What Vivint is and who offers it

Vivint is a home security company that installs monitored alarm systems, video cameras, and smart home devices in your house. The company is owned by Vivint Smart Home, Inc., a publicly traded firm that also owns other security brands. Vivint handles both the equipment installation and the 24/7 monitoring service — meaning when your alarm goes off, Vivint's monitoring center receives the signal and can contact emergency services on your behalf.

Vivint operates nationwide and handles its own installation rather than using independent contractors in most areas. This means a Vivint technician comes to your home, runs wiring, mounts cameras and sensors, and tests the system before leaving. The company also handles customer service and billing directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Vivint charges an upfront equipment cost (usually $0 to several hundred dollars depending on the package) plus a monthly monitoring fee that typically ranges from $30 to $60 per month.
  • Installation is included and performed by Vivint technicians, who run wiring through your walls and mount all sensors and cameras as part of the service.
  • Vivint contracts are usually 24, 36, or 60 months long, and early termination carries a penalty that decreases as your contract term progresses.
  • The system includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, a control panel, and optional add-ons like video cameras, smart locks, and environmental sensors.
  • Vivint's monitoring center operates 24/7 and can dispatch police, fire, or medical services when an alarm is triggered, though you can also disarm the system remotely via phone or app.

How the equipment and monitoring work together

A Vivint system starts with a control panel — a touchscreen device mounted on your wall that arms and disarms the system, displays alerts, and lets you control other smart home devices. Wired to this panel are door and window sensors (small magnetic switches that detect when an entry point opens), motion detectors (which sense movement in a room), and a cellular or internet connection that sends signals to Vivint's monitoring center.

When a sensor is triggered — say, a door opens while the system is armed — the panel sends a signal to Vivint's monitoring center. A trained operator receives the alert and attempts to contact you using the phone number on file. If you answer and provide your security code, you can disarm the system and tell the operator it was a false alarm. If you do not answer or cannot provide the code, the operator dispatches police to your address. This entire process usually takes a few minutes.

You can also arm and disarm the system remotely using the Vivint mobile app, a web portal, or by calling Vivint's customer service line. This means you can control your system from work, while traveling, or anywhere with internet access.

What equipment comes in a typical Vivint package

Vivint offers several package tiers, and the exact equipment varies by location and promotion. A basic package typically includes the control panel, door and window sensors for your main entry points, one or two motion detectors, and professional 24/7 monitoring. Mid-range packages add video cameras (usually two to four) that record continuously or on motion detection and store footage in the cloud. Higher-tier packages may include smart door locks, environmental sensors (for temperature, humidity, or water detection), and additional cameras.

All cameras and sensors connect wirelessly to the control panel once installed, though the panel itself is usually wired to your home's electrical system and internet connection. You can add extra sensors, cameras, or smart devices after installation, though Vivint charges for each addition.

Monthly costs and contract terms

Vivint's monthly monitoring fee typically ranges from $30 to $60 per month, depending on the package level and your location. Some promotional offers include a lower rate for the first 12 months, after which the price increases to the standard rate. The company also charges an upfront equipment cost, which may be $0 (promotional offer), a few hundred dollars, or included in the monthly payment as an equipment fee spread over the contract term.

Vivint contracts are usually 24, 36, or 60 months long. If you cancel before the contract ends, you owe an early termination fee. This fee is typically highest at the beginning of the contract and decreases over time — for example, a 36-month contract might charge $300 to cancel in month 6, $200 in month 18, and $100 in month 30. The exact penalty depends on your contract terms, which are provided when you sign.

Some Vivint promotions waive or reduce the upfront equipment cost in exchange for a longer contract or higher monthly fee. Always review the full contract before signing to understand the total cost over the contract term.

Installation and setup

After you order a Vivint system, the company schedules an installation appointment, usually within one to two weeks. A Vivint technician arrives at your home and runs wiring through walls and ceilings to connect sensors, cameras, and the control panel. This process typically takes two to four hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of devices being installed.

The technician mounts sensors on doors and windows, places motion detectors in key rooms, installs the control panel in a central location (usually near your main entry or in a hallway), and tests every component before leaving. You will receive training on how to arm and disarm the system, use the mobile app, and contact customer service if something goes wrong. The technician also provides documentation with your security code and system details.

How Vivint compares to other monitored security companies

Vivint is one of several national companies offering professional monitoring and installation. ADT and Frontpoint are direct competitors that also offer 24/7 monitoring, though ADT typically uses independent contractors for installation while Frontpoint offers both professional and self-installation options. Cove and Abode are smaller companies that focus on self-installation and lower monthly fees, though they do not offer professional installation.

Vivint's main advantage is that installation is included and handled by company employees, which can mean faster setup and consistent quality. The trade-off is that Vivint's monthly fees and contract terms tend to be higher than self-installation companies. If you want professional installation and 24/7 monitoring without a long contract, you may find better rates with ADT or a local security company, though availability varies by region.

What happens if your system malfunctions or you need to cancel

If your Vivint system stops working, you can contact customer service by phone, through the mobile app, or via the web portal. Vivint offers phone support 24/7. If the issue is with a sensor or camera, a technician can be scheduled to repair or replace it, usually within a few days. If the monitoring connection fails, Vivint will typically waive your monthly fee for that month.

If you want to cancel your service, you must contact Vivint directly. The company does not allow cancellation through the app or online portal — you must call or speak with a representative. If you are still under contract, you will owe the early termination fee. If your contract has ended, you can cancel without penalty, though Vivint may ask you to return the equipment or pay a fee if it is not returned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Vivint system myself, or does it have to be professionally installed?

Vivint requires professional installation by a company technician. The company does not offer self-installation kits or DIY options. This is different from some competitors like Frontpoint or Cove, which let you install equipment yourself.

What internet connection does Vivint need?

Vivint systems connect via broadband internet (cable, fiber, or DSL) or cellular backup. If your internet goes down, the system automatically switches to cellular to keep the monitoring connection active. You do not need to have Vivint as your internet provider — any broadband service works.

Can I take my Vivint system with me if I move?

Vivint can transfer your service to a new address, though this may involve additional installation costs if rewiring is needed. You remain responsible for your contract term at the new location. If you move out of Vivint's service area, you may be able to cancel without the full early termination fee — contact the company to ask.

Does Vivint work if the power goes out?

Yes. Vivint control panels have a battery backup that keeps the system running for several hours during a power outage. The cellular connection also remains active, so monitoring continues. You should test your backup battery periodically to may support it is working.

What is the difference between Vivint and Vivint Smart Home?

Vivint and Vivint Smart Home are the same company — Vivint Smart Home, Inc. is the parent corporation. The brand name "Vivint" is used for the security and monitoring services. The company also owns other security brands like Vivint Outdoor Security (which focuses on video doorbells and outdoor cameras).