4.4
4.6In this guide
Vivint vs SimpliSafe at a glance
| Feature | Vivint | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Installation | Professional only | DIY (professional available) |
| Contract | None if equipment paid upfront; 42–60 months if financed | None |
| Monitoring | Professional only | Optional professional or self-monitoring |
| Monthly cost | $30–$60 | $0–$79.99 |
| Equipment cost | $600–$2,000+ | $250–$700 |
| Video storage | Cloud (Vivint Smart Drive optional) | Cloud |
| Works with | Alexa, Google Assistant, Z-Wave, Philips Hue | Alexa and Google Assistant on eligible paid plans; no Apple Home |
| Trial / returns | 3-day cancellation window | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Best for | Larger homes wanting genuine automation, not just an alarm | Most people — the default recommendation for a first security system |
Different products, not different price points
It is tempting to frame this as premium versus budget. It is more accurate to say they solve different problems.
SimpliSafe is an alarm. An extremely good one — reliable sensors, professional monitoring, no contract — but an alarm with modest camera support and essentially no automation.
Vivint is an integrated smart home with security at its centre. Locks, garage, thermostat, lighting and cameras behave as one system because one company designed and commissioned all of it.
If you only want an alarm, compare the cost of a SimpliSafe Standard or Core plan with the Vivint quote. If you want automation, confirm that the devices and routines you need are actually supported.
The automation gap is real
This is where Vivint earns its price. Arming in Away mode can lock every door, close the garage and set back the thermostat. The doorbell can trigger the outdoor camera. A smart lock code can disarm the system for a cleaner on a schedule.
SimpliSafe does almost none of this. There is no scene engine, no Z-Wave, no bring-your-own devices. It integrates with Alexa and Google for basic voice control and stops there.
If you want automation but not Vivint’s price, Abode is the middle path — DIY, contract-free, and genuinely interoperable.
Cost over five years
| Scenario | Year 1 | Five-year total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivint, mid package financed | ≈ $1,200–$1,900 | ≈ $3,500–$5,500 | Equipment financing plus monitoring |
| SimpliSafe + Core | ≈ $696–$896 | ≈ $2,279–$2,479 | $300–$500 equipment + $32.99/month; no outdoor agent coverage |
| SimpliSafe unmonitored | ≈ $300–$500 | ≈ $300–$500 | Self-monitoring only |
The SimpliSafe Core example assumes unchanged pricing for five years, before tax or installation. Pro and Pro Plus cost more; see the current plan comparison. Judge any price difference against the automation and installation work you will actually use.
Which should you choose?
Choose Vivint if you own a larger home and will stay; you genuinely want automation rather than an alarm; you want professional design and installation; and the five-year total is comfortable.
Choose SimpliSafe if you want a monitored alarm without a contract; you rent or might move; you are content to install it yourself; or you want the option to stop paying.
For most households, SimpliSafe is the right answer. Vivint is right for a specific buyer — and genuinely excellent for that buyer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vivint worth the extra cost over SimpliSafe?
It can be if you value its installation service and will use its automation. Compare a written Vivint total with the SimpliSafe equipment and plan you need; the price gap depends substantially on that plan.
Can I get Vivint without a contract?
Yes, if you buy the equipment outright. Most customers finance over 42–60 months, which carries similar obligations.
Which is better for renters?
SimpliSafe, without question. Vivint requires professional installation and is unsuited to rentals.
Is there a middle option?
Yes — Abode offers DIY installation with genuine automation and Z-Wave support, at a price much closer to SimpliSafe.
Full specifications and scores
Quick scores
- Vivint
- 4.4/5 — The most capable installed system, at the highest price
- SimpliSafe
- 4.6/5 — The DIY system that gets the fundamentals right
