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Vivint sells higher-end equipment, but if you're able to invest, it's worth it. You get cutting-edge Vivint smart home technology and proprietary equipment. We're also fans of Vivint's professional installation—you don't need to lift a finger for world-class smart home security.
See how Vivint stacks up against other top Canadian contenders in our full breakdown.
Here are the top home security systems in Canada
- : Best overall
- : Whole-property pick
- : Budget pick
- : Experience pick
- : Quebec pick
- : Basic pick
Compare the best home alarm systems in Canada
|
Product
|
Lowest monitoring price
|
Starter equipment price
|
Contract required
|
Installation
|
Available in Quebec
|
Learn more
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
 |
$29.99 USD/mo. | $599.00 USD |
 Yes |
Pro |
 No |
View Packages |
| Whole-property pick |
 |
$49.99 USD/mo. | $99.99 USD |
No |
DIY |
No |
View Packages |
| Budget pick |
 |
$15.00 CAD/mo. | $269.99 CAD |
No |
DIY |
No |
View on Amazon |
| Experience pick |
 |
$33.99 CAD/mo. | $99.00 USD† |
Yes |
Pro |
Yes |
View Packages |
| Quebec pick |
 |
$18.99 CAD/mo | $179.99 CAD |
No |
DIY |
No |
View Packages |
| Basic pick |
 |
$20.00 USD/mo. | $274.97 USD |
No |
DIY |
No |
View Packages |
Amazon.ca price as of 2021/08/03 at 7:00 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.
† Installation fee
1. Vivint: Best overall
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
You won't find a smarter home security alarm system than what Vivint has to offer. If you're looking for the perks and convenience of home automation, a custom Vivint system can transform your house into a smart home. If you don't want to buy your equipment outright, you're looking at a long-term contract.
Fully customizable packages Advanced smart home tech No-contract options Mobile app included in every plan Professional installation
Long-term contracts Steep termination fees Higher overall costs Not available in QuebecVivint Canada pricing
All Vivint prices are displayed in USD.
Vivint's monthly monitoring starts lower than Frontpoint and ADT, which makes its smart security systems accessible to a variety of budgets. Unlike most other security companies, Vivint includes its app at every monitoring level—so you don't have to upgrade to enjoy the convenience of controlling your system and smart home devices from your phone.
The entry-level equipment price for Vivint is around $600 USD. You can 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.
|
Monitoring plan
|
Monthly monitoring fee
|
Contract length
|
Mobile app
|
Smart home features
|
Learn more
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Security | $29.99 USD/mo. | 0–60 mos.* |
Yes |
App | View Packages |
| Smart Home | $39.99 USD/mo. | 0–60 mos.* |
Yes |
App, smart lock, thermostat | View Packages |
| Smart Home Video | $44.99 USD/mo. | 0–60 mos.* |
Yes |
App, smart lock, thermostat, doorbell, video streaming | View Packages |
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*No contract with up-front equipment purchase.
Tech and equipment
Because there's so much to choose from, Vivint provides a free security assessment to help you assemble the right home security alarm system. Vivint technicians target 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:
- Smart home panel
- Vivint Element smart thermostat
- Vivint smart locks
- Vivint doorbell camera
- Vivint indoor camera
Vivint's equipment works together through the app to give you complete control from one central command centre. And Vivint equipment also works with third-party smart home devices like Amazon Echo and Google Assistant.
Customer service
Your Vivint system comes with 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 2020, J.D. Power named Vivint the second-best home security company for customer satisfaction.1
Our pick for Vivint: Smart Home
We think that smart home devices add a level of convenience that other home security equipment can't match.
That's why our favourite plan from Vivint includes smart home equipment you can control from your phone while also taking advantage of 24-hour monitoring services.
- Monitoring for $39.99 USD/mo.
- $99 installation charge
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Mobile app
The bottom line
Overall, we think Vivint is the has available. This luxury home security brand costs 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 independently, the cost is worth it. Sadly, you can't take advantage of Vivint's high-end tech in Quebec.
Learn more in our full Vivint review.
2. Frontpoint: Whole-property
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Small, no-frills systems often come to mind when you think about DIY home security. But Frontpoint offers the convenience of an integrated smart home and security system without the hassle of scheduling (and paying for) professional installation. Though the monitoring fee is fairly steep.
Easy DIY installation Great customer service No contract required Home automation capabilities Equipment you can take if you move
Not available in Quebec High monitoring feeFrontpoint Canada pricing
All Frontpoint prices are displayed in USD.
Frontpoint's monthly monitoring starts around $50 USD a month—the highest starting price for any security solution we 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, the monitoring plan includes all the basics and extras: access to the mobile app, home automation controls, video, crash and smash protection, and geolocation services.
| Monitoring plan | Frontpoint Monitoring |
|---|---|
| Monthly monitoring fee | $49.99 USD/mo. |
| Contract length | N/A* |
| Mobile app |
Yes |
| CO and smoke monitoring |
Yes |
| Video streaming |
Yes |
| Learn more | View Packages |
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*No contract with up-front equipment purchase.
Tech & 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
Sensors
- Door and window sensor
- Motion sensor
Security cameras
- Indoor security camera
- Outdoor security camera
- Doorbell camera
Smart home equipment
- Smart door lock
- Smart thermostat
- Garage door sensor
- Glass break detector
- Garage door sensor
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Flood sensor
- Smoke and heat sensor
To help offset higher monthly cost, Frontpoint systems can travel with you if you move, which is rare.
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 a smart home device or hub, Frontpoint has its own that you can add to your custom home security package.
Customer service
Frontpoint told us its customers typically stay with the company for around seven years—that's more than double the average home security contract length.
Trained associates make sure you get the right system by asking plenty of questions about your habits, apartment or house, and lifestyle. And when an emergency arises, monitoring centre specialists are calm and ready to help.
Our pick for Frontpoint: Monitoring
There's only one plan with Frontpoint. It offers remote control, home automation, video surveillance, and alarm monitoring. Plus, it includes full access to your system with the mobile app.
- $49.99 USD/mo.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Mobile app access and control
- Crash & Smash protection
- Video monitoring
The bottom line
Despite an expensive monitoring plan, Frontpoint's wireless devices and DIY installation make it easy for you to move the system around—to another location in the house or 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 covers everywhere else in Canada.
Find out all the details in our full Frontpoint security review.
3. Ring Alarm: Budget pick
Amazon.ca price as of 2021/08/03 at 00:00 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.
If you want simple, straightforward home security that won't bust your budget, consider Ring Alarm. You can pick up a five-piece Ring Alarm Security Kit and add a full year of professional monitoring for about $420 CAD.
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 $15 per month.
Cheap monthly monitoring DIY installation Ring Neighbors app Many security cameras and lights available No contracts
Monitoring not available in Quebec Up-front equipment costRing Alarm Canada pricing
All Ring Alarm prices are displayed in CAD.
Ring's pricing is hard to beat. Equipment kits range from $269 to $449, and professional monitoring is just $15 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. It sells all of its extended services on a month-to-month basis. And if you buy an annual Ring Protect plan and decide to cancel, Ring prorates your refund using the remaining time in your yearly plan.
|
Plan
|
Monthly fee
|
Annual fee
|
24/7 professional monitoring
|
Mobile app
|
Video recording
|
Learn more
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Included free | $0.00 CAD/mo. | $0.00 CAD/yr. |
No |
Yes |
No |
View Packages |
| Ring Protect Basic | $5.00 CAD/mo. | $50.00 CAD/yr. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
View Packages |
| Ring Protect Plus | $15.00 CAD/mo. | $150.00 CAD/yr. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
View Packages |
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Ring now supports end-to-end encryption for video streams. This is a huge win for those concerned about Ring or law enforcement accessing their footage—privacy concerns that have caught headlines the last couple of years. We made a video outlining Ring's new encryption options for you.
Tech and equipment
Ring's home security equipment is stripped down and straightforward compared to more robust offerings from companies like Frontpoint and Vivint. But if you just want the reassurance of a basic home security system, it’s ideal.
Ring sells its equipment in different packages, based on approximate square footage:
- 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
- 8-Piece Security Kit: covers up to 1,500 square feet and adds three 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.
Note that you must buy the Ring Protect Plus plan to save cloud video on more than one camera or video doorbell through the Ring app. The Protect Basic plan covers only one device.
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.
Our pick for Ring: 8-Piece Security Kit
Ring's 8-piece kit can cover all the bases if you have multiple doors and windows on your main floor. The four entry sensors let you protect four entrances, and an extra motion detector gives you the option to track motion on two floors or two ends of the house.
- Optional professional monitoring for $15 CAD/mo.
- $339.99 CAD equipment price
- DIY installation
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.
Read about everything Ring has to offer in our full Ring Alarm review.
More brands in Canada we considered
Here's a summary of three other Canadian home alarm companies we think are worth a look.
4. ADT Alarm Guard: Experience pick
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
ADT is one of the most recognizable names in the home security industry, though its Canadian operations are now part of Telus. With it comes over 150 years of experience, which makes ADT Canada's professional monitoring services the most experienced in the Canadian security industry.
Best of all, you can use ADT's home security monitoring services anywhere in Canada, including Quebec.
But ADT clings 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.
Nationwide coverage Experienced professional monitoring Flood, fire, and CO alarm monitoring available Smart home capabilities
Expensive packages Many services are add-ons Long-term contractsADT 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
Read our full ADT review.
5. Think Protection: Quebec pick
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Think Protection is a budget-friendly alarm company that delivers protection to every corner of the country—from Montreal to Calgary. Like Frontpoint, this company offers DIY home security along with the reassurance of professional monitoring.
Think Protection offers several customer-first policies, including a three-year equipment warranty and a 30-day, risk-free trial. And contracts are optional, which means no ties to a long-term contract if you want to purchase equipment up front.
Nationwide coverage Mobile app included free 30-day, risk-free trial No contracts
Lower-quality equipment Home automation requires upgradeThink Protection home security basics
- Monitoring starting at $18.33/mo.
- Standard package includes a base unit, one door contact, one motion sensor, and a pin pad for $149.99 CAD
- 100% wireless equipment
- Pet-friendly motion detectors
- 3-year warranty
- Private guard response available for $4.99/mo.
Visit Think Protection for more information.
6. Abode: Basic pick
Info current as of 2021/08/03. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Abode is one of our favourite systems for folks who want a simple system.
Abode recently launched its no-contract professional monitoring in Canada.2 For $20 a month, a professional watches your system and contacts the authorities even if you're not available.
With the Iota Gateway hub, Abode combines a security camera, motion sensor, siren, and two-way communication into a single device that's also compatible with a ton of third-party smart home devices.
Affordable, no-contract monitoring DIY installation Professional and self-monitoring options Streamlined equipment packages
Pricey equipment Not available in QuebecAbode's streamlining means that you have fewer devices to buy and install yourself but that you can still get adequate coverage in a smaller space like an apartment.
The starter kit is basic; you get a hub, a mini entry sensor, and a keyfob to arm or disarm your system. But it’s adequate for most apartments with only a couple of points of entry.
Abode's equipment prices run a little higher than the industry average, so adding a lot of equipment gets spendy. Thankfully, a good view of a room helps the Iota do more than a traditional motion sensor.
Abode security Canada basics
- No-contract monitoring is $20/mo.
- Equipment packages start at $274.97 ($438.99 for Iota kits)
- Optional professional monitoring
Read our Abode review to find out more.
Final word
We love Vivint for its friendly service, excellent equipment, and competitive prices. While its professionally installed equipment isn't as easy to take with you as a DIY system, it's effortless to set up since someone else does the work.
Vivint's unavailable in Quebec, like many of Canada's best home security systems, so Quebecios should look for a different security company like Think Protection or self-monitoring with Ring or Abode.
Home security isn't just a realm of control panels and sensors, so we recommend checking out our FAQ and related articles below to learn more about protecting what's important to you.
How we reviewed the best security systems in Canada
We ranked our top Canadian alarm systems in six categories:
- Price and contract
- Tech and equipment
- Home automation
- Customer service
- Installation
- Life protection
We evaluated each company based on expert and industry ratings, customer feedback, expert reviews, and hands-on experience with the systems. Although SafeWise is an American website, we strive to present the best information possible for our Canadian friends to the North. Please contact us with any suggestions for improving our Canadian offerings—we appreciate it!
To learn more about how we rank and review, read our full methodology.
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 needs. Think geographic location, add-on features, and the type of installation or connection you need.
Geographic location
Because of Canada's mammoth size and varied terrain, providers often have difficulty servicing all territories and provinces. Check for coverage in your area before contacting a company.
That said, Alarm Guard and Think Protection offer Canada-wide coverage. That means if you live in a rural area outside of Edmonton, you get the same alarm monitoring as someone in the capital city.
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 monitoring system you end up choosing.
Most companies have strictly wireless home security systems, while others use some wires with a cellular backup 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 Canadian territory or urban area, you could benefit from life protection services. Often, this type of plan monitors for fires, floods, or carbon monoxide. Double-check with the alarm monitoring companies you're considering to see which life protection options they offer.
Type of installation
Alarm monitoring companies offer two types of installation: DIY or professional. When weighing your options, consider how much customization you want—and how comfortable you feel installing equipment on your own.
Professional installation guarantees that your alarm system starts up correctly. Pro installers know how to spot and defend security vulnerabilities, but that expertise comes with a price. Check into installation fees so you don't get a surprise after a control panel is already part of your home's electrical system.
Systems that come with DIY installation leave the setup of your alarm system in your hands. The wireless equipment comes with adhesive backing. 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.
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 operates in your area before ordering anything or signing a contract.
Life protection is an umbrella 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 alerts (sometimes called a fireman) the system if it hears your regular smoke alarm go off. Always read a provider's fine print regarding coverage specifics.
Adding standalone devices like fire extinguishers, portable generators, and security cameras can help in a range of dangerous situations.
If you live in a rural area especially, you may have to handle emergencies on your own before first responders arrive.
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.
False alarms are a common problem when you have a home security system. The biggest reason false alarms happen is user error—like problems with arming or disarming the system or placing sensors in areas that can trigger a false alarm.
Make sure everyone in your home knows how to arm and disarm your security system properly. If you have a housesitter when you're away, give them a system orientation before heading out of town.
There are often consequences for false alarms. Depending on local ordinances, you might pay a fine or lose emergency response services to your address in the event of a security alarm. Homes with recurring false alarms are at the most risk of fines and other punitive measures.
Here are the fees associated with false alarms in the largest Canadian cities:
- Toronto: the police service charges $130 to the monitoring centre3
- Montréal: no charge for first false alarm—$85 to $170 for subsequent false alarms4
- Vancouver: the police suspend your alarm permit and emergency response after two false alarms—you pay a $75–$150 fee to reinstate a suspended alarm permit5
- Calgary: first false alarm is $0—additional false alarms cost $75 to $675 depending on the number of incidents in a 12-month period6
- Edmonton: $75 for each false alarm7
- Ottawa: the fee changes each year based on the annual budget of the Ottawa Police Service—for 2021, it's $161 plus taxes for each false alarm8
Here are a few things you can do to help prevent false alarms:
- Place motion sensors away from infrared interference like air vents, windows, and fireplaces.
- Check batteries regularly in the sensors and control panel. If you have a backup battery, make sure it holds a charge.
- Check window and door sensors regularly to confirm magnet alignment and that the adhesive is firmly in place.
- Test your alarm system a couple of times per year—make sure your security company knows you're conducting a test.
Unlike its American DIY contemporaries, Ring and Abode, SimpliSafe does not offer professional monitoring in Canada. While you can technically use SimpliSafe equipment without monitoring, there's not much benefit since you need to be home to interact with the system.
Related articles on SafeWise
- 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?
- Are Wired or Wireless Home Security Systems Better?
- What to Look for in a Home Security System
- Where Should Home Security Cameras Be Installed?
- How Does a Glass Break Detector Work?
- What Is Home Automation and How Does It Work?
Sources
- J.D. Power, "Reasons Shift for Purchasing or Upgrading Home Security System, J.D. Power Finds," October 2020. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- Abode, "Canada Top-Rated DIY Alarm Security Systems - Abode," July 2020. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- Toronto Police Service, "Communications Services Alarm Unit Frequently Asked Questions," April 2012. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, "Alarms," January 2013. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- City of Vancouver, "Security Alarm System By-Law No. 7111," January 2013. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- Calgary Police Service, "False Alarm Penalty," March 2017. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- Edmonton Police Service, "Alarm Systems Bylaw #10922 Fees and Fines," June 2016. Accessed 21 July 2021.
- Ottawa Police Service, "2021 Draft Operating Budget and Capital Budgets," November 2020. Accessed 21 July 2021.
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.
†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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