App Feature
Vivint centralizes control of a professionally installed Vivint Smart Home system: arm/disarm security, view live and recorded camera feeds with 30-day DVR and Smart Clips, talk through the doorbell with 2-way 180x180 HD video, lock/unlock doors and check garage status, adjust thermostats, automate lights and routines, and receive real-time alerts.
Verdict
Verdict: A robust companion for Vivint smart homes, best if you’re already in the Vivint ecosystem.
Who is it for
Best for:
- Existing Vivint customers wanting full mobile control and alerts
- Homeowners who prefer professionally installed, tightly integrated security and automation
- Users who value doorbell talk, smart deterrence, and 30-day video history
Not ideal for:
- DIY users seeking hardware-agnostic solutions without contracts
- People wanting a free app without a required system subscription
- Those prioritizing broad third‑party device compatibility over a closed ecosystem
Real-world User Experience
Users like it:
Reliable daily use and smooth control after a quick panel reboot; frequent access to arm/disarm and device controls works as expected.
Users complain about:
Occasional hiccups after major Android updates may require a panel reboot to restore normal app behavior.
Is it Worth Paying For?
The app is free with no ads or IAP, but it requires a paid Vivint Smart Home system and subscription. If you already have Vivint, the app delivers strong value as your primary controller. If not, the cost is tied to adopting Vivint’s hardware/services rather than the app itself.
How it Compares to Alternatives
Compared to Ring or Google Nest (DIY-friendly, wider third‑party options), Vivint offers deeper integration across security, cameras, locks, and HVAC with professional installation and 30‑day DVR/Smart Clips. Against ADT, Vivint’s app experience is similarly comprehensive, often with more modern UI and proactive deterrence features. The trade‑off is ecosystem lock‑in and recurring service fees versus the flexibility and potentially lower ongoing costs of some DIY alternatives.
Summary
Vivint’s app serves as the command center for a professionally installed Vivint Smart Home, unifying cameras, security, locks, thermostat, and lighting into an easy mobile experience. It supports quick arming/disarming, 2‑way doorbell talk with 180x180 HD video, 30‑day DVR with Smart Clips, real‑time alerts, and convenient automations. User feedback suggests dependable daily performance, with rare post‑update hiccups that a panel reboot resolves. There are no ads or in‑app purchases, but the app requires a Vivint system and subscription, making it best for existing or prospective Vivint customers who want a tightly integrated, full‑service smart home. DIY users or those seeking a hardware‑agnostic platform may prefer alternatives like Ring or Nest.


