Vector Home Security Review
With almost 50 years in the industry, Vector Security offers a wide range of home security options throughout the eastern part of the United States. Customers must enter their zip code to see if their home is covered in a service area. They can then choose from three standard packages, and must pass a credit check and sign a three-year contract.
Vector Security offers decent service and hardware for customers within their service areas, but it seems like there are many hoops to jump through from the sales process all the way to the lengthy contracts.
Here’s how we graded Vector Security:
- Hardware: 3 out of 5: With Vector Security, customers can choose from a range of different hardware including a touchscreen panel, indoor and outdoor video systems and additions like smart door locks and medical pendants. There’s nothing standout about the hardware, but there is a wide array of options.
- Customer service: 2 out of 5: For starters, Vector Security doesn’t offer 24-hour customer service. Customer service reps are only available Monday through Friday. While representatives are helpful, the company utilizes authorized dealers, so customer service isn’t uniform across the board. Lengthy contracts and automatic renewals contribute to the poor customer service ratings for Vector Security.
- Pricing: 2 out of 5: Vector plans are expensive, and also difficult to make sense of because they are sold based on your zip code. The prices can also deceive customers because monthly plans can increase when adding on certain equipment. The prices are higher than DIY companies, and in some cases even higher than competitors like ADT.
- The Mobile App: 4 out of 5: The mobile app allows you to control everything in your home, including smart appliances and cameras. It is powered by Alarm.com, which is used by many companies across the U.S. Vector reviews in both app stores give the app high marks, with consistent comments about reliable performance. There are a few issues with the app freezing, but on the whole, customers give the Vector Security app high marks.
- Smart Home Capabilities: 4 out of 5: Customers can choose just about any smart home device through the Vector Security website. From smart thermostats to garage door openers, you’ll get whatever you need. You can also utilize Google Home and Alexa into your system, but there aren’t as many third-party integrations as you’d see from DIY companies.
It’s important to call Vector Security first to make sure you live in a serviceable area. Prices could also vary based on the market, so these should be used as a guide. While there are three plans, you can also purchase extra equipment if you need to. However, adding more items will add costs to your monthly fee.
Nerd Pros
If home automation options are important to you, Vector Security has a wide range of smart home products for customers that can be used with the Vector app. From smart locks to smart plugs, Vector Security has just about anything a smart home needs.
Nerd Cons
Vector Security requires at least a three-year contract in order to start service, and ranges all the way up to a five-year contract. Customers also complain about the automatic renewal policy, where the company will renew for another year unless you provide handwritten notice to a local branch to cancel.
Equipment available from Vector Security
You’ll have a wide range of equipment to choose from with Vector Security. Customers pick from three main Vector plans that start with a more basic system, and move up to all the bells and whistles. You can add more products a la carte, but prices aren’t listed for a la carte items, so you’ll have to speak with a customer service representative to get accurate pricing for your specific system.
- Wireless control panel
- (3) Door/Window sensors
- Motion detector
- Security Care Plus plan
- Yard sign and window decals
The Vector Security Mobile App
This mobile app from Vector has a:
- 4.1 rating in the Google store
- 4.7 rating in the Apple Store
The app allows customers to essentially control their entire system from the comfort of a smartphone. Other features include:
- Watch live video
- Use doorbell camera
- Receive alerts based on motion detection
- Control home automation options from one place
There are only a little over 1,000 reviews combined in both app stores, but the majority of Vector reviews give the app high marks. Customers enjoy being able to control everything in one spot. It is important to note that you’ll only get access to the Vector App if you get the second-tier service or higher.
Vector Security smart home capabilities
Home automation is one of the strong points of the Vector Security system. In some cases, adding some of these products may bump up your monthly fees, so it’s important to ask ahead of time. Here are smart home products offered directly from Vector Security.
- Smoke detector
- Door lock
- Outlet
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Smart light
- Smart thermostat
In addition to these smart home options, customers can also utilize voice control with Alexa, Google Home and Siri.
Vector Security customer service
While Vector Security’s monitoring service is 24/7, you can only reach a customer service representative five days a week from the company’s customer service line during these hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m Eastern
To test customer service, our SecurityNerd called customer service to inquire about a potential security system:
- Sales: It's a difficult process to figure out exactly what you’re getting with Vector Security, especially with the limited sales area. Our SecurityNerd first tried to learn about prices online, but you have to enter your personal information, including zip code and email to get to the pricing section. Overall, it’s better to give the local branch a call for more personalized service and quicker answers on pricing.
- Design: Customer service representatives were helpful in helping our SecurityNerd choose which package might be the best fit. You can fully customize your own system, which means it’s helpful to have a customer service representative perform a consultation for best results.
- Install: Customers get professional installation, so there’s no need to worry about troubleshooting or issues arising; Vector Security installation experts will take care of it for you.
- Alarm: Vector reviews show the alarm itself is incredibly loud, which is a plus from a security standpoint. The company uses cellular connection, but customers also have the choice to use landline if they want.
- Service: Our SecurityNerd tested the text service first, which was obviously slower than calling a local branch to talk about Vector plans. The customer service representative was helpful, but be forewarned pricing can still be confusing when you’re looking to add on additional equipment to one of the three Vector plans. We also don’t like that you can’t get a hold of anyone on weekends, because many people may not have time to make a call during business hours.
Vector Security covers the following geographical areas:
Make sure you call a Vector Security branch prior to checking out any equipment. The company only covers certain counties in the following states:
- Alabama
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland/Washington, D.C.
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
Vector Security pricing and packages
When purchasing a Vector Security system, here are the key costs to consider:
- Equipment costs: For some packages, you won’t have to pay any upfront costs. But the two higher tier packages you will have to put a down payment of either $99 or $149 along with the monthly fee.
- Monthly costs: The monthly cost for Vector plans is pretty high compared with competitors. Prices go all the way to $70 per month, and it can go even higher if you choose extra equipment.
- Extra equipment: If you want anything that isn’t in one of the three Vector plans, you’ll have to add money to the monthly payment amount. Make sure to talk with a Vector specialist to get an accurate idea of pricing.
While you can purchase extra equipment a la carte, the prices vary depending on which plan you have. Here are the three Vector plans to choose from, along with extra equipment you can purchase as an add-on.
Essential Security Package: $44.95/month
- Wireless control panel
- (3) Door/Window sensors
- Motion detector
- Security Care Plus plan
- Yard sign and window decals
Home Automation Package: $59.95 per month, $99 down
- Wireless control panel
- (3) Door/Window sensors
- Motion detector
- Security Care Plus Plan
- Mobile app capability
- Indoor camera
- Yard sign and window decals
Connected Home Package: $69.95 per month, $149 down
- Wireless control panel
- (3) Door/Window sensors
- Motion detector
- Security Care Plus Plan
- Mobile app capability
- Smart thermostat
- Smart lock
- Indoor camera
- Yard sign and window decal
Other products
- Stream video recorder
- Video doorbell
- Outdoor camera
- Smart lights
- Smart outlet
- Garage control
- Smoke detector
- Medical alert pendant
- Wellness button
The Bottom Line
For homeowners who are fairly certain they will stay in one place for three or more years who are looking for a range of smart home security options, this could be a solid option. While the Vector plans are pricey, you will be able to have a fully-connected home without having to go outside the Vector brand to do it. The app is highly-rated, and customers like how easy it is to monitor their home.
Customer service is not its strong point, but the representatives who our SecurityNerd spoke with got the job done and answered questions. The biggest complaints from Vector reviews include the small cancellation window, automatic renewals and being forced to pay cancellation fees if they move out of a service area. If you aren’t planning on moving anytime soon, and are looking for a long-term security solution, this could be a good choice for you.
If you are still on the hunt for other options, here are a few to consider:
- ADT: You’ll be paying similar costs, and in some cases less for a company with a great track record and name recognition. You’ll get 24/7 monitoring along with 24/7 customer service, which Vector can’t offer.
- Vivint: Vivint is well-known for its smart home options as well. Customers will get 24/7 monitoring and professional installation with sleek hardware. You’ll get 24/7 customer service, unlike Vector.
- DIY companies like Simplisafe: If you’re looking to save a buck and are comfortable with installing your own equipment, look into DIY companies like Simplisafe that have an array of hardware options at a fraction of the price. In some cases you can even get 24/7 monitoring, and you’ll get much more flexibility like the option to go without a contract.
Vector is an ok option if you want a more traditional security company with a contract. You can customize your own system, but extra equipment will make the price higher. Just make sure you’re a homeowner planning to be in the same spot, or moving to a Vector service area before signing a contract.
About the Author
Erin Maloney
Erin is a freelance video producer and writer based out of Florida. She works with major retail companies and digital startups as a brand storyteller. When Erin's not writing, you can catch her scuba diving and spending time with her dog (not at the same time).