When it comes to professionally monitored home security systems, Alarm New England and ADT are two strong contenders. ADT brings decades of nationwide experience, while Alarm New England offers localized service and customization with a focus on personal customer support.
At HomeSecurityLife.com, we compared both providers using our custom six-point scoring model, which evaluates: Performance, Features, Pricing, Ease of Use, Customer Support, and Smart Home Integration. We also tested each system’s equipment, installation process, and monitoring services.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Alarm New England | ADT |
| Starting Price | $26.99/mo | $45.99/mo |
| Equipment Cost | $299–$699 | $599+ |
| Contract | Month-to-month | 36 months |
| Smart Home Integration | Available (custom setup) | Standard (Z-Wave) |
| 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 | ADT |
| Performance | 8.3 | 6.8 |
| Features | 8.4 | 7.0 |
| Pricing | 8.0 | 6.4 |
| Ease of Use | 7.6 | 6.7 |
| Customer Support | 8.1 | 7.0 |
| Smart Home Integration | 7.4 | 6.3 |
| Overall Score | 8.3 | 6.7 |
System Components: Alarm NE vs ADT
Both providers offer comprehensive home security kits, including sensors, cameras, and smart home add-ons. Here’s what we found in our test setups:
| Feature | Alarm New England | ADT |
| Touchscreen Panel | Yes | Optional |
| 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 (Z-Wave) |
| Smoke/CO Detector | Yes | Optional |
| Remote Access | Yes (Mobile App) | Yes (ADT Control App) |
Key Differences:
Alarm New England offers more customization at the time of installation and will often reuse compatible existing equipment. ADT has a more uniform, national product catalog with bundled options.
Winner: Alarm New England — more flexibility and environmental sensors included.
Installation Experience
Both systems require professional installation. Alarm New England’s local technicians provide highly rated customer support and walkthroughs. ADT’s national network provides solid availability, but service can vary by region.
Winner: Alarm New England — more personalized service experience.
Monitoring and Emergency Response
ADT has a long-standing reputation for reliable, nationwide monitoring. They operate multiple redundant monitoring centers and dispatch responders quickly.
Alarm New England partners with a UL-listed monitoring center and offers 24/7 coverage with fast response times. Plus, they are more transparent about who’s monitoring your home.
Winner: Tie — both offer reliable professional monitoring.
Equipment and Technology
ADT’s equipment lineup is standardized and traditional, while Alarm New England provides modern touchscreen panels, environmental sensors, and integrations with newer smart tech.
Winner: Alarm New England — slightly more modern and customizable.
Smart Home Integration
ADT supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave-compatible devices. Alarm New England offers similar smart home integrations, particularly through its mobile platform and third-party tools, such as Yale, Alarm.com, and others. 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: Alarm New England — better device pairing options and flexibility.
Mobile App and User Interface
Both companies offer mobile apps for remote control, live camera feed access, and alert customization. ADT’s app is stable but dated. Alarm New England uses Alarm.com’s platform, which is more modern and customizable.
Winner: Alarm New England — better app design and responsiveness.
Contract Terms and Flexibility
ADT requires a 36-month contract for professional monitoring. Early termination fees apply.
Alarm New England offers month-to-month service, making it one of the few providers that does not require a long-term commitment.
Winner: Alarm New England — more flexibility for modern users.
Pricing and Value
ADT’s starting monthly fee is higher, and equipment costs are rarely negotiable. Alarm New England allows you to select from starter to premium packages and will reuse some of your existing system.
How Much Does ADT Cost Per Month – Check out this guide to learn more about how much ADT charges per month.
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.
Winner: Alarm New England — lower monthly fees and more transparent pricing.
Customer Support and Satisfaction
ADT has large-scale support options but often receives mixed reviews, depending on location. Alarm New England consistently receives high marks for personal support, local expertise, and helpful technicians.
Winner: Alarm New England — better customer care and local responsiveness.
Pros and Cons
Alarm New England
Pros
- Lower monthly pricing
- Local professional installation and support
- No long-term contracts
- Supports modern smart devices
Cons
- Limited to New England region
- No DIY option
ADT
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Trusted brand
- Established monitoring network
Cons
- Higher cost
- Requires long-term contract
- Less flexible customization
Which Home Security System Is Better?
If you live in the New England area, Alarm New England offers better pricing, modern equipment, and personalized customer support. If you need a system outside their service area, ADT is a trusted national provider, but at a higher cost and with more rigid contracts.
Final Verdict
HomeSecurityLife.com Recommendation: Alarm New England (8.3/10)
Alarm New England wins with a more affordable, flexible, and customer-friendly system, especially for homeowners in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and surrounding areas.
ADT remains a solid option for those who prefer a nationally recognized brand and are willing to commit to a long-term plan.
If you’re looking to compare home security companies, be sure to check out our top 5 home security companies below. These are our highest-ranked home security solutions.
FAQs
- Does Alarm New England require a contract?
No. They offer month-to-month service with no long-term obligation. - Which is more affordable long term?
Alarm New England offers lower monthly rates and better upfront value. - Do both systems require professional installation?
Yes. Both providers offer professional installation only. - Which system offers better smart home features?
Alarm New England provides more flexibility with modern devices. - Is ADT available everywhere?
Yes. ADT operates nationwide and is available in all 50 states.
