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. If you’re not interested in a long-term commitment, you can shop from their Google Nest range and set it up yourself.

But these are just a few of the similarities and differences 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.

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: ADT Self Setup features products from the Google Nest range you can install yourself. All Vivint equipment must be professionally installed.
• 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 can require contracts up to five years, whereas ADT’s professionally installed systems require a three-year maximum contract.

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.

All in all, we paid $99 for the installation service.

Installing Vivint

Vivint provides professional installation for free! Well, sometimes. Typically, the installation service costs $199, but there are deals on Vivint’s website occasionally that can waive that installation fee.

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 how much Vivint’s monitoring plan costs, but they don’t share this information. When we spoke to a sales consultant for a quote, they told us it could range from $30 to $50.

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.

ADT also requires that you have some sort of professional monitoring. ADT’s pricing ranges from about $29.99 to $44.99. But if your security system includes indoor and outdoor cameras, you have no choice but to go for the Complete plan.

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.

One area where ADT has a clear edge is the monitoring facilities from where its in-house monitoring operators work. It goes without saying that monitoring facilities operate 24/7, but ADT walked the extra mile by setting up 12 monitoring centers across the U.S. and Canada. This way, if one of them is out of commission, another facility will be available to help out.

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 its professionally installed security systems, ADT requires at least a three-year contract (two-year in California). Meanwhile, Vivint requires four- to five-year contracts. With Vivint, though, you can cancel anytime without a fee, but you’d still need to pay for your equipment in full, of course.

ADT Self Setup systems don’t require a contract. But you’ll need to pay for the equipment upfront and install it yourself. The monitoring fee is optional – you can self-monitor it – however, we strongly recommend professional monitoring. Since there are no contracts, you can opt in and out as you wish.

ADT vs. Vivint Moving Policies

Another benefit of DIY installation is that if you move, you can just pack up your system and reinstall it in your new house. That’s the case for ADT, and it certainly lifts a weight off our shoulders. Moving with Vivint, however, will require you to pay a $129 moving fee that covers the installation service.

Monitoring Winner

Overall, ADT is more flexible. Its monitoring plans are more affordable, plus contracts are optional if you sign up for the ADT Self Setup system. ADT has one other advantage: It has 12 monitoring facilities total. No matter what happens, and even if some of those facilities shut down, ADT’s monitoring service will always stay online.

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 has better customer support than ADT, although support is neither company’s strong suit. For some of the best customer support in the business, check out Frontpoint.

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 numbers don’t lie: ADT has the superior app over Vivint, although they’re both pretty good.

Recap of ADT vs. Vivint

This is a tough one. ADT and Vivint’s professionally installed security systems are two of the best available. But once you start looking at other features like professional monitoring and smartphones, it’s clear that ADT is the better option. Plus, it offers DIY security systems for customers who want to avoid being locked into a contract. So you’re bound to find something with ADT that suits your situation.