Vivint vs. ADT: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Vivint and ADT are two of the biggest names in home security, and choosing between them comes down to a few critical differences: pricing structure, contract flexibility, and smart home integration. Vivint starts at $29.99 per month with month-to-month contract options, while ADT starts at $45.99 per month with a mandatory 3-year contract. Both offer professional monitoring, custom equipment packages, and professional installation.

Despite their similarities, these two companies take fundamentally different approaches to how you pay for equipment, how long you're locked in, and what guarantees you get. Below, we break down every detail to help you make the right choice for your home.

Monthly monitoring costs

Vivint is the more affordable option on a month-to-month basis. Its monitoring plans start at around $29.99 per month for basic security sensors, with an additional $5 per month added for each camera on the system. ADT's monitoring fees range from $45.99 to $65 per month, depending on whether you add smart home devices and video recording capabilities.

ADT does offer a $28.99 per month plan, but it is only available for landline-based systems. Most modern customers will need one of the higher-tier plans. Over a 3-year contract, the difference in monthly fees adds up significantly. At the base level, you would pay approximately $1,080 with Vivint compared to $1,656 with ADT over the same period.

Equipment and upfront costs

The biggest structural difference between Vivint and ADT is how you pay for equipment. Vivint lets you buy equipment outright for a one-time fee or finance it through monthly payments. ADT bundles equipment costs into your monthly monitoring plan, which means you don't pay thousands of dollars upfront but may pay more over the life of the contract.

If you prefer to avoid a large upfront investment, ADT's bundled pricing makes the initial purchase easier on your budget. If you'd rather own your equipment outright and enjoy a month-to-month contract, Vivint's pay-upfront option gives you more long-term flexibility.

Both companies require professional installation. Vivint charges a flat $99 installation fee, while ADT's installation costs range from $99 to $199 depending on the size of the equipment package.

Equipment selection

Both Vivint and ADT sell core home security essentials like door and window sensors, motion detectors, security cameras, smart locks, video doorbells, and smart thermostats. However, each brand has unique equipment offerings that may influence your decision.

Vivint stands out with its wearable panic button, which is ideal for elderly household members or anyone who wants a portable emergency trigger. Its DVR system stores up to 10 days of continuous video, offering more on-site storage than most competitors.

ADT, on the other hand, offers heat sensors for fire detection, a whole-home siren for maximum alert coverage, and smart light bulbs for broader home automation. If comprehensive smart home integration beyond security is a priority, ADT has a slight edge in device variety.

Contracts and cancellation policies

Contract flexibility is one of the most important factors when choosing a home security provider, and it is where Vivint and ADT differ substantially. Vivint offers a month-to-month option if you purchase equipment upfront. ADT requires a 3-year contract regardless of how you pay.

If you finance Vivint's equipment, you're looking at a contract of 3.5 to 5 years, which is actually longer than ADT's standard 3-year term. Vivint's cancellation policy is also steeper: you owe 100% of the remaining contract balance. ADT only requires 75% of the remaining balance, making it slightly less punishing to cancel early.

ADT's 6-month money-back guarantee is the most generous in the industry. It gives you ample time to test the system and make sure it works for your home. Vivint's 3-day trial window is extremely short and leaves very little room for a thorough evaluation.

Smart home integration

Both Vivint and ADT support extensive smart home ecosystems, but they approach integration differently. Vivint has built its brand around being a smart home-first security company, while ADT has leaned into partnerships with established smart home platforms.

Vivint's proprietary smart hub serves as the central control panel for all connected devices, and the Vivint app provides a unified interface for managing cameras, locks, thermostats, lighting, and garage door controllers. Vivint also supports integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

ADT integrates with Google Home devices and also supports Amazon Alexa and Z-Wave compatible devices. ADT's partnership with Google has deepened its smart home capabilities, offering tighter integration with Google Nest products like the Nest Cam and Nest Thermostat.

If you're already invested in the Google Nest ecosystem, ADT's partnership may offer a more seamless experience. If you want a self-contained smart home security platform with a polished proprietary interface, Vivint's system is well regarded for its ease of use.

Professional monitoring

Both Vivint and ADT provide 24/7 professional monitoring through dedicated monitoring centers. When an alarm is triggered, the monitoring center contacts you, verifies the situation, and dispatches emergency services if needed. Both companies use cellular and internet connections for reliable communication, avoiding the vulnerabilities of landline-only systems.

ADT has an advantage with its theft protection guarantee. If your ADT system is armed and someone still breaks into your home, ADT pays up to $500 toward your homeowner's insurance deductible. Vivint does not offer a comparable guarantee.

ADT also benefits from over 150 years of experience in the security industry, which contributes to its extensive network of monitoring centers across the country. Vivint, though newer, has built a strong reputation for responsive monitoring and customer service.

Warranty and protection plans

Neither Vivint nor ADT offers an especially strong standard warranty. Vivint provides a limited warranty that covers equipment for just 120 days (about 4 months). ADT does not offer a standard warranty at all. Both companies sell optional paid protection plans to cover equipment repairs and replacements beyond any warranty period.

If equipment longevity and protection are important to you, budget for one of the optional protection plans from either company. Without a plan, you could face out-of-pocket costs for sensor, camera, or panel replacements after the initial warranty period expires.

Which is better: Vivint or ADT?

The best choice depends on your priorities. Vivint wins on affordability, contract flexibility, and smart home technology. ADT wins on brand trust, cancellation forgiveness, money-back guarantees, and its theft protection promise.

Choose Vivint if:

• You want the lowest possible monthly monitoring cost
• You can afford to buy equipment upfront and prefer a month-to-month contract
• You value a polished smart home experience with a proprietary hub
• You want a wearable panic button or DVR-based video storage

Choose ADT if:

• You prefer to avoid large upfront equipment costs
• You want the peace of mind of a 6-month money-back guarantee
• A theft protection guarantee (up to $500) matters to you
• You already use Google Nest devices and want deeper integration
• You prefer a well-established brand with over 150 years in the industry

Frequently asked questions

Is Vivint cheaper than ADT?

Yes. Vivint's monitoring plans start at $29.99 per month, while ADT's plans start at $45.99 per month. However, Vivint may require a significant upfront equipment purchase to qualify for its month-to-month contract, so total cost depends on how you choose to pay.

Can I cancel Vivint or ADT early?

Yes, but both companies charge early cancellation fees. Vivint requires 100% of your remaining contract balance, while ADT charges 75% of the remaining balance. If you're on Vivint's month-to-month plan (with equipment paid in full), you can cancel without penalty.

Do Vivint and ADT require professional installation?

Yes. Both companies require professional installation for their security systems. Vivint charges a flat $99 installation fee, while ADT charges between $99 and $199 depending on the system size.

Does ADT or Vivint own the equipment?

With Vivint, you can own your equipment outright by paying for it upfront. If you finance through Vivint, you own the equipment once the financing is paid off. With ADT, the equipment cost is bundled into your monthly plan, and ownership terms depend on your specific contract.

Which company has better customer support?

Both companies offer phone, chat, and app-based customer support. ADT's 6-month money-back guarantee provides a significantly longer trial period than Vivint's 3-day window, giving ADT an advantage for customers who want time to evaluate the service before committing.