Vivint vs ADT – Home Security Comparison

For homeowners, home security and surveillance are sensitive issues that need proper attention and execution. You need to create a safe environment around your home to ensure your family remains safe, and while all of you are away, the house is also secure.

For most property owners, surveillance cameras and smart surveillance devices like video doorbells, video alarms, etc, offer a great way of monitoring their property.

In the US and international markets, Both ADT and Vivint are known for offering state-of-the-art and smart home security integration systems for round-the-clock monitoring. While ADT is known for its long legacy in this sector, Vivint has provided some of the advanced machines alongside subscription features to its consumers.

As a consumer, you may have some questions regarding the best option between these two. Here, we have prepared a detailed analysis of the two brands along with their latest models, plans, installation features, and technical specifications to offer you a comparison.

Overview of Vivint

Vivint Smart Home Inc. is a home security company and a sister concern of NRG Energy. The company is mainly based in the US and Canada. Keith Nielsen and Todd Piersen founded Vivint. In 1999, Keith and Todd started their own home security surveillance company named APX Alarm Security Solution in Utah, USA. The brand was rebranded and reintroduced as “Vivint ” in 2011.

Later, it was acquired by The Blackstone Group in 2012. Since 2020, Vivint has been a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Vivint sells home security systems, including indoor, outdoor, spotlight, and floodlight camera and video doorbells, smart home locks, door sensors, smart lighting, safety alarms, etc. One of the best parts about Vivint is that this professional installation brand offers round-the-clock monitoring for all its consumers.

Pros

• Offers complete home security service and smart integration
  
• Monthly contract available
  
• The app is included with all the plans
  
• Professionally installed by brand-authorized technicians
  
• It can be paired with a solar power source
  
• The agreement can be terminated at any time
  
• Integration with Amazon Echo and Google Home available
  

Cons

• The pricing structure is not transparent and often
  
• The overall cost can increase sometimes
  
• Services can be a bit expensive
  
• Customer service is not up to the mark
  
• The termination fees are very high
  

Overview of ADT

ADT Inc. is a well-known home security company in the US with nearly 143 years of legacy. This brand started its journey in 1870 when Edward A Calahan began his own research on developing a smart alarm system after facing a burglary incident.

He first invented the telegraph-based alarm system and connection with his neighbors for a common safety network. With time, the brand started leading the home security business sector in the US, with nearly 80% monopoly in this sector.

ADT started its stand-alone journey in 2012. The brand was first acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2016 and then by TELUS Corporation in 2019. However, it continued to function independently while maintaining its reputation and legacy.

Pros

• ADT offers round-the-clock professional monitoring even with its basic plans. The brand also contacts the owners in case of any abnormality in their property.
  
• Professional installation and testing from ADT
  
• Smart alert system
  
• Buy-back policy
  
• Six monitoring centers across the US
  
• Customized service according to individual needs and requirements
  

Cons

• ADT only leases out their equipment instead of selling them
  
• The contract length (minimum 36 months) is longer than many other brands
  
• Expensive compared to some other brands
  
• Apps, life safety monitoring, and smart home integration are only available for premium package users.
  
• Quite expensive considering the monthly basis charge
  
• Limited home integration with third-party system providers except Echo and Google Home
  

Vivint vs ADT: Features Comparison

1. Installations and Cost

Both Vivint and ADT offer professional installation. But ADT also offers a DIY installation kit through ADT self Setup.

Usually, Vivint installation charges range from $49 to $199 with a team of Vivint technicians. Vivint offers personalized consultation before each of their installation work. The Package comes with a separate installation charge and cost for each piece of equipment. Often, the minimum amount is $599. The Best part about Vivint is that each product is demonstrated before you choose which one you need.

On the other hand, ADT offers similar features, but their products are only on lease, and you can only give monthly rent while using the products. But you need to pay $194.98 to build your own package installation. The installation costs for the starter and the premium packages are $389.96 and $744.92, respectively.

Both of the brands offer professional installation, which is great for owners who need perfect installation. But if you want to own the gadgets you buy, Vivint is ideal. In case you are not concerned about the lease agreement, ADT can be equally rewarding!

2. Monitoring and its Plans

Both Vivint and ADT offer professional monitoring. Vivint has a dedicated team of professionals who will monitor your property and trigger an emergency alert in case of an unwanted situation. With the Smart Deter technology, Vivint can determine the threats faster, and you will get notified. The brand also offers emergency alerts to the authorities if needed. On top of that, you can also connect with a professional team with one single click button through the Smart Home controller.

ADT also offers a round-the-clock professional SMART monitoring facility with trained specialists and sends smart alerts on your device during emergencies.

For those who pay the full installation cost of Vivint ($599 minimum) in advance, the professional monitoring cost is $19.99 per month. But, if you go for financing, the charge increases to $29.99.

On the other hand, ADT offers a basic version of the Smart Home monitoring plan at a monthly charge of $45.99. If you want to build your own monitoring package, you can also get that. The smart monitoring plan starts from 449.99 per month with an advanced alert system through text message or app. If you want to monitor the video, the cost is $61.99 per month with live access to cameras.

While both of their monitoring features are great, ADT has better support with more service centers, alongside free repair, which is included in the monitoring plan. On the contrary, Vivint offers alerts to local authorities as well. In the end, the decision is yours.

3. Equipment

Both of these brands offer a wired range of equipment. Let us first compare the equipment range of Vivint and ADT-

Vivint offers different models of security cameras, including outdoor cameras, floodlight cameras, indoor cameras, spotlight cameras, and doorbell cameras. All cameras from this brand offer a 180-degree field of view and water-resistant technology alongside Video recording in the Vivint Smart Drive.

Besides that, Vivint also offers a smart alarm system and smart locks. This brand also provides smart Hub as a comprehensive interface that offers a network of smart devices for all-around surveillance. Alongside these types of security equipment, Vivint also offers door control, smart thermostats, smart lighting, car guards, and solar energy systems.

On the other hand, ADT offers touch screen panels that allow you to control smart home gadgets with ease. ADT also provides window and door sensors that detect the smallest footprints around these places and send you smart alerts.

One of the best features of ADT is its state-of-the-art motion sensor that sends you video clips and alerts. The brand also offers smoke detectors, Carbon monoxide detectors, flood detectors, smart thermostats, and emergency alarms, and smart locks. ADT also provides Google smart products, including Google Nest cams, Nest Hub, etc.

If you check out the equipment range, both Vivint and ADT offer similar equipment ranges. But, the striking difference is that Vivint offers its own designed products. In contrast, ADT provides some of its products and Google Nest products. Besides that, Vivint offers car security products while ADT does not. Vivint also provides more home automation gadgets than ADT.

4. Packages

Now, if you check out the packages, both brands offer different types of containers for their consumers. All the packages come with varying options of equipment and home integration facilities.

Vivint offers two basic packages, one premium package, and one premium plus Package. The basic Package costs $29.99 monthly and allows you to control the surveillance system remotely through their app and monitor smoke and toxic gas alongside standard home integration. This Package costs around $599.99. But, this plan does not include cameras.

The premium package starts at $49.99 and connects a hub control panel, an outdoor camera, a doorbell camera, a smart clock, and a key fob. The Premium Plus package has an extra indoor camera, a smart garage door controller, and a smart thermostat alongside those included in the Premium package.

If you want to avail of camera video recording, you need to pay $49.99 monthly for two cameras and $54.99 for three. The maximum number of cameras supported in Vivint under one account is six, costing $69.99 monthly.

All of these packages come with 24*7 professional motioning alongside smoke and gas monitoring, and video monitoring, and send alerts and updates from time to time. Interestingly, Vivint also offers an emergency alert system to the local authorities in an emergency.

ADT offers these packages: the build-your-own Package offers smart home monitoring, environment monitoring, professional installation, remote access, customized alerts, and some other features like motion detectors, window decals, smart lights, etc. The smart home and Video smart home package offers video monitoring, live streaming to your devices, smart doorbell, and monitoring alongside other features.

While the build-your-own Package costs $9.98 per month ($599 total), the Smart home package costs $14.14 per month (total $8490 and the Video and Smart home package costs $13.12 monthly (total $1387).

You can either pay the charge upfront or get it financed for 24-60 months. Usually, the monitoring cost is $45.99 to $61.99 per month. But if you go for finance, the crane can increase a bit more.

5. Camera Options

Security cameras are some of the main aspects of security surveillance. Vivint offers some of the best cameras in the market. This brand offers a 180-degree smart field of view for each of these cameras. The camera also comes with a smart mechanism that uses light and sounds to scare and startle unwanted visitors.

All the cameras also come with video recording and smart motion detection sensors. Furthermore, the Indoor cam pro from Vivint offers automatic footage recording while detecting emotions. These cameras also offer two-way audio communication that allows owners to listen and talk with those who are inside the home.

Not just the cameras, the video doorbell from Vivint also offers smart package deliveries alerts and face identification alerts.

Now, on the contrary, ADT offers collaboration with Google Nest and shares their product line. All Nest cameras from Google offer round-the-clock continuous video rearing alongside HDR and night-vision technology for clear recording and surveillance.

Alongside that, the Google Nest doorbell supported by ADT also offers good monitoring of visitors who come from time to time.

If you check out the product range, Vivint morel releases its own creations, while ADT prefers collaboration with Google. Both of their products are equally good, and you can choose any brand you want.

6. Video Storage Options

ADT offers devices that come with local storage and can store the videos for a certain time. The cameras start to record automatically whenever any motion is detected. Most of the ADT cameras store footage for 1-7 days, and the old footage gets automatically deleted after the tie drake.

On the other hand, Vivint stores the footage of round-the-clock recording for ten days for a maximum of twelve cameras and can be accessed from the Vivint security camera app on your smartphone. You can also share the clips and mark events for easy retrieval in the future.

7. Video Streaming Capability

Vivint indoor cameras come with infrared night vision and 1080p resolution. Most Vivint outdoor cameras come with 4k HD video and a 1080p live streaming feature.

On the contrary, the ADT video doorbell has 720p video recording, and the Google Nest doorbell and devices have 1080p HD or even 2K video resolution. Both brands offer live streaming of clips for their premium package users.

In the case of Vivint, you can stream the videos through the app directly and also opt for live streaming. On the contrary, ADT only offers live streaming for their premium plus Package.

8. Smart Home Integration

Both Vivint and ADT offer smart home automation with smart home lock, thermostat garage door control, etc. All three features can be used through these brands’ official apps. At the same time, Vivint offers car monitoring, ADT, does not have such devices.

All ADT devices (except Ring alarm) are activated through voice control and Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Echo. Similarly, Vivint devices also support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home kit.

Even though feature wise, both brands are similar, Vivint scores a bit higher due to the third-party smart home hub integration facilities with more devices available for integration.

9. Remote Control and Mobile Access(App)

Both ADT and Vivint offer remote control and mobile access through their app. The ADT control app provides features like controlling the connected devices, accessing footage and live streaming footage from cameras, and receiving push notifications alongside arming or disarming the security system with one click.

Similarly, Vivint also offers an app that offers live streaming of video footage, instant notification, control of the security system, and remote management of devices. This app also allows you to speak directly to visitors directly with the video doorbell.

Both of these apps are great, equally beneficial, and user-friendly. But, feature wise, the Vivint app offers more features. On top of that, the Vivint app is available for all of their users. At the same time, ADT only includes app control through its premium video recording package.

10. Contracts and Trail Periods

Vivint requires four to five years of the contract period. It is a mistake for the users who are opting for finance. But Vivint allows you to cancel the contract if you pay for the rest in one payment. If you want to cancel the contract, you can within thirty days after installation, and you will have to return all the equipment.

While ADT requires a minimum of three years of the contract period, it also offers some benefits. It offers a six-month buy-back guarantee.

Contract length-wise; ADT may be beneficial for those who are not bothered about the ownership of the devices. On the contrary, if you want to own the devices alongside a flexible tenure, Vivint can be a good choice.

Vivint offers three-day free trial periods, which are very short for many homeowners to understand the devices and their features practically. However, ADT offers a comparatively longer trial period ranging from 30 to 60 days, depending on the offers and features.

11. Communication

ADT requires a functional landline to get seamless services. The wired devices need to be connected to the electricity outlet through a wire for function. Besides that, the wireless devices support Wi-Fi connectivity. Without high-speed Internet, ADT devices may not work well.

All the Vivint Devices work through the Wi-Fi network. You can use a smartphone, and the devices will work as long as you have a wireless cellular device or smartphone.

12. Warranty and Consumer Support

For any homeowner purchasing smart home devices and surveillance equipment, warranty and consumer support are crucial issues. A good warranty clause with fast customer support often works as a layer of security in such cases.

Vivint offers a 120-day warranty after installation, and it’s free of cost. All the products included in the Package come with a free replacement warranty as long as the contract with Vivint is active.

ADT offers a ninety-day warranty after installation. The brand also offers a Quality Service Plan that offers an extended warranty. Some packages provide a six-month service warranty, and consumers can get free replacement and repair within these days. In case the issue remains unresolved, ADT offers a six-month buy-back guarantee with a complete refund of the money. But, not much is known about this facility.

The Better Business Bureau accredits ADT and has a fairly good rating. As a brand, it does have a long legacy. The brand has a dedicated customer support team. However, consumers give mixed reviews regarding the after-sales experience. While some applaud the fast service, others are not so lucky. Many consumers also complain about the longer wait period.

Vivint also has a depicted consumer helpline, but consumers also give mixed reviews. While the range of products is applauded, consumers claim that canceling contracts is difficult and the upfront cost can increase sometimes.

Vivint vs ADT: Which Home Security is best?

While DT and Vivint are both good companies, each has its own pros and cons. While Vivint offers a wide range of products, good monthly packages, and reasonable packaging and works fine without a Wi-Fi connection, the limited warranty clause is a big turn-off.

On the other hand, ADT offers a good product range and some good packages. But the brand doesn’t allow you to own tech gadgets, offering only ownership. Their three-year contract can seem unfair, but the six-month buy-back option is a great feature.

Even though both of the brands offer professional monitoring, ADT wins by a small margin. But Vivint provides great support and customization through its app.

If you are looking for a brand that offers a wide range of products alongside car guard mechanisms and product ownership with professional monitoring, go for Vivint. On the contrary, if you want better tracking with a shorter contract term and brand reputation and do not have a strict budget, you can go for ADT.

Vivint vs ADT – FAQs

Conclusion

Both ADT and Vivint are leading security and surveillance service providers in the US. ADT is known for its long brand legacy with unique lease agreements and collaboration with Google and other brands. On the other hand, Vivint is a new-age company that offers a wide range of smart home products they design by themselves. Both brands offer professional installation (extra charge) and round-the-clock monitoring for their users with a valid contract. While Vivint is quite pocket-friendly, ADT offers better customization. In the end, both are quite good in their own ways, and the decision lies with you. You can choose the brand that you need according to your personal preference, gadget requirements, and other factors.