SimpliSafe vs Vivint (2026): Which Security System Should You Get?

I've reviewed both SimpliSafe and Vivint individually, so I wanted to put them head to head and compare everything side by side. These two security systems take very different approaches to home security, and the right pick depends on what you care about most.

The quick take: Vivint is the better system. Hands down. It has a touchscreen panel, professional installation, straight cellular monitoring, smart home automation, and cameras that record without Wi-Fi. But it costs more and financing locks you into a service agreement. SimpliSafe is the more affordable DIY option that still covers the security basics, and its Active Guard feature (where a live person monitors your cameras) is something you won't find at this price point anywhere else.

Here's the full comparison.

SimpliSafe vs Vivint At A Glance

Feature	SimpliSafe	Vivint
Monthly monitoring	$32.99 - $79.99/mo	$29.99 - $49.99/mo
Upfront equipment cost	~$530 (with 50% off deal)	$599 - $1,000+
Installation	DIY	Professional
Contract required	No	No (but financing requires one)
Cameras	Proprietary	Proprietary
Smart home automation	Limited (door lock only)	Full Z-Wave support
Keypad/panel	Basic push-button	7" touchscreen
Monitoring connection	Wi-Fi first, cellular backup	Straight cellular
Two-way voice on panel	No	Yes
24/7 continuous recording	No	Yes ($7/mo add-on)
Records without Wi-Fi	No	Yes

What Both Security Systems Came With

My SimpliSafe system came with the base station, keypad, door and window sensors, a motion sensor, a glass break sensor, a doorbell camera, an indoor camera, an outdoor camera, and the automatic door lock attachment. It was a complete setup.

My Vivint system came with the 7-inch touchscreen panel (which has the base station built in), door and window sensors, a motion sensor, a glass break sensor, the Vivint doorbell camera, and the Vivint outdoor camera with the floodlight attachment. I also got a Nest thermostat and an automatic door lock bundled with the system.

Both systems monitor 24/7 for police, fire, and medical. Neither requires a landline. Both have cellular connectivity to keep the monitoring connection alive when your internet drops. And both offer the same core sensor lineup: door and window sensors, motion sensors, and glass break sensors.

Where they start to differ is the keypad. SimpliSafe has a separate base station and a traditional push-button keypad. It works fine, but it's pretty basic. Vivint packs everything into a single 7-inch touchscreen panel. It's easier to navigate, you can change settings and PIN codes without pulling out your phone, and you can even watch your camera feeds right on the panel. Between the two, I lean towards Vivint here. The touchscreen is just more intuitive.

SimpliSafe vs Vivint Monitoring And Connection

Both systems offer professional monitoring that dispatches police, fire, and medical. But the way each system communicates with the monitoring center is different, and it matters.

SimpliSafe connects through your home Wi-Fi first and uses cellular as a backup. If your internet goes down, it falls back to cellular and you still have service. Vivint goes straight to cellular. It doesn't rely on your Wi-Fi at all to contact the monitoring station. That means if your power goes out and your internet drops, Vivint is already on cellular without needing to switch over. That can result in a slightly quicker response time because there's no handoff between connections.

The other difference is two-way voice on the panel. Vivint's touchscreen panel has a built-in speaker and microphone, so if the alarm goes off, a monitoring agent can communicate with you through the panel itself. If a break-in is happening and you're inside the house, you're probably not in a position to answer your phone. The agent can hear what's going on through the panel and relay that to the police. SimpliSafe doesn't have this. Their monitoring agents can only reach you by calling your phone.

One more thing worth mentioning: Vivint can often use existing equipment from a previous home security system. If you moved into a house that already has hardwired sensors or even some wireless sensors from other companies like Honeywell, Vivint's technicians can take over and integrate those into your new system. That saves you real money on equipment since you're not starting from scratch. SimpliSafe only works with SimpliSafe sensors. No exceptions.

SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans

SimpliSafe's monitoring starts at $32.99 per month, which covers professional monitoring to police, fire, and medical, plus the app and camera access with cloud storage. If you want their Active Guard feature (a live agent watching your outdoor cameras between 8 PM and 6 AM), that bumps up to $49.99 per month. And if you want Active Guard running 24/7, it's $79.99 per month. That's expensive, but it's a feature most security systems don't offer at all, so there's not much to compare it against.

SimpliSafe also has a free self-monitoring tier where you get the app and can arm/disarm remotely, but you don't get professional monitoring or cellular backup. I wouldn't recommend it. Without professional monitoring, you're relying on yourself to call 911, and without cellular backup, a power outage takes out your whole system.

Vivint Monitoring Plans

Vivint starts at $29.99 per month for core security monitoring plus the app. If you want smart home features (automations, thermostat control, etc.), it goes up to $39.99. Add cameras on top of that and you're looking at $49.99 per month, plus $5 for each additional camera beyond the first. My Vivint bill comes to $49 per month because I have two cameras plus smart home plus security monitoring.

SimpliSafe vs Vivint Contracts

Both companies technically offer month-to-month service. With SimpliSafe, it's straightforward. No contract, period. Cancel whenever you want, no penalty.

Vivint is a little more complicated. If you pay for all your equipment upfront, it is month-to-month. But most people finance because Vivint equipment is expensive. If you finance (0% APR for 42 or 60 months), you're obligated to keep the monitoring service active as long as you have a balance on the equipment. So while Vivint calls it "no contract," financing effectively creates one. If you want to cancel early, you need to pay off whatever you owe on the equipment first.

I paid for my SimpliSafe equipment upfront and my Vivint equipment upfront because I'm not a fan of being locked in. But I get why people finance with Vivint. Dropping $1,000+ on equipment all at once isn't realistic for everyone.

Monitoring Verdict

Vivint has the stronger monitoring infrastructure with straight cellular and two-way voice on the panel. SimpliSafe has more flexible plans and the unique Active Guard feature. If monitoring reliability is your top priority, Vivint wins. If you want the option of live human camera monitoring, SimpliSafe has something no one else offers at this price.

SimpliSafe And Vivint Camera Comparison

Both systems offer high-definition cameras with night vision, motion detection, two-way talk, and live viewing from the app. The basics are covered on both sides. But there are some real differences once you look closer.

One thing both systems have in common, and I don't love it: both use proprietary cameras. If you cancel SimpliSafe, your cameras stop working. Same with Vivint. That's a real downside for both companies. Compare that to ADT (which uses Google Nest cameras) or Cove (which uses Eufy cameras), where you keep your cameras working even after canceling. It's something to consider if you think there's any chance you'll switch systems down the road.

SimpliSafe Cameras

SimpliSafe offers an indoor camera, outdoor camera, and doorbell camera. The outdoor camera can run on battery or be plugged in, which is nice if you want to stick a camera on a shed out back where there's no outlet nearby. The battery flexibility gives you options that Vivint can't match in certain spots around the house.

SimpliSafe cameras record motion-triggered video clips. There's no option for 24/7 continuous recording. When something triggers the camera, it records a clip anywhere from 10 to 90 seconds long, and that clip gets stored in the cloud for 30 days.

The biggest downside to SimpliSafe cameras: they stop recording entirely if your Wi-Fi goes down. No Wi-Fi, no video, period. That's a problem if someone cuts your internet or your power goes out during a storm. You lose camera coverage right when you need it most.

I also noticed some stuttering when live streaming the outdoor camera feed. When I walked in front of it and watched the live view, the video was jittery and jumping around. The downloaded clips looked fine, but the live stream wasn't great. That's likely a Wi-Fi bandwidth issue, but it's worth calling out.

Where SimpliSafe really stands out is Active Guard. This is their live video monitoring feature where an actual person at the monitoring station watches your camera feeds. If the outdoor camera picks up motion, the agent can see what's happening and talk to the person through the camera's speaker. If someone's peeking through your windows at 2 AM, that agent can say something and even dispatch police based on what they're seeing. Traditional security systems wait until someone kicks down the door to trip the alarm. Active Guard can potentially stop a crime before it happens.

That service is $49 to $79 per month depending on whether you want overnight or 24/7 coverage. It's pricey, but it's a genuinely unique feature.

Vivint Cameras

Vivint offers an indoor camera, outdoor camera (with an optional floodlight attachment), and a doorbell camera. The cameras need to be plugged in. No battery option. That means you're drilling holes and running wires for outdoor cameras, which is why professional installation matters here.

The video quality is a step up from SimpliSafe. The connection is more stable, the live stream is smoother, and the recordings are clearer. Vivint also offers a power-over-ethernet option, which means you can plug the camera directly into your modem for an even more reliable connection. When I compared the live feeds side by side, Vivint's cameras were noticeably smoother than SimpliSafe's.

Vivint cameras keep recording even without Wi-Fi. If your internet goes down, the cameras store footage locally and you can view recordings directly from the Vivint panel. SimpliSafe cameras stop recording entirely without Wi-Fi. That's a big difference.

Vivint also offers 24/7 continuous recording as an add-on for $7 per month. If you want every minute recorded, not just motion clips, that option exists. SimpliSafe doesn't offer it at all.

Vivint's version of deterrence is automated rather than human-monitored. When the cameras detect motion in deter mode, they play a whistle sound, flash an LED ring around the camera lens, and (with the floodlight attachment) light up your entire yard. It's designed to grab the intruder's attention and make them look directly at the camera. I know if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't be sticking around.

Camera Verdict

Vivint has better video quality, a more stable connection, records without Wi-Fi, and offers continuous recording. SimpliSafe cameras have battery flexibility and the unique Active Guard live monitoring feature. If camera quality and reliability matter most, go with Vivint. If you want a live person watching your cameras, SimpliSafe is the only game in town at this price.

DIY vs Professional Installation

This is one of the biggest differences between these two home security systems.

Installing SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe is completely DIY. You unbox everything, download the app, plug in the base station, and follow the on-screen prompts to pair your sensors and cameras. The sensors use peel-and-stick adhesive. Pull off the backing, stick it on the door frame, done. No drilling, no tools.

The whole process took me about two to three hours. The sensors and base station were simple. The cameras added some time but nothing too bad. Out of all the DIY security systems I've reviewed, SimpliSafe did the best job making the process approachable. If you've never installed a security system before, you'll be fine here.

Since everything is wireless and adhesive-mounted, SimpliSafe is renter-friendly. When you move out, peel the sensors off and take everything with you. No holes, no damage, no reinstallation fee.

Installing Vivint

Vivint sends a technician to your house who handles everything. They connected all my sensors, set up the panel, tested the system, and installed the outdoor camera with the floodlight. The outdoor camera installation alone was worth it. Running wires from outside to inside, drilling through the wall, sealing everything up. I wouldn't want to do that myself.

My Vivint installation took about two to three hours as well. The technician walked me through the app, showed me how to arm and disarm, and explained how to set up automations. There's a level of confidence that comes with knowing a professional who installs these systems all day long set everything up correctly the first time.

And like I mentioned earlier, if your house already has an existing hardwired security system from a previous owner, Vivint's technician can integrate those sensors into your new setup. That's a real advantage if you're moving into a house that already has wiring in place. SimpliSafe can't do that.

Professional installation with Vivint starts at around $99, though they frequently waive or discount the fee through promotions. Check Vivint's current installation deals here.

Installation Verdict

If you want hands-off setup done by a pro (especially for outdoor cameras), Vivint is the way to go. If you're comfortable with DIY and want to save money, SimpliSafe's installation is straightforward and renter-friendly.

Vivint Smart Home Automation

This is where Vivint pulls way ahead. SimpliSafe barely does home automation at all. It works with an automatic deadbolt attachment that lets you lock and unlock your door from the app and use a PIN code. That's it. No thermostat control, no light switches, no Z-Wave support, no automations beyond the door lock.

Vivint connects to anything Z-Wave compatible. Door locks, thermostats, garage door openers, light switches. Everything shows up in the Vivint app alongside your security system and cameras. One app, one hub, everything in one place.

You can also set up automations. Monday through Friday at 9 PM, automatically arm the alarm, lock the front door, and turn off the lights. Or when you set the system to Away mode, have it lock all doors and lower the thermostat. Each device can act as a trigger that fires off other actions. You can get creative with it and turn your house into a real smart home.

If smart home features matter to you at all, SimpliSafe can't compete in this category. Vivint is the only option here.

Comparing The SimpliSafe App And Vivint App

I actually like both apps, and I was pleasantly surprised by SimpliSafe. When you think of SimpliSafe, you think "basic." But the app is well-designed, responsive, and checks all the boxes. You can arm and disarm, watch camera feeds, get notifications, and download video clips.

The Vivint app has more features because of the smart home integration. You can control your door locks, thermostat, lights, and garage door alongside your cameras and alarm. There's also just a level of polish to the Vivint app where you can tell they put real thought into how people interact with it. It's easier to navigate and feels more refined.

Both apps work remotely from anywhere with cell service. Both let you get push notifications, view live camera feeds, and download clips. The SimpliSafe app has strong ratings (4.8 iOS, 4.5 Android). Vivint's ratings are slightly lower on Android (4.6 iOS, 3.8 Android), mostly from users reporting occasional slowness.

I'd call this one roughly a tie on the core security features. But if smart home control matters to you, the Vivint app does more because the system does more.

SimpliSafe vs Vivint Pricing And Costs

SimpliSafe Equipment Costs

My SimpliSafe system had a retail price of about $965. I was able to get 50% off through a promotion and paid $530 for all the equipment. SimpliSafe runs discounts frequently, so I'd recommend waiting for a deal before buying. At full price, it's hard to justify when Vivint packages start around $599.

Vivint Equipment Costs

Vivint has packages starting around $599, but I went with the full setup (cameras, door lock, thermostat, the works) and paid a little over $1,000. Vivint offers 0% APR financing for 42 or 60 months, which makes the upfront cost more manageable. Just remember that financing means you're committed to the monitoring service for the length of the loan.

Monthly Monitoring Costs

Plan	SimpliSafe	Vivint
Core security monitoring	$32.99/mo	$29.99/mo
Security + smart home	N/A	$39.99/mo
Security + cameras	$32.99/mo (included)	$49.99/mo
Live camera monitoring (overnight)	$49.99/mo	N/A
Live camera monitoring (24/7)	$79.99/mo	N/A

SimpliSafe's base plan at $32.99 includes camera access and cloud storage, which is nice. You don't have to pay extra just to use your cameras. With Vivint, camera access bumps you up to the $49.99 tier, plus $5 per additional camera.

Where SimpliSafe gets expensive is Active Guard. If you want the live agent watching your cameras, you're looking at $49 to $79 per month. That's a lot. But if you only care about standard monitoring with cameras, SimpliSafe's $32.99 plan is cheaper than Vivint's comparable $49.99 plan.

Total Cost Comparison

Cost	SimpliSafe	Vivint
Equipment (with deals)	~$530	~$599 - $1,000+
Monthly (security + cameras)	$32.99/mo	$49.99/mo
Annual monitoring cost	$395.88/yr	$599.88/yr
First year total	~$925	~$1,199 - $1,600+

SimpliSafe is cheaper in the first year by $200 to $700 depending on how much Vivint equipment you buy. That gap narrows over time since the monthly cost difference is about $17, which adds up to roughly $204 per year.

Pricing Verdict

SimpliSafe wins on price for standard security monitoring with cameras. Vivint costs more but gives you professional installation, smart home automation, better cameras, and a more robust overall system. The question is whether those extras are worth the premium to you.

Which Home Security System Should You Get?

After testing both, here's where I land.

Get SimpliSafe If You Want Affordable Security With Unique Camera Monitoring

SimpliSafe is the right pick if you want reliable home security at a lower price point, with the option to add live camera monitoring that no one else offers for this kind of money. The DIY installation is easy, there's no contract, and the base monitoring plan at $32.99 per month includes camera access.

The main tradeoffs: no touchscreen panel, proprietary cameras that stop working if you cancel, limited smart home features, and cameras that don't record without Wi-Fi. If those things don't bother you, SimpliSafe is a solid system.

If you're a renter, SimpliSafe is a great fit. Everything is wireless, nothing requires drilling, and you can take the entire system with you when you move. The month-to-month plan means you're never locked into anything.

Check SimpliSafe's current offers here.

Get Vivint If You Want The Best Smart Home Security System

Vivint is the better system. I'll say that straight up. Professional installation means everything is set up right the first time, including the outdoor cameras that require drilling and wiring. The touchscreen panel is easier to use than SimpliSafe's push-button keypad. Smart home automation lets you control your locks, thermostat, and lights alongside your security. The cameras have better video quality, a more stable connection, and they keep recording even when Wi-Fi goes down.

The trade-off is cost. Vivint's equipment runs higher, the monthly monitoring is about $17 more for the camera tier, and financing effectively locks you in until you've paid off the balance. But if you're a homeowner who wants the full smart home security experience, Vivint is worth the money.

If you already have a hardwired security system from a previous owner, Vivint can integrate those existing sensors and save you on equipment costs. SimpliSafe can't do that.

Check Vivint's current offers here.

The Bottom Line

For budget-conscious buyers who want solid home security with no strings attached (and maybe live camera monitoring), SimpliSafe is the move. Lower monthly cost, no contract, easy DIY setup.

For homeowners who want the full smart home security package with professional installation, a touchscreen panel, straight cellular monitoring, and home automation, Vivint is worth the premium. You're paying more, but you're getting a lot more in return.

Both systems monitor 24/7 to police, fire, and medical. You're making a good choice either way. It comes down to how much you want to spend and whether smart home features matter to you.