See how these two popular home security systems measure up in our side-by-side comparison<\/p>\n
Key Takeaways from Our SimpliSafe vs Vivint Comparison:<\/strong><\/p>\n These key takeaways offer a glimpse into what\u2019s to come. Our SimpliSafe vs Vivint comparison is the most comprehensive resource available on these two systems. Read on to learn about their key differences and similarities.<\/p>\n Now let\u2019s dig a bit deeper and see how these two wireless security systems stack up where it matters most. See below for the categories we judge.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe is the brainchild of a couple of Harvard students. They created their first product in 2006, and the rest is history. Over the years, SimpliSafe has been winning customers who value simplicity and straightforward pricing. The company continues to build on their momentum and is bent on becoming the #1 DIY, no-contract home security solution.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint\u2019s story begins in 1999, when they entered the home security market with a focus on innovative technology. The growing company was later bought out by Blackstone Group, giving it deeper pockets for R&D. Today Vivint has a customer base of over 1.4 million. They continue to gain traction and the trust of Americans who are hungry for high-tech home security.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a close one, but Vivint is slightly older and more established than SimpliSafe. However, SimpliSafe is making all the right marketing and advertising moves, and they are certainly nipping at the heels of their competitor.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014<\/strong> SimpliSafe is much, well, simpler than Vivint when it comes to features and tech. But that\u2019s by design. The company caters to the DIY crowd who enjoys fast and easy setup, and few moving parts. So while you get some nifty features (like remote control, indoor video cams, 24\/7 security and environmental monitoring, etc.), you don\u2019t really get the sophistication that Vivint brings to the table. Nevertheless, your home and family is safe with SimpliSafe<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>The folks at Vivint live, eat, and breathe home security innovation. The company boasts the latest and greatest features that are sure to impress even the die-hard techies of the world. Customers get voice recognition\/control, electronic smart locks, indoor and outdoor surveillance with HD night-vision cameras, and a doorbell video camera that offers 180-degree vision, two-way communication, live-streaming video, and more.<\/p>\n Vivint takes this title by a longshot. But SimpliSafe isn\u2019t even trying<\/em> to compete in this category \u2014 as their target customers couldn\u2019t care less about fancy features. But if you\u2019re the type who values best-in-class functionality and bells and whistles galore, Vivint delivers in spades. Vivint\u2019s security systems fully integrate smart home features into one high-tech ecosystem.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe has two affordable monitoring plans, and loads of upgrade packages. The \u2018SimpliSafe Standard\u2019 <\/strong>plan gives you basic home protection with 24\/7 monitoring for $229.96 upfront, and only $14.99\/mo. The \u2018SimpliSafe Interactive\u2019<\/strong> plan offers basic protection, 24\/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote access and control. The \u2018Interactive\u2019 plan costs $229.96 upfront, and $24.99 monthly. You can also \u2018self-monitor\u2019 your system and avoid the monthly subscription fee. There are no contracts, and all systems are DIY. SimpliSafe offers some of the best equipment add-on options in the industry.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint is more expensive all around. Get basic home and environmental protection with Vivint \u2018Smart Protect\u2019<\/strong> plan that costs $29.99\/mo. Or upgrade to get home and environmental protection plus home automation with \u2018Smart Protect + Control\u2019<\/strong> for $39.99\/mo. Or go all in with the Vivint \u2018Smart Complete\u2019<\/strong> plan that offers home security, home automation, video surveillance, and two+ specialty features for $49.99\/mo. Vivint plans all require professional installation and long-term contracts, but there is no upfront equipment cost.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe and Vivint both offer 24\/7 monitoring. And both companies sell 100% wireless, cellular-based home security systems. But SimpliSafe does it for half the price. If you\u2019re looking for bare-bones home security (no home automation and no outdoor video), then $14.99\/mo. cannot be beat. And if you don\u2019t care to have your home monitored by the pros, you can just purchase SimpliSafe\u2019s equipment and dodge another monthly bill altogether.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>No landline? No problem. SimpliSafe home security is wireless and cellular. You don\u2019t need a phone line, but you will need a local cell signal. Cellular monitoring is the fastest and most reliable emergency connection.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint is a leader in features and tech, so it makes sense that they also have wireless, cellular home security systems. You\u2019ll get ultra-fast response times and never have to worry about criminals snipping wires to bypass the system.<\/p>\n Both companies offer cellular-based home security. This is the easiest and most efficient way to ensure the monitoring center can field alerts and notifications regarding your home security status. If a break-in occurs, rest assured you\u2019re in good hands with cellular hookups.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe includes everything needed to get started. You\u2019ll get a base station, a wireless keypad, motion sensor, and an entryway sensor. We\u2019re not impressed that packages only come with one entry sensor, but you can always buy more sensors (and loads of other devices) on-the-cheap. If this base equipment setup doesn\u2019t cut it for your home, upgrade to one of SimpliSafe\u2019s dozens of custom packages.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint\u2019s base packages come with more equipment than SimpliSafe. Right out of the box you\u2019ll enjoy a modern touchscreen control panel, a handful of sensors (choose from entryway sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, etc.). Vivint also delivers value-packed upgrades, including a high-tech doorbell camera, a smart thermostat, a lineup of other smart devices, and the list goes on.<\/p>\n You get more for your money with Vivint, and you don\u2019t have to pay a dime upfront. SimpliSafe, on the other hand, only comes with the bare minimum equipment \u2014 and you have to pay $229.96 to get it. But remember, SimpliSafe\u2019s schtick is about making it ultra-easy to get up-and-running, and then allowing customers to customize their system to their heart\u2019s content.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe did away with the pesky middleman to help keep prices low (rock-bottom low). How so? They manufacture all of their own equipment. Not only do the savings pass on to the consumer ($14.99\/mo!), it also allows SimpliSafe to focus on quality control and innovation. The designs are akin to Apple products: smooth lines, white in color, and aesthetically on-point. That said, the quality is solid, but nothing to write home about.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Similar to SimpliSafe, Vivint manufactures some (but not all) of their equipment in-house. Whether they make it themselves or hire out to 2GIG, you\u2019re guaranteed to get high-tech equipment, made from premium materials, with a modern and aesthetically pleasing design (though not as sleek looking as SimpliSafe). Vivint delivers the goods when it comes to equipment quality.<\/p>\n Both companies offer high-quality equipment that will last. We\u2019re tempted to give the edge to Vivint, but SimpliSafe boasts a handsome, uniform design across all of their products. And looks do matter when it comes to home security equipment and devices.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014<\/strong> SimpliSafe falls short in home automation. The best you\u2019ll get is basic voice commands via Amazon\u2019s Alexa, Google Home, and Nest. But again, it\u2019s called \u2018SimpliSafe\u2019 for a reason \u2014 they aren\u2019t trying to be everything to everyone. Nevertheless, we\u2019d like to see at least some<\/em> home automation features. It\u2019s unclear if the company plans to offer this in the future.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint is a safe bet if you want home security and<\/em> smart home automation. They offer everything from high-tech cameras with two-way talk, to smart garage controls, smart locks, and smart thermostats. And this is just the tip of the automation iceberg. Vivint even has biometric voice recognition. The systems integrate seamlessly into third-party platforms. But expect to pay at least $39.99\/mo. for smart home automation with Vivint.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no polite way to put it. Vivint leaves SimpliSafe in the dust when it comes to smart home automation. So if you\u2019re a smart home aficionado, or you\u2019re looking to outfit your home with the latest smart features, then Vivint is the way to go.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe has built their brand around easy installation. These home security systems can be setup in minutes. Everything comes ready out-of-the-box, just plug it in, follow the easy steps, and voila<\/em>! How\u2019s that for no headache home security? Vivint simply cannot compete in this category.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint requires professional installation. That means you have to wait around for a technician. But some people prefer professional installation. At the very least, you know your system will be installed correctly the first time around. But alas, you have to pay for it ($50+ installation fee).<\/p>\n It\u2019s fast. It\u2019s easy. It\u2019s 100% on your<\/em> timeline. SimpliSafe is exploding in popularity because of their low prices and easy DIY setup and installation. To Vivint\u2019s credit, their systems are far more advanced, and so it makes sense that they require professional installation.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe holds an impressive A+ BBB rating. But there\u2019s always more to the story. Some SimpliSafe customers complain about long wait times on the phone, and limited service hours at the call center. But overall, the company gets solid marks in this category.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint had some serious customer service problems in the early days. At one point they even faced legal troubles due to deceptive sales schemes. This black eye hurt their ratings and brand image early on. But since then, they\u2019ve really cleaned up the service side of the business. Today Vivint offers straightforward pricing and friendly staff at their call centers.<\/p>\n Neither SimpliSafe nor Vivint offer great customer service. But SimpliSafe certainly takes the win in this category.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Their no-contract, cancel-anytime home security is a major selling point for SimpliSafe. While other companies (like Vivint) make customers sign long-term contracts, SimpliSafe lets you go free once you purchase the equipment. On top of that, SimpliSafe offers a generous 60-day return policy.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Welcome to contract city. Vivint requires contracts on all<\/em> of their home security systems. The contracts run 3-5 years on average, and remember, the monthly fee isn\u2019t exactly cheap. Vivint does offer a no-contract, month-to-month option, but you will have to pay $700-$1,800 for the equipment upfront. Finally, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe edges out Vivint when it comes to contracts. After all, if you find you no longer want or need the service, you might feel like a prisoner stuck in a long-term contract. With that said, the vast majority of Vivint\u2019s customers are thrilled with their purchase and don\u2019t mind signing an agreement.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Starting at the $15\/mo. price point, you just can\u2019t beat SimpliSafe. Upgrade to the premium plan and get real-time alerts and remote control \u2014 all for only $24.99\/mo. \u2014 which is still cheaper than most systems on the market today. Remember though, you must pay the $229.96 upfront equipment cost, at which point you own the equipment. SimpliSafe isn\u2019t for everyone. Those who want advanced features like outdoor video and home automation will have to pass on SimpliSafe. All in all, SimpliSafe is a great value for the right person.<\/p>\n Vivint \u2014 <\/strong>Vivint\u2019s prices range from $29.99 to $49.99 per month, which is standard for the service they provide. To get home automation, expect to spend $40\/mo. to $50\/mo. A bit steep, but worth it for the advanced features. One good thing about Vivint is that you don\u2019t have to pay for the equipment upfront. Instead, you pay for it over time in your monthly monitoring fee. Finally, unlike SimpliSafe, users must sign a long-term contract, which many people are hesitant to do. All in all, Vivint delivers tremendous value with highly-sophisticated, all-in-one home security and automation systems.<\/p>\n It wouldn\u2019t be fair to pick a winner for this category. Again, these companies are apples and oranges. They each cater to a different demographic. Vivint is for the smart home enthusiast with a love for advanced features and tech. And SimpliSafe is for those who desire simplicity and basic functionality right out-of-the-box. You can\u2019t go wrong with either.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe and Vivint will both protect your home from intruders and environmental damage. One takes home security and smart home automation to a new level, while the other purposefully offers a limited feature stack to keep prices extremely low. See below for our at-a-glance analysis of the category winners.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe and Vivint both get the job done\u2026 Vivint just does it with style (and smart home automation!). But really, these two home security systems couldn\u2019t be any more contrasting. They are each geared for a totally different audience. Perhaps the only thing they really have in common is that they are 100% wireless, cellular security systems.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t like to fuss with advanced features and technology, and you don\u2019t need outdoor surveillance or home automation, choose SimpliSafe. The price point is spot on for the budget-conscious buyer. In fact, you can even avoid the monthly monitoring fee if you choose to self-monitor, a great money-saving benefit that SimpliSafe offers. SimpliSafe is a no-brainer if you\u2019re looking for basic home security at an affordable price.<\/p>\n But if you\u2019re looking to transform your house into the safest and smartest home around, you should seriously consider Vivint. Sure, Vivint is more expensive than SimpliSafe, and requires a contract, but their high-tech home security and home automation is truly impressive. The system seamlessly integrates with third-party platforms, giving you one brilliant smart home ecosystem. If you desire home security that does it all, Vivint is your go-to system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
SimpliSafe vs Vivint Comparison Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Key Differences: SimpliSafe vs Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Key Similarities: SimpliSafe vs Vivint<\/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: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Features and Technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Features and Technology Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Monitoring Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Monitoring Options Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Emergency Connections \/ Response Times<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Emergency Connections Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Security Equipment Included<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Security Equipment Included Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Equipment Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Equipment Quality Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Home Automation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Home Automation Category Winner: Vivint<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Installation Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Customer Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Customer Service Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Contracts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Contracts Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cost and Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cost and Value Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Overall Winner \u2192 Tie!<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n