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ADT and Vivint offer home security solutions to individuals and families looking for customizable security systems with professional installation and 24/7 monthly monitoring. Neither security company offers DIY solutions or sells al a carte security equipment. Instead, ADT and Vivint customers purchase a complete home security package and can then customize it to their needs.
When comparing ADT vs Vivint, it’s important to consider pricing, features, and customer experiences. Overall, Vivint security vs ADT security is comparable, with slight differences in professional installation costs, required contract lengths, and customer satisfaction.
| Starting price | Monitoring price | Installation type | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $500+ | $29.99+/mo | Professional | View packages |
 | Varies | $45.99+/mo | Professional | View packages |
At both ADT and Vivint, pricing is determined by the cost of installation of equipment and monthly monitoring. Because each security system is customizable, your exact price will reflect the package you choose for your home.
When considering ADT home security costs, the company offers three primary security levels, which you can customize by choosing the equipment you want installed.
Vivint also offers three home security packages, but the deciding factor of how much a Vivint security system costs depends on a home’s location, size, and needs.
When it comes to ADT vs Vivint pricing, the cost for security equipment is comparable.
Both ADT and Vivint offer professional monthly monitoring plans. With both brands, monitoring plans increase in price depending on the security equipment you choose and the plan needed to monitor it properly.
| Starting price | Monitoring price | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500+ | $29.99+/mo | View packages |
| Varies | $45.99+/mo | View packages |
Although both companies require professional installation for your security system, the cost of installation differs between ADT vs Vivint. ADT typically charges an installation fee depending on the home security package you choose. Vivint offers free professional installation with the purchase of certain security systems (fees may be applicable for some equipment). However, if you move and need your system re-installed, additional installation fees may be applicable.
| Installation type | Installation cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | Included |
| Professional | Varies |
ADT does offer a DIY solution designed for renters through ADT Blue. However, packages and equipment for an ADT Blue system differ from their comprehensive home security solution, so we only recommend ADT Blue for families or individuals who currently rent their home.
Customers who purchase either an ADT or Vivint home security system will get the most out of their equipment with a monthly monitoring plan. Monitoring options for ADT vs Vivint differ in cost and services included.
Vivint Smart Security monitoring includes mobile access, entry, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection, medical pendant support, and 24/7 professional monitoring. More comprehensive packages include smart home integration and video surveillance as well. If you purchase your security equipment in full, you can opt for a month-to-month monitoring service. However, if you finance your equipment, you’re locked into a contract until everything is paid off, which typically takes between 42 to 60 months.
ADT monthly monitoring rates vary depending on the system you choose. ADT monitoring services include intrusion detection, voice control ability, fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring, and 24/7 system monitoring. Basic plans include traditional burglary services and increase in price for more comprehensive protection, including video surveillance and home automation services. ADT’s monthly monitoring is typically tied to a 36-month contract.
With the purchase of an ADT monthly monitoring plan, you also receive 24/7 customer support. Whether you have questions about your account, billing, or system, ADT professionals are readily available to assist you when needed. ADT also offers an online Help Center where customers can find answers to commonly asked questions.
Vivint also offers 24/7 customer service with a purchase of a security system. They provide an online Help Center, where customers can look up information regarding their account, how to use their system or products, and other frequently asked questions.
Vivint ranks higher than ADT for ADT vs Vivint customer support. Positive Vivint reviews mention knowledgeable and friendly Vivint team members, especially during the installation process. Most issues with Vivint customer service tend to occur after installation.
Positive ADT reviews mention ADT’s guarantees and warranties, which enable customers to get the most out of their equipment. On the other hand, negative ADT reviews mention long call wait times and poor, costly, and rude customer service issues.
When comparing Vivint security vs ADT security in terms of customer service, Vivint comes out on top.
ADT and Vivint offer similar products and services. Both sell professionally installed home security systems with customizable packages and monthly plans that include 24/7 monitoring and other features, such as video surveillance and smart home integration.
The cost of the ADT vs Vivint monthly monitoring plans is about the same for their starting package and depends on which system you use. ADT requires all customers to sign a contract for monthly monitoring, while Vivint offers no-contract options when paid in full.
Lastly, Vivint receives more positive customer reviews than ADT, though both include a mix of positive and negative customer experiences. Vivint customer service representatives tend to resolve issues quickly and with a friendly disposition. In contrast, the ADT customer service team often struggles to provide acceptable solutions to customers dealing with equipment malfunctions, refunds, and replacements. Be sure to check out Vivint reviews and ADT reviews for a full understanding of customer experiences.
Both ADT and Vivint are suitable for families that want professionally installed and monitored home security systems.
If robust, comprehensive security features are most important to you, we recommend ADT. However, Vivint will be the better option if customer service and more smart home automation options are more important for your family.
Overall, we recommend comparing quotes from both providers to see what the overall cost for your ideal system would be from both brands.
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Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $38.99/mo. without QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $935.76) and minimum installation amount of $599 for professionally installed systems OR month-to-month monitoring contract for ADT Self Setup systems starting at $24.99 without QSP (one month minimum) and minimum purchase amount of $194.98. Professional monitoring required for ADT to notify emergency contacts or services on your behalf. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. For reactivations of professionally installed systems, a $99 test and inspect fee applies . Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty and is available for additional fee. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Professionally installed system remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. For Self-Setup Systems, cancel by calling 888-392-2039 or by following the instructions in your order confirmation email. To avoid contract termination charges, cancellation must occur no later than 30 days after the contract date. Contract termination charges may be applied for cancellation after the initial 30-day period. Equipment must be fully removed and returned before a refund will be processed. Any shipping costs previously paid are non-refundable. Google and Nest Doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. Some features, including mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video recording, require working internet and Wi-Fi. Minimum OS requirements are available at g.co/home/req. iOS is a trademark of Cisco and is used under license. Google Nest products and services featured are designed to make life easier and to build a helpful home and were not designed specifically for life-sustaining or safety-critical use cases. These products and services are compatible with the ADT Self Setup System, and depend upon working internet, Wi-Fi, and, in some cases, the service availability from ADT and/or Google. To learn more, please visit http://g.co/nest/TOS.
Money-back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system-related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first six (6) months of your original activation. ADT Money-Back Guarantee is not transferable. Equipment must be returned before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer. For professionally installed systems only.
Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction. Customer must request reimbursement within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. For professionally installed systems only.