The home security industry is a very extensive field where many companies find opportunities. And different companies offer different features that distinguish them. Still, not every company provides security accessories directly to customers. As an example, Alarm.com is more like a mediator between hardware manufacturers and dealers, who only lends its own hardware and smartphone application to partner companies. On the other hand, Vivint is maintaining its own monitoring service to complement the security package they sell, and they developed their own unique features too.
| Main Features | Vivint | Alarm.com |
| Logo |  |  |
| BBB Rating | A+ | |
| Year Established | 1999 | 2000 |
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
| Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site |
| Coupons | Coupons | Coupons |
| 24/7 Security Monitoring |  |  |
| Fire & Environmental Protection | | |
| Video Monitoring | | |
| Health Monitoring | | |
| Home Automation | | |
| Response Time | Immediate |
Vivint | Alarm.com | |
| | |
| Equipment Brand | Vivint | Various brands |
| Equipment Warranty | Lifetime | |
| Wireless Technology | | |
| Cellular Technology | | |
| Self Installation | | |
| Professional Installation | | |
| Window/Door Sensors | | |
| Glass Sensors | | |
| Security Cameras | | |
| Motion Sensors | | |
| Garage Door Sensors | | |
| Sirens | | |
| Intercom Systems | | |
| Personal Security Devices | | |
| Smoke Detectors | | |
| Heat Detectors | | |
| CO Detectors | | |
| Water Flood Sensors | | |
| Freeze Sensors | | |
Vivint | Alarm.com | |
| Starting Price | $49.99/mo | |
| Activation Fee | $99 | |
| Subscription Commitment | 42 months | |
| Shipping & Returns | $0 | |
| Custom Package | | |
| Free Trial | 30 days |
Vivint | Alarm.com | |
| Online Account Management | | |
| iPhone/iPad App | | |
| Android App | | |
| Text Alerts | | |
| History Reports | | |
| Phone | | |
| Live Chat | | |
| | |
| FAQ | | |
| Tutorials | | |
| Videos | | |
Vivint
Vivint is an innovator in the home security world, providing much more than just alarms and sirens. The company built multiple lines that are protecting the customer’s house. The first line is a wide list of motion sensors, window contacts, cameras and smart locks. Their wireless nature allows you to place them in a flexible and easy manner. These are all supervised by the touchscreen base station, where you are able to arm and disarm the system. The second line of defense is the monitoring center. When an alarm goes off, the operators will instantly notice it, and they can be contacted in an emergency too. The last line is your own smartphone: using Vivint’s own app, you can check on a camera’s feed, or remotely adjust your defenses.
Vivint Overview
Home Security Equipment
Besides these features, which are mostly common with other home security providers, Vivint offers some fairly unique services. They provide a broadband internet connection to supplement their cellular systems, and its speed can go up 100 megabit per second. There is cloud storage available as well, which is a nice way to back up all your important photos and videos, or alternatively use it to stream security footage to your phone. Lastly, Vivint is ready to install solar panels on your roof. This very unique service helps homeowners switch to green energy, helping them save on the energy bills.
Alarm.com
Unlike Vivint, who keeps all the necessary functions in its own hands, Alarm.com is kind of a negotiator, who collects the best available offers from the manufacturers, bundles them together, and then passes it towards dealers. Alarm.com has contracts with such renowned brands like 2GIG Technologies, DSC, Interlogix, Qolsys. The combined list provides a great choice of cameras, motion sensors, image sensors, smart locks, base consoles, keypads and smart devices. This is coupled with Alarm.com’s very own smartphone app that is compatible with all the above mentioned products, and the user can monitor their status too.
Alarm.com Overview
Alarm.com Features
Alarm.com Smartphone Monitoring
It’s true that Alarm.com has a big display of equipment and a top-notch app, but the company doesn’t sell it directly to customers. Instead it works through dealer companies. Those who become partners with Alarm.com can partake in the dealership program where they are guided with tutorials and training materials. After a company became an authorized dealer, it can pick the equipment it wishes to sell, and create its packages. Even though the name and the price tag are different, all Alarm.com dealers sell you the same product, and provide the same smartphone app.
Conclusion
Vivint and Alarm.com are utilizing very distinct business practices. Vivint is charging people for using their monitoring service, with the possible addition of a one-time equipment fee. The company has three different payment plans with varying content that come for a fixed monthly price. Alarm.com’s features are unavailable for the customers themselves, as they only experience them through the dealers. Every Alarm.com partner creates different payment packages with different fees, and the content they provide is also differentiated. On one hand, this is a good way to search through numerous offers to find the most suiting, but on the other hand the search itself can be tedious, while other non-dealer companies also have compelling offers.
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