If you are looking for a reliable, affordable, and customizable home security system, ADT is the better choice than Vivint. However, if you prefer a more advanced, smart, and flexible system, Vivint may be worth the higher price and longer contract. In this article, we will compare Vivint and ADT on various aspects, such as pricing, contracts, monitoring, installation, automation, and equipment, to help you decide which one suits your needs and preferences better.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a home security system is the cost. Both Vivint and ADT require you to pay for the equipment upfront, but Vivint offers a financing option that lets you pay in monthly installments over 60 months. The equipment cost for Vivint ranges from $599.99 to $1,799.99, depending on the package and customization you choose. ADT’s equipment cost is $599, which includes a basic package of a control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion detector, a keychain remote, and a yard sign.
Both companies also charge monthly fees for professional monitoring, which is mandatory for Vivint and optional for ADT. Vivint’s monitoring fees start at $19.99 and go up to $39.99, depending on the level of service and features you want. ADT’s monitoring fees range from $29.99 to $59.99, also depending on the plan and features you choose. ADT offers a lower monitoring fee of $19.99 if you opt for a landline connection instead of a cellular one, but this may compromise the reliability and security of your system.
Another factor to consider is the contract length and terms. Vivint requires you to sign a 60-month contract if you finance the equipment, or a month-to-month contract if you pay for the equipment upfront. ADT requires you to sign a 36-month contract, regardless of how you pay for the equipment. Both companies charge early termination fees if you cancel the contract before it expires, but ADT’s fee is higher, at 75% of the remaining balance, compared to Vivint’s fee, which is 50% of the remaining balance.
Monitoring
Both Vivint and ADT offer 24/7 professional monitoring, which means that trained agents will respond to any alerts or emergencies that your system detects and notify you and the authorities if needed. Both companies also offer mobile apps that let you control your system remotely, view live and recorded video, receive notifications, and more. However, Vivint’s app is more user-friendly and feature-rich than ADT’s app, according to user reviews. Vivint also offers a unique feature called Smart Drive, which is a device that stores up to 30 days of continuous video footage from your cameras, and lets you access it from anywhere.
Installation
Both Vivint and ADT require professional installation, which means that you will have to schedule an appointment with a technician who will come to your home and set up your system for you. Vivint charges a one-time installation fee of $49 to $199, depending on the package and equipment you choose. ADT does not charge an installation fee, but may charge an activation fee of $99 to $199, depending on the plan and features you choose. Both companies offer a free consultation and a customized quote before the installation.
Both Vivint and ADT offer home automation features, which allow you to integrate your security system with other smart devices, such as lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and more. You can create rules and schedules to automate your devices, or control them with your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. However, Vivint has an edge over ADT in terms of automation, as it offers more compatible devices, more customization options, and more advanced technology. For example, Vivint offers a smart thermostat that learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly, a smart doorbell that recognizes faces and alerts you of visitors, and a smart garage door opener that opens and closes automatically based on your location.
Equipment
Both Vivint and ADT offer a variety of equipment options, such as sensors, cameras, sirens, keypads, and more. However, Vivint’s equipment is more modern, sleek, and innovative than ADT’s equipment, which is more traditional and basic. Vivint’s equipment also has higher quality and performance, according to user reviews. For example, Vivint’s cameras have higher resolution, wider field of view, and better night vision than ADT’s cameras. Vivint’s sensors are also more sensitive and accurate than ADT’s sensors, and can detect glass break, smoke, carbon monoxide, water leak, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vivint and ADT are both reputable and reliable home security companies, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. If you are looking for a more affordable, simple, and established system, ADT may be the better choice for you. If you are looking for a more advanced, smart, and flexible system, Vivint may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the best home security system for you depends on your budget, needs, and preferences. We hope this article has helped you compare Vivint and ADT and make an informed decision.
