Comparison guide
Vivint vs ADT Self Setup: Professional Install vs DIY ADT
Vivint and ADT Self Setup both start at $24.99 a month for monitoring, but they sell to different buyers: ADT Self Setup is a DIY kit from $269 with no long-term contract, while Vivint is professionally installed and its $24.99 rate comes with a 36-month agreement. ADT's own professionally installed plans cost $10 more a month than Self Setup. This guide compares 7 attributes, then installation, contract, and 3 cases for each.
Updated by thevivint.com, an independent Vivint Authorized Dealer.
Free Vivint quote for your address. Installation is currently free for new customers.
Which Is Better, Vivint or ADT Self Setup?
Vivint is better for buyers who want a technician to install and configure everything, including cameras and locks; ADT Self Setup is better for buyers who want monitored security with no contract and are happy to stick sensors on themselves.
Vivint and ADT Self Setup Side by Side
The table uses Vivint's October 2026 specials page and NerdWallet's 2026 ADT review.
| Attribute | Vivint | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring | $24.99 with a 36-month agreement; $44.99 with cameras | $24.99 Secure, $29.99 Smart, $39.99 Complete |
| Equipment | HomeProtect from $199.99; regular $349.99 | Base kit from $269 (base station plus 1 sensor) |
| Installation | Professional, included | You install it |
| Contract | 36 months, or month to month with equipment paid upfront | No long-term contract; 1-month minimum |
| Hub screen | Touchscreen Smart Hub | Base station without a screen; touchscreen needs a Nest Hub |
| Cameras | Vivint cameras, $199.99 to $399.99 | Google Nest cameras and doorbell, $179.99 doorbell |
| App | Vivint app | ADT+ app |
Sources: vivint.com specials, October 2026; NerdWallet ADT review, 2026; Security.org ADT Self Setup review.
Installation
Vivint sends a technician who mounts every device, pairs it to the hub, and walks you through the app, usually in 2 to 4 hours; ADT Self Setup ships a kit you place yourself, and ADT charges $10 a month more on every plan if you choose its professionally installed line instead.
The Vivint installation page lists what happens on install day.
Contract
ADT Self Setup has no long-term contract, only a 1-month minimum, and you can keep arming the system free after cancelling monitoring; Vivint's $24.99 rate needs a 36-month agreement, and the month-to-month option is available only when equipment is bought upfront.
ADT's professionally installed plans carry a 36-month term (24 in California) with a cancellation charge of 75% of the remaining balance. The Vivint contract page covers Vivint's cancellation rules.
3 Cases Each
Each one fits 3 situations best.
| Choose Vivint when | Choose ADT Self Setup when |
|---|---|
| You want locks, thermostat, garage, and cameras installed and linked in one visit | You want monitored security with no contract |
| You do not want to drill, mount, or pair devices yourself | You are comfortable with a sticky-mount DIY kit |
| You want cameras that can deter a person on their own | You already own Google Nest cameras |
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