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ADT vs Vivint
ADT is a good home security system for long-term homeowners. How does it compare to Vivint? Read our comparison chart below.
ADT is the oldest and most popular name in home security. Plans start at $28.99/month for the most basic protection to $58.99/month for video monitoring and home automation. Note that the base plan only comes with 24/7 burglary monitoring by landline. Cellular monitoring is available at an additional cost. Fire/smoke, carbon monoxide and flood monitoring equipment are also extra costs.
You only get the option of professional installation with ADT, which means that you'll usually have to pay for the labor that comes with that. There is a 3-year contract and a 6-month money-back guarantee, but only if there is an equipment or service problem that ADT can't solve.
While Vivint is one of the priciest home security services on the market, but it offers high-tech features that set it apart. Plans start at $39.99/month and go to $60.99/month. All plans include 24/7 wireless monitoring, remote access, and a state-of-the-art touchscreen panel. Optional features include various cameras and smart locks that allow for total smart home control.
Vivint also has one of the longest contract terms, starting at 42 months. And their cancellation policy is restrictive. Vivint requires professional installation, which means you'll have to pay an activation fee. Vivint will appeal to the technophiles who must have the latest gadgets.
Compare ADT with Vivint, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.
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ADT | Vivint | |
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Benefits and Features | ||
| Home Security | Plans start from $28.99/month to $58.99/month. All plans include 24/7 monitoring for burglary. $58.99 ADT Pulse Video Plan includes remote secure video and smartphone control. | Plans start from $39.99/month. All plans include 24/7 monitoring, remote access, and touchscreen control panel. Smart Protect Plan starts at $49.99/month and Smart Control Plan starts at $60.99/month. |
| Customer Service | 24/7 customer support and monitoring. | |
| Return Policy | 6 months money back guarantee if there is a problem ADT cannot resolve | |
| Warranty | After 90 days, there is a charge for servicing broken equipment. Or you can choose to pay a monthly fee for equipment warranty | |
| Equipment | Some basic equipment included, with minimum of $99 equipment activation fee | |
| Mobile App | ADT Pulse app allows you to activate alarm, check sensors, watch live video feeds, control lights and appliances, adjust thermostats and view history of home activities. Available on App Store and Google Play. | Vivint SkyControl Mobile App allows you to arm/disarm your system remotely, lock/unlock doors, adjust thermostat settings, view live and recorded video, and manage lights. |
| Contract | ||
| Installation | Professional installation available. | |
| Yard Sign |  | |
| Home Automation | ADT Pulse allows you to arm/disarm your house, control your lights and thermostats remotely. | |
| Control Panel | ADT Pulse touchscreen control panel allows you to know alarm status, arm/disarm your alarm, control lights, check weather, and view live video from security cameras. Also allows you to quickly send an immediate alarm (medical, fire, or police). | |
| Door Lock | ADT Pulse door locks allow you to remotely lock/unlock your door from any internet-connected device. | |
| Door Sensor | Wired and wireless door sensors. Wireless door sensors can be installed yourself with no drilling or hardwiring necessary. | |
| Glass Break Sensor | Detects if a pane of glass is shattered | |
| Lowest Monthly Price | ||
| Motion Sensor | | |
| Outdoor Camera | | |
| Security Camera | | |
| Thermostat | | |
| Touch Screen | | |
| Water Flood Monitoring | | |
| Window Sensor | | |
| Z-Wave | | |
CreditDonkey® Reviews | ||
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| Pros & Cons | Pros:
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| Bottom Line | Good home security system for long-term homeowners... | Best high-tech home security... |
Blank fields may indicate the information is not available, not applicable, or not known to CreditDonkey. Please visit the product website for details. ADT: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on January 8, 2016 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. Vivint: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on January 8, 2016 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. | ||
Which is Better: ADT or Vivint?
Still need help deciding which home security is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing ADT or Protect America.
In short: ADT's installation and yard sign are excellent. Vivint's customer service and home automation are worth mentioning. In particular, the home automation is impressive.
Articles on ADT
ADT Review
Articles on Vivint
Vivint Review
Which Do You Think is Best?
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