Xfinity vs. Vector Security
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 | Compatible with Carrier Cor, ecobee, Zen | Compatible with Chamberlain LiftMaster | — | — | — | |
| Not listed | — |
Technology
| | |
| Mobile app | ||
| Mobile app monitoring | ||
| iOS rating | 4.4 | 4.7 |
| Android rating | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Notification/alert options | Text, email, push and TV | Email, text and push |
| Home automation capabilities | ||
| Voice integration | ||
| Amazon Alexa | ||
| Google Home | Not specified | |
| Other integrations | xFi Gateway, Xfinity camera devices | Smart plugs |
| 4.4 | 4.5 | Text, email, push and TV | Not specified | xFi Gateway, Xfinity camera devices | |||||
| 4.7 | 3.9 | Email, text and push | Smart plugs |
Reputation on ConsumerAffairs
| | |
| Overall star rating | 1.2 | 4.2 |
| Verified customer reviews | Xfinity Home reviews | Vector Security reviews |
| 1.2 | Xfinity Home reviews |
| 4.2 | Vector Security reviews |
All information accurate as of publishing date.
Xfinity
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."
– Jen of Bridgeport, CT
Vector Security
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."
– Inez of New Bern, NC
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Bottom line: Xfinity or Vector Security?
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.
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