup customers say
Customers who left reviews on our site generally have positive things to say about ADT Self Setup's home security systems. Happy reviewers highlight the equipment options (particularly the cameras) and reliable monitoring service. Some said it’s a little on the pricey side, but that it’s worth it for the security.
It is easy and very secure indeed. Haven't had any problems with this product at all. It is a great company. I have tried others but they don't stand up to ADT at all. So I am happy with this company."
– Vincent of Bloomington, TX
Bottom line: Vivint or ADT Self Setup?
The main difference between ADT Self Setup and Vivint is DIY vs. professional installation. ADT Self Setup is designed to be easy to install and requires DIY installation, while Vivint doesn’t offer a self-installation option. Vivint systems are professionally monitored, while ADT Self Setup offers a choice for self-monitoring — and the ADT Self Setup app still functions if you don’t choose professional monitoring.
- Vivint is best for customers who want a custom smart-home and security solution with professional monitoring and installation.
- ADT Self Setup is best for budget-conscious customers who prefer a no-frills, DIY home security system and the freedom to choose professional or DIY monitoring.
