As a homeowner, security isn’t something you should take lightly. You need a system that will protect your family and property.
The Vivint Home Security system is one of the top products on the market. Aside from keeping your family safe, it has many convenient home automation features.
If you want to learn more, check out this Vivint Home Security System review here. We go over everything from key features to pros and cons. We also answer some FAQs to help you determine if this security system is right for your home.
About Vivint Smart Home Security
Vivint is a company that specializes in home automation technology and home security. Its Smart Home solution combines cameras and other security measures with automated technology. Users can enjoy the convenience of smart locks, video doorbells, etc.
Vivint manufactures most of its own equipment. You can rest knowing that all of its components are well-made and reliable.
Note that Vivint’s system is compatible with many third-party products. This makes it a great option for users who want to incorporate the company’s products into their existing smart homes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Vivint Home Security System
Pros
- Easy set up. Thanks to professional installation and monitoring, you don’t have to mess with it yourself. The hands-off approach makes keeping your home safe, convenient, and stress-free.
- Mobile app control settings. When you do want to get involved, the system makes it easy to do so. You can control settings via your Smart Hub or mobile app.
- Voice activation features. You can even give voice commands via your Amazon Echo or Google Home device.
- Get notified with updates. If you want to stay in-the-know, you can sign up for customized notifications.
Best of all, you can design your system so that it meets your home’s unique security needs. You can add on sensors and cameras as you please. You’ll never pay for features or extras that you won’t use.
Cons
- Price. In most cases, it will cost you well over $1,000 just to install. Then, you’ll have to pay a monthly monitoring fee, fees for service calls, etc. The investment is well worth the security and convenience you get. But, just make sure it is within your budget before making the plunge.
- Complete home automation. If you don’t care about automating your lights, locks, and thermostat, then you should get a system that just focuses on cameras. It will be more affordable and simpler to use.
What Does the Vivint Smart Home Security System Come With?
The Starter Kit costs $599 and comes with:
- Touch-screen Smart Hub
- One motion sensor
- One water sensor
- Two window/door sensors
- A $100 credit towards additional components
Additional Sensors
The package above is a good starting point. However, depending on the size and shape of your home, you will likely need additional sensors. Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost of additional sensors:
- Water sensor: $50
- Motion sensor: $100
- Glass-break sensor: $100
Cameras
To make your system a full security system, you need cameras. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different Vivint security cameras systems:
- Indoor Camera: $199
- Doorbell Camera Pro: $249
- Outdoor Camera: $299
- Outdoor Camera Pro: $399
More Add-Ons
Aside from cameras and sensors, you can pay for even more add-ons such as:
- Smoke Detector: $100
- Carbon Monoxide Detector: $100
- Thermostat: $169
- Smart Drive: $249
Monitoring Fees
Vivint’s professional monitoring plans start at $19.99. If you pay for your system upfront, you can start paying for monitoring month to month.
If you finance your system, the company includes professional monitoring services with your payments. You can become a month-to-month customer once you pay off your system.
What are the Vivint Home Security System Features?
Let’s take a closer look at the key features Vivint has to offer:
Professional Installation
The Vivint Home Security System is not a DIY project. Rather, Vivint’s team of professionals will install it for you. The professional installation ensures that everything works as it should.
Warranty
For the first 120 days after installation, all the system’s equipment is under warranty. Vivint will make free service calls to address any issues.
If you want further protection, consider subscribing to Vivint’s Premium Service Plan. It will protect your equipment as long as you are subscribed.
Service Calls
After the initial 120 days, service calls will cost $49. Service calls are easy to schedule and take place during the company’s business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM).
Customer Service
Customers love how helpful the support team is. Representatives are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to resolve issues. You can contacta representative via live chat or by calling the support number for your region.
If you don’t need immediate help, check out the support center. There are plenty of useful guides that show you how to use your account, troubleshoot products, and more.
Returns
If you want to return your system, you must do so within three days after installation. You can return individual parts up to 30 days after installation.
Vivint Security Cameras Systems
During the consultation, a professional will help you determine how many cameras you need and the best spots to put them. The Vivint security cameras system will record live video and send the feed to your control panel. You can access the footage via your Smart Hub or mobile app.
Vivint Smart Drive
If you want access to footage from the past 30 days, add the Vivint Smart Drive to your system. The drive stores footage from all of your Vivint security camera systems. You can view 24/7 recordings from the past month.
Professional Monitoring
Even though you can access the feed as you wish, you can’t keep an eye on your cameras 24/7. This is where professional monitoring services come in.
For a monthly fee, Vivint’s team will keep an eye on your system. They will check for suspicious activity and alert you of any concerns.
As part of the home monitoring services, you can use a discrete distress code. Using the code lets Vivint personnel that you are in trouble. They will alert the authorities and send them to your home without contacting you.
Another part of the monitoring services is the use of a panic button. You can trigger the panic button on your key fob, control panel, or medical pendant. When you push the button, an agent will try to reach you through the control panel. If you don’t answer, they will contact your emergency number. As a last resort, they will dispatch the authorities to your location. You can use the panic features in various situations, though it is particularly useful in medical emergencies.
Vivint Smart Locks
The Vivint smart locks are one of the coolest parts of the system. The company can install them on any door in your house and integrate them into your control panel.
With the Vivint smart locks, you can remotely lock and unlock your doors. This is a great feature as it gives you peace of mind. If you ever think you left the house without locking a door, you can simply lock it via the mobile app.
Another cool thing about the Vivint smart locks? You can assign user codes to each family member. So, when they use the door, you’ll get a notification of who is entering or leaving.
Vivint Doorbell Camera
With the Vivint doorbell camera, you always know what’s going on at your front door. You can check the camera on the app before getting up to answer. Or, if you’re not home, you can communicate with visitors via a 2-way speaker. You can also use the Vivint doorbell camera to confirm that your packages were delivered.
Other Smart Technology
Aside from smart locks and doorbell cameras, the system will integrate with other automated technology. It is compatible with products from both Vivint and third-party providers.
For instance, many homeowners add smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These products keep your family safe by alerting occupants of danger.
You can also integrate your home’s thermostat. It allows you to control the temperature remotely and set automated rules. For instance, you can program the system to change your room’s temperature at bedtime. Aside from offering convenience, a smart thermostat will help you save money by keeping all of your rooms at the ideal temperature.
Controlling Your Vivint System
There are several ways you can control your Vivint system. One of the most common is through your touch-screen Smart Hub. The Smart Hub sits in a central location in your home and is easy to use. From the Smart Hub, you can access footage, change settings, and more.
You can also connect your Vivint system to Amazon Echo or Google Home. When you have this setup, you can control temperature or lights just by saying a command.
Perhaps the most convenient way to control your Vivint home security system is through the app. The app lets you access all the features even when you’re not home. You can shut off the A/C, lock doors, access security footage, and more.
Notifications
Instead of constantly checking your app or Smart Hub, you can get customized notifications. Use the app or Smart Hub to indicate what notifications you receive. You can get alerts when the cameras detect motion when you have a visitor, when someone enters your home, etc. You can even get reports on how your thermostat is performing.
As for how you receive notifications, you can get them as push notifications through the app. You can also sign up for text alerts.
How Do I Order a Vivint Smart Home Security System?
If you’re ready to order your system, contact Vivint today. The representative will go over the details and collect some basic info from you. From there, you will schedule a free consultation.
A Vivint security expert will come to your home. After considering the size and layout of your property, they will give you a free quote. They’ll also recommend which add-ons would be best for your home.
After the consultation, you can schedule the installation. A professional team will come and install all cameras, locks, thermostats, etc. Note that at the start of the installation, the team will do a comprehensive assessment of your Wi-Fi. The assessment will ensure that the signal is strong enough for the system to function properly.
Vivint Home Security FAQs
Have questions about the Vivint Home Security System? Check out these FAQs:
Will My Pet Trigger the Alarm?
As with any security system, Vivint can trigger false alarms. But, because the system is so accurate, false alarms are unlikely. You can set the motion sensors to ignore certain things (such as pets of a certain size).
Which Third-Party Providers Are Compatible With Vivint?
Vivint makes many of its thermostats, locks, etc. However, you can integrate the system with third-party products. These include the Nest Learning Thermostat, Philips Hue Smart Lighting, etc. You can even integrate Vivint with your Alexa, Google Home, and other smart assistants.
Is the Pricing Fair?
So, even though the Starter Kit is only $599, you will likely end up paying more. Most customers pay well over $1,000 to get a system that meets their needs.
Some people claim that Vivint is expensive or hides behind “hidden fees.” However, we feel that the pricing is more than fair.
The company lets you customize your system to fit your home’s needs. As a result, you don’t pay for features that you don’t want. And, with Vivint, you’ll end up paying a lot less than you would with other companies.
Is the Vivint Smart Security Right For Me?
If you want to give your home a serious upgrade, buy Vivint’s security system today. The professional installation eliminates any hassle. And, thanks to professional monitoring and accurate sensors, it will keep you and your family safe.
As a bonus, the system integrates with other automated devices. You can use it to lock doors, turn on lights, adjust your thermostat, and so much for. With this solution from Vivint, you get the smart home you’ve always wanted. Consider ordering it today if you’re ready to install a reliable smart system!