- Monitoring: From $24.99/month (4-hour battery) or $44.99/month (24-hour battery + cellular).
- Entry Equipment: HomeProtect from $199.99 for eligible new customers with a qualifying services agreement.
- Installation: Free with qualifying offers; otherwise fees may apply.
- Warranty: Coverage varies by agreement; check Vivint's current warranty terms.
The Honest Summary
Vivint sells a professionally installed smart security system. A Vivint technician comes to your home, professionally installs the equipment, and helps set everything up in the app. Reviewers consistently rank it among the best smart home security systems, and the app is one of the easiest to use in the category.
It is also one of the more expensive options. Equipment costs more than most competitors, monitoring sits at the higher end, and monitoring is required on every system.
Whether Vivint is worth it comes down to one question: do you want a hands-off system installed and supported for you, or are you happy to set up a cheaper kit yourself?
The Cost Math, Line by Line
| Cost | With a Services Agreement | Without a Contract |
|---|---|---|
| HomeProtect (new customers; eligible offers) | About $199.99 | About $349.99 |
| HomeProtect Pro (equipment; services agreement required) | Equipment starts around $749.99 | Not available without a services agreement |
| Professional installation | May be included with eligible offers; confirm with Vivint | Installation fees vary by offer; confirm with Vivint |
| Monitoring | From $24.99/month (4-hour backup battery); higher tier from $44.99/month (24-hour backup battery and built-in cellular) | Pricing varies; confirm with Vivint |
Those are floor prices. Independent reviewers who built out fuller systems with cameras and automation were quoted in the range of $56 to $57 a month. Full installed setups with lots of devices can run into the thousands up front.
Pricing note: HomeProtect promotional pricing is for new customers only. Offers vary by state or ZIP code. Taxes and additional fees may apply.
Two Ways to Pay
Buy Equipment Outright
Pay for the hardware upfront and avoid equipment financing. Month-to-month service may be available, although cancellation conditions and other service terms still apply.
Finance the Equipment
Financing can reduce upfront equipment costs by spreading payments over time. Financing terms vary by offer, with some agreements running 36 months and others up to 60 months. Financing involves repayment terms and may require a service agreement, so check the full monthly cost before signing.
The rule is simple. If you can pay for hardware now, do it and stay month to month. If you finance, read the term length before you sign.
What You Get in Vivint
Vivint Equipment and Optional Add-Ons
Vivint offers a range of security devices, but not all equipment is included in the basic HomeProtect package. Cameras, smart locks, and other upgrades may cost extra.
What's included in the basic HomeProtect package: Security Hub, keypad, one motion sensor, three door/window sensors, app access, and a yard sign. Cameras, smart locks, and other devices are available separately.
| Equipment / Optional Add-On | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Smart Hub panel | Touchscreen control point with two-way talk |
| Door and window sensors | Trigger alerts when an entry point opens |
| Motion sensors | Detect movement inside the home |
| Outdoor camera | AI detection that can spot lurking activity |
| Doorbell camera | See and speak to visitors and watch for packages |
| Indoor camera | Monitor rooms, pets, and kids |
| Smart lock and garage control | Lock up and open the garage from the app |
| Smoke, CO, and water sensors | Optional hazard add-ons |
Vivint works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue lighting, and Nest thermostats, so one app covers security and a good part of the smart home.
Installation: What to Expect
- A Vivint pro visits and reviews your home layout
- Equipment is placed where coverage is best, not just where it is easy
- Vivint uses professional installation to ensure the equipment is correctly positioned, connected, and tested
- Cameras and sensors are tested with you before the tech leaves
- The app is set up on your phone and you get a walkthrough
- Installation time varies depending on the size of the home and the equipment being installed
The Fine Print to Read First
- Monitoring is required. There is no fully self-monitored option.
- Contracts can run long. Financing terms reach up to 60 months.
- Moving: Vivint offers relocation assistance, but any applicable fees and conditions should be confirmed directly with the company.
- Military customers: Contact Vivint directly to discuss available relocation options and applicable terms.
- Equipment compatibility: Some Vivint equipment and features depend on Vivint services. Confirm what remains functional if you cancel monitoring.
- Warranty: Coverage depends on Vivint's current warranty terms and customer agreement.
Who Vivint Suits
Larger Homes
The clearest fit. More doors, windows, and outdoor areas mean more devices, and professional placement earns its keep.
People Who Want It Done For Them
If the idea of drilling, pairing sensors, and troubleshooting an app puts you off, this is the point of Vivint. Setup, testing, and support are handled.
Smart Home Fans
Locks, lights, garage, thermostat, and cameras in one app is the selling point, and the AI camera features are a step ahead of basic kits.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Renters, small apartments, and anyone on a tight budget. A self-installed kit with cheaper monitoring covers a one-bedroom for a fraction of the cost.
How It Compares
| Parameter | Vivint | DIY Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Professional; fees vary by offer | You do it yourself |
| Equipment cost | Higher | Lower |
| Monitoring | Required; plans from $24.99/month | Often optional |
| Smart home depth | Strong, with AI cameras | Varies, usually simpler |
| Moving | Relocation options available; terms vary | Pack it and go |
| Best for | Owned homes and larger properties | Renters and small spaces |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Vivint monitoring?
Vivint monitoring starts at $24.99 per month with eligible agreements. A higher tier starts at $44.99 per month and includes built-in cellular connectivity and a 24-hour backup battery. Pricing and availability vary by offer.
Is installation free?
Professional installation may be included with eligible Vivint offers. Installation fees vary depending on the package and agreement, so confirm the cost directly with Vivint.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Buying equipment outright may allow month-to-month service. Financing and certain promotional packages require agreements, with terms varying by offer.
What does the warranty cover?
Vivint offers warranty coverage subject to its customer agreement. Coverage periods, repairs, replacements, and exclusions depend on the applicable terms.
Can I take Vivint with me when I move?
Yes. Vivint offers relocation options. Contact Vivint to confirm any applicable fees and agreement requirements.
Final Verdict
Vivint is a premium system, and it behaves like one. The hardware is sleek, the app is genuinely easy, the AI cameras are ahead of most kits, and a trained tech sets it all up so you never touch a drill.
Go in with the numbers clear. Price the full system with the cameras you actually want, decide between paying up front for flexibility or financing with a contract, and check the move rules if you may relocate. If you own a larger home and want security handled for you, Vivint is worth the premium. If you rent or want the cheapest path, a DIY kit is the smarter buy.