Security contracts often get a bad reputation. However, when we read these agreements, we usually find them fair. You just need to understand the exact terms before signing. Top home security providers like Vivint use these contracts specifically for equipment financing. This setup works just like a standard cell phone plan. You can even avoid it entirely by paying for your equipment upfront.
That said, a contract is still a binding agreement, so it's worth understanding the terms before signing. That's exactly what we did when we financed the Vivint home security system we tested. Here are our main takeaways, including some important advice about cancellation policies.
>>Learn More: Installing a Vivint Home Security System
We're pretty handy, but we left our installation to the security experts at Vivint.
FYI: Vivint offers special exceptions to their contract for those serving in the U.S. armed forces. This may not apply to you, but it could come in handy if someone you know is on active duty.
Vivint Contracts at a Glance
Vivint’s contracts can run up to 60 months, which is longer than ADT’s standard 36-month contract. That said, it’s not required. Vivint’s contract length is tied to the length of your equipment financing. Shorter financing gives you a shorter contract, but can extend up to 60 months. You can even skip the contract entirely by paying for equipment upfront, but since Vivint systems regularly cost over $1,000, most customers finance.
>>Compare: Vivint vs ADT
Pro Tip: We discovered, after some digging, that Vivint does offer zero-interest financing in some cases. If you’re financing your Vivint equipment, definitely look into this option because it could save you money.
Vivint’s Fees
As we touched on above, if you're in a position to purchase your Vivint equipment upfront, your only monthly fee will be for monitoring. Just be forewarned that Vivint's equipment is at the high end compared to other top home security names with monitoring plans we've tested, like SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe packages also come with both monitored and self-monitored options, which makes SimpliSafe the more affordable all-around option. Vivint, on the other hand, not only offers but requires professional monitoring.
>>Check Out: The Best Home Security Systems for Homeowners on a Budget
Equipment Fees
Vivint offers two main starting points. HomeProtect starts at $349.99 for the essentials, or $199.99 with a three-year contract. It covers core security hardware and requires professional monitoring. For third-party integrations with platforms like Google Home, MyQ, or Philips Hue, you’ll need a HomeProtect Pro system, which starts at $749.99 after discounts. In our experience, most systems climb well above $1,000 once you customize them.
Of course, with a customized system, you'll have a much more secure home. You can include add-ons like Vivint's 2nd Gen 1664p HDR Doorbell Camera Pro and an outdoor security camera or two. Plus, Vivint does have smart home options.
>>Go Deeper: Vivint Window, Door, and Glass Sensors
FYI: Don’t confuse Vivint’s monthly equipment fee with their monthly monitoring fee. The first is required with financing, the second is required with every Vivint plan.
Monitoring Fees
Vivint's monitoring plans start at $24.99 per month for the basic, camera-free tier. The $34.99 tier adds doorbell camera access. Stepping up to the $44.99 top tier adds smart home features as well. If your system includes cameras, you'll need to move up to a higher tier that covers video storage and remote viewing.
That’s broadly in line with other professionally monitored systems like ADT. Your monthly fee stays fixed for the length of your contract, but canceling early typically includes financial penalties.
>>Go Deeper: Protect Your Home Security Camera from Hackers
We built our Vivint package out for maximum security with indoor and outdoor cameras, plus a Doorbell Camera Pro.
Vivint’s Cancellation Policy
One of the first things we look at when signing on the dotted line is the cancellation policy. To cancel your Vivint contract, you’ll need to email a Notice of Cancellation to the company. (You can also snail mail or fax it.)
Be sure to notify Vivint at least 30 days before your cancellation date. Include the following info in your cancellation notice:
- The date of the cancellation letter
- Your Vivint service number
- Your intent to cancel your contract
- A brief explanation of why you wish to cancel
- Your signature
Pretty straightforward, honestly. That said, you're still on the hook for any remaining equipment balance when you cancel. Vivint may also tack on an early termination fee depending on your contract terms and remaining time. Combined, it can get expensive, so we found a few ways around these fees for specific circumstances.
>>Learn More: Canceling Your Home Security Contract
How to Cancel A Vivint Contract Without Penalty
There are some possible loopholes we discovered for getting Vivint to waive the early cancellation fee. Just note that approval isn’t automatic. Vivint’s Exceptions Review Team has to review your request first, which they do on a case-by-case basis.
Right of rescission: According to our Vivint contract, we had three days to cancel our service without penalty. That’s a short window. Most competitors offer a money-back guarantee of 30 days or longer. ADT even offers a six-month guarantee, so Vivint’s three-day window disappointed us. If you do return your equipment within this period, Vivint should waive your cancellation fee.
Did You Know? The Right of Rescission isn’t exactly a return policy. The law requires that companies give consumers three days to return a product, service, or loan without penalty. This is commonly known as the “buyer’s remorse law.”
Bankruptcy: If you declare bankruptcy, Vivint will also waive your cancellation fee. Just be sure to keep all of your bankruptcy records handy and ready to share with the Exceptions Review Team.
Move to a retirement home: You can also cancel your Vivint contract penalty-free if you move into an assisted living or retirement home. We actually like that Vivint put this clause into their contract, as the decision to move into a retirement home is often out of our hands.
>>Read More: Our Favorite Home Security Systems for Seniors
Military deployment: If you’re on active duty or are reserve military and you’re about to be deployed for six or more months, Vivint won’t ask you to pay a cancellation fee. This is also true if you receive PCS orders, if you’re medically discharged, or have been retired for at least 20 years. Just have your papers in order before you contact Vivint.
Qualified candidate takeover: If a friend or family member takes over your Vivint agreement, you won’t be liable for any fees going forward, including early cancellation fees.
Death: This isn’t a way for us to save money, obviously. It’s a way to help our families, who can request to waive Vivint’s cancellation fee in the event of our deaths.
FYI: Vivint’s “Military Moves” program allows active service members to move their security system without any relocation, reinstallation, or reactivation fees. If you’re on active duty and temporarily transferred away from home, you can also defer payment for up to one year.
What Happens to My Contract If I Move?
Moving across town — or even across the country — doesn't cancel your Vivint contract, which is actually good news. You won't lose service, and Vivint makes relocating easier with a dedicated team of Move Specialists to help current customers transition smoothly. Just note that this convenience does come with a moving fee that starts at $149.
When you move with Vivint, you can:
- Build a new Vivint system from the ground-up
- Take down your existing Vivint system yourself and have Vivint reinstall it
- Have Vivint technicians take down and reinstall your system for you
Pro Tip: We know Vivint’s installation is top-notch because our technician offered to repatch our walls for us if we ever moved!
Vivint doesn’t offer service out of the country. If you’re moving locally or to another state, contact Vivint two weeks before your move so it can schedule a professional installation at your new home.
>>Check Out: Moving Your ADT Security System
Our Vivint technician told us he would personally fill our drill holes if we ever moved.
Vivint Warranty and Service Plans
Vivint’s 120-day (four-month) warranty is short compared to industry norms—SimpliSafe offers one year, and Frontpoint covers equipment for three years.
That doesn't mean you're on your own if something breaks after four months — Vivint does offer after-sales service, though service visits aren't free. Each call comes with a 60-day guarantee, at least.
You can also add Vivint's Service and Repair plan for around $10 per month. We went that route, since we'd already put over $1,000 into the system — a little extra each month for peace of mind felt worth it. Still, we'd love to see Vivint extend its standard warranty right out of the box instead of charging customers for it separately.
Billing Options
Like most companies these days, Vivint prefers paperless billing and autowithdrawal. You can set up both online.
If you prefer physical notices, Vivint will bill you the old-fashioned way through the mail. You can also pay manually online each month.
FYI: We went with paperless, automatic bill payments. We still got to see our bills. It was just one less thing we had to worry about at the end of the month.
Installation and Activation Fees
Vivint charges $199 for HomeProtect installation, though it's free if you sign a three-year contract. That's fairly standard for professionally installed home security systems, with ADT charging similar fees. HomeProtect Pro also requires professional installation, but it isn't included in the equipment price.
However, Vivint’s installation and activation fees aren’t written in stone. In fact, the company frequently runs deals and promotions that waive both, so be on the lookout for those.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, Vivint’s financing works much like an iPhone plan. With decent credit, you can spread equipment costs over several years through a payment agreement.
Alternatively, you can pay for equipment upfront and only cover the monthly monitoring fee. That fee starts at $24.99 per month, with rates going up depending on the equipment and features you select.
Your choice depends on your budget and how much gear you need. After hundreds of hours of testing Vivint, we can say confidently: plan or no plan, Vivint delivers some of the best home security equipment available today.
FAQs
- Do Vivint plans require contracts?
If you pay up front, you don’t have to sign a contract. If you’re financing your equipment, you do.
- Do I have to pay a fee if I cancel my Vivint contract?
Usually, yes. If you cancel within three days of signing (per the FTC’s cooling-off rule), you won’t owe a fee. After that, you’ll owe the remaining balance on your financing agreement and possibly an early termination fee. Vivint may waive the fee in certain cases, such as bankruptcy, military deployment, a move to a retirement home, or a qualified takeover of your agreement.
- How long is my Vivint warranty good for?
Vivint’s limited warranty covers your equipment for 120 days (four months) from the date of installation. Vivint also offers a Protection Plan for ongoing coverage after that window, so ask about it when you sign up.
- What happens to my Vivint system if I move?
You can either take your equipment down yourself or have Vivint do it for you. You’ll need to schedule a reinstallation in your new home.
- Does Vivint charge an installation fee?
Yes. HomeProtect installation costs $199, though it’s free if you sign a three-year contract. HomeProtect Pro also requires professional installation, though it isn’t included in its price. That said, you may be able to waive the fee if you find a promotion.
