Vivint is one of the largest home automation and security companies in North America and serves almost 2 million customers, providing them with alarms systems, home monitoring, and automation as well as peace of mind that their home and family are protected. The company began in 1999 as APX Alarm, becoming Vivint in 2011. The name comes from the word “vive” which means “to live.”Today, the company helps families live intelligently in a home that is safer and smarter. All of their products work together in a fully integrated system through the Vivint Smart Home program.

When it comes to alarm systems, you want one that will deter an actual threat, not simply record it as it happens. The Vivint home alarm system includes outdoor security cameras that can detect people lurking around your home and scare them away before they can commit a crime. They also offer doorbell cameras that protect packages left on your front step as well as smart home products like lights, locks, and security sensors. The package is customized for your home to be sure everything works together seamlessly. Prices vary depending on the package you choose and start at $29.99 per month plus the cost of installation and equipment. The basic package includes:

• Door sensors
• Window sensors
• Motion-activated sensors
• Vivint Smart Hub

There is additional equipment you can add to the basic package. You can add upgraded Vivint home security cameras, which include outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, and doorbell cameras. The smart sensors detect if a door or window is breached, sounding an alarm that could scare off criminals and alert you to the problem. In addition, Vivint home alarm warnings are sent to the monitoring specialists who will be ready to assist you if necessary. Motion sensors can be added that will alert you when you are not home that there is unusual motion in your home. These sensors can also be connected to your thermostat when you are home to automatically adjust the temperature to keep your family comfortable. Glass breakage detectors will alert you and the monitoring specialists if window glass is broken.

Criminals are not the only threat to your home and Vivint’s smart security system offers you protection against other threats as well. Smoke detectors with built-in monitoring are available which are better than traditional smoke detectors. The Vivint home alarm connects can actually shut off the airflow in a room to prevent a fire from spreading. They also offer a carbon monoxide detector that connects to a monitoring professional should high levels of CO2 be detected who will send emergency personnel if necessary to help eliminate the threat. You can also install a water leak detector that will let you know if there is water where it should not be and also can warn you if temperatures drop to the point your pipes could freeze.

Anything that makes it easier to manage your home is a bonus and the Vivint home automation system does exactly that. The Vivint Smart Home option allows you to control your home from wherever you are using the mobile app. You can turn on or off lights, check the front step for packages, adjust your thermostat and more. Using the Smart Hub, you can watch live camera feeds, unlock your doors as you pull in the driveway or open the garage door so that you can pull in safely. The Vivint smart home system can be customized to fit your needs. Check the front door when the doorbell rings to see who is there and unlock the door from the comfort of your sofa to let in friends and family. You can also integrate the system with Amazon Alexa, Nest, Google Assistant and other products. Like all other products, Vivint Smart Home offers 24/7 monitoring so you have continued peace of mind.

Vivint security systems work with the mobile app that can be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store. The app lets you control the Smart Home components, including operating the lights in your home, locking doors, adjusting the thermostat and more no matter where you are. You will no longer question whether you locked the door when you left for work. Simply open the app, check the lock and press a few keys to lock the door. Lower the thermostat when you are at work and adjust it so that the house is warm when you get home during the winter months. Access indoor cameras to talk to children or pets when you are not home as well. The mobile app provides you with an additional feeling of security as you can view your home inside and out while also confirming that it is secure.

Every home is different, and this means that every system is different. All systems are installed by a licensed Smart Home Pro who will work around your needs and schedule. They will talk to you about any concerns and install the system so that it meshes well with your family. Once the system is installed, the professional will go over everything to be sure you understand how it works. Because each system is different, costs vary depending on the installation needs. You can get a free, no-obligation consultation which will provide you with details on the package costs as well as the installation fees. Most customers spend $49 for Vivint’s professional installation.

Vivint tech support is available to help you with any issues you may encounter. The professionals are with you while customizing your system, installing it and monitoring everything 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The monitoring professionals are always ready to respond if you have an emergency. According to Consumer Affairs, Vivint rates at five stars overall for customer service.

It is not just your home that needs security. Your business is your livelihood and you want to be sure it is fully protected as well. Just like home systems, the Vivint system provides your business with 24/7 monitoring as well as mobile access. They can install video surveillance that not only records but also offers deterrent options that scare criminals away. There are alarm systems that monitor entry ways and other areas of your business to protect you from any type of theft. The Vivint smart security system also offers the Smart Hub which allows you to control the entire system no matter where you are. Arm the system, view the camera footage or talk to customer service using the control panel. There is even inventory protection which allows you to monitor customer activity as well as employee productivity that can help protect your bottom line.

Not only can the Vivint security system protect your home and business, it can also protect you. The company offers emergency pendants along with other equipment that is designed to keep you safe. The medical alert pendant can be worn as a bracelet or necklace so that if a medical emergency occurs, help can be sent with the press of a button. If you have elderly family members who value their independence and want to continue living in their own home, the Vivint smart security system with a medical alert pendant is the perfect way to keep them safe. If they press the button on the pendant, not only will emergency personnel be dispatched, you will also be notified that there is a problem.

Vivint reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Most of the negative comments were about minor issues, including some cameras that stopped working and sensors whose adhesives were not sticking properly. One reviewer stated that they were told they could cancel in 30 days and all equipment would be picked up only to find that it is actually 3 days. Some Vivint reviews also stated that setting up an appointment took a long time and then the technician did not show for the first appointment, requiring them to reschedule. In another of the Vivint security reviews posted on the website, one customer stated that a technician came to their home at 11:30 PM to do a “partial installation.” They refused to allow them in and with a phone call set up an appointment for during the day. A neighbor called that same night to warn them there was someone lurking around their car and the customer explained what was happening. As a nod to Vivint tech support, however, they did respond to the complaint and asked the customer to call the 800 number to resolve the issue.

One of the biggest complaints from those who have not purchased the Vivint security system or smart home package is that they cannot get pricing online. To learn what the basic system costs, customers must either fill out a form online that allows a Vivint online account center representative to contact them, or they must call the company’s 800 number and speak to a salesperson. Providing basic pricing on the website would help people make an informed decision prior to making the call to the account center. Since there is no “Vivint store” that allows customers to talk to representatives in person, this may deter some customers from purchasing.

Another negative on several sites was the price of the system once they spoke to a representative. Purchasing $600 in equipment is likely out of reach for some homeowners. The company does offer financing which comes with a 60-month contract. This could mean that those on a tight budget may not want to search for Vivint, although the products and services seem to be of high quality.

Overall, however, the comments are overwhelmingly positive. One customer commented that the technician ran into problems, but he called in assistance and the job was completed to their satisfaction. Almost every review mentions how polite, knowledgeable and friendly the technicians are. Based on reviews from many different sites, it appears that choosing a Vivint alarm system or smart home system would be a good option for those who are searching for a good quality system.

Our final thought on Vivint is that they are a great option for those who don’t mind spending a little more for a security system. The fact that they also offer systems designed for businesses is another benefit with this company. Add to that the option to add medical alert pendants for family members who may need additional help, whether it is an elderly family member living alone or in your home, and you can see how choosing a Vivint system is a good option.