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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 $29.99/month and go to $49.99/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.

 Vivint
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ADT

Vivint

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Benefits and Features

Home SecurityPlans 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 $29.99/month. All plans include 24/7 monitoring, remote access, and touchscreen control panel. Smart Home Service starts at $39.99/month and Smart Home Video Service starts at $49.99/month.
Return Policy6 months money back guarantee if there is a problem ADT cannot resolve 
WarrantyAfter 90 days, there is a charge for servicing broken equipment. Or you can choose to pay a monthly fee for equipment warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Equipment
Basic equipment included
Some basic equipment included, with minimum of $99 equipment activation fee
Mobile AppADT 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
3 year contract
3.5 to 5 years
InstallationProfessional installation available.
Professional Installation
Yard Sign
ADT-branded yard sign
Check
Home AutomationADT Pulse allows you to arm/disarm your house, control your lights and thermostats remotely.
Check
Control PanelADT 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).
Check
Customer Service24/7 customer support and monitoring.
24/7
Door LockADT Pulse door locks allow you to remotely lock/unlock your door from any internet-connected device.
Check
Door SensorWired and wireless door sensors. Wireless door sensors can be installed yourself with no drilling or hardwiring necessary.
Check
Glass Break SensorDetects if a pane of glass is shattered
Check
Lowest Monthly Price
$28.99
38.99
Motion Sensor
Check
Check
Outdoor Camera
Check
Check
Security Camera
Check
Check
Thermostat
Check
Check
Touch Screen
Check
Check
Water Flood Monitoring
Check
Check
Window Sensor
Check
Check
Z-Wave
Check
Check
 

CreditDonkey® Reviews

 Vivint
DiscountStarStarStarHalf StarEmpty StarStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
Home SecurityStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar
EquipmentStarStarStarStarHalf StarStarStarStarStarStar
Mobile AppStarStarStarStarHalf StarStarStarStarStarStar
PackagesStarStarStarStarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
CancellationStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty Star
InstallationStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Yard SignStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Customer ServiceStarStarStarEmpty StarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarEmpty Star
Home AutomationStarStarStarStarEmpty StarStarStarStarStarStar
Pros & ConsPros:
  • Brand recognition
  • Professional installation
Cons:
  • Long-term commitment
Pros:
  • High-tech system
  • Professional installation
  • Comprehensive features
Cons:
  • Pricey equipment
Bottom LineGood home security system for long-term homeowners... Read full reviewBest high-tech home security and automation... Read full review
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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?

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

ADT is certainly the most popular name in home security, but is it really the best? Our in-depth review will give insight into its pros and cons.

Articles on Vivint

Vivint

Vivint offers high-tech features that set it apart. But is this home security system worth the cost? Read this review to see if it's good.

Which Do You Think is Best?





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