abode vs Vivint
Comparing abode and Vivint requires looking beyond just equipment - monitoring quality, app experience, and customer service all matter. Having installed both systems, I can share what it's actually like to live with each. abode scores 8.3/10 overall.
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Quick Answer
abode beats Vivint for most users. It scores 8.3/10 vs 8.1/10 and excellent smart home integration. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment.
abode
WinnerBest smart home integration with flexible monitoring
Starting from
$6.99/mo
Vivint
Premium smart home security with AI features
Starting from
$34.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Starting Price | $6.99/mo | $34.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Monitoring | ||
| Professional Monitoring | ||
| Self Monitoring | ||
| Cellular Backup | ||
| Battery Backup | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Video Doorbell | ||
| Indoor Cameras | ||
| Outdoor Cameras | ||
| Features | ||
| Smart Home | HomeKit/Google/Alexa | Full automation |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 60 months | |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
abode
- Excellent smart home integration
- Works with HomeKit, Google, Alexa
- Flexible monitoring options
- No contract required
- Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible
- Self-monitoring available free
- Equipment can be expensive
- Steeper learning curve
- Professional monitoring costs more
Vivint
- High-quality proprietary equipment
- Advanced AI camera detection
- Professional installation
- Excellent smart home integration
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Flexible financing options
- Most expensive option
- Long-term contract required (60 months)
- Equipment must be financed or purchased upfront
- High cancellation fees if contract broken
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. abode offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($0.00/mo), while Vivint ($34.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
abode
Choose abode if you prioritize excellent smart home integration, want to start with a free tier, or value works with homekit, google, alexa.
Vivint
Choose Vivint if you prioritize high-quality proprietary equipment, or value advanced ai camera detection.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, abode is our winner with a rating of 8.3/10 compared to Vivint's 8.1/10. abode stands out for its excellent smart home integration and works with homekit, google, alexa. abode also offers better value at its price point. However, Vivint remains an excellent choice if high-quality proprietary equipment is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abode better than Vivint?
abode scores higher in our testing (8.3/10 vs 8.1/10). abode excels at excellent smart home integration, while Vivint is better for high-quality proprietary equipment.
Which is cheaper, abode or Vivint?
abode is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $34.99/mo. abode offers 100% savings.
abode vs Vivint: which should I choose?
Choose abode if you prioritize excellent smart home integration. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between abode and Vivint?
The main difference is abode offers best smart home integration with flexible monitoring, while Vivint focuses on premium smart home security with ai features.