Comparison

Vivint vs Kwikset

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Vivint

Manage your entire smart home ecosystem from a single application. Control security systems, cameras, locks, lighting, and thermostats remotely. Receive real-time alerts for enhanced home safety and energy efficiency.

Highlights
  • Arm/disarm security system
  • Remote camera viewing and recording
  • Two-way talk with doorbell camera
  • Smart lock control
  • Thermostat and lighting management
  • Customizable automation rules
  • Real-time alerts and notifications
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

The Vivint app brings home security, energy management, and smart home features all into one place. Whether you’re on the go or at home, managing your home has never been simpler. The Vivint app allows you to: Arm or disarm your security system Control your whole system anytime, anywhere, with the touch of a button. Arm and disarm your system and set up custom actions to automate your smart home.   Stay in control, even when you’re away See and speak with visitors through your doorbell from anywhere with 2-way talk and clear 180x180 HD video. Unlock the door for a guest, change the temperature, turn on Smart Deter, and much more, even if you’re not home. View live camera feeds and recordings Keep your home safer with cameras and security that work together. Check on what's happening around your home day and night, and rewatch important events with 30-day DVR recording and Smart Clips. Save energy Create custom schedules for your lights and turn them off from anywhere. Adjust your thermostat from your phone to save money, even if you’re away. Lock and unlock your home Know your home is secure by checking the status of your smart locks, and lock or unlock your doors with a swipe. Check to see if the garage door is open through the status indicator on the app, and be alerted right away if you happen to leave it open.   Receive alerts and notifications Know if one of your cameras has deterred a lurker, your garage door was left open, a package has been delivered, and much more. Note: Vivint Smart Home System and service subscription required. Call 877.788.2697 for information on a new System. Note: If you’re looking for the app that supports the Vivint Go! Control Panel, search and download the “Vivint Classic” app.

About

Kwikset

Control and monitor your smart locks remotely, manage guest access with custom codes, and receive instant security alerts. Integrate with popular smart home ecosystems for enhanced automation and peace of mind.

Highlights
  • Remote lock monitoring and control
  • Guest access code management
  • Instant activity and security alerts
  • Multi-home and lock management
  • Smart home ecosystem integration (Wi-Fi, Matter)
  • Encrypted data security
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

At Kwikset, we understand that the locks you choose to protect your home is a decision you do not take lightly. That is why we do not take shortcuts when it comes to quality, because we know that a better lock means better peace of mind. Remote Access Control Monitor the status of your locks and manage your home's access seamlessly from anywhere at any time. Trusted Access Management Share app access with guests or create scheduled or one-time access codes for keyless entry. Instant Activity Alerts Receive instant notifications anytime someone accesses your home, or when invalid codes are entered, or lock tampering occurs. Intuitive Home Management Easily configure and manage multiple homes and locks for complete control. Seamless Integration with Smart Ecosystems Add your lock via Wi-Fi to your preferred smart home ecosystems, including Google Home or Amazon Alexa, or amplify automation through IFTTT. Kwikset’s new Halo Select lock is Matter and Wi-Fi compatible, giving you the same Wi-Fi options as our other Halo locks. With Matter, you can connect to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and other Matter hubs via Thread. Matter features may differ from ecosystem to ecosystem. You can check out www.kwikset.com/matter for more information. Security and Peace of Mind Kwikset provides unparalleled security while safeguarding your privacy. All data shared between the lock, the server, and the Kwikset app is encrypted, and our servers are exclusively hosted in the US. Our goal is to provide you with the utmost convenience, trust, and safety for your smart living experience. The Kwikset App is compatible with all Kwikset Halo and Kwikset Aura smart locks. Kwikset®, a trusted leader in residential security and a registered trademark of ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc., an ASSA ABLOY Group Company

Screenshots

Vivint4 screens
Kwikset4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Vivint at fortnightly against Kwikset's every 3 months. Vivint also leads on ratings volume (875K vs 60K). Kwikset's advantage is review sentiment (48% vs 22%) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ads, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Kwikset holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Vivint has 875K ratings behind it against 60K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 22% of Vivint's written reviews are positive against 48% of Kwikset's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Vivint ships an update fortnightly, Kwikset every 3 months. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Vivint versus Kwikset: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVivintKwikset
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (875K ratings)4.8 (60K ratings) — better
Positive reviews21.8% of reviews47.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings875K — better60K
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#137 — better#209
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size473 MB356 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVivintASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC.

Customer experience

Vivint

All ratings870,505 ratings
Positive90.1%
Neutral3.5%
Negative6.4%
Written reviews2,817 reviews
Positive21.8%
Neutral11.7%
Negative66.5%

Kwikset

All ratings58,076 ratings
Positive97.0%
Neutral1.5%
Negative1.5%
Written reviews601 reviews
Positive47.9%
Neutral12.3%
Negative39.8%

User reviews

Vivint

From 875K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use app
  • 🔒 Provides good security and peace of mind
  • 📽️ Clear and reliable camera footage
  • 🔔 Helpful doorbell and motion detection features
  • 🔌 Integrates well with smart home devices

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes and connectivity issues
  • 🕰️ Slow camera loading and video playback
  • 📉 Declining app performance over time
  • 🔍 Unreliable motion detection and recording
  • 🤖 Poor customer service and technical support

Kwikset

From 60K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 🔒 Secure access
  • 👍 Convenient remote control
  • 👍 Helpful for short-term rentals
  • 👍 Great design

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connectivity issues
  • 🔋 Battery life problems
  • 🐛 Unreliable app performance
  • 🐛 Firmware update challenges
  • 🐛 Difficult setup and pairing

Bugs and requests

Vivint

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • App freezes and fails to load cameras
  • Cameras frequently go offline unexpectedly
  • Alarm system triggers false alarms
  • Sync issues between app, panel, and devices
  • Compatibility problems with newer iOS/Android versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add landscape mode support for tablets
  • Improve customization options for alerts and notifications
  • Integrate with more smart home platforms
  • Provide better video storage and playback capabilities
  • Enhance two-way audio functionality

Kwikset

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes and freezes
  • Inability to update firmware
  • Inconsistent lock status reporting
  • Pairing failures with Bluetooth and WiFi

Requested features

4 requests
  • Customizable notifications
  • Ability to manage multiple locks
  • Scheduled auto-lock feature
  • Integration with smart home platforms

In-app purchases

None

Vivint

No in-app purchases

None

Kwikset

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Vivint free?
Vivint is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Kwikset free?
Kwikset is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Vivint or Kwikset?
Kwikset is rated higher. Vivint averages 4.6 out of 5 from 875K ratings, while Kwikset averages 4.8 from 60K ratings.
Do Vivint or Kwikset have ads?
Neither Vivint nor Kwikset shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Vivint or Kwikset?
Vivint ships an update fortnightly, and Kwikset every 3 months. Most recently, Vivint was updated on November 1, 2026 and Kwikset on November 1, 2026.
Which is more popular, Vivint or Kwikset?
Vivint currently peaks at #137 in the App Store charts, and Kwikset at #209. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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