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Vivint vs SimpliSafe

Vivint and SimpliSafe both offer customizable home security systems with professional monitoring plans. Whereas SimpliSafe is a DIY-friendly security solution, Vivint requires professional installation for all products. Vivint and SimpliSafe also differ in terms of cost, as Vivint tends to be more expensive than SimpliSafe when it comes to system packages. However, Vivint does offer more options for smart home automation and integration. 

Starting priceMonitoring priceInstallation typeDetails
Vivint logo$500+$29.99+/moProfessionalView packages
SimpliSafe logo$244.96+$24.99+/moProfessional/DIYView packages

Pricing comparison

When comparing Vivint vs SimpliSafe pricing, consider both companies’ different security packages, equipment, professional monitoring options, and price. With both SimpliSafe and Vivint home security systems, the system price will vary depending on the package you choose, how you customize the system to meet your needs, and which professional monitoring plan works with your equipment.

SimpliSafe Security vs Vivint Security Equipment

The cost of your Vivint home security package will depend on the individual system you create, including your location, home size, and additional equipment needs. Vivint’s most basic package includes:

  • A digital touchscreen control panel
  • Three door/window sensors
  • A motion detector
  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Intrusion detection
  • Life safety monitoring
  • Voice control

More sophisticated Vivint packages include smart home automation features such as smart locks and plugs as well as outdoor and doorbell cameras. You can finance your equipment through Vivint’s Flex Pay plan, which offers a 60-month payment option. 

See Vivint pricing and packages

Similarly, your SimpliSafe home security package will increase in cost if you add any additional products to your base package. Their basic package includes:

  • A system hub
  • A keypad
  • Two sensors

Other packages include additional sensors, smoke detectors, a keyfob, panic button, and wireless siren. You can also build your own system, if you purchase the base station and wireless keypad.

See SimpliSafe pricing and packages

When it comes to SimpliSafe security vs Vivint costs, SimpliSafe is less expensive, although prices can be comparable depending on the size of your home and customization of your package.

SimpliSafe vs Vivint Home Security Monthly Monitoring

Vivint offers three monthly monitoring plans. Each plan includes 24/7 professional monitoring, mobile access, entry, smoke, and carbon monoxide detection, and medical pendant support. The more expensive plans feature smart home automation and video surveillance.

SimpliSafe offers two monthly monitoring plans: 24/7 professional monitoring and emergency response and personal monitoring with video recordings.

Starting priceMonitoring priceDetails
Vivint logo$500+$29.99+/moView packages
SimpliSafe logo$244.96+$24.99+/moView packages

Installation options and cost

The main difference between installing a security system from Vivint vs SimpliSafe is that Vivint products are professionally installed, whereas SimpliSafe is primarily a DIY home security solution. Often, Vivint includes the cost of professional installation in their security packages, but an additional fee may be applicable in certain cases, such as if you move.

Because SimpliSafe security systems are DIY-friendly, there is also no initial cost for installation. All SimpliSafe products are shipped to the customer with instructions for installing and activating the equipment. While professional installation is not required, you can purchase installation if you are unable or do not want to install the system yourself.

Installation typeProfessional install cost
Vivint logoProfessionalIncluded
SimpliSafe logoProfessional/DIY$99

Monitoring options

SimpliSafe security vs Vivint monthly monitoring plans vary in terms of cost and services. However, both companies offer a no-contract option.

Vivint Smart Security Monitoring

Vivint smart security monitoring costs depend on which package you choose, based on the security products you use. To use Vivint’s monthly monitoring without a contract, you must purchase your equipment in full. If you use a payment plan to buy your Vivint security equipment, you’ll typically be tied to a 42 to 60-month contract.

SimpliSafe Monthly Monitoring

Simplisafe monthly monitoring includes professional and personal monitoring plans. Their professional monitoring plan includes video recording, alarm and secret alerts, notifications, and 24/7 monitoring and emergency response by six centers. Their personal monitoring plan includes camera recordings without 24/7 protection.

Customer support

Vivint’s customer support team is available 24/7 for current customers as needed. They also have an online Help Center that provides answers to commonly asked questions, account information, and product details.

SimpliSafe’s customer support team is available via phone every day from 8:00 AM to Midnight (ET) and via chat from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ET). They also have an online Help Center that customers can use to find more information about their products or account. 

Vivint vs SimpliSafe is comparable in terms of customer support. Both companies provide their customers with ample ways to reach a support team member and find information online. Additionally, both companies receive positive customer support reviews. Positive Vivint reviews and positive SimpliSafe reviews both mention their knowledgeable and friendly staff. Similarly, negative Vivint and SimpliSafe reviews mention issues when attempting to repair or replace damaged products.

When comparing SimpliSafe security vs Vivint security’s customer service, they rank the same in terms of customer satisfaction.

Ratings and reviews

Vivint and SimpliSafe both offer customizable home security packages – Vivint as a professionally installed system and SimpliSafe as a DIY solution, accessible to many budgets. 

SimpliSafe vs Vivint home security system costs reflect this difference. Vivint’s basic home security package starts higher than SimpliSafe’s most expensive package. Additionally, SimpliSafe’s professional monthly monitoring plan is less expensive than Vivint’s cheapest option. Although Vivint does require professional installation, the price is often included in their packages, though an additional fee may be required. SimpliSafe is DIY-friendly and does not require an installation fee unless you opt for their professional installation service.

There are similarities when comparing Vivint vs SimpliSafe in terms of customer support and service ratings. Overall, both companies receive 4-star ratings amongst past and current customers. Vivint customers express great experiences with the in-person technicians that install the products. SimpliSafe customers share positive reviews regarding helpful customer service team members. Nevertheless, both companies do receive some negative reviews due to long call wait times and team members being unable or unwilling to provide reasonable solutions to damaged products. Overall, Vivint and SimpliSafe customers are pleased with their products. 

Our recommendation: Vivint or SimpliSafe?

Both SimpliSafe and Vivint are well suited for those looking for highly customizable home security solutions, so either company could be right for you if you need a flexible solution without a contract.

Vivint has the more robust product offering, and we recommend Vivint if you want a professionally installed and monitored system with robust smart home automation. However, SimpliSafe will be the better option if you want a DIY system with a lower starter package price tag, and you don’t mind foregoing smart home automation. 

Theft Protection Guarantee:

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.

 

ADT Money-Back Guarantee:

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 contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.