SimpliSafe vs Vivint
Comparing SimpliSafe 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. SimpliSafe scores 9.3/10 overall.
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Quick Answer
SimpliSafe beats Vivint for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 8.1/10 and no long-term contracts required. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment.
SimpliSafe
WinnerNo-contract DIY security with professional monitoring
Starting from
$9.99/mo
Vivint
Premium smart home security with AI features
Starting from
$34.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Starting Price | $9.99/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/Google | Full automation |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 60 months | |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
SimpliSafe
- No long-term contracts required
- Easy 30-minute DIY installation
- Affordable professional monitoring
- Cellular backup included
- Works during power outages
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Outdoor cameras are limited
- App could be more intuitive
- Price increased for monitoring plans
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. SimpliSafe offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($9.99/mo), while Vivint ($34.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
SimpliSafe
Choose SimpliSafe if you prioritize no long-term contracts required, or value easy 30-minute diy installation.
Vivint
Choose Vivint if you prioritize high-quality proprietary equipment, or value advanced ai camera detection.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, SimpliSafe is our winner with a rating of 9.3/10 compared to Vivint's 8.1/10. SimpliSafe stands out for its no long-term contracts required and easy 30-minute diy installation. SimpliSafe 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 SimpliSafe better than Vivint?
SimpliSafe scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 8.1/10). SimpliSafe excels at no long-term contracts required, while Vivint is better for high-quality proprietary equipment.
Which is cheaper, SimpliSafe or Vivint?
SimpliSafe is more affordable at $9.99/mo vs $34.99/mo. SimpliSafe offers 71% savings.
SimpliSafe vs Vivint: which should I choose?
Choose SimpliSafe if you prioritize no long-term contracts required. Choose Vivint if you need high-quality proprietary equipment. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between SimpliSafe and Vivint?
The main difference is SimpliSafe offers no-contract diy security with professional monitoring, while Vivint focuses on premium smart home security with ai features.