People may now take control of their own home security, thanks to advances in technology. Vivint and Ring Security are two home security companies from where the best security equipment for your home can be purchased.
Vivint is a more service-oriented company that requires a contract as well as expert installation and monitoring. Ring, on the other hand, is a home security system that you can install yourself and works effortlessly with other home automation devices and processes.. However, Vivint and Ring both provide credible and dependable home security services. They are, nevertheless, very different in many ways.
Price Comparison
Vivint installation can cost up to $250, however, it is sometimes waived. If you time it right and don’t need a home security system right away, you can get in on some Vivint deals that will waive those fees. Furthermore, it never hurts to ask to get them waived. Vivint is available in two setups: the Basic plan and the Smart Home Plan. The Basic Plan costs $29.99, while the Smart Home Plan starting out will cost $39.99. The overall cost is determined by the devices you choose to add to the system you wish to purchase.
Furthermore, because Vivint does not sell its equipment individually, looking up costs online is futile and very difficult (I believe it’s by design). You can expect to pay around $600 to get started unless you sign a contract and pay for your equipment in installments. They also have financing for as much as 60 months, which will lower the monthly cost of your equipment, but you’re still paying a lot of money for it. Granted, the equipment is phenomenal and premium, but you’re going to pay the top price for it.
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When it comes to Ring, the buyer will have to spend less money in advance. You can get started with Ring’s basic protection plan + an older generation Ring Doorbell Camera for less than $200. However, you will have to spend more money on upgrades and equipment. The Ring’s basic home security system costs roughly $199 if purchased straight from the company (and currently on Amazon). If you only want the smart doorbell, they start at $99 and go up to $349 for the most costly version.
If you want to have Ring’s monitoring service, the Protect Basic plan starts at $3 per camera per month, which means $30 annually. You can upgrade to the Protect Plus plan for $10 per month or $100 per year for an unlimited number of cameras and an extended warranty. You can also buy additional devices, like sensors and smoke or CO detectors, which range in price from $20 to $50.
Installation
As Ring’s home security system has a DIY option, it may be installed for free. Moreover for your ease, Ring can offer expert installation starting at $100 per device installation. Additional devices, such as Ring’s security cameras, will require a separate installation fee. Fortunately, Vivint’s installation fee is much more transparent. Professional installation costs $99. A technician would install all of the system’s required components selected by the client. In this regard, I think this puts Vivint ahead of other high-end professional home security systems.
But don’t let the DIY aspect of the Ring home security system deter you. Usually, when we hear DIY, we think it’s going to take hours and hours to learn and set up. This is not the case with Ring. You can have your Ring doorbell operating in about 30 minutes, add another 30 minutes to install, and another 15-20 minutes to get comfortable with the app. And if I’m being perfectly honest, I like to install the equipment myself because you get to understand on a personal level how the smart devices work and operate. In fact, I love installing Ring’s security component because it’s really easy and you get complete control over the install. Installing door and window sensors is as easy as peeling and sticking on the tech. So if you run into a situation where something doesn’t work, it’s a lot easier to fix it yourself than to have a technician come out and look at it.
Accessories
Both Vivint and Ring provide a wide range of accessories, cameras, locks, and other devices to guarantee your property is entirely secure. The key benefit of Ring is that it has slightly more camera possibilities. Ring’s cameras are more abundant and use newer technologies, ranging from video doorbells for the front entrance to outside cameras that can detect activity using radar technology. Furthermore, the Alexa integration is an amazing benefit. You get the ability to see someone at your door on your Alexa Show.
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The camera options at Vivint may be limited compared to other professional-grade home security systems, but, other smart home gadgets can be installed in your house including a smart thermostat, smart lock, garage door controller, smart lighting, and many more. If you’re one who wants all of your home security tech to be the same brand under the same umbrella of service, Vivint is the way to go. But that doesn’t mean Ring devices can work interdependently with other smart home devices from different brands.
Contracts and Warranties
Vivint’s contract of five years is lengthy, which is longer than the average security system monitoring agreement. You may avoid the contract by purchasing the equipment in advance, but this will cost you at least $600. We can have a debate about contracts and why they’re good and bad for the consumer, but for this article, we’ll just keep to the facts and inform you that there is a robust contract with Vivint. Ring, on the other hand, does not require a contract, but you are responsible for all equipment expenditures from the start.
Ring’s Protect Plus plan includes a lifetime guarantee, whereas Vivint gives a four-month warranty. If you need to repair equipment after four months, Vivint charges a fee.
Apps and User Interface
The Ring and Vivint have applications that are highly rated by their users, with 4.5/5 on average across iOS and Android users. You may use the applications to:
- Activate and deactivate your system.
- Close and reopen doors
- Change the lighting and temperature.
- Smart gadgets (such as wall plugs) and appliances may be controlled.
- View, record, and share video from various cameras and places at the same time.
- Add users and visitors
Ring and Vivint applications are nearly identical. However, Ring does have one distinct advantage: the Neighbors function. You can obtain real-time crime and safety updates in your neighborhood thanks to a growing community of Ring users and cooperation with local law enforcement organizations. As a result, you will be notified of any nearby break-ins. Even if you don’t have a Ring device, you can still get access to this feature (which again…is another reason I love Ring).
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Ring or Vivint: Which Home Security System Do You Get?
The right choice may come down to which equipment you like, what type of installation you desire, and if you prefer to pay now or over time. Vivint is the alternative to choose if you want a technologically advanced home security system with all the bells and whistles. It is more expensive than standard home security systems, but it provides significantly greater security and convenience.
The ring is also an effective alternative for providing you with the necessary home security at a much more reasonable price. Ring offers home automation as well as a video doorbell for added convenience at an affordable price. I personally use Ring for my smart home security for many reasons. I love the customization and personalization aspects. It connects with other smart home devices seamlessly. I don’t have to buy into long contracts. If something does go down, I can easily fix it or affordably replace it. But most importantly, I love how efficient and simple it is to use.
