Vivint vs Nest Comparison

Note: Google has discontinued Nest Secure. So we recommend checking out our list of the best home security systems to explore your options.

Finding the right home security system comes down to knowing what you actually need — and then doing a little digging to compare your options. Vivint offers premium equipment with a white-glove approach while Google Nest now only offers self-monitoring and self-installation. This side-by-side breakdown will help you decide which approach better fits your needs.

Overview: Nest vs Vivint

Vivint and Nest (whose parent company is Google) are both nationally, well-known home security companies. Both providers offer some of the best wireless security equipment in the industry, giving homeowners flexible placement options throughout the home.

1. Vivint requires professional installation, but there's no charge for that service. The Google Nest offers a straightforward DIY installation.
2. Vivint offers both indoor and outdoor cameras included as part of its packages. Google Nest also offers indoor and outdoor cameras, though they are typically purchased individually rather than bundled into a system.
3. Vivint offers a lifetime warranty and Google Nest offers a limited one-year warranty on its hardware (two years in the EU/UK where required by law).
4. Vivint bundles more features into its packages upfront, and professional installation is included at no extra charge. Google Nest's cameras and smart devices can add up quickly when purchased individually.
5. Vivint requires a 4-, to 5-year contract. Google Home Premium subscriptions are available on a monthly or annual basis starting at $10 per month, with no long-term contract required.

Similarities: Vivint vs Nest

There are a few similarities between Vivint and Nest. However, Vivint is a more traditional home security company, whereas Google Nest takes more of an ecosystem-first approach. With Google Nest, you start with a device or two and build out your smart home layer by layer, paying for each addition along the way instead of purchasing a full system upfront.

• Both offer remote access via a mobile app.
• Vivint and Google Nest both offer indoor and outdoor security cameras.
• Both companies offer monitoring services with varying contracts and prices.
• Both offer intelligent sensors and a wide variety of smart home automation features.
• Both will send an alert to your phone if motion is detected.

Differences: Vivint vs Nest

If you want a fully featured system out of the box, Vivint is hard to beat. But if you'd rather start small and build your setup piece by piece, Google Nest gives you that flexibility — just know that the costs can stack up faster than you'd expect. There are also some differences in the contract requirements depending on which company you choose.

• Vivint requires you to sign a 4-, to 5-year contract, whereas Google Nest doesn’t require a subscription at all.
• Vivint's security system requires professional installation, Google Nest devices are designed for easy DIY setup.
• Vivint offers a lifetime warranty for customers who subscribe to their professional monitoring service. Google Nest hardware comes with a limited one-year warranty, unless required to offer a longer warranty by local regulation.
• Google Nest devices are competitively priced individually, but once you add cameras, displays, smart locks, and a Google Home Premium subscription, the total cost can climb considerably compared to Vivint's all-in package pricing.

Features

Vivint home security packages include cellular and landline options with their service. They also offer indoor and outdoor security cameras, a doorbell camera with a two-way voice feature, remote mobile access, many home automation features, and some environmental disaster protection features as well.

Google's Nest lineup has evolved significantly since the original Nest Secure was discontinued in 2020. Today, Google Nest focuses on its camera ecosystem, the Nest Doorbell, and smart home integration through Google Home rather than an all-in-one security package. The Nest Cam (both indoor and outdoor versions) connects to the Google Nest app and Google Home platform. This enables 24/7 live streaming, activity alerts, and optional cloud storage for video recordings through a Google Home Premium subscription.

Contracts

Vivint offers long-term nationwide contracts, typically ranging from 4 to 5 years depending on financing and package options.

Google Nest does not lock you into a long-term contract for equipment. If you want cloud storage and enhanced features, it's available through a Google Home Premium subscription on a month-to-month or annual basis — no multi-year commitment required.

Pricing

Vivint pricing is a little more clear-cut because they offer package pricing, which starts at $29.99 per month and their camera functionality option starting at $39.99 per month plus $5/mo. per camera. The Vivint system also comes with a mobile app and free installation. Additionally, they also have 0% financing options as well, if you qualify. Some restrictions apply.

Google Nest pricing is device-based rather than package-based. As of March 2026, Nest Cams start at $99.99 and go up to $279.99 for the Nest Cam with floodlight. The wired and battery-powered Nest Doorbell are both priced at $179.99. For cloud storage and additional features like familiar face detection and extended video history, you'll need a Google Home Premium subscription, which starts at $10 per month (or $100/year). It covers all devices on your account and includes 60 days of event video history.