When comparing home security providers, equipment capabilities and technological integration play crucial roles in decision-making. Vivint’s approach centers on creating a cohesive smart home environment through proprietary devices like the SkyControl panel, which uses machine learning to recognize frequent household patterns. Their outdoor camera Pro features color night vision and 4K resolution, a significant upgrade from ADT’s standard 1080p offerings. ADT counters with broader third-party compatibility, recently adding Matter support across their Command and Control hubs for improved IoT device management.
What Are the Cost Differences Between Vivint and ADT?
Vivint’s upfront costs range from $599-$1,799 for equipment, with monthly fees starting at $39.99. ADT charges $0-$199 for installation but requires 36-month contracts at $45.99+/month. Vivint offers flexible 42-60 month device financing, while ADT includes free equipment with long-term commitments. Hidden fees: Vivint adds $1.99/month for app access; ADT charges $99 service call fees.
| Cost Factor | Vivint | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Equipment | $599-$1,799 | $0-$499 |
| Monthly Monitoring | $39.99+ | $45.99+ |
| Contract Length | 42-60 months | 36 months |
| DIY Installation | Not Available | $199+ |
Budget-conscious homeowners should consider ADT’s promotional offers that occasionally include free Nest Doorbells with 3-year commitments. Vivint’s financing options allow spreading equipment costs over 5 years, but interest rates can add 12-18% to total costs. For renters, ADT’s Blue package at $29.99/month requires no long-term contract, though it lacks professional installation support. Both companies charge relocation fees ($99-$149) if moving systems to new addresses.
Which System Provides Better 24/7 Professional Monitoring?
ADT operates six UL-certified monitoring centers with cellular/Wi-Fi/landline backup, averaging 8-second emergency response times. Vivint uses two centers with geofenced mobile alerts and crisis assist (911 routing). Both offer smoke/CO monitoring, but ADT includes free security yard signs shown to reduce burglary attempts by 300% compared to Vivint’s digital-only deterrence features.
What Are the Contract and Cancellation Policies?
Vivint’s 42-60 month device contracts carry 100% early termination fees decreasing monthly. ADT’s 36-month agreements charge 75% of remaining contract value if canceled. Both require written cancellation notices: ADT via certified mail, Vivint through their app. Pro tip: ADT waives fees for military personnel deploying—Vivint only offers temporary service suspensions.
| Policy Aspect | Vivint | ADT |
|---|---|---|
| Early Termination Fee | 100% decreasing monthly | 75% of balance |
| Move Flexibility | $149 relocation fee | Free system transfer |
| Military Clause | Service pause only | Fee waiver |
| Cooling-off Period | 3 business days | 7 calendar days |
Recent policy updates show Vivint now prorates cancellation fees after 24 months, while ADT introduced a 7-day trial period for new customers. Both providers report 18-22% cancellation rates within first year, often due to moving expenses. ADT’s transferable contracts add value for frequent movers, whereas Vivint requires new installation fees at each property.
FAQ: Vivint vs ADT Key Questions Answered
- Q: Can I use ADT cameras with Vivint?
- A: No—both systems use proprietary encryption. Exception: ADT’s Google Nest cams work only with ADT+Google Home plans.
- Q: Which has better fire department monitoring?
- A: ADT holds direct UL-listed fire monitoring relationships in 89% of US counties vs Vivint’s third-party partnerships.
- Q: Do either work during internet outages?
- A: Yes—both use cellular backups. ADT’s battery lasts 60 hours vs Vivint’s 24-hour reserve.