Comparison guide
Vivint vs Google Nest: Cameras, Monitoring and Cost
Vivint is the better pick for a monitored alarm system with cameras built in; Google Nest is the better pick for someone who wants a few cameras, no contract, and a $10 monthly video plan. Google stopped selling Nest Secure and ended its support on April 8, 2024, so Nest no longer sells an alarm system of its own. Professional monitoring for Nest devices now comes only through ADT at $39.99 a month. This guide compares 8 attributes, then cameras, monitoring, and 3 cases where each one wins.
Updated by thevivint.com, an independent Vivint Authorized Dealer.
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Which Is Better, Vivint or Google Nest?
Vivint is better for a full alarm system that is professionally installed, monitored, and tied to cameras; Nest is better for a camera-only or renter setup, because a Nest Doorbell costs $179.99, needs no contract, and stores 30 days of events for $10 a month.
The two products stopped being direct rivals when Nest Secure went away. Comparing them now means comparing a security company with a camera brand that hands monitoring to a partner.
Vivint and Nest Side by Side
The table compares 8 attributes using Vivint's published prices and NerdWallet's October 2025 Nest review.
| Attribute | Vivint | Google Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm system | Yes: hub, sensors, siren, keypad | No: Nest Secure ended April 8, 2024 |
| Professional monitoring | $24.99 to $44.99 per month | Only through ADT, $39.99 per month |
| Video plan | Included in $44.99 camera plan | Google Home Premium: $10 Standard, $20 Advanced |
| Doorbell camera | $249.99 | $179.99 (wired or battery) |
| Outdoor camera | $399.99 | $179.99 battery; $279.99 with floodlight |
| Installation | Professional, included with the system | DIY; OnTech installs from $159.99 |
| Contract | 36 months, or month to month when equipment is paid upfront | None |
| Smart home | Hub runs locks, thermostat, garage, lights | Google Home app and Nest devices |
Sources: vivint.com specials page, October 2026; NerdWallet Google Nest review, October 2025.
How Do the Cameras Compare?
Nest cameras cost less per camera ($179.99 against $249.99 to $399.99); Vivint cameras do more on their own, because the Outdoor Camera Pro runs Smart Deter (a light and tone that warn off a person who lingers) and every Vivint camera can trigger the alarm and the monitoring centre.
Nest uses familiar-face alerts and sound detection for smoke, carbon monoxide, and glass break on the $10 plan. Vivint records clips to the cloud and to an optional local Smart Drive. The Vivint camera lineup lists each model's storage and field of view.
How Does Monitoring Compare?
Vivint monitors its own systems from its own centres, starting at $24.99 a month; Nest has no monitoring of its own, so a Nest owner who wants police dispatch buys ADT monitoring at $39.99 a month, which NerdWallet reports includes a Google Home Premium plan.
Without ADT, a Nest system is self-monitored: alerts go to your phone and you decide whether to call 911. The Vivint vs ADT comparison covers the ADT side in full.
Choose Each in 3 Cases
Each one wins in 3 situations.
| Choose Vivint when | Choose Google Nest when |
|---|---|
| You want police dispatch on every alarm without buying a second service | You rent and need cameras you can take down in an hour |
| You want a technician to install sensors, cameras, and locks in one visit | You want 1 or 2 cameras and no alarm system at all |
| You want cameras, locks, and thermostat to act on arming | You already run a Google Home setup and want everything in one app |
Pricing for a full Vivint system is on the Vivint pricing page.
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