Vivint review

Vivint is the full-service option on this list. Every system is installed by a Vivint technician, and Vivint services it if something breaks. Equipment starts at $199.99, and most buyers either customize a bundle or finance it through a third-party partner, at 0% APR for up to 60 months for qualified customers. Monitoring starts at $24.99 per month with built-in cellular and a 4-hour battery; the $44.99 tier moves to a 24-hour battery. Vivint's Smart Deter feature makes its outdoor cameras use light and sound when someone lingers, and the same app runs locks, thermostats and garage doors. Monitoring is mandatory, and without it the system loses remote access. If you pay for equipment upfront or buy online, service is month to month, and online purchases get a promotional 30-day money-back guarantee. Installation is listed at $199 but is often waived. We compared documented features and published prices and did not test the system.

Who it is for

homeowners who want professional installation and smart home control

Price

Monitoring from $24.99 per month; equipment from $199.99.

Vivint Monitoring starts at $24.99/mo
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Professional installation by Vivint technicians on every system
• Smart Deter uses light and sound on Vivint cameras to warn people lingering outside
• Monitoring tiers from $24.99 per month with built-in cellular
• Smart Hub, locks, thermostat and garage control in the Vivint app
• Equipment financing at 0% APR for up to 60 months for qualified buyers

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Vivint installs and services the system for you
• Strength: Month-to-month service when equipment is bought upfront or online
• Strength: 30-day money-back guarantee on new systems bought online (promotional)
• Weakness: Monitoring is required, and the system loses remote features without a service plan
• Weakness: Installation is listed at $199 when not waived by a promotion
• Weakness: The $24.99 tier has a 4-hour battery; the 24-hour battery comes with the $44.99 tier

Key facts

• Monitoring from: $24.99 per month
• Equipment from: $199.99
• Installation: Professional, listed at $199
• Financing: 0% APR up to 60 months, subject to credit approval
• Contract: Month-to-month when equipment is paid upfront

Where it ranks

Vivint is No. 5 in our Best Home Security Systems verdict.