- No long-term contract
- Easy DIY installation
- Professional installation
- Smart home tech
Bottom line: Frontpoint delivers full-service DIY home security
Customizable plans, DIY installation, and devices you can take with you if you move helped Frontpoint rise to the top of our list for home security systems in Canada. Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, Frontpoint has an alarm system that will meet your security needs.
We also like that Frontpoint carries its outstanding reputation for putting the customer first into its dealings across all of North America. But Frontpoint doesn’t cover all of Canada—if you live in Quebec you’ll need to look for a different security company or choose self-monitoring with Ring.
Here are the top home security systems in Canada
Compare the best home alarm systems in Canada
| Lowest monthly monitoring price |
| Starter equipment price |
| Contract required |
| Installation |
| Availability |
| Learn more |
|
Best overall
|
Smart home pick
|
Budget system
|
Most experience
|
Runner up
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
| $44.99 USD/mo. | $29.99 CAD/mo. | $10 USD/mo. | $33.99/mo. | $4.99/mo. |
| $0* USD | $599 CAD | $199 USD† | $99.00 USD‡ | $179.99 CAD |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
X No |
✓ Yes |
X No |
| DIY | Pro | DIY | Pro | DIY |
| Not in Quebec | Not in Quebec | Not in Quebec | In Quebec | Not in Quebec |
| Visit Frontpoint | Visit Vivint | Visit Amazon | Visit ADT | Visit Think Protection |
*$0 due up front with consumer financing.
†Amazon.com price as of 2020/08/27 at 11:09 a.m. (MST). See full disclaimer.
‡Activation fee.
How we picked the best security systems in Canada
Our top Canadian alarm systems were ranked in six categories—price and contract, tech and equipment, home automation, customer service, installation, and life protection. We evaluated each company based on expert and industry ratings, customer feedback, expert reviews, and our hands-on experience with the systems when possible. To learn more about how we rank and review, read our full methodology.
Reviews: Best home security systems in Canada
#1 Frontpoint: Best overall
When you think about DIY home security, small, no-frills systems are often what come to mind. But Frontpoint offers everything you can get from a traditional home security company without the hassle of scheduling (and paying for) professional installation.
But, like most traditional home security companies, Frontpoint comes with higher monthly monitoring fees.
Pros
- Easy DIY installation
- Great customer service
- Cellular connection
- No contract required
- Home automation capabilities
- Equipment you can take if you move
Cons
- No availability in Quebec
- High monitoring fees
Frontpoint pricing
All prices are displayed in USD
| Monitoring plan |
| Monthly monitoring fee |
| Contract length |
| Mobile app |
| CO and smoke monitoring |
| Video streaming |
| Learn more |
| Interactive Plan | Ultimate Plan |
| $44.99 | $49.99 |
| N/A | N/A |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
| View Plans | View Plans |
Data effective 2020/08/27. Offers and availability subject to change.
Frontpoint’s monthly monitoring starts around $45 a month, which is the highest starting price for any security system we’ve looked at. But you can get your equipment for nothing down if you qualify for the company’s consumer financing.
The equipment pricing and payment options take a bit of the sting out of the high monthly monitoring fee. Plus, every monitoring plan includes access to the mobile app, home automation controls, crash and smash protection, and geolocation services.
Tech and equipment
With Frontpoint, you don’t have to cut any corners on your home’s security. You can put together your ideal security system from Frontpoint’s full selection of home security equipment.
System control
- Touchscreen control panel
- Frontpoint smart home hub
- Keypad
Security cameras
- Indoor and outdoor cameras
- Doorbell camera
Smart home equipment
- Smart door locks
- Smart thermostat
- Garage door sensor
Sensors
- Door and window sensors
- Motion sensors
- Glass break detectors
- Garage door sensor
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Flood sensor
- Smoke and heat sensor
To help offset its higher fees, Frontpoint allows you to take the system with you if you move, which many companies don’t allow you to do.
All of Frontpoint’s equipment—ranging from smart thermostats to wireless outdoor security cameras with night vision—is up-to-date with recent trends and consumer demands. And Frontpoint is one of the only companies that includes carbon monoxide and smoke detector monitoring in every plan.
Most of Frontpoint’s devices are smart-home friendly and compatible with hubs like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. If you don’t already own smart home devices or a hub, Frontpoint has its own that you can add to your custom home security package.
Customer service
Frontpoint’s told us its customers typically stay with the company for around seven years—that’s more than double the average home security contract length.
The Frontpoint team consistently displays genuine interest in what your needs are. Trained associates make sure you get the right system by asking plenty of questions about your habits, your apartment or house, and your lifestyle.
And when an emergency arises, monitoring center specialists are calm and prepared to help you navigate whatever situation you’re facing.
Find out all the details about Frontpoint in our full Frontpoint security review.
Our pick for Frontpoint: The Interactive Plan
The Interactive Plan offers a happy medium between remote control, home automation, and alarm monitoring. Plus, it includes full access to your system with the mobile app.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Mobile app access and control
- Crash & Smash protection
- $44.99 USD/mo.
The bottom line
Despite some expensive monitoring plans, Frontpoint’s wireless devices and DIY installation make it easy for you to move the system around—to another location in the house or to a new home altogether.
Unlike typical out-of-the-box DIY systems, Frontpoint offers full-coverage home security services and equipment. Unfortunately, you can’t get Frontpoint if you live in Quebec, but this top home security provider has you covered everywhere else in Canada.
#2 Vivint: Smart home pick
You won’t find a smarter home security alarm system than what Vivint has to offer. If you’re looking for home security that comes with the perks and convenience of home automation, Vivint can customize a system that will transform your house into a smart home.
But you can’t take advantage of Vivint’s high-end tech in Quebec, and if you don’t want to buy your equipment outright, you could be looking at a long-term contract.
Pros
- Fully customizable packages
- Advanced smart home tech
- No-contract options
- Mobile app included in every plan
- Professional installation
- 100% cellular connection
Cons
- Long-term contracts
- Steep termination fees
- Higher overall costs
- No availability in Quebec
Vivint pricing
All prices are displayed in USD
| Monitoring Plan |
| Monthly Monitoring Fee |
| Contract Length |
| Mobile App |
| Smart Home Features |
| Learn More |
| Smart Security Monitoring | Smart Home Monitoring | Smart Home Video Monitoring |
| $29.99 | $39.99 | $44.99 |
| 0–60 mos.* | 0–60 mos.* | 0–60 mos.* |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| Sky app | Sky app Smart door lock Smart thermostat |
Sky app Smart door lock Smart thermostat Doorbell camera Live video streaming |
| View Plans | View Plans | View Plans |
Data effective 2020/08/27. Offers and availability subject to change.
*No contract with up-front equipment purchase.
Vivint’s monthly monitoring starts out lower than Frontpoint and ADT, which makes its smart security systems accessible to a variety of budgets.
And, unlike most other security companies, Vivint includes the mobile Sky app at every monitoring level—so you don’t have to upgrade to enjoy the convenience of remote access.
Vivint’s equipment is on the higher end, but if you’re able to make the investment, it’s worth it. You get cutting-edge smart home technology and proprietary equipment that’s developed and manufactured in-house.
The entry-level equipment price for Vivint is around $600 USD, but you have options to either pay it all up front (which means no contract) or use Vivint Flex Pay to finance the equipment cost.
If you choose Flex Pay, you’re looking at a contract between 42 and 60 months.
Tech and equipment
Because there’s so much to choose from, Vivint provides a free security assessment to help you put together the right home security alarm system. Vivint technicians look for all of your home’s security vulnerabilities as well as your needs and preferences for home automation.
Here’s a rundown of some of Vivint’s smart home security equipment:
- Vivint Sky Control Panel
- Smart home panel
- Vivint Element smart thermostat
- Vivint smart locks
- Vivint doorbell camera
- Vivint Ping indoor camera
All of Vivint’s equipment works together through the Sky app to give you full control from one central command center. And Vivint equipment also works with third-party smart home devices like Amazon Echo and Google Assistant.
Customer service
Vivint is a high-end home security company, and you get high-end customer service.
In addition to the free home security assessment, Vivint professionally installs all of your equipment and teaches you how to use it.
Vivint has won several awards for outstanding customer service and high customer satisfaction. In 2018, J.D. Power named Vivint the third-best home security company for customer satisfaction.¹
Our pick for Vivint: Smart Home Video
We think that security cameras and live video streaming add a level of protection that’s unmatched by other home security equipment.
That’s why our favorite plan from Vivint includes video monitoring and remote access to security camera footage.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Sky mobile app
- Monitoring for $49.99 USD/mo.
- $99 installation charge
The bottom line
Vivint is a luxury home security brand, so it’s going to cost you more overall. But you get more smart home features and personal support from Vivint. If you’re after home security that you don’t have to figure out on your own, the cost is worth it.
#3 Ring Alarm: Budget system
If you want simple, straightforward home security that won’t bust your budget, then Ring Alarm is worth your consideration. You can pick up a five-piece Ring Alarm Security Kit and add a full year of professional monitoring for about $300 USD.
The downside is that you must buy your Ring security equipment outright. There aren’t any options to finance—but once you pay that chunk of cash, you can get monthly monitoring for as low as $10 per month.
Pros
- Cheap monthly monitoring
- DIY installation
- Ring Neighbors App
- Many security cameras and lights available
- No contracts
Cons
- Monitoring not available in Quebec
- No security cameras included with starter kits
- Up-front equipment cost
Ring Alarm pricing
All prices are displayed in USD
| Monthly fee |
| Annual fee |
| 24/7 Professional monitoring |
| Mobile app |
| Video recording |
| Learn more |
| Included with equipment purchase | Protect Basic | Protect Plus |
| N/A | $3 | $10 |
| N/A | $30 | $100 |
| X No |
X No |
✓ Yes |
| ✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| X No |
✓ Yes |
✓ Yes |
| View Plans | View Plans | View Plans |
Data effective 2020/08/27. Offers and availability subject to change.
Ring’s pricing is hard to beat. Equipment kits range from $199 to $329 per month, and professional monitoring is just $10 per month. Plus, you get two months free if you pay for a year of monitoring in advance.
Best of all, Ring never locks you into a contract. All of its extended services are sold on a month-to-month basis.
And if you buy an annual Ring Protect plan and decide to cancel, you’ll get a prorated refund based on how much time is left in your annual plan.
Secure your devices
Tech and equipment
Ring’s home security equipment is simple and stripped-down compared to more robust offerings from companies like Frontpoint and Vivint. But if all you want is the reassurance of a basic home security system, this is a great place to start.
Ring sells its equipment in different packages, based on the approximate square footage you need to cover.
- 5-Piece Security Kit: Covers up to 1,000 square feet and includes a base station, contact sensor, keypad, motion detector, and a range extender for your home Wi-Fi network.
- 10-Piece Security Kit: Covers up to 2,000 square feet and adds four more contact sensors and an extra motion detector on top of the equipment included in the five-piece kit.
- 14-Piece Kit: Covers more than 2,000 square feet, and builds on the 10-piece kit for a total of eight contact sensors, two keypads, and two motion detectors.
Ring Alarm equipment also works with Ring’s vast selection of video doorbells, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and outdoor security lighting.
It’s important to note that if you want to monitor more than one camera or device through the Ring app, you need to buy the Ring Protect Plus plan. The Protect Basic plan only covers one device.
One of our favorite Ring features is the Neighbors app. This is an app you can use with or without Ring equipment to tap into suspicious happenings or criminal activity in your neighborhood.
Reports are submitted by individual users (your neighbors) and law enforcement. I’ve seen alerts for everything from lost pets to car break-ins.
Ring’s statement about security vulnerabilities
“Customer trust is important to us and we take the security of our devices seriously. While we are still investigating this issue and are taking appropriate steps to protect our devices based on our investigation, we are able to confirm this incident is in no way related to a breach or compromise of Ring’s security.
“Due to the fact that customers often use the same username and password for their various accounts and subscriptions, bad actors often re-use credentials stolen or leaked from one service on other services. As a precaution, we highly and openly encourage all Ring users to enable two-factor authentication on their Ring account, add Shared Users (instead of sharing login credentials), use strong passwords, and regularly change their passwords.”
Customer service
Ring is a DIY home security system through-and-through, but the company provides a lot of helpful information and tutorials on its website and mobile app. The company also offers 24/7 online and phone support.
Read more about everything Ring has to offer in our full Ring Alarm review.
Our pick for Ring: 10-Piece Security Kit
Ring’s 10-piece kit can cover all the bases if you have multiple doors and windows to protect on your main floor.
The five entry sensors let you protect five entrances, and an extra motion detector gives you the option to track motion on two floors or two ends of the house.
- DIY installation
- Optional professional monitoring for $10/mo.
- $259 USD equipment price
The bottom line
Ring delivers basic DIY home security at an affordable price. If you’re new to home security, have a smaller house or apartment, or want to stay on budget, Ring Alarm’s offerings can fit the bill.
Other home security options in Canada
Here’s a summary of three other Canadian home alarm companies we think are worth a look.
#4 ADT Alarm Guard: Most experienced
ADT is one of the most recognizable names in the home security industry. The company has been protecting homes for more than 140 years, which makes its professional monitoring services the most experienced you can find.
Best of all, you can use ADT’s home security monitoring services anywhere in Canada—even Quebec.
But ADT tends to cling to more traditional ways of doing business. In the security business that means high fees and long-term contracts. ADT also has a habit of charging you for every extra feature or service, including things like access to its mobile app, home automation capabilities, and two-way voice.
ADT Alarm Guard home security basics
- Packages available starting at $33.99, $44.99, or $53.99 per month
- $99 activation fee for all packages
- 36-month mandatory contract
- All packages include a digital keypad, three entry contacts, a key fob remote, pet-friendly motion detection, a siren, and a backup battery
Pros
- Nationwide coverage
- Experienced professional monitoring
- Flood, fire, and CO alarm monitoring available
- Smart home capabilities
Cons
- Expensive packages
- Many services are add-ons
- Long-term contracts
#5 Think Protection: Runner up
Think Protection is a budget-friendly alarm company that delivers protection to every corner of the country. Like Frontpoint, this company offers DIY home security along with the reassurance of professional monitoring.
Think Protection has several customer-first policies including a three-year equipment warranty and 30-day, risk-free trial. And contracts are optional, which means you won’t be tied to a long-term contract if you want to purchase equipment upfront.
Think Protection home security basics
- Monitoring starting at $18.99/mo.
- 100% wireless equipment
- Pet-friendly motion detectors
- 3-year warranty
- Standard package includes base unit, one door contact, one motion sensor, and a pin pad for $149.99CAD
- Private guard response available for $4.99/mo.
Pros
- Nationwide coverage
- Mobile app included free
- 30-day, risk-free trial
- No contracts
Cons
- Lower-quality equipment
- Upgrade required for home automation
#6 SimpliSafe: Basic pick
SimpliSafe is one of the most popular out-of-the-box DIY home security companies to hit the scene.
Unfortunately, SimpliSafe doesn’t offer any monitoring services in Canada. Even though you can buy SimpliSafe equipment, you can’t use most of its features without the optional monitoring.
If all you want is some motion detection and a siren that will go off to warn away intruders, then SimpliSafe’s equipment can provide that on its own. But you can’t use the mobile app or get a direct link to help without a monitoring plan.
We hope that SimpliSafe expands its services to Canada in the near future. The company launched in the UK this year, so it would make sense for Canada to be next on the list.
Pros
- Affordable equipment
- Wireless DIY installation
Cons
- No monitoring available in Canada
Things to consider in a home security system
Before you commit to a home security system, you need to make sure the system you choose meets your unique needs. Things like your geographic location, add-on features, and the type of installation or connection you need can all influence which alarm system will work best for you.
Geographic location
Because of Canada’s mammoth size and varied terrain, providers often have a difficult time servicing all territories and provinces. Be sure to check if your area is covered before contacting a company.
That said, Think Protection offers Canada-wide coverage—so even if you live in a rural location, it should have a plan for you.
Type of connection
In addition to your location, whether or not you have a Wi-Fi (broadband), cellular, or landline connection can also dictate the type of system you end up choosing.
Some companies have strictly wireless home security systems, while others are primarily hardwired with a backup cellular option. So before you sign a contract, double-check to make sure the system’s connectivity is compatible with your home.
Life protection
Whether you live in a remote territory or urban area, you could benefit from life protection services. Often times, this type of plan monitors for fire, flood, or carbon monoxide—but, to be sure, check with a provider for specifics.
Type of installation
Alarm monitoring companies offer two types of installation: DIY or professional. When weighing your options, take into consideration how much customization you want—and how comfortable you feel installing equipment on your own.
Professional installation guarantees that your alarm system will be set up correctly. Pro installers know how to spot and defend security vulnerabilities, but that expertise usually comes with a price. Check into installation fees so you don’t get surprised after a control panel has already been wired into your home’s electrical system.
Systems that come with DIY installation leave the setup of your alarm system in your hands. You’ll get wireless equipment that comes with adhesive backing already applied. All you need to do is peel and stick. But it’s important to think carefully about where to place things like motion or glass break sensors. And stock up on some extra wall mounting strips—we’ve had sensors fall off in the middle of the night and trigger a siren.
FAQs about home security in Canada
Will my location impact which company I sign up with?
Yes. Because Canada is so large, it’s difficult for companies to cater to all provinces and territories. Some companies have less regional availability than others.
Frontpoint and Vivint aren’t available in Quebec, while Think Protection caters to the entire country. Make sure the alarm company you want to work with operates in your area before ordering anything or signing a contract.
What is life protection?
Life protection is an all-encompassing term for fire, flood, and carbon monoxide monitoring. Sometimes you get a special smoke or CO detector that integrates with your home alarm system.
Other times, the security company provides a listening device that will alert the system if it hears your regular smoke alarm go off. Be sure to read a provider’s fine print regarding coverage specifics.
What are some additional ways I can protect my home?
A fire extinguisher can be a good place to start. If you accidentally start a fire in the kitchen, you’ll be able to respond quickly.
If you live in a rural area with frequent power outages, consider a portable generator to keep your home and security system powered.
And, with or without a full security system, security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home, guard packages that get delivered when you’re out or check in on your pets or the kids after school.
What are the advantages of remote control?
Remote control through a mobile app offers a variety of perks. Say you’re visiting family—you can make it appear as though you’re at home, even when you’re not. You can do everything from turning lights on and off and playing music to adjusting the thermostat temperature to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Should I be worried about false alarms?
False alarms can be a common problem when you have a home security system. The biggest reason false alarms happen is user error—it can be problems with arming or disarming the system or placing sensors in areas that can trigger a false alarm.
Make sure everyone in your home is fully trained in how to properly arm and disarm your security system. If you have a housesitter when you’re away, give them a full orientation to the system before heading out of town.
There can be consequences for false alarms. Depending on local ordinances, you might get a fine or have emergency response services to your address revoked or limited in the event of a security alarm.
Homes with recurring false alarms are at the most risk of fines and other punitive measures.
Here’s a list of things you can do to help prevent false alarms.
- Place motion sensors away from air vents, windows, and fireplaces.
- If your system uses batteries, check them regularly. If you have a backup battery, make sure to keep it charged.
- Check window and door sensors regularly to make sure that magnets are still aligned and the adhesive is firmly in place.
- Conduct tests of your alarm system a couple of times per year—make sure you let your security company know that you’re conducting a test.
More home safety resources
Safety planning
How do I create an emergency plan for my family?
What is a home safety evaluation and how do I do one?
How do home security systems protect against fire and floods?
Security system specifics
Are wired or wireless home security systems better?
What should I consider before having an alarm system installed?
Where should home security cameras be installed?
Sources
1. J.D. Power, “Smart Home Features Emerge as Key Opportunity to Drive Customer Satisfaction with Home Security Systems,” 25 October 2018. Accessed 27 August 2020.
Disclaimer
*Amazon.com list price as of 2020/08/27 at 11:12 a.m. MT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
The post The Best Home Security Systems in Canada appeared first on SafeWise.
No comments:
Post a Comment