Sponsored security review
Vivint Smart Hub Pro 2 System Upgrade Review
After six years with Vivint, I upgraded to the faster Smart Hub Pro 2, Outdoor Camera Pro 3, and Spotlight Pro to see which changes improve the system day to day.
Steve's verdict
The Smart Hub Pro 2 is the upgrade I notice most because it makes cameras, controls, and doorbell alerts faster and easier to use from the wall. The new outdoor cameras and Spotlight Pro add smarter deterrence, but Vivint still makes the most sense for people who want a professionally installed, monitored system—not a standalone DIY camera.
Best for
Homeowners who want one professionally installed system for security, cameras, locks, climate control, and 24/7 monitoring.
Skip it if
You want inexpensive standalone cameras, prefer self-monitoring, or do not want an ongoing professional-monitoring relationship.
Long-term test
6 years with Vivint
Best upgrade
Smart Hub Pro 2
Promo code
DOES30
What I like
- Fast, customizable hub with an always-on display
- Doorbell activity can automatically open a live view on the hub
- Outdoor Camera Pro 3 combines AI and RADAR detection
- Spotlight Pro follows movement and strengthens Smart Deter
- Cameras, locks, sensors, climate, and monitoring work together
What to know
- Professional installation and monitoring add ongoing cost
- The equipment is designed as a system, not as standalone devices
- Advanced video features can depend on the selected service plan
- Upgrading every component may not be necessary for existing customers
- The newest camera and hub hardware represent a premium investment
What I tested
Real-world use, not just the spec sheet
- Six years of day-to-day Vivint system use
- Smart Hub Pro 2 navigation, camera loading, and wall placement
- Automatic doorbell live-view alerts and two-way talk
- Outdoor Camera Pro 3 person, vehicle, and deterrence features
- Spotlight Pro tracking and nighttime coverage
Specs that matter
Hub price
$599.99
Vivint's listed price for Smart Hub Pro 2 at launch.
Hub performance
Up to 4× faster
More processing power than the prior Vivint Smart Hub.
Built-in siren
100 dB
Part of the hub's integrated security and monitoring controls.
Camera imaging
4K sensor
Outdoor Camera Pro 3 supports up to 5.3x HD zoom.
Six years with the system
This is not a first-week impression. I have lived with Vivint for six years, using the system for everyday arming, cameras, door and window sensors, locks, and home controls. The new hardware builds on that foundation rather than replacing the basic idea: everything works through one app and one professionally monitored platform.
Smart Hub Pro 2
The new hub is the center of the upgrade. Vivint says it has up to four times the processing power of the previous Smart Hub, and the improvement shows up in faster navigation and quicker camera loading. The interface mirrors more of the Vivint app, the always-on screen keeps system status visible, and the panel can be wall-mounted or placed on a tabletop.
My favorite everyday feature
My hub is wall-mounted near the bottom of the stairs in the living room. When the doorbell detects a person or package, the hub can automatically show the live camera view. I can see who is at the door and use two-way talk without getting off the couch or pulling out my phone. That small change makes the system feel more immediate.
Outdoor Camera Pro 3
The third-generation outdoor camera combines on-device AI with RADAR to distinguish movement, distance, people, and vehicles more accurately. Smart Deter can use light and sound to warn someone who lingers, while Vehicle Protection can react to activity around a parked car. A 4K sensor also provides clearer detail and up to 5.3x HD zoom.
Spotlight Pro
Spotlight Pro pairs with an outdoor camera to make deterrence much more visible at night. Instead of only lighting a fixed area, it can follow movement across the selected zone while the camera triggers Smart Deter. It is useful both as security lighting and as a brighter way to see activity around the house.
The app and professional monitoring
The updated Vivint app brings security, cameras, locks, thermostat controls, and recent activity into one place. Professional monitoring remains a defining part of the experience. That integrated support is valuable if you want a managed system, but it also means Vivint should be evaluated as an ongoing service—not only by the upfront price of the hardware.
Who should upgrade
Existing customers should start with the problem they are trying to solve. The Smart Hub Pro 2 is the most broadly useful upgrade if the old panel feels slow or you want live doorbell previews. Outdoor Camera Pro 3 makes more sense when smarter vehicle or behavior detection matters. You do not need to replace a working component simply because a newer version exists.
Offer and disclosure
Vivint sponsored the video and provided the upgraded equipment and installation. The opinions and conclusions are my own after living with the system. If you decide Vivint fits your home, promo code DOES30 can save up to 30% on eligible offers; confirm current pricing, monitoring terms, and eligibility directly with Vivint.
Questions before you buy
Is upgrading to Vivint Smart Hub Pro 2 worth it?
It is the upgrade I notice most, especially for quicker camera access and seeing doorbell activity from the couch. If your current panel works well and those features don't matter to you, replacing it may not be necessary.
Do I need to upgrade all my Vivint equipment?
I would start with the problem you want to solve. A faster hub, smarter outdoor detection and tracking lighting solve different problems. Ask Vivint about compatibility, installation and your service plan before choosing an upgrade.
Watch the full review