When it comes to keeping your home and family safe, few things are as important as a reliable home security system. As technology advances, DIY smart home security cameras and professionally installed systems aim to give homeowners peace of mind.
Two popular options — Wyze and Vivint — offer features like mobile alerts, smart home integrations, professional monitoring, and AI-powered detection. But is one better than the other?
A Brief Comparison Table
Below is an at-a-glance comparison before we dive into the pros, cons, and standout capabilities:
| Feature | Wyze | Vivint |
| Equipment Cost | Affordable, cameras <$50 | Expensive, packages $599+ |
| Professional Install | DIY | Pro install included |
| Monitoring | Optional plan | Required purchase |
| Contract | No long-term contract | 42-60 month contracts |
| Smart Home Integrations | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT | Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue, Zigbee, Z-Wave |
| Detection Features | Person, vehicle, pet | Person, vehicle, pet, smoke, CO |
| Video Storage | Local SD card or cloud plans | Cloud storage only |
Pros and Cons of Wyze Home Security
Founded in 2017 in Seattle, Wyze burst onto the home security scene with an almost unbelievable promise — deliver functional, HD home monitoring cameras for less than $20.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable equipment
- Easy self-setup and installation
- 14-day free cloud storage (Cam Plus plans available)
- Alerts for motion and sound detection
- Integrates with Alexa and Google voice assistants
Cons
- Completely DIY, no professional installation
- No 24/7 professional monitoring
- Limited tech support and customer service
- No long-term data storage
- video quality trails higher-end brands
Key Features of Wyze Cams and Sensors
While prices have increased slightly since their debut product, Wyze still offers home security components like cameras, sensors, door locks, and more for significantly less than competitors. Their product line includes:
- Wyze Cam – indoor/outdoor cam with HD video, motion/sound triggers, color night vision – $19.99-$35.98
- Wyze Cam Pan – rotates 360° to track motion with time-lapse, auto-zoom tracking – $37.98
- Wyze Cam Outdoor – wireless outdoor cam, IP65 weather resistance – $35.98-$73.98
- Wyze Cam Floodlight – HD cam + 2000 lumen floodlights with motion-activated lighting – $79.98
- Complete Motion Sensor – wireless motion activation up to 23ft – $7.98
- Wyze Lock – smartphone-controlled deadbolt – $77.47
With affordable, standalone pricing across smart security devices, Wyze makes protecting your home accessible. But the low costs mean there are some compromises compared to premium providers. Still, Wyze currently protects over 2 million households and counting in more than 200 countries.
Pros and Cons of Vivint Home Security
In sharp contrast to Wyze’s affordably priced DIY approach, Vivint Smart Home focuses on professional installation and monitoring of state-of-the-art home security systems.
Pros
- Professional consultation & installation
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Fast emergency response times
- Whole-home equipment packages ($599-$899 or financing)
- Smart home integration & automation
- Customizable components to protect any home
Cons
- Very expensive equipment & monthly fees
- Long, multi-year contracts (42-60 months)
- Cancellation fees ($900+ per remaining contract year)
- Sales visits can seem pushy
Key Features of Vivint Security Systems
Since the company began 20 years ago, Vivint has grown into the second largest smart home security provider in North America. Their systems leverage the latest tech innovations like automation, AI analytics, wireless connectivity, and smart touchscreen hubs.
Core components in Vivint packages include:
- Small, wireless indoor/outdoor cameras with night vision
- Wide-angle doorbell cameras with HD video (& audio in some models)
- Touchscreen smart hub to control full system and view live feed
- Backup 4G LTE cellular connectivity if wifi goes down
- Sensors monitor doors, windows, motion, smoke, carbon monoxide, water leaks, temperature changes and more
- Voice assistant compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Optional smart locks, lighting, and thermostat control for full-home automation
Vivint aims to create a customized smart home security ecosystem for maximum protection. But all that advanced tech, professional service, and customization comes at a steep price.
Battle of Features: Wyze And Vivint Compared
Now that you know the basics of Wyze and Vivint’s individual systems, how do you determine which solution is the best fit for your needs?
By comparing the core features and capabilities side-by-side, you can weigh what matters most — advanced components or affordable pricing. Let’s break down how Wyze and Vivint stack up across categories:
Cost Comparison
- Equipment – No contest here. Wyze hardware runs $20-$80 for single components, while packaged Vivint systems cost $599+ (or $49.99-$69.99/month financing over 42-60 months).
- Installation – DIY Wyze setup vs Pro install from Vivint (starts at $99).
- Monitoring – Optional Cam Plus cloud storage for Wyze starting at $1.99/month per cam. Vivint requires paying $39.99+/month for monitoring contract.
- Long-Term Commitment – Wyze has no contracts. Vivint locks customers into 42-60 month monitoring commitments.
Winner: Wyze – For shoppers prioritizing affordability and flexibility, Wyze clearly wins in terms of cost.
Monitoring & Emergency Response
- Professional Monitoring – Wyze options max out at cloud storage plans. Vivint monitoring required for $39.99+/month
- Emergency Dispatch – No guaranteed emergency response from Wyze. Vivint dispatch has average 6-second call connection and 30-second personnel deployment time.
- Alert Notification – Both platforms send instant mobile alerts for detection events.
Winner: Vivint – Unbeatable professional monitoring and nation’s fastest verified emergency response.
Equipment & Installation
- Cameras – Wyze and Vivint cams offer 1080p HD recording, infrared night vision, motion/sound detection alerts. Vivint outdoor cam battery-powered for flexible placement.
- Smart Hub – Wyze views live feed in app. Vivint optional touchscreen hub ($299) offers system controls and live cams.
- Sensors – Both have door, window and motion sensors. Vivint also detects smoke, CO, temperature, water leaks plus offers more automation/integration.
- Installation – Wyze equipment self-installed. Vivint professional installation with home consultation.
Winner: Tie. Comparable detection tech but Vivint sensors offer more depth while Wyze wins on installation flexibility.
Smart Home & AI Integration
- Voice Assistants – Wyze and Vivint integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control.
- Automation – Wyze pieces work independently or with IFTTT applets. Vivint components integrate for robust home automation.
- AI Analytics – Both claim AI learning to reduce false alerts. But Vivint detection said to be more advanced.
Winner: Vivint due to stronger whole-home integration potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For affordable standalone cameras, Wyze ranks among the best in terms of video quality, detection features, and cost versus premium brands like Nest, Ring, Arlo, Eufy, and others. However, pricier whole home systems from ADT, Vivint, Brinks and more offer more advanced camera tech when purchased as part of robust professionally installed and monitored packages.
The top home security system providers are:
1. Vivint – Israel-based platform with customized whole-home equipment packages and advanced detection sensors backed by live monitoring and emergency response personnel
2. ADT – Longtime industry leader with strong brand recognition along with complete DIY and traditional professionally installed security bundles
3. Xfinity Home – Comcast’s robust smart home platform leveraging their existing infrastructure offers solid monitoring plans and integration
No. Despite their affordably priced equipment, U.S company Wyze is actually based in Seattle, though their cameras and sensors are manufactured in China. However, some security experts argue broader data privacy protections apply to American companies over those operating under Chinese laws. But Wyze claims ownership of users’ data recorded through their cameras and hardware.
Yes, Wyze built its reputation on affordable pricing for capable smart home security components. Though video quality and advanced detection can’t match expensive competitors, Wyze cameras reliably perform monitoring and alert basics for minimal investment. Their continued expansion into equipment like smart locks and releases of new cameras aim to further establish Wyze as a budget-friendly crowd favorite.
Closing Remarks
With the breakdown above comparing core features, is Wyze or Vivint the right home security system for you? Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:
- Is professional installation and monitoring important? If so, Vivint is likely the better choice.
- Do you want flexibility or prefer the assurance of long-term security? Short-term Wyze may win vs multi-year Vivint contracts.
- Is keeping costs affordable most vital? Then Wyze can’t be beaten. But Vivint offers more robust protection.
- How tech-savvy are you? Vivint meant for any user while Wyze works best for those comfortable setting up their own system.
Ultimately, choosing between Wyze and Vivint depends on your budget, comfort with technology, and home security priorities. Both platforms can monitor your home effectively, but Vivint does offer greater depth despite higher prices.
Consider cost against capabilities carefully before deciding which provider to trust.
