What is the difference between Xfinity and Vector Security?
Xfinity and Vector Security are both award-winning companies that provide home security system solutions. Both provide equipment packages for a variety of budgets.
A couple of differences are that Xfinity offers self-monitoring as an option, and Vector security does not. However, Vector rolls its monitoring cost in with the monthly cost of equipment, so you just have one payment for both. You also have the option of paying for the equipment upfront.
Installation and cost
Installation type
Professional
Professional
Installation fee
$100
Included
Upfront cost
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
$99 to $199
Trial period
30-day money-back guarantee
One-year warranty on equipment
Contract terms
Two years
Varies
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
Professional
Included
$99 to $199
One-year warranty on equipment
Varies
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$30+
$46 to $64
Monitoring options
Professional and self-monitored
Professional
Self-monitoring
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
Upgraded self-monitoring
—
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$30+
Starting at $46
Upgraded professional monitoring
$40+
$64
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
$30+
$40+
$46 to $64
Professional
—
—
Starting at $46
$64
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Wireless
Wireless
Camera options
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
—
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
—
Siren
Not specified
Not listed
Panic button
Via touch-screen control panel
Medical panic button
Yard sign
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Not listed
Medical panic button
Smart-home features
Smart locks
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Smart lights
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Smart thermostat
Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen
Garage door control
Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster
Temperature sensor
—
Not listed
Water sensor
—
—
Smoke detector
CO detector
—
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Xfinity offers three home security equipment packages. There are two professional monitoring options available, and monitoring is done on a no-contract basis. You can also self-monitor your system through an app. Xfinity has partnerships with several smart device companies, which makes it easy to integrate the system with other smart-home devices.
Xfinity plans
Base Home System: The Base Home System pricing starts at $15 per month for 24 months or a full upfront payment of $360. It includes a touch-screen controller, a pet-friendly motion sensor, a battery and cellular system backup and three door/window sensors.
Complete Home System: The Complete Home System costs $480 upfront or $20 a month for 24 months. The equipment package includes a touch-screen controller, wireless keypad, a battery/cellular system backup, five door/window sensors, one HD indoor/outdoor camera and a pet-friendly motion sensor.
Ultimate Home System: The Ultimate Home System offers the most equipment and costs $25 a month for 24 months or $600 upfront. This package includes the touch-screen controller, 10 door/window sensors, battery/cellular backup, one pet-friendly motion sensor and two HD indoor/outdoor cameras.
What Xfinity customers say
Positive reviews for Xfinity Home on ConsumerAffairs mention HD cameras, good quality products at a great value and good experience with technicians. Customers who described issues with the service mentioned issues with troubleshooting devices and dealing with an automated customer service line.
The monitoring capabilities are superior. I love that I am able to use my smartphone to access my home's security features. It is convenient and easy to use. It was an amazing value! I shopped around and found that I definitely received the most bang for my buck with this system and I couldn't be happier with it."
Vector is a nationally recognized home security company that also offers technology and equipment that makes home automation solutions possible. The company sells smart locks, smart thermostats, smart doorbells and fire and life safety equipment. Additionally, it has three home security equipment packages available to choose from, and you have the option to add on equipment.
Vector plans
Essential Security: The Essential Security package pricing starts at $44.95 per month with $0 down. It includes a wireless control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, SecurityCare plus (a protection plan), professional installation and monitoring.
Home Automation: The Home Automation package is $59.95 per month and $99 down. It includes a wireless control panel, a motion detector, three door/window sensors, mobile solutions, an indoor camera, SecurityCare Plus, professional installation and monitoring.
Connected Home: Connected Home is $69.95 per month with $149 down. It includes the most equipment: a wireless control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, mobile solutions, SecurityCare Plus, a smart thermostat, door lock, an indoor camera, professional installation and professional monitoring.
The listed prices for Vector Security are based on a Dallas ZIP code and could vary.
What Vector customers say
Reviews about Vector Security on ConsumerAffairs mention positive experiences with the Vector service and installation team, with customers stating team members had great attention to detail and were ready to walk customers through exactly how to use the system. Some customers expressed concern over delayed service, cancellation policies and system function issues.
It was a great experience. I chose Vector because it was reasonable and easy to follow. The tech was very professional and cautious. He was very timely and moved quietly."
Xfinity and Vector both have similar equipment packages, but Xfinity provides an option to self-monitor while Vector offers only professional monitoring. While there are some slight differences, both offer a variety of solutions to meet home security needs.
Xfinity is best for existing Xfinity customers who want to integrate their home security system with their cable and internet.
Vector is best for customers who would like to have their monitoring fee rolled into the monthly payment for the equipment.
