Vivint let us choose the home security equipment we needed to protect our home.
You need to be certain when you sign up for a home security system with Brinks and Vivint. Both require you to sign multi-year contracts, some as long as five years. But in return, you’ll get access to advanced equipment, smart home automation, and 24/7 professional monitoring.
So which one actually deserves your signature? While Brinks has a storied history going back to the stagecoach era, we think Vivint is the stronger home security system overall. Vivint has kept pace with modern advances in home security in ways that Brinks hasn't fully matched. Here's a full breakdown of both so you can decide for yourself.
We chose Brinks devices similar to our Vivint home security system to make it easier to compare.
How do Brinks and Vivint Compare?
Brinks and Vivint share a lot of similar features. While there are a few distinct differences in contract terms and pricing, their basic approach to protecting homes is comparable. Still, we were surprised by some other similarities we found during our hands-on testing. Let’s have a look!
Features and Technology
Brinks and Vivint are well aware that to provide a compelling performance in the modern world, they need cutting-edge technology. So, both Brinks and Vivint offer a range of reliable wireless equipment. They even earned spots in our list of best wireless home security systems.
Likewise, both Brinks and Vivint offer the ability to connect to their security systems via Wi-Fi and cellular service. Using a proprietary app, you can monitor and operate each of these systems remotely using a smartphone or tablet.
Home Automation
Brinks and Vivint both offer at least some form of home automation, each serving as a central hub for smart home devices that integrate with automation platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Did You Know? You can pair third-party smart devices like smart thermostats and smart locks with a Brinks system. We connected our smart bulbs and created an automation so they would flash if the alarm triggers.
For more information on what makes a smart home “smart,” check out our trusty Home Automation Guide complete with details on these platforms and more.
Environmental Hazard Detection
Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage. However, it may partially cover sudden and accidental water damage from events like burst pipes. Burst pipes, slow leaks, and appliance failures are among the most common — and costly — sources of home water damage, so early detection really does matter.
Environmental hazard protection with Brinks and Vivint home security systems can alert you to these hazards before you experience a loss that’s difficult to recover from. Additionally, their systems allow you to maintain adequate air quality with a humidity and temperature assessment. Environmental hazard detection not only helps prevent loss and maintain safety, but it also preserves clean air and, in turn, overall family health.
Contracts and Terms
Regrettably, both Brinks and Vivint require long-term contract commitments. When signing up with Brinks, you agree to a term of three years. But, you do have the option to cancel with a money-back guarantee up to 30 days from purchase. We appreciated this feature as we’re really fond of “trying before buying,” especially when it comes to large purchases.
On the flip side, if you buy a Vivint home security system, you commit to a Vivint contract of either four or five years. Typically, you only have a three-day grace period in which you can cancel the agreement and get your money back. Also, you may be able to cancel an agreement without penalty in cases involving death, active military duty, the customer moving to a retirement home, or other extenuating circumstances. This limited trial period is something to keep in mind before pulling out your credit card. Is Vivint worth the commitment? Well, we definitely think so. You can read our full Vivint review to find out what it’s like living with this intelligent home security system.
We chose to mount our Vivint Ping Camera but you can also rest it on a surface.
Video Doorbell, Two-Way Communication
We were excited to find that both Brinks and Vivint offer one of our favorite home security components: the video doorbell. These discreet cameras offer many benefits, including two-way communication, which allows you to speak with a person on the outside from behind the safety of your locked door.
The camera also lets you view anyone who steals items from the front of your house, like those infamous “porch pirates” who love to swipe incoming packages. If you’re curious, we think Vivint’s doorbell camera takes the edge over Brinks’ option. Here’s our latest Vivint doorbell review so you can get a sense of its performance.
24/7 Professional Monitoring
Both Brinks and Vivint include 24/7 professional monitoring as part of their packages. Brinks monitoring starts at around $39.99 per month, while Vivint's monitoring plans start at $24.99 per month. Plans from both providers increase depending on the plan and equipment you choose.
FYI: We always recommend professional monitoring so you’re not responsible for responding to alerts by yourself. But if you’re not interested in this service, there are several self-monitoring security systems we recommend.
Equipment Packages
Brinks and Vivint packages are customized to your needs, so pricing varies. From Brinks, most starter configurations include a touchscreen control panel, motion detectors, door and window entry sensors, and optional cameras. You'll need to contact Brinks directly for a quote, although most packages cost $360 to $800.
FYI: Brinks home security systems are customized to your needs, which is why you won’t find prices on their website. You’ll need to speak to a representative for exact pricing.
Checking the live feed of our Vivint doorbell camera to make sure our packages are still there.
As for Vivint home security systems, equipment prices can range from $600 to $1,500. Like Brinks, it lets you customize the package to suit your needs. Some of the devices on offer include:
- A 7-inch touch-screen control panel
- Professional monitoring
- Entry sensors
- Motion sensors
- Optional video camera(s)
- Optional home automation equipment
- Optional video doorbell with 2-way communication
One area where Vivint clearly pulls ahead is warranty coverage. It offers a limited lifetime warranty on most equipment for active subscribers, while Brinks does not include one by default. Instead, you can enroll in the company’s Home Plus plan, which protects devices for a monthly fee. It includes the repair, replacement, or credit for “covered devices” that break down due to normal wear and tear. Brinks’ Home Plus plan also includes discounted service appointments.
Monitoring Pricing
Brinks and Vivint aren't upfront about their monitoring costs. You'll need to call or request a quote to get exact numbers. Based on our research, Brinks monitoring starts at around $39.99 per month and goes up depending on the plan tier. Vivint's monitoring plans start at around $24.99 per month. Either way, expect to pay more if you want camera support — both brands reserve that feature for their higher-tier plans. ADT has the same requirement.
>> Compare: Vivint Vs ADT
A few screenshots from our Brinks Home Security app.
FYI: All Brinks and Vivint professional monitoring plans include cellular backup. This can be a lifesaver during an outage or if a burglar cuts your power.
Brinks or Vivint, Who Wins the Day?
There are a lot of similarities between Brinks and Vivint. They both offer high-quality equipment, require professional monitoring, and have AI-powered security cameras.
But we have to give the edge to Vivint. Its advanced smart home automations offer an extra layer of security. We no longer have to lock doors or switch off the lights at bedtime. Now that we’ve built schedules into the Vivint app, we can sit back and relax.
If Vivint is out of your price range, Brinks is a solid alternative. It may not pack the same advanced features as Vivint, but you're still getting a dependable, professionally installed security system with cellular backup — and a longer money-back guarantee to boot.
FAQs
- Are Brinks and Vivint compatible with third-party smart home devices?
You can integrate third-party devices like smart thermostats and locks with Brinks and Vivint systems. Both systems also connect to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control.
- Do Brinks and Vivint have a money-back guarantee?
Vivint only offers a three-day money-back guarantee, so you'll want to be confident in your purchase before signing. Brinks gives you a much more generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Can you finance Brinks and Vivint equipment?
Both companies offer equipment financing. With Brinks you can spread payments over three years and Vivint has five-year terms.
- What happens if you cancel a Brinks or Vivint contract early?
Early termination fees apply if you cancel your Brinks or Vivint contract. For both companies, you’ll need to call to discuss options and fees.
- Do Brinks and Vivint let you add new equipment later?
You can add new devices to your Brinks or Vivint system at any time, but you may need to schedule a technician to install them for you.
