ADT vs. Vivint: Features, Pricing

ADT and Vivint are both popular home security providers that offer alarm systems with rich features. Both companies offer professional installation and monitoring and sell equipment as packages instead of individual items.

Overall, ADT’s packages are less expensive than Vivint’s, and ADT gives customers the option to choose self- or pro-monitoring. ADT is also one of the most well-known home security companies, with almost 150 years in business.

However, ADT requires a multiple-year contract for professional monitoring, while Vivint offers month-to-month payments (unless you’re financing the equipment). Vivint also has higher average customer reviews and a cleaner privacy record than ADT, making it a better choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line home security provider that’s fully installed and monitored by professionals.

Why ADT is a better choice

ADT and Vivint both offer professionally installed and monitored home security systems, but Vivint is more costly than ADT and doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option.

Vivint’s equipment and monthly professional monitoring fees are more expensive than ADT’s, though Vivint’s base kit includes more products.

• Vivint’s professionally installed and monitored base kit, at $599.99, includes a control hub, four door/window sensors and one motion sensor. 

• ADT’s self-installed base kit, at $194.98, includes a smart home hub, door/window sensor and app. ADT’s professionally installed version of the same plan, which requires professional monitoring as well, costs $499.99.

• Vivint’s professional monitoring costs $41 per month or $46 with cameras, while ADT’s costs $24.99 per month or $34.99 with cameras. 

• ADT’s self-monitoring is free, and Vivint doesn’t offer self-monitoring.

ADT offers professional monitoring services and also allows customers to monitor their own systems, while Vivint requires professional monitoring for their equipment.

• You can also install ADT systems yourself, while Vivint’s equipment must be professionally installed.

• If you’re looking for a hands-off experience, Vivint is a great choice, but if you want the option of DIY setup and monitoring, ADT is a better pick.

Why you might want to use Vivint instead

Vivint is still a top choice, especially for people who want a fully professionally managed system with an airtight privacy record.

ADT’s professional monitoring services come with a fairly long contract term — a 36-month minimum in all states except California, which has a 24-month minimum. Though Vivint doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option, customers can pay for professional monitoring month to month and cancel more easily if they purchase equipment upfront.

We couldn’t find any public record of privacy breaches at Vivint, but two class-action lawsuits were filed against ADT in 2020 after a former employee allegedly accessed the security systems of over 200 customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Vivint also has 3.1 stars out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, a consumer review website, while ADT has 1.2 stars out of 5 stars.

Vivint offers several standout features for home security equipment that ADT doesn’t.

• Vivint’s outdoor cameras and doorbells have a theft-deterrent feature that can identify potential “porch pirates” and respond with dramatic lights and sound to let them know they’ve been spotted.

• Vivint also offers a “Car Guard” device that pairs with your security system and sends disturbance alerts for bumps and towing. It also provides location tracking and car diagnostics.

ADT and Vivint alternatives

For homeowners and renters who want a more DIY option at a lower cost, a security system or individual items from providers such as SimpliSafe or Arlo may be a better fit.

Ring and Abode, two of our other top-reviewed home security providers, are also good options.