Ring Alarm vs Vivint
Comparing Ring Alarm 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. Ring Alarm scores 8.7/10 overall.
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Quick Answer
Ring Alarm beats Vivint for most users. It scores 8.7/10 vs 8.1/10 and excellent video doorbell and cameras. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment.
Ring Alarm
WinnerAmazon-integrated security with excellent cameras
Starting from
$4.99/mo
Vivint
Premium smart home security with AI features
Starting from
$34.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Starting Price | $4.99/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 | Alexa | Full automation |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 60 months | |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Ring Alarm
- Excellent video doorbell and cameras
- Deep Alexa and Amazon integration
- Affordable equipment and monitoring
- Easy DIY installation
- Neighborhood community alerts
- No contracts required
- Privacy concerns with police partnerships
- Subscription required for video storage
- Limited third-party integrations
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. Ring Alarm offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($4.99/mo), while Vivint ($34.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
Ring Alarm
Choose Ring Alarm if you prioritize excellent video doorbell and cameras, or value deep alexa and amazon integration.
Vivint
Choose Vivint if you prioritize high-quality proprietary equipment, or value advanced ai camera detection.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Ring Alarm is our winner with a rating of 8.7/10 compared to Vivint's 8.1/10. Ring Alarm stands out for its excellent video doorbell and cameras and deep alexa and amazon integration. Ring Alarm 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 Ring Alarm better than Vivint?
Ring Alarm scores higher in our testing (8.7/10 vs 8.1/10). Ring Alarm excels at excellent video doorbell and cameras, while Vivint is better for high-quality proprietary equipment.
Which is cheaper, Ring Alarm or Vivint?
Ring Alarm is more affordable at $4.99/mo vs $34.99/mo. Ring Alarm offers 86% savings.
Ring Alarm vs Vivint: which should I choose?
Choose Ring Alarm if you prioritize excellent video doorbell and cameras. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between Ring Alarm and Vivint?
The main difference is Ring Alarm offers amazon-integrated security with excellent cameras, while Vivint focuses on premium smart home security with ai features.