Vivint offers high-tech features that set it apart, but is this home security system worth the $53.99 minimum monthly fee? Read this in-depth review to learn if Vivint is any good before you commit.
Vivint is a cool option to own and show off to your friends… as long as you have the willingness to pay extra for your cool system (rates start at $53.99 per month).
You’ll also have to be willing to sign a 42-month contract, half a year longer than the standard 3-year term you’d end up with many other security companies.
And you could incur big penalties if you try to cancel early.
So why would anyone consider Vivint?
Continue reading to determine whether Vivint has the features that make up for any downsides and whether it deserves to be your next home security system.
9 REASONS TO GET VIVINT
You want the latest gadgets: Vivint offers a touch screen panel to control your system, which is more advanced than the keypads you’d get with many other security providers. What really sets apart Vivint is the fact you can use Amazon Echo and just the sound of your voice to turn your lights on and off, lock and unlock your doors and arm your security system.
You also want the latest technology: Beyond the touch screen panel, you can also control your system through a smartphone app. And the whole system is wireless, which means no holes drilled in your walls and equipment that can move with you. Another nice plus (for an additional cost) is Space Monkey, Vivint’s option for securing and storing your video and photos in the cloud.
You get nervous every time the doorbell rings: By going beyond the standard package, you could sign up for a doorbell camera that gives you a way to interact with visitors without going to your door — even if you’re miles away from home. It’s a convenient way to see who wants your attention, it can deter snoopy burglars who think you’re not home, and it can give you a way to permit people you know to enter your home and drop things off when you’re not physically around.
You have no need for a bare-bones budget option: While some other home security companies offer low-priced options in their tiered pricing, you won’t find that with Vivint. It’s lowest monthly price is much higher than other companies, but its rich array of features may justify the cost for you.
You want a lot more than just home security: If you’re most interested in home automation features and you’re willing to pay for it, Vivint is a smart choice. You’ll have the option of monitoring smoke detectors, smart thermostats, and other smart devices.
You want professional installation: After choosing the Vivint system and signing the contract, a professional installer will visit your home to perform the full setup process for you, which you’ll pay for through an activation fee. There’s no DIY installation option with Vivint.
You want the option of taking the security system with you when moving: Vivint is a U.S. nationwide service, meaning you don’t need a particular cellular provider or landline telephone provider to use the service. It’s also available in Canada. However, you may have to pay a relocation fee.
You want a 24-hour monitoring service: Unlike some DIY home security companies, which just provide an alert and siren to try to scare off burglars, Vivint’s monitoring service will alert the police if your system detects a break-in.
You want the security of a big home security company: Vivint isn’t as large as ADT in terms of home security companies, but it’s still a large company. It has the financial backing of private equity firm Blackstone Group, which purchased Vivint in 2012, so you don’t have to worry about Vivint suddenly folding and leaving you without service.
REASONS TO CONSIDER OTHER HOME SECURITY SERVICES
You don’t like the idea of a long contract: Vivint’s service contract is one of the longest in the home security industry, starting at 42 months and extending to 60 months for some system tiers. Other 24-hour monitoring companies offer shorter contracts, and some DIY systems don’t require a contract.
You’re concerned about customer service: While Vivint’s Internet reviews aren’t quite as consistently negative as some other home security companies, it doesn’t take a very long Internet search to read dozens of negative customer service reviews for Vivint. And Vivint has undergone investigations from several state government attorneys general for inappropriate business practices. It has only a B- rating from the Better Business Bureau.
You have a small budget for your home security: Because Vivint doesn’t offer budget-priced service tiers, you can expect your monthly charge for the service to start high and climb quickly. This is quite a bit more than some other 24-hour monitoring companies’ basic tiers.
You want the option of cancelling after several weeks. Vivint’s contract cancellation policy is not very flexible, as you may only have a few days to cancel the contract. It depends on where you live. Compared to some other services that give you as long as a six-month money back guarantee, Vivint’s cancellation policy is poor.
THE VIVINT APP
Vivint’s mobile app allows you to control the entire system remotely, which is a nice feature. And if you select an advanced system tier, you’ll also be able to control aspects of your home that are on the smart network, such as keyless locks and a smart thermostat. You can also control all of these same features through a web portal or through the touch screen panel.
VIVINT SECURITY CAMERAS
Vivint’s security camera system is completely wireless, which is great because you won’t have to worry about having holes placed in your walls to accommodate cabling. You can also access any of the live video feeds through your smartphone app or the Vivint web portal. Some of Vivint’s security cameras include motion detectors, which allow the cameras to follow the source of the motion. The cameras also work well in low light.
HOW VIVINT COMPARES TO ADT
ADT has been around longer than Vivint, and its services (minus the cutting-edge tech offerings) are comparable, with 24/7 monitoring and calls to the local police station if there are signs of a problem. The biggest differences: You could end up paying less per month with ADT and you can get a slightly shorter contract term. Like most well-known home security companies that impose contracts and rely on sales calls to make deals, you’ll find complaints about ADT just as you will Vivint.
Vivint may win you over for the fact its policies are more transparent than ADT’s, the high-tech features make it a standout, and it’s generally easier to move your system from one home to the next. Because of the contract terms and the fact that both need to be professionally installed, neither ADT nor Vivint makes perfect sense for renters (DIY services are a better bet and tend to have more flexible terms).
HOW VIVINT COMPARES TO XFINITY
Vivint has a much higher cost than the basic Xfinity home security service from Comcast, although when you start adding features to the basic tier of the Xfinity service, its price will go up quickly. And you’ll have to sign a much longer contract initially with Vivint than with Xfinity. Both companies tend to suffer from quite a few customer complaints in Internet reviews.
BOTTOM LINE
If you’re someone who tends to dismiss a certain product or service if it has a much higher price than similar products or services, Vivint probably won’t be on your radar long. It has a starting monthly price that’s nearly twice what’s available from other 24-hour monitoring services’ basic tier packages, such as ADT and Xfinity. But consider that when you add commonly desirable services to those basic tier packages, they’re going to quickly approach Vivint’s costs.
One drawback to Vivint is the long contract that you have to sign initially, which is anywhere from 3.5 years to five years. And if you’re unhappy with Vivint’s service, the company’s cancellation policy is restrictive, so you may end up with a big bill if you try to cancel.
But Vivint’s inclusion of the latest technologies in its tiered packages makes this a desirable option for those seeking a home security system that will impress friends and family and will protect you from burglary. Despite some drawbacks, Vivint is well worth considering. Just be sure you’ve thoroughly read the contract before you sign it, so you understand the fees and the cancellation policy.
Vivint Review: Is High-Tech Home Security Worth $53.99+ appeared first on CreditDonkey
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