SimpliSafe vs Vivint: Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare SimpliSafe and Vivint plans, pricing, internet speeds, and available services to find the best home service provider for your area.
SimpliSafe vs Vivint: Our Verdict
SimpliSafe and Vivint are both respected home security brands, but they serve fundamentally different buyers. SimpliSafe is a leading DIY security system with monitoring from $22.99/month, no contracts, easy self-installation, and strong 24/7 professional monitoring through Fast Protect. Vivint is a premium professionally installed smart home security platform with AI-powered cameras, deep smart home automation, and monitoring from $29.99/month — but with equipment costs that can exceed $1,500 and contracts up to 60 months. SimpliSafe wins on accessibility and value; Vivint wins on smart home sophistication.
Our Pick
SimpliSafe
Recommendation
SimpliSafe is the right choice for most households — no contract, no technician required, comparable professional monitoring at a lower price, and easy portability if you move. Vivint is worth the premium only if smart home automation is a top priority and you are prepared for a multi-year financial commitment to a single ecosystem.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SimpliSafe | Vivint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $22.99/mo | $29.99/mo |
| Max Internet Speed | — | — |
| Available Plans | 4 plans | 3 plans |
| Home Security | ||
| View SimpliSafe Plans | View Vivint Plans |
Featured Plans
SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe Core
Vivint
Vivint Smart Home Monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for renters, SimpliSafe or Vivint?
SimpliSafe is far more renter-friendly. Its wireless sensors require no drilling or permanent installation changes, and the entire system can be packed up and reinstalled at a new address in minutes. Vivint requires professional installation with drilling and wiring, which may violate most lease agreements. Vivint's 42-60 month contracts are also problematic for renters who may need to break a lease unexpectedly. SimpliSafe's no-contract, fully portable design was essentially built with renters in mind.
Does SimpliSafe have smart home integration like Vivint?
SimpliSafe offers smart home integrations including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Watch support, and recent updates added Z-Wave device compatibility for smart locks and lights. However, Vivint's smart home integration is significantly deeper — Vivint natively controls smart locks, thermostats, garage doors, and cameras from a single proprietary app with AI-powered automation routines. Vivint builds its own smart home ecosystem rather than integrating with third-party devices, which creates a more polished but less flexible experience than SimpliSafe.
How do SimpliSafe and Vivint cameras compare?
Vivint's cameras are among the best in residential security. The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro features a 180-degree wide-angle view with AI detection that distinguishes between people, animals, and vehicles, significantly reducing false alerts. SimpliSafe's outdoor camera (Smart Alarm Wireless Outdoor Security Camera) is a capable 1080p camera with basic motion detection and three-hour event recording, but it lacks Vivint's AI differentiation. For households where camera intelligence and smart detection are important, Vivint is the clear winner.
What happens if I want to cancel SimpliSafe or Vivint?
Canceling SimpliSafe is simple — it's month-to-month, so you just cancel online or by calling customer service with no fees. Canceling Vivint mid-contract is significantly more complicated. Vivint contracts typically require paying a cancellation fee equal to a percentage of remaining months — often $1,000+ if you cancel early in a 60-month contract. Before signing with Vivint, understand the full contract term and early termination calculation so you are not caught off-guard.
Is the professional monitoring quality different between SimpliSafe and Vivint?
Both SimpliSafe and Vivint offer 24/7 UL-listed professional monitoring from dedicated centers. SimpliSafe's Fast Protect monitoring is particularly noteworthy — agents can access your camera feeds to visually verify an alarm before dispatching, which results in faster police response and fewer false alarm dispatches. Vivint's monitoring center network is also strong and deeply integrated with its smart home platform. In practical terms, both providers deliver high-quality monitoring that meets or exceeds industry standards.