Most homeowners want a smart home. Here’s what’s holding them back

Smart home and home security service provider Vivint today released the results of a study analyzing how home life has evolved over the past five years. One of the most interesting findings was that 53 percent of homeowners think the smart home is still too expensive, even though 55 percent nonetheless plan to buy one or more new smart devices over the next 12 months.

When Vivint asked 5,000 homeowners about the future of the smart home and which categories they were most excited about, 37 percent named security and protection. One in five respondents (20 percent) said they intended to purchase an outdoor security camera, and 20 percent planned to buy a smart doorbell in the next year.

That said, more than half of respondents—53 percent—said the cost of attaining a smart home was their number one consideration. Ease of installation and day-to-day use of a smart home system were also major impediments, with 20 percent of respondents saying there are too many smart home apps and ecosystems, and 18 percent citing a lack of compatibility with their existing devices as a barrier to buying new devices.

Vivint Home Protect and Home Protect Pro

Vivint already offers our favorite professionally installed smart home system, but it can be expensive. The package we reviewed earlier this year cost about $2,800, plus $55 per month for professional monitoring. Vivint renamed that service Vivint HomeProtect Pro in November and launched a new, lower-cost version—dubbed simply Vivint HomeProtect—at the same time.

While the company still doesn’t have a DIY-install option to compete with the likes of SimpliSafe or the DIY version of the ADT Smart Home Security System we reviewed in October (our review system was professionally installed), Vivint Home Protect looks to be very affordable, and it includes the same professional monitoring service you get with the more comprehensive Pro version, which includes smart home features as well as home security.

Vivint Home Protect costs $199.99 with free installation, but you’ll need to commit to a 36-month contract for professional monitoring at $24.99 per month. A starter kit includes a Vivint Security Hub, a keypad for arming/disarming the system, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Vivint yard sign. You’ll control the system with the Vivint app on your smartphone.

If contracts give you hives, you can opt to pay $349.99 for a Vivint Home Protect System, plus $199 for installation and pay $29.99 per month for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis for as long as you want it.  

Buyers of either package can add one of each of the following devices when they place their order: a Vivint Smart Thermostat ($200); a Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro with a chime extender ($250, plus $7/month for cloud recording and playback); and/or a Kwikset  model 620 Z-Wave smart lock, available in four finishes (starting at $180). The doorbell will cost $310 if it’s ordered after the contract is signed, and there will be installation charges for any devices ordered after the system’s initial setup.

If you want to step up to the company’s complete smart home/home security system, Vivint Home Protect Pro includes the Vivint Smart Hub touchscreen panel, four door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Vivint yard sign. The Pro version also supports smart lighting options as well as indoor and outdoor security cameras, in addition to Vivint’s video doorbell. That system starts at $599.99 for the hardware—including installation—and professional monitoring starting at $44.99 per month.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of professional monitoring, the service involves the company you contract with monitoring your home security system for police, fire, and medical emergencies, and dispatching local first responders in the event of a break-in or other crisis as triggered by a door/window sensor, smoke detector, or a similar device. Most services also have provisions for you to contact the monitoring office for help directly.