SimpliSafe vs. Vivint

After testing both systems side-by-side, Vivint is my choice for the best home security system. It provides more security equipment variety, smart home devices, and more affordable deterrent features than SimpliSafe. While Vivint is the winner, don’t discount SimpliSafe. It’s a great home security system solution for folks wanting basic devices that are easy to use.

Vivint is best if you want:

• Professional installation
• Smart deterrent features without a high monthly fee
• Smart home automation features
• A large selection of equipment

SimpliSafe is the best if you want:

• DIY installation
• Renter-friendly equipment
• More affordable packages
• Self-monitoring

Here is a quick head-to-head comparison:

Vivint is for people who want full-coverage security, from smoke detectors to garage door sensors. It’s also a smart pick for folks who want full home automation with a security system, thermostats, and lights controlled from the same place: the Vivint app.

While DIY installation is popular right now, some people just want professional installation. It saves time and that last thread of your patience if you hate setting up tech.

Okay, so Vivint is a bit on the expensive side. If you're on a budget it could be restrictive.

We would also like a DIY installation option. Why can’t all security system companies offer both DIY and professional options? However, after having Vivint installed recently, it did need to be hardwired, which makes me appreciate the professional install. But overall, I think getting both the system and installation you want shouldn’t be an issue.

Read more in our Vivint review.

SimpliSafe is for people who like things simple. It has a limited number of devices, but that’s a good thing if you’re looking for basic home security at an affordable price. It offers both no-monthly-fee home security and professionally monitored plans. You also don’t need to worry about scheduling a time for a professional installation since it’s all DIY.

SimpliSafe nails simplicity with basic equipment choices and easy DIY installation. No fuss, no muss. But the best part is that you have the option to self-monitor. That means no monthly fees if your equipment is paid off. You can also easily switch from professional monitoring to self-monitoring whenever you like. Vivint doesn't offer self-monitoring at all.

When it comes to smart home automation, there's not much you can do with SimpliSafe. You can pair SimpliSafe with Alexa and Google Home, but you can't use it in home automations alongside your smart lights and such.

Read more in our SimpliSafe review.

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SimpliSafe and Vivint have very few similarities:

• Both systems can be controlled by their app.
• Both base monitoring packages offer very few features.
• The security systems offer similar camera options: an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and a video doorbell camera.
• You need a more expensive monitoring plan to get full camera functionality.

At first glance, the differences are immediately apparent. The two systems look nothing alike. SimpliSafe’s equipment has almost a space-age feel, while Vivint's large, tablet-like video hub gives it a more smart-homey look.

Aesthetics may not mean much to you when it comes to security devices. We get it. You want to know how the security system will work for you. The biggest differences between these two systems come down to price, installation, device options, and money-back guarantees.

There’s a substantial difference between SimpliSafe and Vivint when it comes to price. SimpliSafe has cheaper traditional monitoring plans and more affordable equipment.

SimpliSafe's monitoring fees start around $22, and Vivint’s start around $40. This is one of those cases where you get what you pay for. SimpliSafe’s $22 plan includes access to the SimpliSafe app: remote arming/disarming, some notifications, and the option to change system settings.

You have to boost up to Vivint's $44.99 plan if you want security camera recordings, extra notifications, an extended warranty, and smart home integration in the app. Even at the second tier, though, SimpliSafe is still a bit cheaper at $31.99. Here's a rundown of SimpliSafe's monitoring options, since they are vastly more complicated than Vivint's.

Where SimpliSafe knocks it out of the park is its Active Guard monitoring that puts live, trained humans on the job to monitor your property and take action immediately, whether it's telling a shady character to go away or calling emergency services. However, that extra level of protection comes with a higher pricetag: $50 per month for overnight protection and $80 for 24/7 guards.

Their starter package prices are worlds apart, too. With SimpliSafe, you can snag a starter package for around $250, while Vivint charges around $600. Like with the monitoring plans, there’s more than meets the eye with these prices.

Vivint offers more equipment in its starter pack, and the equipment goes beyond the basic devices that just about every security system company offers. Instead of a keypad and base station, you’re instantly upgraded to a touchscreen. SimpliSafe doesn’t even offer touchscreens.

Plus, Vivint gives you a water sensor, which is helpful if your washer or dishwasher tends to overflow from time to time—getting alerted means quick cleanup and preventing expensive floor repairs.

Other than price, the most significant factor in SimpliSafe vs. Vivint is installation: SimpliSafe is DIY, and Vivint is professionally installed. Now, there are benefits to each type of installation, so it’s just a toss-up on what you’re looking for in this area.

SimpliSafe installs in less than an hour and takes no tools (unless you're installing the SimpliSafe doorbell). We found it easy to set up. But you may not have an hour, or maybe you just don’t want to fool with it. In that case, Vivint may be for you.

Read our SimpliSafe equipment guide and Vivint equipment guide to learn more about each device.

There's really no contest when comparing Vivint cameras to SimpliSafe cameras—Vivint's high-tech cameras crush SimpliSafe's run-of-the-mill offerings.

One of the things we love about Vivint's cameras is the SmartSentry feature, which lets trespassers know they've been spotted. It tells potential burglars that your home is protected and can help decrease package theft. 

SimpliSafe's cameras get the job done for an affordable price, but don't expect any fancy extras, unless you're willing to pay. 

SimpliSafe does offer advanced detection with its Pro and Pro Plus plans. The camera's AI detects threats, and live agents use the two-way talk feature and video to interact with potential threats. That's far beyond Vivint cameras' deter features, but those monitoring plans can cost up to $80 per month, as opposed to Vivint's $45.

No one likes to feel stuck with a decision, so we like that SimpliSafe gives you 60 days to change your mind from the day you order your equipment. Vivint only gives you three days after your installation.

Because SimpliSafe is a month-to-month, no-contract security system, you don't have to worry about cancellation fees. You can stop the pro-monitoring service and switch to self-monitoring at any time.

The only time you might be in hot water is if you financed your SimpliSafe equipment through Affirm—you still have to pay back that loan even if you cancel monthly services with SimpliSafe.

On the other hand, Vivint's cancellation penalties are steep. You don't get any wiggle room—Vivint expects you to pay 100% of your remaining balance if you cancel. 

Customer service ratings for both companies run the gamut. Depending on who you talk to, you'll hear glowing praise or scathing remarks. To us, that means both companies need to work on offering a consistent customer service experience.

In fact, the hardwired, professionally-installed equipment makes it difficult to troubleshoot Vivint yourself. It's the opposite scenario when troubleshooting SimpliSafe—with no in-person techs available, you have to rely on your own gumption and clear instructions from service reps.

To learn more about helpline hours and the service channels available to you, read our Vivint customer service and SimpliSafe customer service guides. 

Have more questions? Head on over to our Vivint FAQ and SimpliSafe FAQ pages for the full scoop.

We decided the winner of SimpliSafe vs. Vivint through hours of hands-on testing, decades of safety expertise, and hundreds of reviews by real customers. To learn more about how SafeWise reviews products and services, take a look at our methodology page.

While we like SimpliSafe for its simplicity, Vivint wins this one. It just gives you more options overall. And it offers a large selection of security and smart devices to choose from. Of course, which one is best for you all depends on what's more important to you.

Vivint is the ultimate choice for professional installation and equipment options. It also has a cheaper option for deterring criminals.

SimpliSafe is great pick if you want a basic system and DIY (or pro) installation. We also like that you can shop for your system online and self-monitor. 

SafeWise star ratings: Star ratings reflect the editorial assessment of each company for the purposes of this particular article (e.g., SimpliSafe vs. Vivint, Best Apartment Security Systems, etc.). These ratings may differ from star ratings found on other articles, such as Best Home Security Systems of 2025.