Vivint and SimpliSafe are two of the most popular home security systems in 2026 — but they serve very different customers. Vivint is a full-service, professionally installed smart home security platform. SimpliSafe is a self-installed DIY system with flexible monitoring options.
Choosing between them isn’t just about price — it’s about what kind of security experience you want. This comparison covers every major factor: equipment quality, monitoring, smart home integration, contracts, and total cost of ownership.
Vivint vs. SimpliSafe: Quick Verdict
- Choose Vivint if: You want professional installation, premium smart home integration, and the best cameras on the market — and you’re willing to pay for it.
- Choose SimpliSafe if: You want reliable, affordable protection without contracts, professional installation fees, or financing requirements.
Company Overview
Vivint
Vivint is a Provo, Utah-based smart home security company founded in 1999. It’s one of the largest home security companies in North America, with over 1.8 million subscribers. Vivint positions itself as a premium service: professional installation, proprietary equipment, and a tightly integrated smart home ecosystem.
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe was founded in 2006 by a Harvard student frustrated by ADT’s contract requirements. The company pioneered the DIY home security model and has maintained a reputation for affordable, no-contract, reliable security. SimpliSafe has over 5 million protected homes in the US.
Equipment Comparison
Vivint Equipment
Vivint’s equipment is proprietary and professionally installed. Their flagship products include:
- Vivint Smart Hub: 7-inch HD touchscreen with built-in siren, Z-Wave controller, and cellular/Wi-Fi connectivity
- Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro: 1080p HDR, 140-degree FOV, color night vision, built-in spotlight — one of the best outdoor cameras in the residential market
- Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro: 180-degree vertical view, package detection, 4K sensor
- Smart Locks: Z-Wave compatible locks included in smart home packages
- Smart Thermostat: Integrated thermostat control in the main hub
Vivint’s cameras are genuinely excellent — the Outdoor Camera Pro’s color night vision and AI-powered detection outperform SimpliSafe’s camera lineup. For the best camera comparison in this category, see our best outdoor wireless security cameras guide.
SimpliSafe Equipment
SimpliSafe equipment is DIY-installed and includes:
- SimpliSafe Base Station: Cellular backup hub with 95 dB siren
- SimpliSafe Keypad: Wall-mounted keypad for arming/disarming
- Entry Sensors: Door and window sensors with 900 MHz wireless
- Motion Sensors: Pet-immune PIR detectors (up to 50 lbs)
- SimpliCam: 1080p indoor camera
- Outdoor Camera: 1080p, weatherproof, built-in spotlight
- Smart Lock: Available as add-on
SimpliSafe’s cameras are good but not class-leading. Their sensors — particularly entry sensors and motion detectors — are reliable and have improved significantly since the 2020 relaunch. The overall system reliability is excellent.
Equipment Quality Verdict: Vivint wins, especially on cameras. SimpliSafe is solid for its price point.
Monitoring Plans
Vivint Monitoring
| Plan | Price/Month | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Security | $39.99 | 24/7 monitoring, smart home control, Vivint App |
| Smart Home | $49.99 | Above + cameras, video monitoring |
| Smart Home Video | $59.99 | Above + continuous recording, person detection |
Vivint does not offer a self-monitoring option. Professional monitoring is required.
SimpliSafe Monitoring
| Plan | Price/Month | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Monitoring | $0 | App alerts only, no professional monitoring |
| Standard | $19.99 | 24/7 professional monitoring |
| Pro Premium | $29.99 | 24/7 monitoring + fast dispatch + 30-day video |
SimpliSafe’s free self-monitoring tier is a genuine option for homeowners who just want sensor alerts without paying monthly fees. For a list of security systems that work well at $0/month, see our guide to home security systems with no monthly fees.
Monitoring Verdict: SimpliSafe wins on flexibility and price. Vivint wins if you specifically want professional monitoring with premium features.
Installation and Setup
Vivint Installation
Vivint sends a professional technician to your home. Installation typically takes 2–4 hours and covers all sensor placement, camera mounting, and system configuration. The technician runs cables for hardwired cameras where needed.
Professional installation fee: $99–$199 (sometimes waived with longer contracts or equipment packages)
The professional installation is a genuine advantage for users who want cameras mounted on eaves, sensors integrated with hardwired systems, or complex configurations. For most standard homes, however, it’s not necessary.
SimpliSafe Installation
SimpliSafe ships your system directly to your door. Installation is entirely DIY — peel-and-stick sensors, magnetic placement, and a guided app. Most users are fully operational in 30–60 minutes.
Professional installation is not available through SimpliSafe. You install it yourself.
Installation Verdict: Depends on your preference. Vivint’s professional installation adds cost but reduces friction for non-technical users. SimpliSafe’s DIY approach is genuinely easy and avoids scheduling a service appointment.
Contracts and Pricing
Vivint Contract and Pricing
This is where Vivint gets complicated. Vivint offers two payment models:
Option 1 — Monthly contract: Pay for equipment over 42–60 months (financing at 0% APR). Monthly total = monitoring fee + equipment financing. Cancellation before term ends requires paying off remaining equipment balance.
Option 2 — Upfront purchase: Buy equipment outright (typical cost $599–$1,499+). Then pay monitoring monthly with no contract lock-in.
Most Vivint customers finance equipment, which creates a long-term commitment. Read your contract carefully before signing — early termination fees are real and can be $1,000+.
SimpliSafe Pricing
SimpliSafe sells equipment outright (no financing required). Starter kits begin at $169. You own your equipment and monitoring is month-to-month with no contract. Cancel any time.
3-year cost comparison (mid-tier setups):
| Cost Element | Vivint | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $999 (financed or upfront) | $299 (mid-tier kit) |
| Installation | $149 | $0 |
| Monitoring (36 months) | $1,799.64 ($49.99/mo) | $719.64 ($19.99/mo) |
| Total (36 months) | $2,947.64 | $1,018.64 |
Contract/Pricing Verdict: SimpliSafe wins decisively. The 3-year cost difference is nearly $2,000 for comparable protection.
Smart Home Integration
Vivint Smart Home
Vivint is a comprehensive smart home platform. Beyond security, Vivint controls: smart locks, thermostats, garage doors, lighting, and doorbells — all through a single app and the 7-inch touchscreen hub. Z-Wave is the backbone protocol, with Vivint’s proprietary devices and many third-party Z-Wave products supported.
SimpliSafe Smart Home
SimpliSafe supports Alexa and Google Home voice control, plus smart lock integration. It’s not a full smart home platform — it’s a security system with limited automation. If smart home control is your primary goal, SimpliSafe is not the right choice.
Smart Home Verdict: Vivint wins substantially. If you want a single platform controlling security, locks, thermostat, lights, and cameras, Vivint is built for that. SimpliSafe is focused on security only.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Vivint if:
- You want professional installation and don’t want to DIY anything
- You want the best cameras in the residential market (Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro is genuinely excellent)
- You want a single app controlling your entire smart home
- You’re buying a new home and want everything set up professionally from day one
- Budget is not a primary concern
Choose SimpliSafe if:
- You don’t want long-term contracts or equipment financing
- Budget matters — SimpliSafe is significantly cheaper over 3 years
- You want the option to self-monitor for free
- You’re renting or plan to move within 3 years
- You want reliable, no-frills protection without a complex smart home setup
For most homeowners, SimpliSafe is the better value. Vivint justifies its premium only if you genuinely want the premium camera quality and full smart home integration — and you’re comfortable with a financing commitment.
→ Shop SimpliSafe — No Contract Required
→ Get a Vivint Quote — Professional Installation
Also Consider: Frontpoint
If you like Vivint’s reliability but want DIY installation and no contracts, Frontpoint is the middle-ground option. It uses cellular-only monitoring (like Vivint), has excellent customer service, and doesn’t require financing. See our full Frontpoint Security Review for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vivint or SimpliSafe better?
Vivint is better for professional installation, premium cameras, and full smart home integration. SimpliSafe is better for affordability, no contracts, and flexible monitoring including free self-monitoring. For most homeowners, SimpliSafe provides better value.
Does Vivint require a contract?
Vivint doesn’t require a traditional monitoring contract, but most customers finance their equipment over 42–60 months. Canceling during the financing period requires paying off the remaining equipment balance, which can exceed $1,000.
Can SimpliSafe work without monthly fees?
Yes. SimpliSafe offers free self-monitoring where app alerts are sent to your phone when sensors trigger. You won’t have professional monitoring calling the police for you, but you own your equipment with no ongoing cost.
Which is easier to install, Vivint or SimpliSafe?
SimpliSafe is DIY — you install it yourself in 30–60 minutes. Vivint sends a professional technician and handles the entire installation. If you prefer not to install anything yourself, Vivint is easier in that sense.
Which system has better cameras?
Vivint’s camera lineup, particularly the Outdoor Camera Pro with color night vision and the Doorbell Camera Pro with 4K sensor, outperforms SimpliSafe’s cameras. However, SimpliSafe’s cameras are solid at their price point.