If you’re deciding between Alarm New England and Vivint, you’re likely weighing flexibility and local support against high-end smart home automation. Vivint is a national leader in cutting-edge home security technology, while Alarm New England serves the Northeastern U.S. with personalized service and contract-free plans.
At HomeSecurityLife.com, we compared these two providers across six critical categories: Performance, Features, Pricing, Ease of Use, Customer Support, and Smart Home Integration. Each system was evaluated hands-on and scored using our custom rating model.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Alarm New England | Vivint |
Starting Price | $26.99/mo | $39.99/mo |
Equipment Cost | $299–$699 | $599+ |
Contract | Month-to-month | 42–60 months |
Smart Home Integration | Yes | Yes (advanced) |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Installation | Professional only | Professional only |
Monitoring | Professional | Professional |
Local Service & Support | Yes | No |
HomeSecurityLife Ratings (Out of 10)
Category | Alarm NE | Vivint |
Performance | 8.3 | 7.0 |
Features | 8.4 | 6.8 |
Pricing | 8.0 | 7.5 |
Ease of Use | 7.6 | 7.4 |
Customer Support | 8.1 | 6.6 |
Smart Home Integration | 7.4 | 7.0 |
Overall Score | 8.3 | 7.0 |
System Components: Alarm NE vs Vivint
Both companies offer robust systems with mobile access, environmental monitoring, and automation options. Here’s what we tested:
Feature | Alarm New England | Vivint |
Touchscreen Panel | Yes | Yes |
Entry Sensors | Yes | Yes |
Motion Sensor | Yes | Yes |
Glass Break Sensor | Optional | Yes |
Indoor Camera | Yes | Yes |
Video Doorbell | Yes | Yes |
Smart Lock | Yes (Yale integration) | Yes (Kwikset, Yale, others) |
Smoke/CO Detector | Yes | Yes |
Remote Access | Yes (Alarm.com App) | Yes (Vivint App) |
Key Differences:
Vivint bundles environmental sensors and smart devices into all plans but locks customers into long contracts. Alarm New England provides similar equipment but offers more flexibility and local service.
Winner: Alarm New England — same core features, no contract.
Installation Experience
Both systems are professionally installed. Vivint’s techs guide users through smart home features, while Alarm New England’s local installers are known for their helpful, transparent service and flexibility.
Winner: Alarm New England — better hands-on, local experience.
Monitoring and Emergency Response
Vivint and Alarm New England offer 24/7 monitoring through UL-certified centers with emergency response. Both services are fast and effective, but Alarm New England is more transparent about its dispatch response partners.
Winner: Tie — both offer high-quality monitoring services.
Equipment and Technology
Vivint offers sleek, proprietary equipment and AI-powered smart home features. Alarm New England uses Alarm.com technology, which is modular, modern, and compatible with existing setups.
Winner: Vivint — better hardware design and built-in automation.
You can learn more about home security equipment and tools below:
- Best Outdoor Security Cameras
- Best Keyless Door Locks
- Best Video Doorbells
- Best Driveway Alarms
- Best PTZ Security Cameras
Smart Home Integration
Vivint provides best-in-class integration with thermostats, locks, lights, and security cameras. However, most features are locked behind subscriptions.
Alarm New England integrates well with Alexa, Google Assistant, and devices like Yale locks and smart thermostats.
We’ve covered the best smart home security in a prior article, so be sure to check that out if it’s the most important feature to you.
Winner: Vivint — more automation depth, though Alarm NE offers more flexibility.
Mobile App and User Interface
Vivint’s mobile app is polished and powerful, offering full control and automation management.
Alarm New England uses the Alarm.com platform—fast, responsive, and widely respected for ease of use.
Winner: Tie — both apps perform at a high level.
Contract Terms and Flexibility
Vivint requires a 42–60 month contract unless the equipment is paid in full upfront.
Alarm New England provides month-to-month service, with no contract required and no early termination fees.
Winner: Alarm New England — dramatically more flexible.
Pricing and Value
Vivint offers high-end tech, but it comes at a steep monthly and upfront cost. Alarm New England offers bundled packages from $299 to $699 and competitive monitoring from $26.99/mo.
How Much Does Alarm New England Cost Per Month – Check out this guide to learn more about how much Alarm New England charges per month.
How Much Does Alarm Vivint Cost Per Month – Check out this guide to learn more about how much Vivint charges per month.
Winner: Alarm New England — lower cost and better long-term value.
Customer Support and Satisfaction
Vivint’s customer support has improved, but it still receives mixed reviews due to contract disputes and equipment service calls.
Alarm New England is consistently praised for responsive local customer care and knowledgeable installation teams.
Winner: Alarm New England — better customer satisfaction overall.
Pros and Cons
Alarm New England
Pros
- No contract required
- Excellent local customer support
- Professional installation included
- Flexible smart home options
Cons
- Limited to New England service area
- No DIY option
Vivint
Pros
- High-tech equipment
- Full smart home automation
- Strong mobile control
Cons
- Expensive
- Long-term contracts required
- Limited flexibility
Which Home Security System Is Better?
If you live in New England, Alarm New England is the better option for affordability, flexibility, and personalized support. If you’re looking for sleek design and deep smart home integration—and are willing to commit to a long contract—Vivint may still be worth considering.
Final Verdict
HomeSecurityLife.com Recommendation: Alarm New England (8.3/10)
Alarm New England wins this comparison for its no-contract model, responsive support, and value-driven pricing, without sacrificing professional equipment or monitoring.
Vivint still offers outstanding tech, but its higher costs and commitment requirements lower its overall score.
FAQs
- Does Vivint require a contract?
Yes, contracts range from 42 to 60 months unless equipment is paid upfront. - Is Alarm New England available nationwide?
No, it primarily serves Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the surrounding New England areas. - Can I self-install either system?
No. Both Alarm New England and Vivint require professional installation. - Which offers more advanced smart home control?
Vivint has deeper automation options, but Alarm New England provides strong third-party integration through Alarm.com. - Which system is more affordable?
Alarm New England offers lower upfront costs and monthly fees with no contract obligation.