ADT vs Vivint

If you’re in the market for a new security system, you might be choosing between ADT and Vivint. While ADT is the big name, Vivint is a little bit less known. You are probably going into your purchase with some preconceived notions about each company, but you might be surprised, because each security system has unique perks.

Although ADT has years’ worth of history behind its name, Vivint has some unexpected benefits, that you might not think of, when you’re thinking about a relatively new company.

Let’s see whether a 100-year-old company trumps a 20 year old company, or vice versa. We’ll go through everything that you need to know about ADT and Vivint. By the end, you’ll be more informed, and you’ll be able to make a decision as to which security system is right for you.

What Should I Consider, Before Purchasing a Security System?

When you’re in the market for a new home security system, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. For one, you’ve got to consider how much the system is going to cost. Certain companies will force you to pay a fee upon installing your system, and oftentimes, these fees are more expensive that your usual expenses that correspond with home security systems each month. Another fee that you should expect to pay, is a monthly fee for your service. With these monthly fees, it’s good to know whether or not your security system will require you to have a contract or not.

System & Monitoring Contracts

Many home security systems force their users to purchase a contract, which will ensure that they retain your business for as long as possible. You might sign that you have to keep your service on for eighteen to sixty months, when you sign the contract. And if you sign that binding contract, then you’re going to be forced to pay a hefty fine, if you decide to back out of your services.

Latest Features Are Important

Another thing to consider, is the fact that your system should be up to date with the latest technologies. Whether that means having a system with up to date microphones or having a system with an up to date app, you have got to make sure that your security system is with the newest industry trends. It’s vital that the interface of your system’s app is intuitive, and it’s vital that your system is equipped with clear cameras.

If you find that your system is affordable, up-to-date, and not going to trap you with any unreasonable contracts, then it might be the system that’s right for you. We’re going to discuss ADT and Vivint, so that you can see if either system is right for you. We also compare Premier Tech to ADT & Vivint in a few other posts if you want a local security company comparison.

What Do I Need to Know About Vivint Home Security?

Although Vivint is known for being incredibly technologically advanced, it is also known for being incredibly expensive. So, if you’re willing to sacrifice the price for the technology, then Vivint might be right for you.

With Vivint, you’ll be able to have window sensors, doorbell cameras, doors that have smart lock capabilities, a smart thermostat, and more. In theory, this is a great system, because you can have all of the things that you would want in a home security device, in one simple system. This means that you don’t have to buy three different gadgets from a retailer like Amazon, to get the services that you need.

There are other features in the Vivint Home Security System, like the smart display home hub, and this is something that can be purchased at other retailers, too. Oftentimes, these devices can be purchased at other retailers for a lower price. So, you have to decide as to whether Vivint’s technologies are worth or not worth the price point.

What Benefits Am I Getting from a Vivint System?

We’ve mentioned repeatedly that Vivint is pretty expensive, especially when compared to other systems out there. So, you might be wondering: what benefits am I getting, with the higher price point? The answer is simple: you’re getting a lot of benefits, simplicity being the foremost benefit.

Vivint is a great system, because it’s going to be much more convenient than other systems, especially if you have to have multiple different systems to get all of the benefits that come in one Vivint. Also, Vivint will ensure that you don’t have to connect or install your system yourself, so you won’t have to worry about any errors that come with setting up your security system. Another benefit, is that if something goes wrong with your system in the future, you’re going to be able to get the alarm fixed at any time, by calling Vivint’s toll free number. This is a great perk.

Vivint System Costs & Monthly Fees

According to Vivint, it’s going to cost around $2,400 dollars to get the security system installed for new customers. This might sound incredibly expensive, but again, if you’re interested in things being convenient, you might be willing to pay the price. Keep in mind that other systems can cost around half the price that a Vivint will, but also keep in mind that after installation, Vivint base costs is $45 dollars a month, which is relatively comparable to other national competitors.

If you’re nervous about paying for a Vivint, you might be in luck, because the company offers a payment plan for new customers. So, you won’t have to pay the fee in one lump sum. Another perk of the company, is that you can cancel your services at any time. Unlike other providers who will make you sign a binding contract, Vivint doesn’t make you stay on as a customer for a year’s time. If you don’t like it, cancel. It’s that simple. But note, if you cancel your service, you’ll still be on the hook for the security system costs. 

What Do I Need to Know About ADT Home Security?

If you didn’t know this before reading, ADT was founded in the 1800s. Obviously, this means that the company is incredibly established. But it could also mean that the company is behind, when it comes to knowing the latest technologies. Luckily, ADT is incredibly up to date, and it can keep up with the modern-day competitors.

Just like with Vivint systems, ADT is capable of doing things like offering smart locking, doorbell cameras, security cameras, thermostats, and more. In fact, ADT is so up to date, that it offers compatibility with speakers, smart displays, and cameras that are affiliated with the Google Nest system.

ADT System Costs & Monthly Fees

We talked badly about the price of Vivint systems, and with ADT, your pricing is also going to be expensive. It is going to cost you around $39 dollars a month to run your ADT software, and it’s going to cost you around $60/mo if you’re going to want to use automations on your system. For example, it’ll cost you that sixty dollars to turn on your lights when you unlock your door. Vivint is about $15/mo cheaper to start automation services.

It isn’t necessarily ADT’s price that is shocking, however. What’s shocking is the fact that their interfaces tend to be out of date. For example, Vivint has an incredible app, website, and a hub. But ADT’s website, hub, and app are a lot less functional than Vivint’s. If you’re looking for a seamless interface, you’re not going to want to choose ADT, because its interface is less than seamless.

ADT Contracts

And, unlike Vivint, ADT forces its users to sign a contract. So, if you decide that the home security system isn’t working for you, you’re not going to be able to back out. You might be locked in for twelve months and you might be locked in for 60 months. It all depends based on your region’s terms. And in order to get out of the contract, you’re going to have to pay at least 75% of the contract’s remaining balance, which is not good.

So, Which System is Better?

We’ve been over the features for both ADT and Vivint security systems, and although ADT is much more established than Vivint, ADT loses, here. It’s not that there’s anything terribly wrong with ADT security wise, it’s just that ADT forces its users into a contract and is lacking when it comes to their online presence. Users want to have a more accessible app, and if you’re looking for that, ADT isn’t going to be the system for you.

If you’re interested in learning more about either the ADT or the Vivint security system, then you should contact Premier. We’re versed in all brands of home security systems. No matter what question you have, our team of experts is prepared to give you the information that you need, to make an informed decision.

Be sure to also check out our other comparison posts, like ADT vs. Brinks.