Vivint Security Alternatives & Similar Services

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a home security system. Along with the many devices available today, you have to sort through the various security providers to find the one that offers your best solution.

Over the past decade, Vivint has become one of the top home security companies in the country. It is specifically popular for its leading-edge smart home integrations. If you want the ability to control your security system, lights, thermostat, locks, and more with just your voice or app, Vivint is the way to go.

That said, Vivint isn’t the only provider with smart home automation and may not be the best fit for your home. 

To help you understand how Vivint stacks up against other popular home security companies, we’ve compared it to two of the best Vivint alternatives on the market: ADT and Frontpoint. 

In this article, we’ve broken down the best perks and drawbacks of each company, helping you determine which option offers the solutions you need.

What does Vivint offer?

Convenient security

If there’s one word that defines Vivint, it’s convenience. As a full-service security system, it is designed to make your life as safe and easy as possible. It pairs smart home automation with flexible payment options and extensive customization. You can enjoy a system that fits seamlessly into your life and home.

As you might expect, though, this convenience comes at a price. Vivint has some of the highest equipment costs in the industry, which may be why you’re considering alternatives. Here’s a quick look at everything you get with Vivint’s security systems to help you determine if it is worth the cost.

Equipment

Vivint offers a full range of security equipment to protect your home and property from break-ins. From standard options such as glass break sensors, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and motion sensors to options such as smart smoke detectors and locks, this company has it all. 

With Vivint, you can use:

• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Door/window sensors
• Flood sensors
• Freeze sensors
• Glass break detectors
• Motion sensors
• Recessed door sensors
• Smoke detectors
• Ping Indoor Camera
• Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
• Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro
• Element Thermostat
• Garage door controllers
• Lamp modules
• Nest L Thermostat
• Nest E Thermostat
• Smart door locks
• Smart Drive
• Vivint Car Guard

Before signing up, Vivint will visit your home for a free security consultation. During this visit, a security expert will recommend the best equipment for your home.

Smart home automation

This is where Vivint shines. Its system is designed to use the best of intelligent technology and automation to improve your security and convenience. Its smart security options include:

• It’s Smart Hub, a touchscreen control panel that offers two-way communication, video feeds, panic buttons, and control over your full system, including connected devices.
• Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras with motion detection, instant notifications, customized detection fields, night vision, two-way communication, and more.
• Smart locks that you can engage with voice control, your mobile app, number codes, and keys.

Along with safety measures, Vivint’s system integrates with a variety of smart devices, such as:

• Smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• Philips Hue Smart Lights
• Nest Thermostats
• Z-Wave compatible devices

Vivint also offers its own smart devices, such as thermostats and smart plugs, that you can use to build your home automation. Beyond the options listed above, however, this provider has limited third-party integrations. If you’ve already built an extensive smart home system, you may have to replace some devices or use your security system without connecting these items.

Plans & pricing

Vivint sells its security equipment in three packages. You can also choose any of its add-on products to expand your system.

Given Vivint’s high-end, smart features, it’s not surprising that its equipment is some of the most expensive on the market. To make its solutions more affordable for anyone, Vivint offers two payment options. 

1. With as little as $0 down, you can finance your equipment over a 42 or 60-month contract. This payment plan requires monthly equipment payments on top of your monthly monitoring fees.
2. You can also pay the full price for your devices upfront. If you choose this option, you won’t have to sign a contract. You can pay for the monthly monitoring service on a month-to-month basis and cancel at any time.

Both options include professional security system installation. 

Vivint offers 24/7 professional monitoring, ensuring someone is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

The one drawback to Vivint’s professional monitoring service is that you can’t use its system without this option. Unlike some security options, you have to sign up for a monthly monitoring plan to activate your system.

Convenience & customization

Your security system should reflect your needs and preferences. With a Vivint system, you can extensively customize your devices. Your customization options include:

• Directing your security cameras to record with specific triggers or at a certain time
• Having your lights and thermostat automatically adjust to your preferences before you get home
• Connecting your smart locks and security system so it automatically disarms when you unlock the door

Best of all, you can control and adjust your entire system from Vivint’s high-rated mobile app. Easily pull up live feeds from your cameras. If someone comes to your front door, for example, you can use your video doorbell to see and talk to whoever it is. Your camera will also alert you when someone drops off a package to help prevent theft.

Your app will instantly notify you whenever your sensors or cameras are triggered. You can use these updates to stay on top of your home’s security, even when you’re away.

Additional considerations

While this security provider is highly rated for its equipment, it also offers additional benefits that may make it a better fit.

If you have to move to a new home but want to keep your Vivint system, you have three options:

• You can start fresh by paying for a new equipment package and starting a new monthly plan.
• You can remove the equipment you want to keep from your old home and pay a $149 installation fee to bring it to your new place. Vivint will provide a new starter kit and you can purchase new add-ons.
• You can pay the company to professionally remove and install your current equipment into your new home for a $298 fee.

You can also schedule your new installation for a later date if you aren’t moving immediately into your new home.

For many years, Vivint suffered from customer service woes. Since 2011, however, it has revamped its brand to be more customer-centric. Today, many customers give the company high ratings for both its products and service.

Which systems are better than Vivint?

For a smart home security system, there is no better option than Vivint. If you want a DIY security system, would prefer the ability to opt-out of monthly monitoring fees, or need something cheaper, ADT and Frontpoint may be better security systems than Vivint.

Vivint vs. ADT

Trusted security

ADT’s 145+ year history and high-quality equipment have empowered the company to command nearly half of the home security market. As innovation has transformed the industry, however, it has become one of several great options.

Here’s a look at how it stacks up against Vivint.

Equipment

Like Vivint, ADT offers a range of luxury security equipment. Every equipment package includes a keypad, motion sensors, and door and window contact sensors. You can also add on options to increase your security and/or conveniences, such as a touchscreen control panel and security cameras. 

ADT’s full range of equipment includes:

• Keypad
• Door and window contact sensors
• Motion sensors
• Smoke & heat detector
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell cameras
• Garage door controller
• Smart lighting
• Smart locks
• Smart switches and plugs
• Smart thermostats
• Panic buttons

Smart home automation

For smart home integrations, ADT offers a strong alternative to Vivint. Your system can connect to the following:

• Smart assistants, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
• Smart locks
• Smart plugs and switches
• Smart smoke detectors
• Smart thermostats
• Z-Wave devices

ADT doesn’t offer as many of its own smart devices as Vivint. The company has instead made its system more compatible with third-party products. If you already have smart devices in your home, it may be easier to connect them to your security system.

This flexibility does come at a price, however. ADT’s lowest smart home monthly monitoring plan costs more than Vivint’s highest monthly plan.

Plans & pricing

ADT also offers both financing and upfront payment options for its equipment. Unlike Vivint, you will have to sign a long-term contract no matter which option you pick. The minimum contract length is 36 months, though you’ll have to sign a 60-month agreement if you finance your equipment costs.

Depending on the devices you choose, ADT’s equipment costs may be lower than Vivint. The security giant also requires an installation fee and activation fee, however, so you may end up paying more. 

One advantage of choosing ADT is its package options. You can choose from six equipment packages over Vivint’s three. ADT also offers both wired and wireless options for greater flexibility.

Along with the equipment included in each package, you can add on devices to strengthen your security system. You can also choose to build your own package from the start to meet your exact needs.

Next, you’ll choose your monthly monitoring plan. Since these plans can be pricey and you’ll be locked into the plan for a minimum of three years, it’s important to consider your budget with ADT.

That said, ADT does offer a 6-month, money-back guarantee with its systems. If you have concerns that aren’t resolved within this period and qualify, the company will refund your monitoring and installation fees.

Convenience & customization

ADT gives you control of your home security system through its app. You can use your phone to:

• Arm/disarm your system
• Watch live video feeds
• Get instant alerts for any changes and activity
• Control connected devices, such as your lights, thermostat, and locks

Additional features include access to your account info, setting custom actions and schedules, and communicating with the monitoring team if your system activates or you need help. You can also add a list of people who will get alerts if anything happens with your security.

Additional considerations

Along with a long history and reputation, ADT backs its security with extensive redundancy. It uses nine monitoring centers to keep an eye on customers, eliminating downtime and ensuring someone is always available to help.

Another plus is the ability to use your security system without a monthly monitoring plan. You won’t be able to access all of its capabilities, but items such as your sensors and alarm will operate as long as you have the equipment.

Most customers who move during their contracts will have to cancel the current agreement and start a new one, with new equipment, in the new house. Unlike Vivint, you can’t take any equipment with you. ADT does offer some discounts for existing customers who are moving, but it can still be an expensive hassle. That said, if you move into a house with an ADT system, you can easily activate and use it with your own plan. 

One area that ADT struggles in is customer service. Some users are happy with its help, while others are frustrated with the interactions they’ve had with the company’s authorized retailers. You may have great experiences with this brand, but great service isn’t a guarantee.

ADT vs Vivint: Final verdict

We recommend ADT over Vivint for users who want more options for their equipment and monitoring packages. If you want a wired system or prefer to design your system from scratch, the larger company may be the better choice.

ADT is also a great choice if you already have an extensive smart home network, as it may integrate better than Vivint.

Lastly, this company’s history and experience are impossible to beat. If you prefer a company that has outlasted many competitors and offers unique benefits, such as nine monitoring centers, ADT is the ideal option.

As long as you are willing to be locked into a long-term contract and pay a bit more, these reasons make ADT a good fit.

Vivint vs. Frontpoint

Do-it-yourself security

Home security systems have evolved significantly over the past decade or so. One of the biggest developments has been DIY security systems.

Frontpoint is one of the best options for these innovative safety providers. Though the self-installation feature may make this system seem less robust than Vivint and ADT, it provides comparable equipment and services. 

If you prefer a DIY home security system, here’s why Frontpoint may be a great alternative to Vivint.

Equipment

Frontpoint’s equipment might be easy to install yourself, but that doesn’t mean it is low quality. Like Vivint, this provider offers a large number of security-centered equipment, including:

• Door/window sensors
• Glass break sensors
• Motion sensors
• Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell cameras
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Flood sensors
• Keypad and touchscreen control panels
• Smart thermostats
• Smart locks
• Smart plugs
• Wireless light controls
• Garage door tilt sensor
• Keychain remote
• Panic pendant

Since you will install your equipment yourself, you won’t receive a security consultation to help design your system, as you do with Vivint. Instead, you can choose one of Frontpoint’s pre-built equipment packages or build your own from scratch.

Thankfully, the equipment is simple and easy to install. Just follow the instructions in the app, which includes tips for placing the peel-and-stick sensors correctly. Once installed, your app will run an automatic system check to make sure everything works.

Smart home automation

Frontpoint’s smart home capabilities are similar to Vivint’s. The biggest difference is that all of Frontpoint’s smart devices have to be added on to your equipment package, including its touchscreen smart hub. 

Some of the automation you can enjoy includes:

• Smart door locks, which you can control through your app and use to automatically arm/disarm your system with conditional settings.
• Smart plugs, which allow you to control anything plugged into the device with your voice or phone.
• Smart thermostats, giving you the ability to control the temperature and set a schedule from the app

This system also integrates with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Z-Wave devices. Frontpoint doesn’t offer its own line of smart devices, so it may be easier to integrate existing devices into your system.

Plans & pricing

Frontpoint currently offers three equipment packages, as well as the option to build your own package. 

You can also add on any other devices to cover a larger home or enjoy a more powerful security system.

This provider’s equipment is more expensive than most DIY options, but it often runs sales and promos that offer some savings. You will also avoid any installation fees, making this option more affordable.

You can choose to pay for everything upfront to avoid signing a contract or finance your equipment, potentially for as little as $10 a month. Choosing to finance also means signing a 36-month contract.

Frontpoint’s 24/7 professional monitoring service is required for every customer. It only offers one plan, which includes support for home automation, environmental monitoring, and video monitoring. This plan is more expensive than most of Vivint’s plans.

If you don’t love your equipment within the first 30 days, you can return your equipment for a full refund, including free shipping. This is one of the best trial periods on the market.

Convenience & customization

Frontpoint’s customization options start with its Build-Your-Own equipment package. Since you won’t have a security expert helping to design your system, you can create your own ideal combination.

Its DIY installation makes it easier to get your system up quickly. You won’t have to wait for an appointment and can instead set your equipment up as soon as it arrives.

This security provider includes its app with every system. You can get instant notifications for any event, including custom notifications for situations such as leaving the house with your smart locks unengaged.

Another app feature is its custom scenes. Along with typical options, such as “Home” and “Away,” you can create your own scenes for common needs. If you don’t want your system making noise during naptime, for example, you can schedule silent arming during that time.

You can use the app to control your smart devices, use geofencing to automatically arm/disarm your system, and check your video feeds. This app isn’t as powerful as Vivint’s, but it does offer great features.

Extra considerations

The beauty of DIY home security systems is that they are just as easy to move as they are to install. Frontpoint will work with you to provide new adhesive and deactivate your system while you move, but you won’t have to get new equipment, a new plan, or pay any additional fees.

This provider offers two unique features that strengthen your security. First, your system will run a check every hour to make sure everything is working properly. If any sensors aren’t connected or a device is unplugged, you will get an alert. 

Second, your control panel includes Crash and Smash protection. If a thief damages the hub and your system stops receiving signals from the rest of your equipment, Frontpoint will immediately reach out to see if you need emergency services.

Another plus of using a Frontpoint system is that you get Allstate Identity Protection with every plan. 

This company also offers exceptional customer service.

Frontpoint vs Vivint: Final verdict

If you want DIY security equipment, Frontpoint is the better choice. It’s also the ideal option if you want to design your own system, without having to choose a package with devices you don’t want.

Given its easy installation, we’d also recommend Frontpoint for people who rent or plan to move in the near future. 

Finally, its 30-day trial period is ideal for those who aren’t sure about home security. If you want to try a home security system out, this may be the way to go.

Which security system is right for me?

	Pros	Cons
Vivint	Flexible pricing, including upfront or financed payment plans No additional activation or installation fees Professional installation, maintenance, and set-up guidance Affordable 24/7 professional monitoring High-quality, innovative equipment Endless customization options	High equipment costs Limited integrations with third-party smart devices
ADT	Backed by nearly 150 years of experience Best professional monitoring redundancy with 9 monitoring centers Six-month money-back guarantee Smart home integrations Wired and wireless options	Requires multi-year contracts with high termination fees Includes high installation and activation costs Poor customer service ratings
Frontpoint	Easy, DIY install No contracts Includes identity protection Exceptional customer support 30-Day, Money-Back Guarantee	High costs Average smart home automation capabilities No security consultation