Our experts compared these two premium home security solutions side-by-side. Find out how they measure up against one another.<\/p>\n
Our security industry professionals and in-house researchers dove deep and surfaced with the most comprehensive and easy-to-read Vivint<\/a> vs ADT<\/a> comparison available. It\u2019s a must-read if you\u2019re considering either one of these home security solutions. When finished, you\u2019ll have the confidence to make an educated decision on which system is right for you.<\/p>\n This is just a glimpse into our in-depth Vivint vs ADT comparison. But there\u2019s much<\/em> more to the story. Read on about the key differences and similarities of the two companies.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s dig deeper into the categories that matter to see how Vivint and ADT stack up against one another. For quick-reference, we provide a \u2018Category Winner\u2019 section beneath each of the categories below.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> Vivint got its start in 1999. The home security company was acquired by The Blackstone Group a little over a decade later. Today Vivint serves over 1.4 million customers across the US and Canada. As we\u2019ll see, Vivint doesn\u2019t quite have the brand recognition and deep history that ADT brings to the table, but Vivint is growing fast and is certainly making a name for itself in the industry.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> It\u2019s no secret that ADT is the biggest name in home security. With 140+ years of innovation, ADT has their hands in everything from home security to large business electronic security, fire protection, medical alert systems, and more. Today, ADT is a household name and serves 7+ million customers and counting. It\u2019s difficult to even think of home security without the name ADT coming to mind.<\/p>\n Age and influence matters, but it\u2019s not everything. ADT is undoubtedly a trusted brand in home security. But can it keep up with the high-tech advances of the nimble \u201cnewcomer\u201d Vivint? Will ADT\u2019s size be an asset or a liability in the ever-changing home security landscape? Let\u2019s find out.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> Vivint delivers the goods when it comes to smart features and tech. Their home security and automation systems are stacked with features like voice recognition, remote control door locks, indoor and outdoor HD security cameras with night vision, doorbell cams with two-way voice, and so much more.<\/p>\n Vivint\u2019s video doorbell perfectly showcases the company\u2019s tech-forward vision. The doorbell boasts 180-degree vision, infrared night vision, two-way talk, on-demand live video, whole house integration, and the list goes on. When it comes to features and technology, you\u2019re sure to get the bells and whistles with Vivint.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> ADT also offers impressive features and technology, but you\u2019ll have to purchase their premium packages to access it. ADT Pulse delivers serious value with wireless connectivity, indoor\/outdoor cameras, and home automation features such as smart lights, smart door locks, and more \u2014 all controlled by the sleek companion app. ADT definitely makes the grade in the features and tech department, but they aren\u2019t exactly on the cutting edge like Vivint.<\/p>\n Vivint has the edge on ADT when it comes to features and technology. Sure, ADT offers a wide-range of equipment with great features. But where ADT goes wide, Vivint goes deep. The makers of Vivint are constantly innovating new ways to modernize home security. They even manufacture their own proprietary products (but we\u2019ll get to that). All of Vivint\u2019s high-tech products integrate seamlessly into one intelligent ecosystem. It\u2019s easy to see why Vivint is becoming the go-to home security solution for the smart home aficionado. So if you\u2019re looking for seriously smart security and<\/em> home automation, Vivint is a safe bet and will not disappoint.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> Vivint has three monitoring plans, starting at $29.99\/mo. and topping out at $49.99\/mo.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> ADT offers four monitoring options, starting at $27.99\/mo. and topping out at $58.99\/mo.<\/p>\n Both home security companies offer 24\/7 monitoring by highly-trained responders. And they both operate several monitoring centers across the country. But money talks, and Vivint is $12 cheaper per month for the base home security + automation package. But pricing aside, even Vivint\u2019s basic plan is powered by cellular-connection, which is superior to ADT\u2019s landline-based starter package. But we\u2019ll dive a bit deeper into the emergency connections in the next section.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> Vivint\u2019s home security packages are 100% wireless cellular connections across the board. Like a cell phone, cellular based security systems are powered by cell towers, making it more reliable and faster than landline-based systems. Also, with wireless hookup, there are no exposed wires that criminals can snip to bypass your security system. The best home security systems are all going wireless, so Vivint is ahead of the game in this category.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> While ADT does offer wireless connection with their top-tier plans, their basic standard plan is landline-based. This means you must have a landline in your home to even consider this option. And as previously mentioned, landline-based monitoring doesn\u2019t quite measure up to the speed and reliability of cellular-based monitoring.<\/p>\n If ADT offered wireless emergency connection with their base plan, the two companies would be neck-and-neck in this category. But alas, Vivint stands in the gap for their customers, offering 100% wireless home security systems (the wave of the future) from their base plan on up. With that said, although it\u2019s rare, some customers actually prefer to have a hardwired landline hookup. And these people simply cannot be served by Vivint, making ADT their next best option. This is something to keep in mind.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> If you go with Vivint\u2019s starter kit, you get a sleek touchscreen control panel, six sensors of your choice (door\/window entry sensors, motion detectors, glass break detectors, flood and freeze detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors). And you can upgrade your order with add-ons such as Vivint\u2019s doorbell camera, the Vivint Element thermostat, other home automation features, and more.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> ADT\u2019s packages come standard with a control panel, central hub, one motion sensor, entryway sensors, a wireless remote, backup battery, and a yard sign and window decals. You can upgrade to get automated door locks and garage door controls, glass break sensors, indoor\/outdoor cameras, and more.<\/p>\n Vivint and ADT both include everything you need to get started with basic home protection. And both companies offer a suite of specialty equipment and upgrades for those who desire added layers of home protection. If we absolutely had to choose a winner here, Vivint gets the slight edge simply because they give the customer a variety of choices when it comes to sensors.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014 <\/strong>Vivint is a special case when it comes to quality of equipment. The company makes some of its own proprietary equipment, and also offers products manufactured by 2GIG. The benefit of making their own products — and spending money, time, and energy on research and development \u2014 truly shows in their high-tech equipment. And the customer reaps the rewards.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014<\/strong> ADT\u2019s products are all made by big-name companies like General Electric and Honeywell. As you might imagine, this is top-of-the-line, high-quality construction. However, the disadvantage of ADT outsourcing and only selling third-party products is that they can\u2019t compete with Vivint when it comes to R&D, innovating, and continually improving products. But the benefit is that customers can take their ADT equipment and have it monitored by another home security provider if they so choose \u2014 a limitation of proprietary products<\/p>\n Yes, we have another tie. While some might consider ADT to have the premium product, it\u2019s actually not so simple. You have to keep in mind Vivint\u2019s in-house shop and extensive research and development. And you have to assume they will continue to push the envelope when it comes to creating impressive features and tech\u2026 a luxury that ADT doesn\u2019t really have. However, that\u2019s not to say ADT can\u2019t innovate \u2014 they can and they do.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014 Home automation is where Vivint really shines. They lead the industry in smart home offerings. Get features like fixed and panning security cameras, high-quality doorbell cameras with two-way voice, garage door controls, smart thermostats, electronic door locks, and more \u2014 all powered by sleek, modern devices.<\/p>\n One standout feature that Vivint offers is biometric voice recognition. Their systems integrate with Amazon Alexa voice technology, putting the commands of your system at the tip of your tongue. Simply speak the words and it shall be done. Vivint is also compatible with a host of other third-party automation platforms. Needless to say, Vivint\u2019s smart home automation is dressed to impress even the most discerning smart home enthusiast.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014 While ADT offers a lineup of smart home automation features, it\u2019s not really their bread and butter like it is Vivint\u2019s. With that said, ADT is no slouch when it comes to features like smart door locks, smart lights and thermostats, video doorbell cameras, and the like. Unfortunately, home automation only comes with ADT\u2019s premium packages, which all cost a pretty penny.<\/p>\n Vivint is the unanimous champ when it comes to smart home automation. The company views their in-house manufacturing and proprietary equipment as an asset to leverage \u2014 and we couldn\u2019t agree more. Smart home automation is 100% Vivint\u2019s competitive advantage in the home security industry. In fact, many shoppers choose Vivint solely based on their home automation capabilities, and it\u2019s easy to see why.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014 Vivint does not <\/em>offer a DIY home security system, so professional installation is required. Their installation fees start at around $50 and increase with the more bells and whistles you buy. Professional installation is nice, as you\u2019re sure to get up-and-running without any fuss. But customers like options, so at least one DIY security kit would have given Vivint better marks in this category.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014 Much like Vivint, ADT requires a visit from their technicians for professional installation. But ADT truly excels when it comes to installs. In fact, they are known for their A+ installations and for thoroughly educating their customers on how to use their new system. Ranging from $99-$199 depending on your package, ADT\u2019s installation fee tends to be pricier than Vivint\u2019s. But again, you get what you pay for.<\/p>\n This was a close one, but ADT has professional installation dialed-in and down to a science. Their expert technicians are professional, reliable, and they always show you the ropes before leaving your home. After all, if you must<\/em> have a stranger come into your home, it\u2019s nice to have the best of the best. We would like to see a DIY system from one or both of these companies.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014 Vivint has had a checkered past in terms of customer service. There was a time when Vivint was known for aggressive salesmen and shady sales tactics. In fact, a handful of Attorney Generals went so far as to file suit against Vivint for misrepresentation and illusory sales tactics. When the dust finally settled, Vivint had thousands of pending complaints and poor ratings.<\/p>\n But that\u2019s all water under the bridge. Vivint has cleaned up their act tremendously, and new transparent pricing is helping to keep them on the up and up. Today\u2019s consumers would never suspect this spotty past, as Vivint has made great strides to truly satisfy their customers throughout the sales process and the lifetime of their service.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014 For a company as big as ADT \u2014 with 18,000 employees and a multi-billion dollar valuation \u2014 you might expect to find big holes in their customer service department. But the truth is, ADT has a solid track record of great customer service. It\u2019s not spotless, of course, but overall ADT is customer-focused and willing to do what it takes to keep a customer happy.<\/p>\n This is another close one. It\u2019s true that Vivint\u2019s customer service has improved in every way. Unfortunately, their past issues still haunt them in this category. ADT on the other hand has an A+ BBB rating. Customers still have complaints about both companies, but ADT takes the slight edge for best customer service.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014 Vivint\u2019s contracts run 42-60 months. Yes, that\u2019s up to 5 years \u2014 a long time to be locked into a contract. If a customer cancels early, they must pay out the remainder of the contract. Like most companies, the contract and monthly fee factor in the equipment. So when you finish your contract term, you own the equipment outright. Vivint does offer a month-to-month program (no contract) if you pay for your equipment upfront. But that will cost you in the range of $700 to $,1800, a premium price-tag that\u2019s not feasible for most people. Vivint does offer a 30-day guarantee; just enough time to see if the service is working for you.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014 ADT requires contracts as well, but on much shorter terms. You must sign a 24-month or 36-month contract depending on where you live. This is a fraction of the contract term length that Vivint requires. Also, ADT offers a generous 6-month guarantee, making it relatively easy to break the contract and receive a full refund (for monitoring expenses and <\/em>installation fees) in the first 6-months.<\/p>\n ADT\u2019s contract lengths are much shorter than Vivint\u2019s. And when you consider their impressive 6-month guarantee, ADT beats Vivint by a landslide in this category. But keep in mind, contracts aren\u2019t always a bad thing. If you enjoy the service and find it useful, a guarantee will actually lock-in your sign-up price to ensure it doesn\u2019t increase over the years.<\/p>\n Vivint <\/strong>\u2014 Vivint\u2019s home security packages cost $29.99, $39.99, and $49.99. Both top tier plans include home automation, with the highest tier supporting video as well. You can purchase the Vivint Premium Service Plan warranty for an additional $10 per month for added peace of mind.<\/p>\n ADT <\/strong>\u2014 ADT\u2019s prices aren\u2019t always clear, as they do not post them on their site. Typically, ADT\u2019s packages start at around $36 and range up to $52+. However, you can purchase a bare-bones plan through ADT Protect Your Home Basic Security (landline required) for only $27.99\/mo. If you happen to want ADT\u2019s premium plans, don\u2019t be surprised if you have to sit through a 45-minute sales presentation. Finally, ADT\u2019s equipment warranty costs $7\/mo.<\/p>\n With Vivint, customer\u2019s can get total home security for as low as $30\/mo. And upgrade to high-tech home automation features for an extra $10 per month. The value here is unmistakable. If you\u2019ve been tracking, you\u2019ll recall that Vivint is leading the field in smart security and smart home automation. With sleek, modern equipment, impressive features and tech, and 100% wireless home security systems \u2014 Vivint is simply the better value.<\/p>\n So there you have it. That\u2019s our expert research and detailed insight into Vivint and ADT home security systems. Now here\u2019s a quick recap of Vivint vs ADT and how the two home security companies measured up to one another:<\/p>\n Take one look at the category winners above and you get a clear picture of what Vivint and ADT are all about. ADT excels in old-school categories like Age and Influence, Installation, and Contracts. Whereas Vivint takes the lead when it comes to 21st century Features and Tech, Monitoring Options, Emergency Connections, etc. The race was tight between these two home security powerhouse players, but Vivint edged out ADT where it matters the most.<\/p>\n Our Vivint vs ADT comparison was created after a lot of testing, research, and reviewing the two offerings. And Vivint security caught our eye early on. The company is making great strides to improve customer experience, they\u2019re constantly innovating new technology, releasing the best in home automation, and they\u2019re committed to keeping costs reasonable for the everyday buyer. For these reasons and more, Vivint gets our vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Takeaways From Our Vivint vs ADT Comparison:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Vivint vs ADT Comparison Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Key Differences: Vivint vs ADT<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Key Similarities: Vivint vs ADT<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Home Security Categories We Compare:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Age and Influence<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Age and Influence Category Winner: ADT<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Features and Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Features and Technology Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Monitoring Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Monitoring Options Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Emergency Connections<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Emergency Connections Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Security Equipment Included<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Security Equipment Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Quality of Equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Quality of Equipment Category Winner: Tie\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Home Automation<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Home Automation Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Installation Category Winner: ADT<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Customer Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Customer Service Category Winner: ADT<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Contracts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Contracts Category Winner: ADT<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cost and Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cost and Value Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Overall Winner – Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n