Vivint vs Ring Comparison

In terms of home security, both Vivint and Ring offer respectable and reliable service. Both are well-known for providing quality devices. While they are similar in many ways, they are distinctly different in terms of contracts, packages, and pricing. Vivint is more service-oriented, requiring a contract and professional installation and monitoring. Ring, on the other hand, is a do-it-yourself home security system. Although it makes it easy for homeowners and renters to manage their own security, they also offer the option for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis.

Monitoring

Vivint offers two professional monitoring options. With the Basic home plan, you get both burglary and environmental protection for $29.99 a month. This doesn’t include your financing cost. If you want burglary and environmental protection as well as home automation features, it will cost you $39.99 a month plus your financing costs.

Ring is designed to be monitored by the homeowner or renter. If you prefer, however, you can choose their Ring Protect Plus plan and pay for your service by the year for less than $100.

Features

Vivint includes many of the most popular features including full home automation and the ability to access your security system through their easy to use app. Environmental hazard detection, video surveillance (inside and out), motion sensors, a video doorbell, 100% wireless equipment, and the option for cellular or landline connectivity are just a few of Vivint’s best features.

Ring is best known for its video doorbell with two-way communication. It also offers many of the same features as more advanced home security systems including home automation, indoor security cameras, the ability to integrate easily with third-party devices, and a downloadable app that allows you complete access to your system from almost any location.

Costs

Vivint requires (in most cases) a 5-year contract. If you purchase your equipment outright, the contract length is shorter. The 5-year Flex Pay agreement is used when you choose to finance your equipment. Packages range in price from $700 to $1800. Depending on the package you choose, you may be able to pay $12 a month. Prices will increase with each package. Starter kits include the keypad, motion detectors, entry sensors, and environmental sensors. All of their equipment has a lifetime warranty. Vivint encourages potential customers to request a quote through their website or by calling their toll free number.

Ring does not require a contract or professional monitoring, although it is available. Ring’s home security system is purchased upfront and can be found for as low as $150 at a large number of retail outlets. It can also be purchased from Ring.com. The starter kit includes motion sensors, entry sensors, and the keypad, but you have the option to purchase additional items a la carte. This includes the video doorbell viewer and other devices that are designed for home automation. You can sign up for professional monitoring for around $100 if you choose to pay for the entire year upfront.

Installation

Vivint requires professional installation.

Ring is designed to be installed by the homeowner or renter. The starter kit comes with easy to follow instructions. There are also YouTube videos available that will walk you through the installation process.

Summary: Vivint vs Ring

Vivint is the better choice if you are a homeowner and want a technologically advanced home security system with all the bells and whistles. It is more expensive than most home security systems but it provides a much higher level of security and convenience.

Ring is the better choice if you rent your home or just prefer to be more hands-on as a homeowner. It’s also more cost-effective if you want to purchase your system upfront without financing. Ring offers both home automation and a video doorbell for added convenience at a low cost.