Vivint vs ADT Comparison

Choosing the right security company isn’t easy. Do you go with the company with over 150 years of experience or the one with some of the most technologically advanced equipment on the market?

That’s the question we asked while comparing ADT and Vivint. During our testing, we felt like we were living in the future while operating Vivint’s home security system. However, the whole package was expensive, and we were locked into a long-term contract. Meanwhile, ADT only has contracts on professionally installed systems bought through financing. If you’re not interested in a long-term commitment, you can shop from their ADT Blu range and set it up yourself.

But these are just a few of the comparison points between ADT and Vivint. Let’s take a look at some of the others.

Expert Take

From Gene Petrino, Retired SWAT Commander and Law Enforcement

“I have had conversations with numerous burglars that confirm that homes with security signage or visible cameras are less likely to be targeted for home burglaries. One suspect told me that even if they think the sign is a decoy, he will avoid the home just to be safe.”

Read more about Gene Petrino →

Key Similarities of ADT vs. Vivint

As we mentioned earlier, ADT and Vivint share a lot of similarities. Here are the ones that got our attention.

• System components: ADT and Vivint both offer top-of-the-line equipment, and their most popular security packages include many of the same components.
• App ratings: Both ADT and Vivint have excellent apps that allow you to control almost every aspect of your system remotely.
• Long term contracting: ADT and Vivint have long-term contracts on professionally installed security systems when equipment is bought through financing.

Key Differences of ADT vs. Vivint

There are some significant differences between ADT and Vivint, and it’s not just the price tag. Here are the other main ones you should know about.

• Installation: All Vivint devices must be installed by a professional, but ADT offers a separate line of DIY-first equipment under ADT. ADT has its own product catalog separate from the professionally installed ADT system.
• System hub: ADT security systems revolve around a screenless hub with a built-in numeric keypad. Vivint’s system comes with a tablet-like touch screen controller that works great for home security controls and automation.
• Contract: Vivint systems typically require contracts up to five years, while ADT’s professionally installed systems only need a three-year commitment.

Let’s move on to the systems themselves.

ADT vs. Vivint System Components

First, let’s look at the systems we tested from each brand. Both offered us pre-customized packages, but we decided to customize our own security system. Here’s what we ended up with. Both systems cost us about $800.

As you can see, ADT and Vivint have a lot of similar equipment. Both systems include motion, entry, and glass break sensors, smart locks, indoor cameras, and video doorbells. The ADT package also comes with a remote key fob so we could arm and disarm the system without the app, while with Vivint, we got smoke and C.O. monitors.

Expert Take

From Gene Petrino, Retired SWAT Commander and Law Enforcement

“I was once dispatched to a carbon monoxide activation at a home. This was right after a hurricane hit the area and homes were without power. The homeowner was using a generator in his garage and the fumes were seeping into the home. If the homeowner didn’t have an environmental sensor, he and his family could have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.”

ADT vs. Vivint Installation

To compare apples to apples, we chose a professionally monitored security system from ADT and Vivint. The experiences were similar. Here’s what happened.

Installing ADT

ADT’s installation is quick and efficient. We even had the option to get same-day service.

The process started with a walkthrough of our home. The technician highlighted the areas that needed attention, and installed our sensors and cameras accordingly. After that was done, they tested everything out and explained how to control the system. Overall the process took a couple of hours, but didn’t require a whole lot of input on our part.

That last part is important, especially if it’s your first time having a smart security system installed. With ADT, you’re never in the dark. You’ll know exactly what the system can do, how to perform basic functions like arming and disarming, and how to access advanced features like home automation.

ADT’s professional installation service starts at $99, but sometimes they offer deals that may reduce this cost.

Installing Vivint

Vivint sometimes provides free professional installation! The standard installation fee starts at $199. Like ADT, you might find promotional deals on Vivint’s website that waive this cost entirely.

The process was mostly the same as ADT. The technician walked us through the setup process, scouted our house for weak spots that needed the most protection, and then proceeded with the installation. After that, he showed us a quick welcome video and then gave us a few moments to ask questions.

We were very impressed with our technician. He knew what he was doing with the system, and he even wore booties around his shoes to prevent tracking dirt into my home! Much appreciated, Vivint Technician John C.

Installation Winner

ADT and Vivint are best for those looking for a professionally installed security system, and while their services were comparable, we’re giving ADT the edge because of the cheaper installation fee and the option to go with a DIY system.

Professional Monitoring with ADT vs. Vivint

Now that your system is hypothetically set up, you’re probably wondering who’s actually going to monitor it. When it comes to home security monitoring, there are two options available: self-monitoring or professional monitoring. Both are pretty self-explanatory.

Self-monitoring occurs between the user and their app, while professional monitoring brings a whole team of people to monitor your home’s security. In the event of an emergency, they will always be available to contact the police, hospital, or fire department for you, so someone will always have your back.

As for Vivint and ADT? Both systems are professionally monitored.

ADT vs. Vivint Monitoring Options

Vivint Smart Home Video Service

We’d love to tell you exactly how much Vivint’s monitoring plan costs, but they keep this information hidden from the public. When we spoke to a sales consultant for a quote, they told us it ranges from $25 to $50 per month.

The final amount depends on how many devices you need and if you want to include automation features. You’ll also need to factor in cloud storage for video recordings and state taxes.

Your Vivint monitoring plan will be based on the number of cameras you have. Keep in mind that since you’re not paying for anything up front, you’ll have a monthly fee from Vivint no matter what; professional monitoring would be on top of that.

Like Vivint, ADT systems require you to have professional monitoring. Pricing starts at $49.99 per month, but if your security system includes indoor and outdoor cameras, you’ll pay more for cloud storage and video features.

Professional monitoring from either ADT or Vivint offers features beyond just monitoring, such as cellular backup. Cellular backup ensures your home security system stays on if the power in your neighborhood goes out. Both ADT and Vivint include cellular backup with all of their systems, so no need to worry— even in the darkest of power outages, your home will stay secure.

Plus, ADT operates six monitoring centers strategically located across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring redundancy and reliability. If one facility has an outage or emergency, another center immediately takes over monitoring duties. This way, you’ll get uninterrupted protection for your home.

Expert Take

From Gene Petrino, Retired SWAT Commander and Law Enforcement

“I had a conversation with a suspect who we had arrested for burglarizing a home. He told me that he tries to avoid our city because our response time is fast. The only reason he decided to burglarize the home in this case was because it was an acquaintance of his and there was property he knew he wanted. He wasn’t aware that the homeowner was self-monitoring which accelerated our response time.”

ADT vs. Vivint Contracts

For professionally installed security systems, ADT requires a three-year contract (two years in California), particularly if you pay for your system through financing. The contract is tied to your financing term. Meanwhile, Vivint has five-year contracts. With Vivint, you can cancel anytime without an early termination fee, but you’ll still need to pay for your equipment in full.

ADT vs. Vivint Moving Policies

Because both systems require professional installation, you can’t just move with your system with either ADT or Vivint. You’ll need to go through a process — typically notifying the company, arranging a new system to be installed at your new address, and discussing what happens to your old security system.

We found ADT’s process more streamlined, as they offer several options. They even give you discounts if you purchase a new system for your new home. With Vivint, there’s typically a $129 moving fee involved.

That said, because of their rigid moving policies, neither ADT nor Vivint would make a good choice if you see a possibility of moving within the next three years. We recommend checking out DIY alternatives such as SimpliSafe or even ADT’s own DIY line, ADT Blu.

Monitoring Winner

When it comes to monitoring, ADT has the edge over Vivint in a few meaningful ways. ADT’s six redundant monitoring centers averaged 28-second response times in our testing — about five seconds faster than Vivint’s 33-second average. For homeowners who want professional-grade monitoring without a years-long commitment hanging over them, ADT is the stronger choice.

Customer Support with ADT vs. Vivint

If you need help with your ADT or Vivint security system, you can contact customer support through phone or live chat, or check out their websites for some helpful hints. ADT also offers support through Facetime, which, if you feel comfortable enough, could possibly come in handy if you’re having a problem with your physical system.

Overall, though, we’d say that Vivint has better customer support. They were honest and upfront even about potential drawbacks of their system. When we asked if there’s a money-back guarantee, they explained that they only give a three-day grace period to cancel. Meanwhile, the ADT customer service representative we spoke with was a little dodgy when we asked them about the details of their “industry-best six-month money-back guarantee.”

Customer Support Winner

Vivint edges out ADT in customer support, though neither company excels in this area. For truly exceptional customer service in the home security industry, we recommend checking out Frontpoint. We’ve always had excellent experiences and the company consistently receives high praise for its customer satisfaction.

ADT vs. Vivint Apps

WINNER: ADT

Finally, we want to go over each company’s mobile app. Think of the app as the mobile command center– it’s gotta be easy to use, free of bugs, and it should put you in the driver’s seat when it comes to your home security.

The ADT+ App

While we had a security panel with a keypad, we ended up using the ADT+app to arm and disarm our security system. We even jumped into the app to get status updates on our devices and view livestream footage. It was handy when we weren’t home and getting parcels delivered.

The Vivint Smart Home App

Vivint’s app has the exact same capabilities as the ADT app, including letting us speak to visitors through our video doorbell. We told an Amazon delivery driver the best place to hide the parcel so it wouldn’t get stolen. The Vivint Smart Home app has incredible ratings from Android and iPhone users.

“Great app and Vivint is an amazing system! From being able to unlock the door from my phone to getting notified when the power is out at my business, Vivint has come through for me time and time again!”

wrote a Google user in a five-star review.

System App Winner

The ratings speak for themselves. ADT’s app consistently outperforms Vivint’s across both Android and iOS platforms. We still think that both apps offer excellent features and are easy to use.

Recap of ADT vs. Vivint

ADT and Vivint’s professionally installed security systems rank among the industry’s best. However, when you examine features like professional monitoring infrastructure and mobile apps, ADT pulls ahead. ADT also offers DIY security systems for customers wanting to avoid long-term contracts, giving you more flexibility to find a solution that fits your specific needs.