Vivint Home Security System Cost and Pricing

Vivint’s Pricing

One thing we’ll say about Vivint’s pricing is that it’s not exactly transparent. We can certainly understand why — these are bespoke systems designed for your property and personal security needs. That said, you’re going to have to reach out to the company to figure out the actual dollars and cents.

What we can offer you, though, is a ballpark idea of what to expect. Here we’re going to walk through their equipment pricing from top to bottom focusing on three areas you’ll need to pay attention to — Vivint’s equipment fees, their monthly monitoring fees, and the one-time installation fee. Let’s jump into it.

Equipment Fees

As is the case with most security systems, your biggest cost with Vivint is going to be the equipment itself. Exactly how much are you going to pay? It’s a good question, and unfortunately one that we can’t easily answer here.

Since your Vivint system is going to be customized for your specific security needs, your total bill is going to be dependent on how much equipment you purchase. A townhome is going to need less protection than a sprawling estate, right?

We will say, though, that you should expect to pay at least $1,000 at the end of the day. Now you might balk at that number, especially when you consider a DIY brand like SimpliSafe’s cheapest packages will run you about $200.

Don’t freak out just yet about the costs, though. Vivint doesn’t force you to pay for everything up front. With their Flex Pay plan, you can split everything up over the course of 60 months. There are, of course, some stipulations, but at the end of the day you’re looking at between $10 and $30 per month for the equipment. Now things are looking a little more palatable.

At any rate, Vivint’s equipment is top-notch, so even though they’re a bit more expensive, you get what you pay for.

Vivint Package Pricing

Keep in mind you can always customize these packages, or you can build out your own custom security kit.

Monthly Monitoring Fees

Monitoring with Vivint is relatively straightforward. Whichever package you select, it will include 24/7 monitoring that costs $51.47 per month.

The good news is that these prices are about square with the industry averages — maybe a little lower, even, when you compare them to other high-end home security providers.

Here’s the thing, though: Other companies will include base equipment in their packages. ADT’s plans cost a bit more, but each of those packages includes three or more sensors as well as a touch-screen control panel. With Vivint, everything is à la carte. The benefit there is that you have a much more customizable package. The drawback, of course, is a larger startup bill.

Professional Installation Fee

Finally, Vivint requires professional installation that costs $99 for all plans and packages. From what we’ve seen, this cost is standard in the industry and certainly not a deal-breaker. After all, having your system installed by a professional technician will ensure everything is set up and networked properly.

When all is said and done, you’ll pay anywhere between $40 per month and $75 per month for home security and automation with Vivint. If you purchase the equipment upfront, you can pay as little as $29.99 per month for professional monitoring, as Vivint doesn’t offer a free self-monitoring option. Vivint charges a premium compared to the market as a whole. But when measured against similar high-tech systems, Vivint prices are par for the course, especially considering the features and technology. You can read more about Vivint’s features and tech in our full Vivint review here.

Beyond those three main pricing factors, there’s one more cost factor to consider: Vivint’s add-ons and upgrades. We cover these equipment options below, but brace yourself, as Vivint gets expensive when you start customizing your system with extra devices. Thankfully, the upgrades and add-ons are 100% optional.

Vivint Equipment Packages

While they used to offer a handful of packages to choose from, Vivint has streamlined things a bit. These days there are only three equipment packages to choose from with Vivint: the Starter Kit, the Premium, and the Premium Plus. Keep in mind, though, that all of these packages can be customized, and paid for monthly. Here’s the breakdown:

Basic

What’s included:

• Smart Hub
• Flood/ Water Sensor
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors

Monthly Cost: $10.00

Upfront cost: $599.00

Premium

What’s included:

• Doorbell Camera Pro
• Outdoor Camera Pro
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• Key Fob
• Smart Hub
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors
• Flood/ Water Sensor

Monthly Cost: $21.34

Upfront Cost: $1,279.96

Premium Plus

What’s Included:

• Doorbell Camera Pro
• Indoor Camera
• Outdoor Camera Pro
• Smart Thermostat
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• MyQSmart Garage Hub
• Key Fob
• Smart Hub
• 4 Break-in Security Sensors
• Flood/ Water Sensor

Monthly Cost: $37.17

Upfront Cost: $2,229.92

Both packages include 24/7 monthly monitoring for $51.47.

Vivint Features

Vivint Add-On Equipment Prices

One of the benefits of going with a Vivint system is just how easy it is to customize your package to suit your needs and your tastes. There’s a mile-long list of add-ons and upgrades, and their equipment plays well with hundreds of third-party devices like Phillips, Kwikset, and Nest.7 A lot of Vivint’s equipment options — like smoke detectors, garage door controllers and lighting control — will help you integrate your system into a smart-home suite, allowing all sorts of automations to make your life a little more convenient.

Vivint smart devices include:

• Element thermostat
• Lighting control module
• Car Guard (GPS tracker & diagnostic tool)
• Smart garage controller
• Video doorbell cameras
• Indoor and outdoor cameras

Vivint works with smart platforms and devices, such as:

• Google Home
• Nest Thermostat
• Amazon Echo
• Kwikset Smart Locks
• Philips Hue Smart Lights
• And more!

Vivint also works with Z-Wave compatible devices, which opens up seemingly endless home automation opportunities.8 However, keep in mind that you’ll pay good money for this smart equipment. So if you’re on a budget, these might not be the best plans for you. Otherwise, you can purchase a fully-loaded Vivint kit, or go with the Vivint SkyControl Starter Kit and customize your system over time.

Vivint Features and Tech

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Vivint is one of the more feature-rich home security systems on the market today, especially when it comes to home automations. If you’re tech savvy, that’s probably good news. But we could see how some folks might be a little intimidated by all of this tech. In our experience, though, Vivint is extremely easy to use from the Smart Hub, and when the technician comes out to set everything up for you, they’ll be able to troubleshoot everything and make sure you understand exactly how to use your new system.

SafeHome.org Editor Andrew Garcia unboxing the Vivint SkyControl Panel

You can also take Vivint’s SkyControl panel on the go with the Vivint Smart Home app, one of the highest-rated apps in both Apple and Google Play app stores.9 This award-winning mobile app puts the power of the SkyControl panel in the palm of your hand. We liked the app, but we didn’t find anything ultra innovative about it compared to other companion apps we’ve tested.

Other standout features from Vivint include instant mobile alerts, reliable cellular monitoring, keychain remote controls, disaster protection, hands-free voice control, and remote garage control. Overall, Vivint offers plenty of features if you’re willing to make a sizable investment.

Expert Examined

From Rob Gabriele, Managing Editor & Home Security Expert

“One thing to keep in mind with Vivint is that sometimes the latest and greatest technology isn’t for everyone. Features like Geofencing are excellent tools when utilized properly, but they can also be overkill for families looking for more basic features. I’ve spoken with homeowners who turned off their alerts and notifications because they were receiving too many, only to one day come home and find their home broken into.”

MOBILE ALERTS	In the event of a possible security breach or fire emergency, Vivint’s monitoring service immediately sends text alerts to notify alarm owners and their listed contacts, such as neighbors and relatives.
24-7 MONITORING	Vivint provides 24-hour security monitoring using high-quality cell radio networks. Cellular monitoring is more secure than landline monitoring because it eliminates the opportunity for criminals to cut communication wires.
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT	Vivint security equipment is 100% wireless. It won’t cause your home to be cluttered with cords, and installation usually doesn’t require adding holes to walls. You can easily move your equipment to a new residence.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS	Vivint's doorbell cameras allow you to view and respond to visitors using a mobile connection from anywhere in the world. Vivint also provides standard indoor and outdoor cameras.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION	Professional technicians help ensure that Vivint security equipment is free of defects and set up properly. Installation may be available within a few hours of ordering your security service.
SMART HOME OPTIONS	Vivint streamlines home management with an app for arming your residence, controlling lights, adjusting the thermostat, and more. Voice recognition technology is among the options.
DISASTER PROTECTION	Smoke alarms are most effective when they’re monitored. For comprehensive home protection Vivint provides monitored smoke sensors in addition to home security equipment.
REMOTE CONTROL	Keychain remote controls make it convenient to arm and disarm your system without using the touchscreen control panel. Keychain remotes also have panic buttons that directly connect with emergency dispatchers.
VOICE RESPONSE	Vivint has partnered with Amazon Echo to offer home automation equipment that responds to voice commands. Get hands-free control of your thermostat, lights, security system and more!
REMOTE GARAGE CONTROL	Ever wonder if you forgot to close your garage door? Vivint security can alert you when the garage door is left open. Vivint’s mobile app lets you open or shut the garage door from anywhere.

Current Vivint Deals

Given that a basic Vivint security package costs a little north of $1,000, it’s understandable that you’d want to find discounts where you can. We’re not currently seeing anything that the compy is advertising publicly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t savings to be found. We recommend always asking to waive the installation fee when talking to your sales rep, and seeing if there are any discounts you can realize by bundling equipment.

Vivint’s Overall Value

We’ve personally tested hundreds of home security systems, and we found Vivint to be one of the most high-tech, sophisticated systems out there. It’s almost as if Vivint is a few years ahead of other home security brands when it comes to features and tech. However, this progress comes at a price. Users can expect to pay upwards of $100 per month for home security and automation. But if this expenditure fits your budget, Vivint will protect your home and family, as well as make your life a little more convenient.

We believe Vivint’s biggest drawbacks are its prices and contracts. The equipment packages can reach nearly $2,000 or more with add-ons. This cost can be broken into smaller monthly payments, but then you’ll have to sign a 60-month contract to get the goods. That’s five whole years! Some people won’t mind this commitment at all, while others won’t even consider it. All in all, if you have the money to spend, and you want one of the best home security and automation systems on the market, if not the best, then Vivint is likely a great fit for you.

Vivint FAQs