SimpliSafe vs Vivint: Ultimate Security Comparison

Introduction to SimpliSafe and Vivint Security Systems

If you’re weighing SimpliSafe vs Vivint, you’re comparing two of the most recognizable names in modern home security systems — but they serve different kinds of customers. This section gives a concise overview of each brand and what makes them distinct so you can quickly see which approach fits your priorities.

• SimpliSafe: Known for affordable, flexible systems and easy DIY setup, SimpliSafe appeals to renters, budget-minded buyers, and anyone who wants no‑fuss installation and monthly, contract‑free monitoring options. The platform emphasizes simple app control, modular equipment you can add over time, and an option to self‑monitor or pay for professional monitoring.
• Vivint: Positioned as a premium, professionally installed system, Vivint targets homeowners who want advanced smart home integration, higher-end cameras and sensors, and a white‑glove installation and support experience. Vivint’s systems are built for users who prefer technicians to install and manage equipment and who want deep automation across lights, locks, thermostats and cameras.

Both companies offer wireless sensors, mobile apps, and professional monitoring options, but their business models and product strategies are different — one prioritizes flexibility and value, the other prioritizes turnkey performance and home automation. If you want a deeper look at each provider’s products and real‑world experience, see our full reviews for SimpliSafe and Vivint.

What this comparison will cover

• Equipment and technology (cameras, sensors, smart home);
• Installation experiences (DIY vs professional);
• Monitoring types and contract differences;
• Pricing structure and customer support.

Next up, we’ll outline the key similarities and differences so you can quickly spot the tradeoffs between affordability and premium features.

Key Similarities and Differences

When comparing SimpliSafe vs Vivint, there are clear areas where the two overlap and distinct trade‑offs that will determine which system fits your home. Below is a concise breakdown of the most important similarities and differences to help you decide.

Key similarities

• Wireless equipment: Both brands offer primarily wireless sensors and cameras, which simplifies placement and reduces the need for hardwiring.
• Core security components: You’ll find the same basic hardware across both systems — entry/door sensors, motion detectors, glass‑break sensors, smoke/CO detectors, and video doorbells.
• Professional monitoring available: Both companies provide 24/7 professional monitoring (Vivint requires it; SimpliSafe offers it as an option), so either system can alert authorities when needed.
• Mobile app control: Each company lets you arm/disarm, get alerts, and view camera feeds through a smartphone app.

Key differences (the trade-offs)

• Installation model: The biggest practical difference is installation. SimpliSafe is designed for DIY setup (fast and portable), while Vivint is built around professional installation and an in‑home technician experience.
• Monitoring options and contracts: SimpliSafe gives you flexible choices — from free self‑monitoring to paid professional plans on a month‑to‑month basis. Vivint centers on professional monitoring and typically pairs that with longer service agreements and equipment financing. That affects long‑term cost and cancellation flexibility.
• Smart home integration and automation: Vivint focuses on premium smart‑home control, supporting a wider set of third‑party devices and deeper automation. SimpliSafe supports smart features too, but it’s generally more limited in third‑party integrations.
• Equipment breadth and upgrade paths: Vivint offers a broader lineup of high‑end cameras, smart locks, thermostats and integrated hubs — it’s ideal if you want a single company to manage a full smart home. SimpliSafe’s strength is modularity and value: easier to start small and add components over time.
• Support and service model: With Vivint you can expect in‑person technician support for installs and repairs; SimpliSafe relies more on remote support and user troubleshooting (though professional install options exist for SimpliSafe through third‑party services).
• Portability: SimpliSafe systems are easier to take with you if you move; Vivint systems are more tied to professional installation and contract terms.
• Device compatibility: The two systems are not cross‑compatible — Vivint and SimpliSafe equipment work only with their own platforms.

Who each is best for

• Pick SimpliSafe if you want lower upfront cost, quick DIY setup, month‑to‑month flexibility, or an easy system you can move with you. See our full SimpliSafe review for details.
• Pick Vivint if you prefer a turnkey, professionally installed solution with advanced smart‑home automation and on‑site technician support. Read our in‑depth Vivint review to learn more.

Next, we’ll dive into the equipment and technology each brand offers so you can compare cameras, sensors, and smart‑home features in detail.

Feature Comparison: Equipment and Technology

A core part of the SimpliSafe vs Vivint decision is which brand’s equipment and technology better match your needs. Below we compare their key device categories, smart‑home capabilities, storage and verification features, and how easy each system is to expand or integrate with other products.

Cameras — indoor, outdoor and doorbells

• Vivint: Focuses on higher‑end cameras with advanced detection, on‑device processing and active‑deterrence features (lights, sirens, spoken warnings). Vivint’s lineup is designed for people who want premium video quality and automated responses built into the camera ecosystem. Learn more about Vivint’s camera options in our Vivint cameras guide: Vivint cameras.
• SimpliSafe: Offers reliable indoor, outdoor and doorbell cameras that are easy to add and manage. SimpliSafe emphasizes simplicity, privacy controls, and modular additions — a good fit if you want straightforward video monitoring without a lot of upfront cost or complex setup. For general camera buying guidance, see our roundup of the best Wi‑Fi security cameras.

Sensors and environmental detectors

• Both systems provide the standard safety and intrusion sensors — entry/door sensors, motion sensors, glass‑break, smoke and CO detectors.
• SimpliSafe historically adds more consumer‑focused environmental options (temperature and water sensors) as low‑cost add‑ons. Its sensors are designed for DIY mounting and portability.
• Vivint offers similar sensor types but pairs them with professional placement and calibration as part of a larger, integrated smart‑home package.

Smart home integration and automation

• Vivint is the stronger option for deep smart home integration and automation. It supports a wider range of third‑party devices and offers centralized automation (thermostats, locks, lighting, garage control) that works closely with its hub and technician setup. If you want one app and one company to manage a full smart home, Vivint is built for that.
• SimpliSafe supports common smart assistants and a selection of smart devices, but its ecosystem is more limited. It’s better for homeowners who want straightforward integrations without tying themselves to an extensive automation plan.

Hubs, control panels and on‑device features

• Vivint’s professionally installed systems include smart hubs and touchscreen control panels with richer local control and in‑person setup. That can improve device placement, sensor sensitivity and system reliability out of the box.
• SimpliSafe emphasizes a compact base station and user‑friendly keypad; the focus is on simple, reliable control for DIY installers.

Video storage, verification and advanced features

• Vivint leans into built‑in intelligence (AI or video analytics) and longer or more advanced cloud features as part of professional monitoring packages. Its cameras often include features intended to reduce false alerts and improve verification for monitoring teams.
• SimpliSafe offers video verification options and features like two‑way audio and privacy shutters on some cameras. It also provides flexible storage options and a stronger set of choices for users who prefer self‑monitoring or lower‑cost cloud plans.

Compatibility, expandability and portability

• SimpliSafe is highly modular and portable — easy to expand by buying add‑ons and simple to take to a new home. This makes it a solid pick for renters or people who move frequently.
• Vivint is more of a long‑term, installed ecosystem. It’s expandable within Vivint’s product family and many third‑party smart devices, but it’s less portable and typically tied to contract and installation terms.

Security and privacy considerations

• Both companies use encrypted wireless connections and mobile apps, but the trade‑offs are clear: Vivint’s professional setup reduces the chance of user error during installation, while SimpliSafe gives you more control over privacy settings and the choice to self‑monitor.

Which system wins on equipment and technology?

• Choose Vivint if you want premium cameras, advanced automation, active deterrence and a professionally installed, tightly integrated smart home.
• Choose SimpliSafe if you prefer modularity, lower upfront equipment cost, portability, and the option to self‑monitor or add professional monitoring later.

If you want device‑level detail before deciding, read our full brand reviews for a deeper look at each company’s equipment: SimpliSafe review and Vivint review.

Next we’ll walk through the installation differences so you can see how setup and user experience affect real‑world performance.

Installation Methodologies and User Experience

Installation is one of the clearest practical differences in the SimpliSafe vs Vivint choice. The two companies take opposite approaches — DIY convenience versus professional, technician‑led installs — and that affects cost, setup quality, portability and day‑to‑day user experience.

How SimpliSafe installs (DIY first)

• Plug-and-play, user friendly. SimpliSafe ships equipment pre‑paired and designed for simple mounting (peel‑and‑stick or a few screws). Most users can unbox, place sensors, plug in the base station and complete setup through the app with minimal tools or technical skill.
• Fast and flexible. Setup is typically quick and can be done on your schedule; you control where sensors go and can tweak settings in the app. That makes SimpliSafe a strong option for renters or people who move often.
• Options for a more permanent install. If you plan to keep the system long‑term, SimpliSafe includes hardware and mounting options for a sturdier install. There’s also the option to hire a third‑party pro if you prefer not to DIY. Learn more about DIY approaches in our DIY home security guide.
• User responsibility. With DIY, the homeowner handles physical placement, troubleshooting and basic calibration. Support is available remotely, but the hands‑on work is yours.

How Vivint installs (professional, white‑glove)

• Technician installation and calibration. Vivint’s systems are installed by trained technicians who bring, place and calibrate equipment, set up the hub, and demonstrate how the system works. That white‑glove service reduces user error and often results in cleaner wiring, optimized sensor locations and integrated smart‑home setup.
• Turnkey experience. The technician walks you through the app, control panel and monitoring procedures so you leave with a ready‑to‑use system and confidence in how it operates. This is ideal for homeowners who want a hands‑off purchase and a single company to manage installation and troubleshooting.
• Tied to service terms. Professional installs are commonly bundled into Vivint’s service model and contract terms, so relocation or system removal is less flexible than a DIY setup.

User experience differences that matter

• Time and effort: DIY setups (SimpliSafe) let you control timing and avoid a visit, while Vivint’s pro install requires scheduling but saves you the work.
• Quality of placement and calibration: A pro install can reduce false alarms and optimize camera angles and sensor coverage. DIY systems work well but rely on user competence for ideal placement.
• Support model: Vivint can dispatch technicians for on‑site fixes; SimpliSafe provides remote support and self‑help resources (with paid pro installs available if you want in‑home help).
• Portability and moving: SimpliSafe is easier to relocate — sensors are designed to be removed and reused. Vivint systems are more permanent and may involve fees or logistics if you move the system to a new home.

Practical tips to get the best installation result

• If you choose DIY, read placement guides and test sensors before final mounting. Consider using the included screw mounts for long‑term use rather than relying only on adhesive.
• If you choose professional installation, ask the company to show you how to use the app and where they place key sensors. Confirm any fees or contract implications for moving or removing equipment.
• Regardless of route, check Wi‑Fi signal and consider cellular backup for monitoring continuity.

Bottom line

• Pick SimpliSafe if you want a fast, flexible, low‑hassle DIY install that’s easy to move and manage yourself.
• Pick Vivint if you prefer a fully managed, professionally installed system with on‑site support and tighter smart‑home integration.

For hands‑on comparisons of each brand’s installation experience and what to expect on install day, see our full reviews of SimpliSafe and Vivint. Next, we’ll break down monitoring options and how installation choices affect monitoring performance.

Monitoring Services Breakdown

Monitoring is a core difference in the SimpliSafe vs Vivint comparison. This section explains the available monitoring services, how each company structures monitoring (including contract implications), and what to consider when choosing between self‑monitoring and professional monitoring.

Overview of monitoring options

• Professional monitoring: Live operators watch your system 24/7 and contact emergency services when an alarm is verified. This provides hands‑off protection (good for vacations, busy households, or anyone who wants an added layer of response).
• Self‑monitoring: You receive push, text or call alerts and are responsible for contacting authorities. This option lowers monthly cost and gives maximum control, but it requires someone to be reachable and responsive.

How SimpliSafe and Vivint handle monitoring

• SimpliSafe: Offers both self‑monitoring and multiple professional monitoring tiers. That flexibility lets you choose a low‑cost self‑monitored setup or add verified professional monitoring and cloud video storage if you prefer. Because plans are modular, SimpliSafe is often better for renters or those who want month‑to‑month options. See more about self‑monitored systems in our guide to best self‑monitored home security systems.
• Vivint: Centers on professional monitoring as part of its full‑service model. Monitoring is typically bundled with installation, equipment financing or a longer contract; Vivint does not emphasize a self‑monitoring option. That makes Vivint well suited to homeowners who want a managed service and in‑person support.

Key features to compare

• Verification methods: Look for video verification or services where monitoring agents can access camera feeds to confirm events before dispatching emergency services — this reduces false dispatches. SimpliSafe and Vivint both offer verified video workflows at higher monitoring tiers.
• Cellular backup: Reliable monitoring uses cellular backup in addition to Wi‑Fi, so your system can stay connected if internet goes down. Both providers offer cellular backup as part of monitored plans.
• Two‑way audio & Intruder Intervention: Some plans include the ability for monitoring agents to communicate through cameras or sirens to deter intruders — a feature SimpliSafe calls out in its higher tiers and that larger providers often include in premium packages.
• Cloud storage and video retention: Consider how long clips are stored, whether clips are included or sold separately, and the ease of accessing footage in the app. Video plans can be a major driver of monthly cost.
• False alarm handling & dispatch policy: Ask the provider how they verify alarms, what prompts them to call you, and how they handle ambiguous events. Verification protocols affect both response quality and potential false dispatch fees.

Cost structure and contracts (what to watch for)

• Monthly vs bundled costs: SimpliSafe separates equipment purchase from monitoring and tends to offer month‑to‑month plans. Vivint usually bundles monitoring into longer service contracts or into equipment financing, which can increase long‑term cost but simplifies billing.
• Cancellation and relocation: If you move frequently or want contract flexibility, month‑to‑month monitoring (SimpliSafe) is more forgiving. Vivint’s professional model often includes contract obligations and fees for early termination or relocation.
• Value trade‑off: Professional monitoring is valuable for hands‑off protection, but weigh the monthly and contractual commitment against how often you realistically need a monitored response.

Use the tables below to compare each company’s monitoring tiers, what’s included (video storage, verification, cellular backup) and whether plans are month‑to‑month or tied to contracts.

Who should pick which monitoring approach

• Choose SimpliSafe if you want flexible options: inexpensive self‑monitoring, easy upgrades, and month‑to‑month professional plans without long contracts.
• Choose Vivint if you want a turnkey, professionally managed monitoring service bundled with installation and smart‑home management — and you’re comfortable with longer service terms.

Next up: we’ll break down pricing structures and contract differences so you can see the long‑term costs tied to each monitoring model.

Pricing Structures and Contracts

Pricing and contract terms are often the deciding factor in the SimpliSafe vs Vivint choice. At a high level, SimpliSafe emphasizes lower upfront costs and flexible, month‑to‑month monitoring; Vivint bundles equipment, professional installation and monitoring into longer contracts (or financing), which raises long‑term cost but provides a turnkey experience.

How the two companies structure costs

• Equipment model

• SimpliSafe: Primarily buy‑your‑own equipment. You can start with a basic kit and add devices over time, which keeps upfront outlay low and makes the system easy to relocate. SimpliSafe also offers a generous return window for equipment. See our full SimpliSafe review for details.

• Vivint: Equipment is commonly sold with financing or included as part of a service package. That lowers initial cash outlay but ties monthly payments and monitoring together and can lengthen total payments over the life of the contract.

• Monthly monitoring fees

• SimpliSafe: Offers both self‑monitoring and multiple professional monitoring tiers, so you can pick a low‑cost self‑monitored option or upgrade to a paid monitored plan. SimpliSafe’s monitoring is available month‑to‑month.

• Vivint: Focuses on professional monitoring as a core service. Monitoring is typically bundled into contract or financing plans rather than offered as a flexible month‑to‑month choice.

• Contracts and cancellation

• SimpliSafe: Generally month‑to‑month, giving you flexibility to cancel with minimal penalty. This makes it attractive for renters or people who move frequently.

• Vivint: Often requires multi‑year contracts (examples in industry reporting include several‑year terms) and can include cancellation fees or equipment payoff obligations. If you prefer a fixed, managed service and don’t mind long‑term commitment, Vivint is designed for that model.

Other contract and pricing details to watch

• Equipment ownership: With SimpliSafe you usually own the equipment outright. With Vivint you may be paying off equipment as part of financing — check whether ownership transfers after the finance term.
• Financing vs. upfront pay: Vivint’s financing can spread out payments, but it increases the total months you’re paying (and may lock you into a contract). If you want to avoid long commitments, paying equipment upfront or choosing a DIY system like SimpliSafe avoids financing entanglements.
• Return and trial periods: SimpliSafe typically offers a longer return window for equipment; Vivint’s reconsideration period is shorter and return policies can be tied to installation/contract terms — confirm the exact policy before purchase.
• Warranty and support costs: Warranty length and what’s covered differ — check the manufacturer and monitoring agreement for repair and replacement terms.
• Hidden fees: Ask about installation fees (if any), equipment pickup/relocation charges, monitoring activation, and false alarm/dispatch policies.

How to use the pricing tables
Below are the brand pricing tables — use them to compare monthly monitoring tiers, what features (cloud storage, video verification, cellular backup) are included, and whether plans are month‑to‑month or contract‑based. Look for lines that show what’s included versus add‑ons (camera storage, professional features, installation).

Decision guidance — which pricing model fits you?

• Choose SimpliSafe if you want lower upfront cost, month‑to‑month monitoring, and the ability to upgrade or move your system without contract penalties.
• Choose Vivint if you prefer a managed, professionally installed system, deeper smart‑home integration and don’t mind longer contracts or equipment financing for a turnkey experience. Read our full Vivint review for more on contracts and financing considerations.

Bottom line: compare the total long‑term cost (monthly monitoring + any financed equipment payments + fees) rather than just the initial price. Contracts affect flexibility, so match the payment model to your plans for moving, ownership and how hands‑on you want to be with your system.

Customer Support: Evaluation of Services

Customer support and responsiveness matter as much as the hardware — when an alarm, camera or sensor fails, you want quick, clear help. This section evaluates customer support, responsiveness, and user satisfaction for SimpliSafe and Vivint, and explains what each company’s support model means for real‑world users.

Support channels and access

• SimpliSafe: Provides multiple remote channels — phone, email/form, live chat, and an online help center. Their support model leans on remote troubleshooting and self‑help resources, which works well for DIY installers who want immediate answers without scheduling an appointment. For a deeper look at SimpliSafe’s overall service and support, see our SimpliSafe review.
• Vivint: Offers phone and live chat plus technician dispatch for installations and hardware repairs. Because Vivint emphasizes professional installation, it also provides on‑site technician support when hardware issues or complex configurations arise. See our full Vivint review for more on their service model.

On‑site vs. remote support — tradeoffs

• Vivint’s on‑site service is a major advantage if you prefer a hands‑off experience: technicians can diagnose wiring, camera placement and sensor calibration in person, reducing false alarms and setup headaches. This typically improves user satisfaction for homeowners who want a turnkey solution.
• SimpliSafe’s remote‑first model keeps costs down and makes support fast for common issues (app setup, sensor pairing, account questions). The trade‑off is you may need to do more hands‑on troubleshooting yourself or schedule a paid third‑party install for complex problems.

Responsiveness and problem resolution

• Response times vary by channel and issue complexity. For quick account or app questions, live chat and phone are usually fastest. For hardware faults, Vivint can often resolve issues by dispatching a technician; SimpliSafe typically resolves remotely or ships replacement parts when covered.
• When reliability matters (e.g., repeated false alarms or camera failures), having the option to get a technician on site can shorten resolution time — a point in Vivint’s favor for users who value rapid, in‑person fixes.

Warranty, repairs and replacements

• Warranty terms differ between the brands and can affect satisfaction: SimpliSafe typically offers a longer standard equipment return/repair window, while Vivint’s warranty and repair policies may be tied to installation and contract terms. (Always confirm warranty length and what’s covered before you buy.)
• Check whether replacement parts, labor for repairs, and technician visits are included or billed separately — these costs can add up over time.

User satisfaction and reputation

• Both companies receive positive and negative feedback online — common praise for SimpliSafe highlights helpful remote support and easy returns, while common praise for Vivint centers on professional installation and the convenience of on‑site service. Complaints for either brand often involve billing, contract terms, or specific service experiences; read recent user reviews before deciding.

Who each support model is best for

• Choose Vivint if you value on‑site technician support, polished installation, and a managed experience where the company handles most troubleshooting. Ideal for homeowners who prefer hands‑off service and deeper smart‑home integration.
• Choose SimpliSafe if you prefer flexible, lower‑cost support with strong remote help and the ability to self‑service your system. Best for DIY installers, renters, and people who want month‑to‑month options.

Practical tips to get better support

• Document issues (timestamps, screenshots, event logs) before contacting support — it speeds diagnosis.
• Ask support about warranty coverage, typical resolution timelines, and whether a technician visit would cost extra.
• Test support channels early (call or chat once) to learn expected response times and escalate if necessary.
• If on‑site support is important to you, confirm availability and any dispatch fees before signing a contract.

Bottom line

• Both SimpliSafe and Vivint provide capable support, but the models differ: SimpliSafe is remote‑oriented and cost‑efficient; Vivint offers technician‑backed, in‑person service. Match the support model to how much hands‑on time you want to invest and whether quick on‑site fixes are worth paying for. For deeper company‑level details, check our full reviews of SimpliSafe and Vivint.

User Insights and Common Questions

This section answers the most common buyer questions about SimpliSafe vs Vivint, with practical user insights on warranties, monitoring, installation and real‑world concerns. If you want deeper brand detail, see our full reviews of SimpliSafe and Vivint.

Top user questions (short answers)

• Which system is better: SimpliSafe or Vivint?
  It depends. SimpliSafe is best if you want affordability, DIY installation and month‑to‑month flexibility. Vivint is better if you want a fully managed, professionally installed smart‑home system and don’t mind longer contracts or financing.

• Does SimpliSafe contact police when an alarm sounds?
  Yes — but only if you’re on a professional monitoring plan that dispatches emergency services. Self‑monitoring users receive alerts and handle dispatch themselves.

• What makes Vivint a premium option?
  Vivint’s strengths are advanced smart‑home integration, higher‑end cameras, and technician installation/onsite support, which create a polished, turnkey experience.

• How do monitoring costs compare?
  SimpliSafe generally offers lower‑cost monitoring options and month‑to‑month plans. Vivint centers on professional monitoring bundled with installation/financing and typically has higher ongoing costs. Compare plans carefully to assess total long‑term cost.

• Are SimpliSafe and Vivint systems compatible?
  No. Each uses its own proprietary equipment; you can’t mix Vivint hardware with SimpliSafe controllers.

• What are typical installation differences?
  SimpliSafe = DIY (fast, portable, renter‑friendly). Vivint = professional install (white‑glove setup, less portable).

• Do either company offer returns or a money‑back guarantee?
  SimpliSafe typically offers a longer return window for equipment (check current policy). Vivint provides a short reconsideration period and its return/guarantee terms are more limited and often tied to the contract — verify before purchase.

• What about warranties?
  Warranty lengths vary: SimpliSafe commonly provides a one‑year equipment warranty, while Vivint’s warranty coverage is generally shorter (reported around 120 days after installation). Always confirm warranty details in writing.

• Can I move my system to a new home?
  SimpliSafe is easy to relocate because it’s DIY and you usually own the equipment. Vivint systems are more permanent; moving may require service fees and coordination with the company.

• Is the Vivint app or SimpliSafe app better?
  Both apps let you arm/disarm, view cameras and get notifications. Vivint’s app offers broader smart‑home control for integrated devices; SimpliSafe’s app is highly rated for reliability and simplicity.

Common user concerns and practical answers

• False alarms: Proper sensor placement and professional calibration reduce false alarms. Vivint’s techs typically optimize placement during install; with SimpliSafe, follow placement guides or use professional third‑party setup if needed.
• Privacy and video access: Check each company’s policies for who can access camera feeds and under what circumstances (video verification, live guard features, etc.). If privacy is a priority, look for clear controls and the option to self‑manage recordings.
• Service & billing disputes: Read contract language about cancellation fees, equipment payoff and financing. Many complaints stem from misunderstandings about financed equipment or early termination penalties — ask for written details before signing.
• Hacking and security: Protect accounts with strong passwords, enable two‑factor authentication, and keep devices and apps updated.

Quick decision checklist

• Prefer low upfront cost, month‑to‑month plans, portability → consider SimpliSafe.
• Want pro installation, on‑site tech support, advanced smart‑home automation → consider Vivint.
• Unsure? Compare total first‑year and multi‑year costs (equipment + monitoring + fees) and read the warranty and cancellation terms carefully.

Need more help? Read our brand deep dives: SimpliSafe review and Vivint review, or check our guides on DIY options and self‑monitored systems to match the right setup to your lifestyle.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

When choosing between SimpliSafe vs Vivint, the decision comes down to trade‑offs between cost and flexibility versus professional service and smart‑home depth. Both are capable security providers, but they are built for different priorities.

Short verdict

• Choose SimpliSafe if you want a low‑friction, lower‑cost system you can install yourself, move easily, and manage on a month‑to‑month basis. It’s the better fit for renters, budget‑minded homeowners, and anyone who prefers owning equipment and avoiding long contracts.
• Choose Vivint if you want a turnkey, professionally installed smart‑home security solution with deeper device integration, on‑site technician support, and a polished user experience — and you’re comfortable with financing or longer service commitments.

Why we recommend SimpliSafe for value and flexibility

• DIY installation and straightforward hardware let you get protected quickly without paying for a technician.
• Flexible monitoring options, including self‑monitoring, let you keep monthly costs down and avoid long contracts.
• Equipment ownership and easy relocation make SimpliSafe a smart choice for renters and frequent movers.
  If that sounds like your priority, read our full SimpliSafe review and our DIY home security guide for setup tips.

Why we recommend Vivint for a premium, managed experience

• Professional installation and on‑site support reduce setup errors and often result in better sensor placement and fewer false alarms.
• Broader smart‑home integrations and higher‑end cameras suit homeowners wanting a single, integrated automation and security platform.
• The trade‑off is higher long‑term cost and less contract flexibility. If managed convenience and advanced automation are important, see our detailed Vivint review and our coverage of Vivint cameras.

Who should pick which

• Pick SimpliSafe if you: want affordability, value portability, prefer month‑to‑month plans, or like to DIY.
• Pick Vivint if you: want a white‑glove install, need deep smart‑home control (Z‑Wave/Zigbee integrations), or prefer a managed service with technician support.

A few parting tips before you buy

• Compare total cost of ownership (equipment + monitoring + any financed payments + fees) over several years, not just the headline price.
• Read contract and warranty terms carefully — especially cancellation, moving, and equipment ownership clauses.
• If privacy and self‑management matter, evaluate each company’s video access and data retention policies.
• If you want to explore other options with similar features, check our guide to self‑monitored systems and alternatives in our home security reviews hub.

Bottom line: both systems protect your home effectively. If you prioritize value and control, SimpliSafe is the more flexible choice. If you prioritize convenience, pro installation and smart‑home features, Vivint is the stronger — but costlier — option.

William Eames

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.