ADT vs Vivint: Our Verdict
ADT and Vivint are both professionally installed, professionally monitored home security providers, but they cater to different ends of the market. ADT is the industry's largest and most established provider with 150+ years of history, monitoring starting at $24.99/month, and a broad range of equipment options. Vivint targets the premium smart home segment with AI-powered cameras, deep Alexa and Google integration, and monitoring starting at $29.99/month — but with equipment costs that often exceed $1,000 and contracts up to 60 months. ADT offers more pricing flexibility; Vivint offers a more sophisticated smart home ecosystem.
Our Pick
ADT
Recommendation
ADT is the safer choice for most households — it has lower total cost of ownership, shorter maximum contracts, and more flexible equipment options. Choose Vivint if you are committed to building a premium smart home with advanced AI-powered cameras, seamless voice assistant control, and don't mind the higher upfront investment and longer contract commitment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ADT | Vivint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $24.99/mo | $29.99/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | — | — |
| Available Plans | 3 plans | 3 plans |
| Home Security | ||
| View ADT Plans | View Vivint Plans |
Featured Plans
ADT
ADT Smart
Vivint
Vivint Smart Home Monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vivint smarter than ADT for home automation?
Yes, Vivint offers a significantly more advanced smart home ecosystem than ADT. Vivint's platform natively integrates smart locks, thermostats, garage door control, and AI-powered outdoor cameras into a single Vivint app. Its outdoor cameras include person detection and package detection powered by machine learning. ADT's smart home features exist but are more limited — ADT primarily partners with third-party smart home devices rather than building deeply integrated proprietary technology. If smart home automation is a priority, Vivint has a clear lead.
How do ADT and Vivint contracts compare?
ADT typically requires a 36-month monitoring contract, while Vivint contracts can extend to 42 or even 60 months when financing equipment. ADT's 36-month term is shorter and carries an early termination fee of up to 75% of the remaining balance. Vivint's longer contracts are partially justified by equipment financing — spreading a $1,500+ equipment package across 60 payments keeps monthly costs manageable but commits you to a longer relationship. Both providers require professional installation, but ADT offers more flexibility in contract length for customers who pay for equipment outright.
Which has better cameras, ADT or Vivint?
Vivint's cameras are considered best-in-class for residential security. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro features a 180-degree field of view with AI-powered object detection that distinguishes between people, vehicles, and animals — reducing false alerts significantly. Vivint's Doorbell Camera Pro includes a curved lens that captures more of the front porch area than most competitors. ADT's cameras are solid and functional but use more standard technology without Vivint's AI differentiation. For camera quality, Vivint leads clearly.
Is ADT or Vivint more expensive overall?
Vivint is substantially more expensive overall. Equipment alone typically costs $599-$2,000+ for a Vivint system, and while financing spreads this across monthly payments, you're still paying more than ADT over the long term. ADT's equipment packages start lower, and professional installation is often available for $99-$199. On monthly monitoring, Vivint starts at $29.99/month versus ADT's $24.99/month. Over a 60-month Vivint contract, total spend can easily reach $3,000-$5,000 versus ADT's $2,000-$3,500 over 36 months.
Can I take my Vivint or ADT equipment if I move?
Both ADT and Vivint allow service transfers to a new address, though both require a technician visit for reinstallation at additional cost. Vivint's proprietary smart home equipment is designed for transfer — the company will dispatch a tech to reinstall at your new address, often for a service fee. ADT also offers move assistance, and its broader equipment partnerships give you more flexibility if you want to add sensors at a larger property. Neither provider's equipment is as move-friendly as DIY systems like SimpliSafe.