Vivint and ADT have subtle and not-so-subtle differences. For one, Vivint offers proprietary equipment made specifically for their systems, while ADT also offers equipment from reputable third-party suppliers such as Google Nest. Vivint is also more expensive than most home security systems. Meanwhile, ADT offers packages that fit almost every budget.
But which system is better? The only way to find out is to have each system professionally installed, which is what we did. Let’s break down our experiences, the pricing, and features to help you choose the right fit for your needs.
>> Compare: The Best Home Security Systems of 2025
We unboxed our Vivint equipment, but a professional installer set it up for us.
FYI: If you want to know what it’s like living with Vivint, check out our full Vivint review here. Or, if you think ADT might be the better option, you can read more about this popular brand in our ADT review.
Understanding the Differences
We’re going to start with one of the biggest differences between the two brands: contracts. Vivint requires a 48- to 60-month commitment. The bonus is that it includes equipment financing, so you don’t need to pay a large amount upfront. Longer contracts mean you can spread out payments more. ADT contracts are only for financing. You can pay off your equipment over 12 months with Affirm.
FYI: You can avoid contracts with Vivint by paying for your equipment upfront. Our installer also told us that Vivint has a three-day money-back guarantee. So, you don’t have long to thoroughly evaluate the system.
The Vivint technician explained why this was the best spot to install our outdoor camera.
Another key difference is equipment. While Vivint carries its exclusive proprietary line of sensors and cameras, ADT sources its cameras from Google Nest.
You’re also going to see a difference in overall pricing — your equipment costs, your monthly monitoring bill, and the installation fees. In general, Vivint caters to people seeking high-quality equipment and state-of-the-art smart home integration. ADT tends to target the tier below premium, with system options available for a wider variety of budgets and security needs.
A final difference we’ll highlight is brand recognition. ADT has been in service for over 150 years (almost as old as Canada!). It all started when the company’s founder invented a system to send for help during a break-in using telegraphs. By comparison, the company known as Vivint today was founded in 1999. Because ADT is so recognizable, posting ADT stickers and yard signs alone can be enough to deter criminals.
The brand-new version of ADT’s base station replaces the touch-screen control panel.
Comparing the Similarities of These Home Security Services
Alright, we’ve talked about their differences, but how do these two really match up in terms of essential qualities and services offered? Both ADT and Vivint offer top-of-the-line home security systems complete with professional installation and wireless equipment.
>>Learn More: What Is the Vivint Install Process and Cost?
Full-home automation is also available, which can be a wonderful addition to the standard home monitoring systems by giving video surveillance to homeowners for an added sense of security. Using a mobile app, you’re able to know the status of your home instantly, anytime and anywhere. As a bonus, you can also include appliances, thermostat control, door locks, and more in your home automation setup. But, after testing both systems, we have to give the edge to Vivint when it comes to smart home automation. In this category: It’s the best in the business.
The ADT indoor security camera made by Google Nest.
Vivint vs. ADT: Key Features to Look Out For
When you’re deciding between top brands like Vivint and ADT, sometimes it comes down to features. That said, it’s important to read all of the proverbial — or literal — fine print. The last thing you want is to land on one provider only to find out the feature you were looking for isn’t really offered, or you’ll have to pay more for it. The good news is ADT and Vivint both will work with you to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for. These are the features we recommend asking about:
- Professional Monitoring: ADT has a better system for 24/7 monitoring, with 12 facilities across North America. Vivint has two monitoring centers. Although there haven't been any reports of service interruption from Vivint, the chance of it happening is higher than with ADT, given their smaller network.
- Home Automation: Vivint shines in home automation features and equipment quality. Even ADT, which is already a great security system with home automation, can’t fully match Vivint’s integration with third-party smart home products.
- Professional Installation: ADT and Vivint offer professional installation to make sure all your equipment is functioning properly and effectively.
FYI: ADT Self Setup is the company’s DIY offering. Read our hands-on ADT Self Setup review where we installed Google Nest products and security equipment ourselves.
Our installer tested the window sensor to ensure it was working as intended.
Vivint vs. ADT Ordering and Pricing
Undoubtedly, ADT and Vivint are both high-quality home security systems with great customer service. However, if you are someone who prefers investigating your options and ordering online, you may be disappointed with Vivint. Vivint’s website offers minimal product and pricing information. They also require you to order over the phone.
ADT, on the other hand, offers a much more transparent and comprehensive website and the ability to order online or by phone. In the end, this may not seem like a big difference, but transparency is important and generally a good thing.
Our Vivint Experience
We relayed our needs to the Vivint sales agent who walked us through a personalized security system. They recommended an indoor camera, outdoor camera, entry sensors, and motion detectors. We also asked for a video doorbell. Every package includes a touch-screen panel to manage the system.
Next, we discussed professional monitoring. Plans start at $29.99 per month. This doesn’t include the cost of the equipment. The basic plan also doesn’t include video or home automation support. So, if you’re getting advanced equipment, you’ll need a comprehensive monitoring service, which increases your costs.
>> Read More: Vivint’s 2025 Plans, Pricing, and Packages
We bought the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight directly from ADT’s website.
Our ADT Experience
ADT offers full transparency with its equipment and monitoring prices displayed on its website. We easily added and removed devices until we had the perfect setup. ADT also offers three package tiers based on your budget and security needs. So we could compare apples to apples, we designed the system ourselves and chose similar products as Vivint.
FYI: ADT no longer offers a touch-screen control panel. The hub features a physical keypad on top of the device. However, it’s still easy to set up smart home automations using the ADT+ app.
ADT advertises three professional monitoring tiers on its website. The most basic package is $34.99 per month, while the top option with cloud storage for video and facial recognition capabilities is $49.99 per month. In short, ADT’s prices are similar to that of Vivint.
Winner: ADT’s pricing was historically more expensive and required long-term contracts. We welcome the change to flexible, month-to-month packages, making premium security within reach for more budgets.
Equipment and Installation
Both brands offer professional installation, and the cost starts at about $200, depending on which package you choose.
We had to call ADT to organize a professional installation — the option isn’t available when you try to buy a security system on its website. It was easy to book an appointment, and the technician showed up on time. They went room by room and chose the best spots to place devices for maximum coverage. The technician also showed us how to download the ADT+ app and use it.
Since Vivint produces its own equipment, it makes sense for the company to handle installation. The technician began by conducting a threat assessment of our home and identifying the best places to install devices. Some of the equipment needed to be connected to the internal wiring, which is another good reason to choose professional installation. The Vivint technician checked that everything was working and even showed us how to set up some basic automations.
Photo of our Vivint Installation Specialist, Don.
Did You Know? If you decide ADT isn’t the right system, you can use your Google Nest products as standalone devices. Simply sign up for a Nest Aware subscription to gain features like facial recognition and cloud storage.
Winner: We like that the addition of Google Nest equipment to ADT’s product lineup offers the choice of DIY or professional installation. However, we recommend taking advantage of the professional installation service so all your equipment works effectively.
Our Vivint and ADT Recommendations
If You Decide to Go With Vivint…
Vivint offers personalized, tailored home security systems. The catch is you must sign a contract and use professional installation and monitoring. There’s also no way to build your security system on Vivint’s website. You’ll need to speak to someone to discuss your options.
In return, you’ll get some of the most advanced security equipment on the market and industry-leading smart home automation capabilities. It’s easy to pair smart lights and smart thermostats. It’s even easier to create simple automations in the Vivint app, such as locking the door at specific times or turning on the lights when motion is detected.
It might be the pricier option, but Vivint is a premium home security system that’s worth every cent.
If You Decide to Go With ADT…
After 150 years in the business, ADT continues to evolve, offering more flexibility and advanced equipment. It’s the better option if you’re not looking for a long-term commitment and want the choice of installing equipment yourself or leaving it to the pros.
The professional monitoring service sets the industry benchmark. You can have complete peace of mind knowing that ADT has 12 monitoring centers across North America ready to respond to alarms. ADT SMART monitoring also sends you a message instantly to cancel false alarms or request assistance.
If you’re looking for a premium-but-affordable home security system with no strings attached, we recommend ADT.
Our Final Verdict on Vivint vs. ADT
Even though ADT is our top pick, you can’t go wrong with either system. The reasons we prefer ADT are that it’s easy to design a system from the ground up, schedule professional installation, and manage everything within the app. The professional monitoring service is also second to none.
Vivint also makes it easy to design a system from the ground up — even if it involves a phone call. The equipment is more advanced than ADT and the smart home automation features means your home secures itself.
Regardless of which one you choose, you can rely on these top-of-the-line systems.
FAQs
- Do ADT or Vivint work if the internet goes down?
Cellular backup is included in all Vivint and ADT professional monitoring plans.
- Can I install Vivint or ADT myself?
Vivint security systems require professional installation. ADT offers DIY installation, but you’ll still need professional help for some devices like the hardwired Nest Outdoor Cam with Floodlight. We recommend using professional installation for both brands so all devices are fitted correctly.
- Do ADT and Vivint offer money-back guarantees?
Vivint has a three-day money-back guarantee. ADT offers up to six months.
- Does ADT or Vivint have faster response times?
During our testing, we received text messages from Vivint and ADT almost instantly after an alarm was triggered. If we didn’t respond, someone from the monitoring center would call to check in. This happened within 30 seconds after the text message, which is on par with the industry average.
- Which system is better for renters?
We recommend ADT for renters as you can uninstall the equipment yourself if you move homes. With Vivint, you’ll need to book an appointment and pay for a technician to uninstall and reinstall your devices.
