Citywide Alarms vs. Vivint
Vivint and Citywide both install professional, monitored smart home security systems. Citywide is a family-owned St. Louis home security company, and the technicians who install your system are the ones who service it. Here’s where the two differ, side by side.
The Answers Before You Buy
Citywide Alarms and Vivint, Side by Side
| Feature | Citywide Alarms | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Citywide technicians design and install every system | DIY; professional install through a third-party service |
| Mounting | Professionally mounted; hardwired cameras available | Wireless sensors mounted with adhesive strips |
| Support | The local team that installed it, from offices in Clayton and St. Charles | App support and an online knowledge base |
| Company | Family-owned, St. Louis-based since 2010 | National DIY security brand |
| Contracts | No contract required or financing available if qualified | No contract required |
| Keypad / panel | 7-inch touchscreen panel | Physical-button keypad |
| Equipment range | Door, window, motion, glass break, smoke, CO, and flood sensors, plus remote garage control | Core sensors; some types missing, such as garage door sensors |
| 24/7 professional monitoring | Yes | Optional; self-monitoring available |
| Live agents respond through cameras | Live agents view the cameras and notify police or call you directly, with an action plan customized for camera events | Yes, with a camera monitoring plan; agents can access the live feed and use the two-way speaker |
| Cellular connection | No landline or internet required | Cellular backup included |
| Camera lineup | Wireless, IP, and hardwired PoE cameras, plus full NVR systems | Indoor camera, outdoor camera, and a video doorbell |
| Resolution | HD to 4K | Indoor camera records at 1536p |
| Recording | On-site and/or cloud recording; weeks of footage | Cloud storage, included with select plans |
| Video doorbell | Yes, KSDK's top video doorbell provider in St. Louis | Yes (wired) |
| Home automation | Smart locks, lights, thermostat, and garage control, with remote arming | Limited |
| Business security | Commercial security, access control, and commercial fire systems | Business plans available; smoke and CO detectors are designed for residential use |
SimpliSafe information based on SafeHome.org's SimpliSafe and ADT reviews, SafeWise's SimpliSafe equipment guide, and SimpliSafe's business security support page, as of October 2026.
See what a Citywide system looks like for your home.
Get A Free QuoteKey Differences Between Our Alarm Systems and Vivint
What Happens If You Ever Leave
Vivint contracts can run up to five years when equipment is financed, and the money-back window after installation is three days. According to SafeHome, the equipment barely works without a Vivint subscription, and the warranty lasts only as long as you keep one. We are glad to walk through ours with you, so you can compare the terms side by side.
A Local, Family-Owned Company
Vivint has been owned by NRG Energy since 2023. Citywide is family-owned and based in St. Louis, where we have been since 2010, with offices in Clayton and St. Charles. The technicians who install your system are the ones who service it
Cameras Designed Around Your Property
Vivint offers its own camera line, with indoor, outdoor, spotlight, and doorbell models. Citywide designs the coverage first and picks cameras to fit it. Along the front of the house, that might be a hardwired PoE camera feeding an NVR for continuous recording. Camera image quality runs up to 4K, with a 4MP floodlight camera for dark corners, and detection features. Explore our security cameras and camera options.
Home and Business Under One Company
Citywide covers both sides of the job. For your home, that means alarms, cameras, and smart home. For your business, it means business security and access control, along with commercial fire systems, medical alert systems, and 3M security window film. If you own a home and a business, or you are about to open a second location, one local team can design both systems and service them together.
Switching from Vivint
Before canceling, check your contract and any remaining financing balance, since both decide the best time to switch. When you are ready, a Citywide technician walks through your home, designs the cameras, alarm, and smart home controls around it, and installs the system. Our home security, home alarm, and smart home systems are all handled by the same local team.
What Others Think Of Our Service
Proudly Serving Construction Sites All Over The St. Louis Metro
Citywide Alarms provides trusted security solutions throughout St. Louis and surrounding communities. Whether you’re a home or a business, we’re ready to help you protect what matters most.
- St. Louis7733 Forsyth Blvd. Suite 1100
Saint Louis, MO 63105
- St. Charles965 Sycamore Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63304
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If we didn’t answer all of your questions, feel free to contact us at anytime.