Regional New England Security, Services Camera Systems
American Alarm was founded in 1971 by three engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
New England’s largest independent security system and monitoring provider, even offering more complex fire system installations and sprinklers for commercial properties. American Alarm operates its own 24-hour home security monitoring center. The center is UL listed and CSAA certified.
American Alarm offers customers the option of a cellular or landline system and uses both Honeywell and DMP equipment. Its emphasis on local is a minor drawback, as it only services parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. More significantly, American Alarm equipment tends to be more expensive than many other brands.
American Alarm provides a wide range of alarm and security systems for both residential and commercial properties including burglar alarms, fire protection, video monitoring systems, and keyless entry technologies. Each system is custom designed, installed, and monitored to meet the needs of the customer and property type, through a blend of technology and service to ensure the system is properly maintained and monitored.
American Alarm offers customers the option of a cellular or landline system and uses DMP equipment. The landline system requires about the same upfront costs but is five dollars cheaper per month.
Every new American Alarm home security system installed and monitored receives a lifetime warranty with an annual wellness inspection. One issue with DMP systems are that it is difficult to find another company to take over a DMP system, making switching more of a hassle down the line.
| Installation | Professional |
| Equipment Manufacturer | DMP |
| Ability to Reallocate System | |
| Wireless Sensors | |
| Control Panel | |
| Event Triggered Siren/ Alarm |
American Alarm operates its own 24-hour home security monitoring center. The center is UL listed and CSAA certified.
| Monitoring Options | Professional Monitoring |
| Monitoring Technology | Cellular Broadband |
| Number of Monitoring Centers | 1 |
| Monitoring Center Type | Owned |
| Professional Monitoring Services | 24/7 Professional Monitoring 2-Way Intercom Fire Department Dispatch Police Dispatch Medical Dispatch |
American Alarm doesn’t disclose much information regarding costs, but based on user reports, monthly costs vary significantly between $27 and $80 a month, depending on the equipment you choose. Customers who have larger homes should expect to pay more, especially if they choose a package that goes beyond the basics and offers more information or value.
If you live in New England, American Alarm & Communications is a viable option. Keep in mind that you will have to make a large investment upfront.
| Monthly Fee (min) | $27.55 |
| Monthly Fee (max) | $76.95 |
| Number of Available Packages | Undisclosed |
| Installation/ Activation Fee | Undisclosed |
| Equipment Starting Cost | Undisclosed |
| Contract Required | Undisclosed |
| Minimum Contract Length | Undisclosed |
| Cancellation Policy | Undisclosed |
| Warranty | Undisclosed |
American Alarm uses DMP’s Virtual Keypad software, which has an iPhone and Android app for the smartphone. Virtual Keypad integrates with Amazon’s Ring Doorbell, some Z-Wave lights, locks, and thermostats, and video surveillance software for those who want NVRs.
American Alarm enjoys an average reputation across various consumer-driven review websites. On BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com, users scored them 0.2 out of 10, with customers citing poor customer service and outdated technology.
| Trust Pilot Rating | N/A |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Yelp Rating | 2.5 out of 5 |
| Google Rating | 3 out of 5 |
| Facebook Rating | 4.2 out of 5 |
| Date Collected | 2020-2-12 |
| Year Founded | 1971 |
If you live in New England and are in need of a home security system American Alarm & Communications is a viable option. They are locally owned and operated and focus all their attention on fulfilling the needs of their customers in the area. Keep in mind that you will have to make a large investment upfront and the system will likely need to be updated a few years after installation.
Overall Score