SimpliSafe vs. Vivint

We tried the DIY system SimpliSafe head-to-head with Vivint’s professionally installed system.
Winner: Vivint
Vivint
Vivint
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
Starts at$39.99/mo.
  • pro
    Large equipment selection
  • pro
    Professional installation
  • con
    High equipment prices
Runner up: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.25
Starting from$21.99/mo.
  • pro
    Basic equipment
  • con
    No professional installation option
  • pro
    Midrange equipment prices

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Learn more.

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products considered
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With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina is also trained as a first responder and worked as a volunteer firefighter.

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:

Brand
Installation
Monthly cost Icon Tooltip  Dark
Self-monitoring option
Starter equipment price
Contract required
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
DIY or Pro
Icon Yes  LightYes
$249.96NoAmazon,
Google
Professional
Icon No  LightNo
$599.00No *Amazon,
Google,
Z-Wave

Info correct as of publishing date.

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Limited time sale

🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 50% off any new system* + get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card.

*With professional monitoring. Limit one per customer. Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 


Vivint pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro More equipment options
pro Professional installation
pro Financing options
pro High-quality security equipment
pro Smart home options
con
Cons
con Expensive starter monitoring price
con No DIY installation option
con Pricey equipment
con Doesn't show prices on website
Vivint control panel

Vivint's home hub during our in-home testing.

Image: Alina Braford, SafeWise

Vivint: Best for equipment and compatibility

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.

Pros: Pro installation

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.

Cons: No DIY

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 pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Price transparency
pro Affordable monthly professional monitoring
pro DIY home security system
pro Financing options
pro Active Guard monitoring
con
Cons
con Limited equipment options
Alina installing the SimpliSafe base.

Testing the SimpliSafe keypad/hub.

Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

SimpliSafe: Best for simplicity

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.

Pros: Self-monitoring

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.

Cons: Limited smart home options

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.


How Vivint vs. SimpSafe compare

Video: SimpliSafe vs. Vivint | DIY vs. pro-installation showdown

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SimpliSafe vs. Vivint similarities

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.

What makes Vivint different from SimpliSafe?

SimpliSafe just has a keypad to control the system while Vivint has a smart hub.

SimpliSafe just has a keypad to control the system, while Vivint has a smart hub.

Image: Alina Bradford, SafeWise

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.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint cost comparison

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

Monitoring

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.

Monitoring plan
Monthly fee
Monitoring
Video verification Icon Tooltip  Dark
Active Guard Outdoor Protection
Cellular connection back-up
Storage and recording
Learn more
SimpliSafeSelf Monitoring w/Camera Recordings
Self
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
7 days
SimpliSafeStandard Monitoring
Professional
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
SimpliSafeCore
Professional
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
SimpliSafePro
Professional + AI
Icon Yes  LightYes
Available 8pm-6am, local
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage
SimpliSafePro Plus
Professional + AI
Icon Yes  LightYes
Available 24/7
Icon Yes  LightYes
Unlimited camera recordings & 30-day cloud storage

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Packages

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 starter pack

  • Touchscreen panel
  • 2 door sensors
  • Water sensor
  • Motion sensor

SimpliSafe starter pack

  • Base station and keypad
  • Entry sensor
  • Motion sensor

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.

Installation

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.

Thumbs Up
Need pro installation for SimpliSafe?

While we love SimpliSafe as a DIY security system, if installing gadgets isn't for you, no problem. They also have a professional installation option starting at $124.99.

Equipment and smart home device options

vivint equipment

Vivint devices

  • Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
  • Vivint Indoor Camera
  • Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro
  • Vivint Indoor Camera Pro
  • Spotlight Pro
  • Smart Thermostat
  • Key fob
  • Touchscreen panel
  • Keypad
  • Door/window sensor
  • Glass break detector
  • Motion sensor
  • Recessed door sensor
  • Medical pendant
  • Carbon monoxide/smoke detector
  • Kwickset smart lock
  • Chime extender
  • Smart plug
  • Flood sensor
  • Garage door controller
  • Smart lights
  • Yard sign light
SimpliSafe Equipment

SimpliSafe devices

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

Which system has better video surveillance—Vivint or SimpliSafe?

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.

Money-back guarantee

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.

Cancellation fees

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. 

Vivint customer service vs. SimpliSafe

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. 

Checklist
Which home security system is better for renters?

SimpliSafe is hands-down the best security system for renters. It does not damage the walls and is easy to put up and take down.

SimpliSafe vs. Vivint FAQs

No, you can't mix and match Vivint and SimpliSafe equipment. 

If you're on the fence about Vivint and SimpliSafe, check out our guide to Vivint alternatives and guide to SimpliSafe alternatives to find a better match like Frontpoint, Cove, ADT, or Abode.

If you need home security in Canada, you can use a Vivint security system but not SimpliSafe. TELUS bought Vivint in Canada, so you get the same protection under a different name.

If you need home security in the UK, you can use SimpliSafe but not Vivint. Read our SimpliSafe UK review for accurate pricing and features.

Yes, SimpliSafe does offer a pro installation option, but it's much more expensive than Vivint at $124.99.

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

How we decided: SimpliSafe vs. Vivint

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.

Winner: Vivint

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. 

Endnotes

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.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert with over 25 years of experience. She has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. After testing thousands of devices, apps, services, and more, her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Plus, she has tested hundreds of pieces of security and safety equipment over the years. Places published: CBS, MTV, CVS, Rachael Ray, eBay, Reader’s Digest, ConsumerAffairs, and more. Certifications: Fire Service Training, Oklahoma State University. Awards: Received the Experience Leader certificate from Authority, putting her “in the top 25% among the thousands of professional content creators analyzed by Authory for the Fall 2023 audit.” You can view more of Alina's work at alinabradford.com.

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