Vivint Basic Security System Components

When it comes to home security, Vivint offers a comprehensive range of components designed to protect your home effectively. With a budget of $1,200, we explored various Vivint products to see how they stack up in terms of functionality and value. Here’s a breakdown of the components we tested:

• Vivint Smart Hub
• Motion Sensors
• Glass Break Sensors
• Entry Sensors
• Smoke and CO Detectors
• Kwikset Smart Lock
• Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro

The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro

A significant portion of our budget went towards the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro, priced at $399. While it may seem steep compared to competitors like the Nest Cam, which can be found for around $279, the Outdoor Camera Pro stands out as Vivint’s flagship product. Its Smart Deter feature utilizes AI to detect potential intruders, activating lights and alarms to deter them before they can enter your home.

Vivint Smart Hub

At the heart of the Vivint system is the Vivint Smart Hub, an essential component for all Vivint packages. This multifunctional panel allows users to arm and disarm the system, control smart home devices, and even watch live camera feeds. Its two-way audio feature is particularly useful during emergencies; for instance, when we simulated a break-in, the monitoring center contacted us through the hub, allowing us to cancel the alarm verbally without needing to reach for our phones.

One of the standout features of the Smart Hub is its resilience. It comes equipped with a 24-hour battery backup, ensuring that it continues to communicate with battery-powered sensors during power outages. If your internet goes down, the hub can seamlessly switch to a cellular connection, making Vivint one of the best cellular security systems available.

Security Sensors

We opted for a variety of security sensors, including motion sensors, door sensors, window sensors, and glass break sensors. All of these devices connected wirelessly to the Smart Hub, sending alerts to our smartphones when triggered. While we found the sensors functional, their design left something to be desired. They didn’t blend well with our home’s aesthetics, standing out like sore thumbs. For a more discreet option, we recommend the recessed door sensors, which are installed flush with the doorframe.

Ping Indoor Camera

In addition to the new equipment, we also tested the Ping Indoor Camera, a device that Vivint no longer offers but still functions well. Released in 2016, it features 1080p video quality and a 155-degree field of view. The unique “call” button allows for video calls with other users on the Vivint plan. Although it has night vision capabilities, we found that adding a couple of nightlights improved its performance in low-light conditions.

Vivint Indoor Camera Pro

Currently, the only indoor camera available from Vivint is the Indoor Camera Pro. This upgraded version maintains the 1080p resolution but adds HDR for improved image quality. It also features a 150-degree viewing angle and retains the “call” button. Notably, the Indoor Camera Pro offers local storage, allowing you to save videos for about ten days, in addition to cloud storage options.

Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro

The Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro is a premium offering, boasting 1080p HD resolution and a 4K image sensor for enhanced video quality. It features HDR to minimize light distortion and has a wide 140-degree viewing angle. The camera also includes impressive night vision capabilities and local storage.

What truly sets the Outdoor Camera Pro apart is its Smart Deter feature, which uses AI to detect intruders and can trigger lights and alarms if someone lingers too long in a designated area. This proactive approach to security is a significant advantage over many other outdoor cameras on the market.

Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro

The Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro has received a significant upgrade, now offering 1664p HDR resolution compared to its predecessor’s 720p. With a 180-degree field of view and infrared night vision, it provides excellent coverage of your front entrance. The doorbell camera also features AI capabilities, distinguishing between delivery drivers and potential porch thieves.

Another notable feature is customizable surveillance zones, allowing you to focus alerts on specific areas, reducing false alarms from passing cars or pets. The Doorbell Camera Pro continues recording even during power outages, thanks to its built-in SD card.

Kwikset Smart Lock

Completing our Vivint package is the Kwikset Smart Lock. This smart lock allows for keyless entry and can be controlled via the Vivint app. It features a physical keypad and the ability to share temporary access codes with guests. The integration with other smart home devices enhances its functionality, such as automatically unlocking when the smoke alarm is triggered.

Vivint’s security system components offer a blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features, making it a strong contender in the home security market. Each component is designed to work seamlessly together, providing peace of mind and convenience for homeowners.