ADT Security vs. Vivint Security

You’ve probably heard of ADT security and Vivint security since both operate nationwide with large monitoring footprints. In 2025, both sell equipment plus 24/7 professional monitoring, but their offers differ in key ways: ADT splits between professionally installed Smart Home plans and a DIY Self Setup option with no long‑term contract (ADT plans; ADT Self Setup), while Vivint emphasizes a professionally installed, hub‑based system with month‑to‑month service available when you buy equipment upfront (Vivint pricing; Vivint terms).

But there’s more to consider than just a familiar name. Before making a decision on which home security company to choose, ask: What’s your target monthly price? Do you want DIY month‑to‑month monitoring (e.g., ADT Self Setup from about $24.99/mo) or a fixed‑term contract (e.g., ADT Smart Home typically 36 months; Vivint commonly 60 months when financing equipment)? Do you need deep integration with Google Nest via ADT+ (ADT + Google) or proactive camera deterrence from Vivint’s Doorbell Camera Pro (Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro)?

So when it’s Vivint vs. ADT, which is the better choice? Below we compare plans, pricing, contracts, installation, customer reputation, and key tech differentiators such as AI‑enabled deterrence and Google Nest integration, using the latest available terms and sources (ADT plans; ADT agreement; Vivint pricing; Vivint terms).

ADT Home Security

ADT is a home security system offering two tracks: professionally installed Smart Home plans that integrate tightly with Google Nest through the ADT+ app (details) and ADT Self Setup, a DIY path with month‑to‑month monitoring you can cancel anytime (monitoring starts near $24.99/mo).

Pros

• DIY Self Setup offers no long‑term contract and flexible monitoring starting around $24.99/month (ADT Self Setup).
• Google Nest integration via ADT+ unifies pro monitoring with Nest cameras, doorbells, and thermostats (ADT + Google).
• A+ BBB rating and BBB Accredited, signaling strong complaint‑resolution practices (BBB profile).

Cons

• Smart Home (pro install) typically requires a 36‑month term (24 months in California) with a 75% early‑cancellation fee on remaining service charges (ADT agreement).
• Installation/activation fees and permit taxes are extra; advertised monthly rates exclude these costs (ADT plans).
• As in many service industries, customers cite scheduling and billing clarity as pain points; set expectations and confirm price‑increase clauses in advance (ACSI 2025 overview).

Vivint Home Security

Vivint home security delivers a professionally installed, hub‑based system anchored by the Smart Hub and proprietary cameras. Standout tech includes proactive deterrence on the Doorbell Camera Pro that uses on‑device AI to detect people and packages and deter potential theft before it happens, with control and monitoring unified in the Smart Hub.

Pros

• Proactive “detect‑and‑deter” camera features on select devices (e.g., Doorbell Camera Pro’s Smart Deter) leverage edge AI to reduce porch‑piracy risk (product page).
• Monitoring starts at $29.99/month; if you buy equipment upfront, service is typically month‑to‑month with no fixed‑term contract (pricing; terms).
• Cohesive, hub‑first design integrates cameras, sensors, and compatible devices for unified control (Smart Hub).

Cons

• If you finance equipment through Vivint, the initial service term is typically 60 months; early cancellation generally requires paying the remaining equipment balance (terms).
• Professional installation and activation fees apply and are separate from monthly monitoring (pricing).
• BBB rating B‑ and Not Accredited, indicating a more mixed complaint‑handling profile than ADT (BBB profile).

Plans

ADT

ADT home security offers three practical paths on its packages page: Smart Home (professional install) advertised from about $49.99/month and higher for video tiers, and ADT Self Setup (DIY) with month‑to‑month monitoring starting near $24.99/month (plans; Self Setup). Equipment is priced separately; taxes, permits, and installation/activation fees are extra.

• ADT Smart Home: 24/7 alarm monitoring with professional installation and smart‑home controls via ADT+; standard term is typically 36 months (24 in CA) (plans; agreement).
• ADT Smart Home Video: Everything in Smart Home plus video with Nest cameras/doorbells, live view and recorded clips within the ADT+/Google ecosystem (ADT + Google).
• ADT Self Setup (DIY): Month‑to‑month monitoring, remote arming/disarming and mobile alerts; equipment purchased upfront; cancel anytime (details).

Vivint

Vivint’s plan structure is different from ADT. Instead of several tiers, Vivint advertises one professional monitoring plan starting at $29.99/month (equipment sold separately). The system centers on the Smart Hub, cameras, and sensors, with unified app control and 24/7 monitoring.

Beyond these basics, the customer controls what add-ons to include with a plan. Customizations connect to the Smart Hub and app. If you finance equipment, the initial service term is typically 60 months; if you purchase equipment upfront, service is generally month‑to‑month (service terms).

• Doorbell Camera Pro.
• Smart Thermostat.
• Smart locks (e.g., compatible Kwikset models).
• Indoor camera.
• Garage door controller.

Who is it best for

ADT

• ADT Secure Package– Best for budget-friendly professional monitoring via Smart Home base features with pro install (ADT plans).
• ADT Smart Package– Best for integration with Google Nest devices in the ADT+ ecosystem (ADT + Google).
• ADT Complete Package– Best for video surveillance using Nest cameras within ADT+ (learn more).

Vivint

• Vivint– Best for package customization and proactive camera deterrence (e.g., Doorbell Camera Pro) with the option for month‑to‑month service if equipment is purchased upfront (pricing; camera).

Contract and Pricing

ADT 

ADT’s professionally installed Smart Home plans are advertised from about $49.99/month on the compare page, with equipment and installation priced separately (plans). The standard initial term is 36 months (24 months in California); the Residential Services Agreement specifies an early cancellation fee equal to 75% of remaining monthly service charges. After the initial term, service renews month‑to‑month unless cancelled (agreement). To avoid a long contract, ADT Self Setup offers month‑to‑month monitoring starting near $24.99/month with no long‑term commitment (Self Setup).

Vivint 

Vivint’s professional monitoring starts at $29.99/month (equipment sold separately). If you finance equipment, the initial service term is typically 60 months; after the term, service continues month‑to‑month unless cancelled. If you purchase equipment upfront, service is generally month‑to‑month from the start (pricing; service terms).

Customer Service

ADT 

ADT holds an A+ rating and is BBB Accredited (BBB profile). Recent customer‑experience benchmarks indicate that quick resolution and knowledgeable agents drive higher satisfaction across service sectors; ensure you confirm price‑change clauses and cancellation steps to avoid surprises (ACSI 2025; J.D. Power 2024).

Vivint

Vivint is not BBB Accredited and currently carries a B‑ rating on its BBB profile (BBB profile). As with many subscription services, reviews often revolve around billing clarity, contract terms, and service recovery; timely responses and first‑contact resolution correlate with better ratings and loyalty (ACSI 2025; BrightLocal 2024).

Ease of Installation

ADT

ADT home security systems for Smart Home plans require professional installation. One‑time installation/activation fees vary by system and promotion and are not included in the advertised monthly price (ADT plans).

ADT’s ecosystem centers on the ADT+ app with Google Nest devices, providing unified control of Nest cameras, doorbells, and thermostats alongside security. If you’re already using Google Home/Nest or planning mixed‑brand smart devices as Matter matures, this alignment can simplify everyday automations (ADT + Google; Matter 1.3).

Vivint

Vivint systems are professionally installed; one‑time installation and activation fees vary by location and equipment and are separate from monthly monitoring (pricing; terms).

Vivint is compatible with a range of smart home and security products within its ecosystem, with primary optimization for its own hardware. Compatibility highlights include:

• Doorbell Camera Pro and other Vivint cameras with proactive deterrence features (details).
• Smart Thermostat and hub‑integrated climate control (Smart Hub).
• Supported smart locks (e.g., compatible Kwikset models) managed through the hub (learn more).
• Indoor and outdoor cameras with in‑app verification (Smart Hub).
• Garage door controller integrated into scenes and security states (Smart Hub).

Further Reading

• The Best Wireless Home Security Systems
• The Best DIY Home Security Systems

FAQs

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