Vivint Smart Home Automation Review

Vivint smart home systems offer around-the-clock security with professional monitoring, high-tech cameras and customizable automation. All of it is controlled through a user-friendly app and a 7-inch Smart Hub touchscreen panel that’s affixed to your wall. You can also access your Vivint system via voice using an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant device.

When you’re away from your home, the app lets you monitor and control everything from door and window sensors to smart door locks and smart thermostats. You can create custom alerts and set up timed events, such as locking your doors before you leave the house for work or turning down the lights at night. And you can integrate your Vivint equipment with a variety of smart devices, including Philips Hue and Nest.

The Smart Hub doubles as a video intercom, and you can use the speaker on its front to communicate with visitors or Vivint’s monitoring team. This two-way talk feature is a great addition, since it’s easier and safer than putting yourself in danger by walking up to the front door to speak with delivery people or strangers. Plus, you can use the Hub’s speakers to scare off a would-be intruder.

A Vivint starter kit includes a SkyControl panel and your choice of smart sensors (door/window, motion, glass break, flood/freeze, smoke and carbon monoxide). You can add more devices a la carte. Most Vivint products are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use those voice commands to arm your system, check camera feeds or turn on the kitchen lights. Vivint’s installers will get all that integration up and running for you during the initial setup.

With its customizable features and professional monitoring, Vivint is a top choice for homeowners who want to keep their homes safe, comfortable and energy-efficient. But the company is pricier than many of its competitors. Plus, its cancellation policy is a little tight: customers have only three days to cancel service before the contract kicks in. That’s compared to 30 days for most other home security companies, like ADT Command.

Vivint’s system works with a wide variety of Z-Wave devices, and its apps for Android and iOS make it easy to control all of your devices from one place. The smart doorbell camera can recognize your face and alert you when someone is nearby, and the indoor/outdoor cameras come with a feature that automatically closes your garage door at night and starts a recording when somebody approaches the front door. And if you have a Kwikset smart lock, you can use your smartphone to unlock the door. You can even pair your Vivint system with a Smart Home Pro thermostat to keep your home at the ideal temperature.