When it comes to home security, Vivint stands out as a premium provider, offering advanced smart home integration, professional installation, and 24/7 monitoring. However, its high-tech features come with a price tag that can be daunting for some homeowners. If you’re considering a Vivint home security system, understanding the costs involved is crucial to making an informed decision. This blog breaks down Vivint’s pricing structure, including equipment, installation, monitoring fees, and additional costs, to help you determine if it fits your budget and security needs.
Overview of Vivint Home Security Costs
Vivint’s pricing can be divided into two main categories: upfront costs (equipment and installation) and ongoing costs (monthly monitoring and financing). Unlike some competitors, Vivint doesn’t publish exact prices online, as costs vary based on the customized system you choose. However, based on recent data, here’s a general breakdown:
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Equipment Costs: $599–$2,400 or more, depending on the package and add-ons.
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Installation Fees: $99–$199, though sometimes waived during promotions.
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Monthly Monitoring Fees: $29.99–$69.94, depending on the plan and number of devices.
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Financing Options: 0% interest for 42–60 months for qualified customers, or an upfront payment for lower monthly costs.
These costs position Vivint as one of the more expensive home security systems on the market, but its advanced technology and professional services may justify the investment for those seeking a comprehensive smart home solution.
Equipment Costs: What’s Included?
Vivint offers customizable packages, allowing you to tailor the system to your home’s needs. The equipment cost depends on the package and additional devices you select. Here are some common packages and their estimated costs:
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Core Home Security Package (~$599): Includes a Vivint Smart Hub (touchscreen control panel), three door/window sensors, one motion detector, and a yard sign. This is the most basic package, suitable for small homes or apartments.
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Premium Package (~$1,279.96): Adds a doorbell camera, an outdoor camera, a smart lock, and a key fob to the Core package. This is ideal for medium-sized homes with multiple entry points.
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Premium Plus Package (~$2,229.92): Includes everything in the Premium Package, plus a second outdoor camera, an indoor camera, a smart thermostat, and a smart garage door controller. This package is designed for larger homes with extensive smart home integration needs.
Individual device costs can add up quickly if you customize beyond these packages. For example:
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Outdoor Camera Pro: ~$399 or $6.67/month for 60 months.
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Doorbell Camera Pro: ~$250 or $4.17/month for 60 months.
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Indoor Camera Pro: ~$250 or $4.17/month for 60 months.
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Smart Lock: ~$150–$300.
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Glass Break Sensor: ~$120.
Vivint’s proprietary equipment, such as the Outdoor Camera Pro with Smart Deter technology, is a highlight, offering features like 4K sensors and proactive threat deterrence. However, these devices are pricier than competitors like Ring or SimpliSafe, where starter kits can cost as little as $199.99.
Installation Costs: Professional Setup Only
Vivint requires professional installation, which ensures seamless integration but adds to the upfront cost. Installation fees typically range from $99 to $199, depending on the system’s complexity. Some customers report negotiating waived installation fees during promotions, so it’s worth asking when you request a quote.
Unlike DIY systems from SimpliSafe or Ring, Vivint’s professional installation includes a technician configuring devices, hiding wires, and walking you through the system. This white-glove service is a major selling point for those who want a hassle-free setup, but it’s a drawback for budget-conscious consumers who prefer self-installation.
Monthly Monitoring Fees: The Ongoing Cost
Vivint’s monitoring plans are mandatory, as the system doesn’t support self-monitoring. Monthly fees vary based on the plan and the number of cameras or smart devices:
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Smart Security Monitoring ($29.99/month): Includes 24/7 monitoring and mobile app access but excludes home automation or camera support. This is the most affordable plan, but limited in functionality.
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Smart Home Monitoring ($39.99/month): Adds smart home integration, allowing control of devices like smart locks and thermostats via the Vivint app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
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Smart Home Video Monitoring ($44.99–$69.94/month): Includes video support for up to six cameras, with an additional $5 per camera after the first. This plan is necessary for video recording and cloud storage.
For example, a system with three cameras could cost around $54.99/month ($44.99 base + $10 for two additional cameras). If you have a large system with equipment exceeding $4,000, a $30 Large System Fee may apply, and a $1.48 cellular maintenance fee is common. These fees make Vivint’s monitoring costs higher than competitors like Ring ($20/month) or Abode ($7.99/month).
Financing vs. Upfront Payment
Vivint offers two payment options to make its systems more accessible:
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Upfront Payment: Paying for equipment in full (e.g., $599–$2,400) reduces your monthly bill to just the monitoring fee. This option avoids a long-term contract, allowing month-to-month service that you can cancel anytime.
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Financing (Flex Pay): Qualified customers can finance equipment with 0% interest over 42–60 months, spreading costs into manageable monthly payments. For example, a $1,200 system financed over 60 months adds $20/month to your bill, plus monitoring fees. However, financing requires a contract, and early cancellation means paying off the remaining equipment and monitoring balance.
Financing is appealing for those who can’t afford a large upfront payment, but it locks you into a contract that can last up to five years, longer than competitors like ADT (three years). If you move, Vivint charges $129–$258 for system removal and reinstallation, which adds to the cost.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond equipment, installation, and monitoring, here are other potential costs:
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Video Storage: Vivint cameras don’t include local storage. Cloud storage for 30-second clips costs $5/month per camera, or you can purchase a Vivint Smart Drive ($249.99) for continuous recording, which erases footage every 30 days.
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Warranty and Repairs: A 120-day warranty covers defective equipment, with free repairs or replacements. After that, an optional Vivint Protection Plan extends coverage for a monthly fee. Without it, repairs or replacements can be costly.
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Moving Fees: If you relocate, expect to pay $129 for system removal and $129 for reinstallation, or more if additional equipment is needed.
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Cancellation Fees: If you finance and cancel early, you’ll owe the remaining equipment and monitoring balance. Upfront payment avoids this issue.
Is Vivint Worth the Cost?
Vivint’s high costs are justified by its premium features, including:
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Advanced Technology: Proprietary devices like the Outdoor Camera Pro with Smart Deter and a 4K sensor offer superior performance compared to budget brands.
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Smart Home Integration: Seamless compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and Z-Wave devices makes Vivint a top choice for smart home enthusiasts.
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Professional Services: 24/7 monitoring, professional installation, and responsive customer support provide peace of mind.
However, Vivint may not suit everyone. Budget-conscious consumers can find similar features with DIY systems like Ring or SimpliSafe at a fraction of the cost. For example, Ring’s equipment starts at $199.99, and monitoring is $20/month. Vivint’s lack of pricing transparency and long contracts also frustrate some customers, and past lawsuits over deceptive practices raise concerns, though the company has since made changes.
Tips to Save on Vivint Costs
To make Vivint more affordable, consider these strategies:
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Negotiate Installation Fees: Ask for waived or discounted installation during promotions.
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Check for Deals: Look for Black Friday or seasonal discounts, which can significantly reduce costs.
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Pay Upfront: If possible, pay for equipment upfront to avoid a contract and reduce monthly fees.
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Customize Wisely: Choose only the devices you need to keep equipment costs down. For example, skip extra cameras if one or two suffice.
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Compare Quotes: Request a detailed quote and compare it with competitors to ensure you’re getting the best value.
Final Thoughts
Vivint home security systems offer top-tier technology and professional services, but they come at a premium price. Equipment costs start at $599, with installation fees of $99–$199 and monthly monitoring fees ranging from $29.99 to $69.94. Financing options make Vivint accessible, but long contracts and additional fees can add up. If you value advanced smart home features, professional installation, and 24/7 monitoring, Vivint is a worthwhile investment. However, if budget is a concern, DIY systems may be a better fit.
Before buying, contact Vivint at (877) 833- 3122 for a customized quote, and explore current promotions to maximize savings. Weigh the costs against the peace of mind Vivint provides to decide if it’s the right choice for your home.