Two Large Home Security Companies. Small Similarities
A head to head comparison between Vivint- One of the most popular security company in the United States and Canada and SimpliSafe, one of the best known DIY alarm providers in United states, Vivint is an alarm company well known for their provision of alarm systems with a focus on home automation and related service with full professional installation, rivaling SimpliSafe an alarm company focused on pre-activated DIY wireless alarm systems that’s easy to install.
This review intends to help users who are confused between choices of either of the two alarm providers, Professional installation vs DIY. Home Automation-eccentric alarm system versus basic-good-ol DIY alarm system setup.
Here’s a breakdown of the similarities and differences between both systems
SimpliSafe | 
Vivint | |
| Starting Costs: | $250-900+ | $99+ |
| Monitoring and activation: | $14.99+ / mo. and $0 activation | $49.99 – 79.99 / mo. and $0 activation |
| Monitoring stations: | Nationwide, 24/7 | Nationwide, 2 main monitoring stations |
| C02, Fire & Police | Yes | Yes |
| Founded: | 2006 | 1999 |
| BBB Rating: | A+ | A- |
| Reputation: | Basic old system. Marketed towards senior citizens. Good online and offline ratings. | System focused on smart home automation, fair online reputation, good rating offline |
| Landline Option: | Available but mainly cellular | Not available |
| Available for Renters: | No | Yes; let them know you are renter. |
| Control Panel: | Basic key-pad | Vivint Sky control panel |
| Security Cameras: | Not available! | Three different types of cameras available as added purchases |
| Home Automation: | 1 of 5 stars | 4 of 5 stars |
| Best for: | Above 45, people looking for a good security + Medical alert system | Perfect for Technology savvy individuals, home automation lovers |
| Agreement: | No contract | Longest (42 to 60 months) |
| Promotion: | 60 days money back guarantee | $0 Activation fee |
| Call a Sales Rep: | Contact local rep | 855 298 7671 |
| Review: | SimpliSafe Review | Vivint’s Review |
| Visit Site: | Click Here | Click Here |
Their security systems- how they compare.
Comparing Vivint and SimpliSafe feels like comparing the two extreme ends of a straight line. Both companies offer the same home alarm service but with different approaches and few similarities and the choice on which to go for really depends on what you need.
(Vivint security system shown. More modern, classy & nice)
(Simplisafe Security system shown. Feels very 90’s & outdated)
SimpliSafe has done a full revamping of their website since we did our review of their service a while ago while Vivint has gradually become a home automation focused alarm systems. both companies are relatively new although Vivint has been around for longer compared to SimpliSafe.
Automation
Vivint offers advanced security gadgets such as a video door bell, smart thermostat, video cameras with two-way voice capability, smart garage doors etc., Services Which are not readily available on all the SimpliSafe package.
Mobile App
Both companies boast of a free mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms, but the distinguishing feature is SimpliSafe app is only available for subscribers of their Interactive alarm monitoring plan unlike Vivint where all packages have access to their Mobile app on all platforms.
Contracts / Agreements
In terms of monitoring contract plans, customers have to sign up for a 60 months’ contract on Vivint but on SimpliSafe, there’s no monitoring contract as you actually pay for your system while monitoring starts from $14.99 monthly. All SimpliSafe equipment comes with a 3 years’ warranty.
Installation
Installation is yet another field where both home Alarm system providers differs. Vivint’s system are wireless but are state of the art and requires Professional installation (typically $99-199) by their trained installers with. While SimpliSafe systems are are shipped to the user activated and are fully wireless, their systems are DIY and comes with a detailed manual which serves as a guide and you are the technician.
- Simple to set up. Seriously secure - Get ready to protect right out of the box. Outside, wireless cameras alert you when...
- Professional monitoring for fast police response when you need it most. With optional monitoring services, our agents...
- Complete control of your system with the SimpliSafe App - Arm, disarm and protect anytime, anywhere.
So, Who’s the Best?
Best all around security system = Vivint
Best in terms of flexibility = SimpliSafe
Best customer support = Vivint
Best smart device control = Vivint
Best prices and contract lengths = Vivint
These two companies couldn’t be more polar opposites from one another. From equipment to costs and installation, everything is different. One thing you can count on being the same from each is good 24/7 monitoring which is what you pay monthly for.
Conclusion
Both companies offer same alarm service but from different approach while Simplisafe takes the basic approach cutting away what they think are not necessary in the basic need for optimum home security, Vivint takes the all hands on deck approach providing state of the act equipment to make home security an easy and pleasurable one but at the cost of a long contract plan and a higher monitoring cost.
Which of these systems would you rather use for your home security needs?
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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Last update on 2025-11-25 at 03:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Aqeeb Alim says
Well, I’m a bit confused about which one to pick. I’ve heard about the two from friends and both seem to be amazing with pretty cool features. I’m not sure which to even take now.
Alarm Reviews says
Ha well we didn’t mean to make it more difficult. Here’s a quick analysis:
Vivint: Professional install, better equipment, higher prices, you lease the equipment into the contract, more innovation and ‘techy’ products.
Simplisafe: Personal installation, worse equipment, lower prices, you pay upfront for equipment and have a shorter contract, low innovation and older (but working and functional) products.
Francisca says
Vivint, please. Though the monthly subscription is a bit high, it’s still worth it compared to the features available and the terms are really flexible. The contract length is reasonable too and I love it.
Sandra says
It’s Simplisafe for me. Two years now and I have not had any regrets! It’s quite easy to use and has nice features to guide you through each process. The monthly subscription is also cheap and no hidden charges.