Eufy vs Vivint: A Home Security Comparison
Eufy and Vivint both offer home security cameras and connected security equipment, but they take different approaches to protecting a home.
Eufy is largely built around DIY installation, cameras and local video storage. Many of its products can be used without a required monthly subscription. Eufy also offers professional monitoring options through its security platform. (Eufy)
Vivint builds its systems around professional installation and 24/7 professional monitoring. Its cameras, sensors and Smart Hub are intended to operate together as part of a professionally managed security system. (Vivint)
Homeowners in Guardian Alarm’s service area have another option. Guardian Alarm provides professionally installed security systems backed by 24/7 monitoring, along with cameras, home automation and life-safety solutions.
For homeowners comparing Eufy vs. Vivint, the better fit largely depends on whether you prefer a DIY system you manage yourself or a professionally installed and monitored system. Later in this guide, we’ll also look at how Guardian Alarm compares.
Eufy vs. Vivint at a glance
| Feature | Eufy | Vivint |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Primarily DIY | Professional installation |
| Professional monitoring | Available through eligible monitoring offerings | Included with every system |
| Required monthly fee | Not required for many local-storage camera configurations | Monitoring is required |
| Camera resolution | Current models include native 4K recording | Outdoor Camera Pro 3 has a 4K sensor with up to 1080p output |
| Local storage | HomeBase 3 supports expandable local storage up to 16TB | Current cameras offer recording integrated with the Vivint system |
| Cellular/battery backup | Available through HomeBase Professional S1 | Built into Vivint’s monitored security architecture |
What’s the main difference between Eufy and Vivint?
The biggest difference is the service model.
Eufy emphasizes DIY security
Eufy gives homeowners considerable flexibility to choose cameras and other security products and install them themselves.
Its current camera lineup includes battery-powered, solar-powered and wired options. The eufyCam S3 Pro, for example, records in 4K and works with HomeBase 3 for local video storage. HomeBase 3 includes 16GB of built-in storage and can be expanded with a compatible drive up to 16TB. (Eufy S3 Pro; HomeBase 3)
Eufy also offers professional monitoring options. Its current ExpertSecure materials describe a system combining connected sensors, cameras and live expert monitoring.
Vivint emphasizes professionally managed security
Vivint systems are designed around professional installation and monitoring.
Every current Vivint system includes 24/7 professional monitoring. Vivint also says its systems use built-in cellular backup and approximately 24 hours of battery backup so monitoring can remain active during many internet or power outages.
That makes the Eufy vs. Vivint decision less about choosing between two similar products and more about deciding how much of your home security you want to manage yourself.
Eufy vs. Vivint cameras
Eufy offers several high-resolution camera options.
The eufyCam S3 Pro records at 3840 × 2160 resolution and includes radar-powered motion detection. Eufy also offers other configurations with pan-and-tilt functionality, solar charging and multiple lenses.
Vivint’s current Outdoor Camera Pro 3 uses a 4K image sensor and outputs video at up to 1080p. It also uses radar-powered detection and Vivint’s Smart Deter features. The camera operates within the larger Vivint system and can be viewed from the Smart Hub or Vivint app.
If your comparison is primarily about camera resolution and local storage, Eufy offers more options in those areas.
If cameras are one component of a professionally installed and monitored alarm system, Vivint takes a different approach by integrating its cameras with the broader security service.
Video storage
Local storage is an important part of Eufy’s product offering.
HomeBase 3 starts with 16GB of built-in storage and supports expansion up to 16TB with a compatible storage drive. Eufy markets compatible configurations such as the S3 Pro and HomeBase 3 for local security without a required monthly storage fee.
Vivint’s cameras are designed to operate within the company’s broader security platform. Video can be accessed through the Vivint system and app, and current camera features include local recording capabilities on compatible equipment.
Homeowners who specifically want to build a system around large amounts of expandable local storage may therefore find Eufy’s architecture more aligned with that goal.
Professional monitoring
Vivint includes professional monitoring with every current security system.
Its monitoring specialists can receive alarm signals, communicate with the homeowner and contact emergency responders when needed. Vivint says monitoring remains connected through cellular and battery backup if the home’s primary Wi-Fi or power is unavailable.
Eufy also offers professional monitoring. Its current ExpertSecure platform includes live expert monitoring. Homeowners interested in this service should check Eufy’s current plans and system compatibility when purchasing.
For someone who considers professional monitoring a central requirement rather than an optional addition, this is one of the most important areas to compare.
Eufy vs. Vivint pricing
The two companies structure pricing differently, which makes a simple price comparison difficult.
With Eufy, homeowners can purchase many cameras and local-storage products without committing to a required monthly subscription. Optional services can add recurring costs.
Vivint combines equipment with an ongoing monitoring service. Its monitoring and package pricing varies based on the equipment and services selected. Buyers should confirm current terms directly with Vivint before purchasing.
For that reason, it is useful to compare total cost over several years rather than equipment prices alone.
A lower equipment price does not necessarily mean a lower total cost, and a higher ongoing cost may include services that aren’t part of a DIY system.
Who should consider Eufy?
Eufy may make sense for homeowners who:
- Prefer DIY installation.
- Prioritize high-resolution cameras.
- Want expandable local video storage.
- Want the option to use core camera functionality without a required monthly fee.
- Prefer choosing individual security products themselves.
Those characteristics are reflected in Eufy’s current camera and HomeBase product offerings. (Eufy)
Who should consider Vivint?
Vivint may make sense for homeowners who:
- Prefer professional installation.
- Want 24/7 monitoring included with their security system.
- Want cameras and sensors managed within one system.
- Want cellular and battery backup included in the monitored security architecture.
These are core parts of Vivint’s current system and monitoring offering. (Vivint Monitoring)
How does Guardian Alarm compare?
Homeowners within Guardian Alarm’s service area may also want to consider a professionally installed home security system.
Guardian’s overall service model is more similar to Vivint’s than Eufy’s. Guardian designs and professionally installs residential security systems and provides ongoing monitoring and service.
Guardian’s 24/7 monitoring center is UL-certified and monitors security and life-safety alarm signals.
Guardian systems can also incorporate indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells and video analytics.
For homeowners interested in connected-home features, Guardian offers home automation for compatible equipment such as lighting, locks, garage doors and thermostats.
Guardian also offers professionally monitored life-safety solutions, including smoke, carbon monoxide and water detection.
Eufy vs. Vivint vs. Guardian Alarm
| Feature | Eufy | Vivint | Guardian Alarm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary approach | DIY security | Professionally installed and monitored security | Professionally installed and monitored security |
| Installation | Primarily DIY | Professional | Professional |
| Professional monitoring | Optional on eligible systems | Included with the system | Available through Guardian’s 24/7 UL-certified monitoring center |
| Local video storage | Major area of emphasis | Integrated with the broader service | Not the primary focus |
| Cameras | Wide range of standalone and system cameras | Cameras integrated with Vivint’s system | Cameras integrated with Guardian security systems |
| Life-safety monitoring | Available on eligible security configurations | Available | Available |
| Home automation | Available | Available | Available |
| Best fit | Homeowners who prefer more DIY control | Homeowners looking for a professionally managed system | Homeowners in Guardian’s service area looking for professional installation, monitoring and ongoing service |
Guardian currently serves communities across several states. Homeowners can use Guardian’s locations page to determine whether service is available in their area.
Rather than assuming one security model is right for everyone, homeowners should consider how they want their system installed, who will monitor it and how much responsibility they want to retain for managing the equipment themselves.
