When considering a home security system, one of the first questions that comes to mind is about the cost. For those exploring Vivint Security, understanding the Vivint security cost involves looking at several components: equipment packages, installation fees, and monthly monitoring charges. This comprehensive guide will break down all these elements to give you a clear picture of what to expect financially when opting for Vivint, a leading name in smart home security.
Vivint is known for its advanced, integrated smart home security systems that go beyond traditional alarms. They offer a range of products including smart doorbells, cameras, locks, and environmental sensors, all controlled through a central panel and a mobile app. Because of this sophistication, the cost isn’t a single flat fee but an investment in your home’s safety and automation. The total Vivint security cost can be categorized into initial, upfront costs and ongoing, recurring monthly costs.
Initial Upfront Costs: Equipment and Installation
The initial cost is what you pay to get the system installed and running in your home. This primarily includes the price of the equipment and the professional installation fee. Unlike some DIY systems, Vivint emphasizes professional installation to ensure all components are integrated and functioning correctly, which adds to the cost but also to the reliability.
- Equipment Packages: Vivint does not sell individual components à la carte to new customers. Instead, they create custom packages tailored to your home’s needs. The cost of these packages can vary significantly based on the number and type of devices you choose. A basic starter system might include a Smart Hub, a doorbell camera, and a couple of door/window sensors. A more comprehensive system could add indoor/outdoor cameras, smart locks, a garage door controller, and environmental monitors for smoke and carbon monoxide. On average, the retail price for a typical Vivint equipment package can range from $599 to over $1,800. It’s crucial to discuss your specific needs with a Vivint representative to get a precise quote.
- Installation Fee: A standard professional installation fee is typically around $99. However, this can sometimes be waived during special promotions. This fee covers the technician’s time to set up all your equipment, connect it to the monitoring center, and ensure you know how to use the system.
- Activation Fee: Some customers may also encounter a one-time activation fee, though this is also frequently part of promotional offers.
Ongoing Monthly Monitoring Costs
After the system is installed, you will need to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring and access to the smart features. This is a critical part of the Vivint security cost, as it is what keeps your home protected 24/7. Vivint offers two main tiers of service.
- Vivint Smart Security: This is the core monitoring plan. It includes 24/7 professional monitoring, which means if an alarm is triggered, Vivint’s monitoring center will attempt to contact you and then dispatch emergency services if needed. This plan also includes basic app control for arming and disarming your system. The cost for this plan typically starts at around $29.99 per month.
- Vivint Smart Home: This is the more popular and comprehensive plan. It includes everything in the Smart Security plan, plus full access to all the advanced smart features. This includes video clip storage, intelligent automation (like setting your thermostat to eco-mode when you arm the system), and integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The price for the Vivint Smart Home service is usually around $39.99 to $49.99 per month.
It is important to note that these monthly fees are required to keep the system fully functional, including cellular backup and all smart features. Without a monitoring plan, your system’s capabilities will be severely limited.
Financing Options
Understanding that the upfront equipment cost can be a barrier, Vivint offers flexible financing options. Through a partnership with Citizens One, you can often finance your entire equipment package at 0% APR. This means you can spread the cost of your equipment over a period of 42 to 60 months, adding the monthly equipment payment to your monitoring bill. For example, if you finance $1,500 of equipment over 60 months, you would pay an additional $25 per month on top of your chosen monitoring plan. This makes the system more accessible by converting a large upfront cost into a manageable monthly expense.
Factors That Influence Your Total Vivint Security Cost
Several factors will determine the final price you pay, making your Vivint security cost unique to your home.
- Home Size and Layout: A larger home with more entry points will require more door/window sensors, potentially driving up the equipment cost.
- Desired Smart Home Integration: If you want to fully automate your home with smart locks, lighting controls, and a thermostat, your package will be more expensive than a basic security-only setup.
- Camera Needs: The number and type of cameras (e.g., a premium outdoor camera with advanced features vs. a standard indoor model) significantly impact the overall equipment price.
- Promotions and Deals: Vivint frequently runs promotions that can reduce the initial cost. These can include free equipment upgrades, waived installation fees, or discounted monitoring for the first few months. It’s always worth asking about current deals.
Is the Vivint Security Cost Worth It?
This is the ultimate question. To answer it, you must consider the value you’re receiving for the price. Vivint systems are generally at the higher end of the home security market, but they offer a level of integration, professionalism, and technological sophistication that justifies the cost for many homeowners.
The professional installation ensures the system is set up correctly, saving you time and potential frustration. The 24/7 professional monitoring provides peace of mind that someone is always watching over your home, even when you can’t. The seamless integration of all devices into a single, user-friendly app creates a true smart home ecosystem, not just a collection of disparate gadgets. Furthermore, the equipment is often of high quality, with sleek designs and reliable performance.
When comparing the Vivint security cost to a DIY system, remember that the DIY model often has lower upfront costs but may lack professional installation, integrated monitoring, and the same level of cohesive smart home automation. For a homeowner seeking a hassle-free, top-tier security and automation solution, Vivint presents a compelling, albeit premium, option.
How to Get an Exact Quote
The figures provided here are estimates. The only way to know your exact Vivint security cost is to contact the company directly for a custom quote. A Vivint representative will conduct a virtual consultation of your home, discuss your security goals, and recommend a package that fits your needs and budget. They will provide a transparent breakdown of all one-time and monthly costs, including any available financing options.
In conclusion, the Vivint security cost is an investment in a comprehensive, professionally installed and monitored smart home security system. While the initial price may be higher than some alternatives, the value lies in the system’s reliability, integration, and the profound peace of mind it offers. By understanding the breakdown of equipment, installation, and monthly monitoring fees, you can make an informed decision about whether Vivint is the right security solution to protect what matters most to you.