The Best Home Security Systems in Canada

Overview

Find the right security system to protect your home. We looked at price, installation, equipment, smart home compatibility, and which companies service the most provinces in Canada.

Keep reading to learn about the best home security systems in Canada.

We looked both at top international home security brands and Canada-specific brands to create our rankings. We compared prices, customer service, and equipment before finalizing the top four.

Frontpoint offers premium home security monitoring with the convenience of DIY installation. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, this is it. Plus, Frontpoint has a long history of reliable monitoring service and happy customers. In fact, Frontpoint boasts that 94% of its customers would recommend a Frontpoint security system to a friend—and that includes customers from both the US and Canada.

Frontpoint’s pricing starts a little higher than other security systems on our list, but it tops out at $49.99, which is in line with industry standards—and slightly lower than some other brands.

One thing to keep in mind with Frontpoint’s pricing is that the company quotes prices only in USD, which means you’ll be paying a little bit more than the prices displayed when you convert it to Canadian dollars.

When it comes to contracts, Frontpoint doesn’t have one, which is becoming more common in the home security industry. If you want to opt out early, there are no cancellation fees. And the company does offer a risk-free 30-day trial. So if you give a Frontpoint home security system a try and don’t feel like it’s a fit, you have 30 days from the time you receive the system to return it for a full refund.

Photo source: ASecureLife team

Frontpoint’s DIY home security systems are anything but basic. Frontpoint mostly uses industry-leading Alarm.com equipment, so you know you can count on your alarm system to work when you need it. Here are Frontpoint’s essential equipment offerings:

• Wireless control panel and hub
• Window and door sensors
• Flood sensors
• Glass-break sensors
• Panic pendant
• CO and smoke detectors

We like that Frontpoint’s systems are compatible with third-party home automation devices, like Amazon Alexa. That means you can sync your system with lights and door locks to make everyday life a little easier.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Frontpoint is the right fit if you want the convenience of DIY installation with the reassurance of professional monitoring and the perks of smart home compatibility. We recommend the Interactive Plan if home automation is a priority for you. This plan includes access to Frontpoint’s mobile app and remote control of smart home equipment like a smart thermostat.

If you’re ready to scratch that DIY itch and protect your home today, look at all of Frontpoint’s plans to find the right fit for you.

>>Learn more: Read our full Frontpoint review.

>>View Plans

Vivint has everyone beat when it comes to home automation. Since home automation can make every day easier (even if there’s never a crisis), we think that adds a lot of value to an alarm system. If you love the latest tech and want cutting-edge home security that’s part of a true smart home, Vivint delivers both.

We like Vivint’s flexible payment options. If you’d rather pay more up front and have a lower monthly price or nonexistent contract, Vivint gives you that option. But if you don’t have the budget to buy all your equipment outright, you can take advantage of Vivint’s payment plans.

When you pay for your equipment over time, you can choose from a 42- or 60-month contract. But if you opt to pay for all your equipment outright, you won’t be required to sign a contract for monthly monitoring. It’s important to note that if you don’t have a contract and you choose to discontinue monitoring, you’ll lose all the benefits of your Vivint equipment.

If you’re settled in your home and want both home security and home automation, Vivint’s long contracts and full smart home integration make sense. Just know that Vivint requires all contracts to be paid 100% in full—even if you want to cancel early.

Photo source: ASecureLife team

Vivint is one of the most innovative home security companies in the industry. Vivint designs and manufactures the majority of its equipment in-house. The company has also won multiple awards for its revolutionary mobile app and control panel.

Take a look at what Vivint has to offer when it comes to equipment:

• Vivint smart hub panel
• Window and door sensors
• Flood sensors
• Motion sensors
• Vivint Ping camera
• Vivint doorbell camera

Vivint is so into smart home integration that the company added it to its name. Vivint’s home security and smart home pros will come into your house and do a complete assessment. They’ll work with you to identify your priorities for both security and home automation, creating a tailored security plan that incorporates your requests for smart home convenience.

Vivint helps you automate everything from the porch light to the garage door. It also integrates with a number of third-party smart home and wireless devices, including Amazon Echo, Nest, and Google Home.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Vivint delivers the most comprehensive combination of trustworthy professional monitoring and inclusive smart home integration in the industry. To maximize the Vivint smart home experience, we recommend the Smart Home Video plan. You’ll get all the bells and whistles of a high-end security system with the added convenience of smart home integration and video surveillance—recorded and in real time.

Best of all, Vivint finds a way to make its innovative equipment and services accessible to a wide range of budgets. If you’ve always dreamed of a safe (and futuristic) smart home, it’s time to take a closer look at what Vivint has to offer.

>>Learn more: Read our full Vivint review.

>>View Plans

There’s a lot to be said for Ring’s no-contract, inexpensive approach. Ring’s one of the kings of DIY. Its only major failing is its limited compatibility with hubs, smart speakers, and other systems.

We’ve ranked Ring below Vivint and Frontpoint. Ring’s security system is just a year and a half old; it’s not yet tried and true. But it’s so easy and cheap to use and such a rising star in the home security arena that we ranked it above ADT and Think Protection.

To use Ring’s services, you have to buy a system outright. The most basic system runs about $199, which is usual for a package of its type. But our favorite package, the 10-piece one, costs $259.

Once you have your Ring package, you set it up yourself. You can then enroll in professional monitoring at just $10 each month or opt to monitor the system yourself.

Photo source: ASecureLife team

We’ve tried Ring equipment for ourselves, and we have no major complaints. The five-piece system we tested worked as advertised. The equipment appearance is something of an acquired taste, and we’re not sure the sensors or detectors will look great in your home. But they get the job done.

The five-piece system comes with:

• Base station
• Keypad
• Contact sensor
• Motion detector
• Range extender

If you’d like video to round out your home security system, we recommend a Ring camera. Your options include a doorbell camera, a stick-up camera, a camera with a floodlight, and a camera with a spotlight. You can even get more than one (seriously, Ring has some nice cameras).

Ring’s compatibility is scarce. On the one hand, Amazon owns Ring, so it makes sense that the products are Alexa-controlled. On the other hand, it’s hard (and sometimes impossible) to integrate Ring devices into any setup that doesn’t revolve around Alexa.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you’re looking for inexpensive DIY with no contract, Ring could be for you. This system is also ideal for the Amazon Echo lover.

We recommend the 10-piece package for most homes.

>>Learn more: Read our full Ring review.

>>View Plans

Long-term contracts might not be right for you, which is what makes Think Protection an appealing option. With a Think Protection alarm system, you purchase equipment up front and then pay for monitoring each month—no contract required.

Think Protection’s baseline monitoring is extremely inexpensive—starting around $19 CAD/month. And if you want more features, you can add them to your monitoring plan. One unique add-on feature is the option to send for Think Protection’s private guards instead of local police (which can help you avoid fees if there’s a false alarm).

But you need to buy all your equipment up front, which can be tricky if you’re on a tight budget. The good news is that Think Protection home security system components aren’t ridiculously expensive. You can get a basic starter kit for around $130 CAD, or put together a custom system with à la carte equipment options. Plus, you can upgrade your system to add home automation module (for an extra $1.99 CAD/mo.) or private guard protection (for an extra $4.99 CAD/mo.).

Best of all, you’re not tied to a contract—no matter which extras and equipment you select. That makes Think Protection a good fit for renters or anyone else who may not be at the same address for the next three years (or longer).

This is the one Canadian home security system that is close to SimpliSafe. So if you’re looking for simple, sleek, wireless home security, Think Protection fits the bill.

If none of the preselected packages fit your needs, you can customize your Think Protection home security system. Here’s a look at the company’s à la carte pricing (in CAD).

• Keypad: $79.99 ea.
• Pinpad: $49.99 ea.
• Entry contact sensor: $49.99 ea.
• Motion sensor: $49.99 ea.
• Glass-break sensor: $99.99 ea.
• Garage tilt sensor: $49.99 ea.
• Video doorbell: $199.99 ea.
• Universal wireless camera: $199.99 ea.
• Keychain remote: $39.99 ea.

Just because Think Protection’s equipment is sleek and simple to use doesn’t mean the technology isn’t advanced. We like the outdoor security camera that features advanced night vision and lets you see clearly up to 33 feet—whether it’s twilight or midnight.

Because all the equipment is wireless, you won’t need to worry about tricky wiring or damaging the walls. That’s another reason we like Think Protection for people who rent. This simple, wireless home security system is so discreet and customizable that you can find the right equipment combo for a small flat or a multilevel home.

We also think it’s the best option on our list for people who live with roommates. You can pick up the basics to keep an eye on your room or protect common areas together without having to eat ramen for a month (or two) to pay for it. Plus, it’s a less permanent solution than other systems like Vivint, where you need a pro to come in and install everything.

Think Protection offers a Home Automation upgrade that turns your Think Protection base unit into a Z-Wave hub. That means you can connect your system to any smart home device that uses Z-Wave. That’s good news if you already have some smart home devices you want to use with your security system.

Or you can buy smart home equipment directly from Think Protection. Plus, the free Think Protection mobile app will turn your smartphone into the control center for devices that you connect—everything from lights and smart outlets to a smart thermostat.

ASecureLife’s recommendation: Think Protection offers simple, out-of-the-box home security that’s completely customizable—whether you live in an apartment with roommates or in a larger home. We especially like that there are no contracts. You can add professional monitoring or not, giving you a lot of control over your home security budget.

If you don’t want to make a long-term home security commitment, check out Think Protection’s equipment and plans.

Unfortunately, right now SimpliSafe home security systems are available for sale only in the US. But the SimpliSafe website has a place for you to let the company know that you want to see its system available in Canada.

You might. Alarm permit requirements vary from city to city in Canada, depending on regulations for police response and false alarms. Because there’s no universal requirement, we recommend contacting your city for details about false alarm fines and municipal alarm permit registration.

It can. Only two of the home security companies we recommend (Think Protection and ADT) are available in every province. Another difference location can make is the type of professional monitoring connection that’s available in your area.

Most security companies use cellular monitoring, which uses the same type of connection as a cellphone. This is the most reliable type of monitoring because there are no wires to cut and connections remain active during a power outage. That’s good news.

The bad news is that cellular connections aren’t available in all areas. Rural locations, and areas near mountains, canyons, or the ocean can get spotty (or no) cellular service.

If you live in an area like that, it makes reliable professional monitoring harder to come by. In that case, you should look for broadband or landline monitoring. But broadband monitoring relies on an active Wi-Fi network, which might be tricky in the same areas that struggle with cellular connections.

If your home gets limited cellular coverage, it’s worth it to seek out a home security option that offers alternatives like landline or broadband monitoring. Just one of the home security systems on our list, ADT, offers both broadband and landline monitoring.

There’s a lot of buzz about cloud storage when it comes to home security, but it’s not a primary feature of any of our best home security systems in Canada. That can seem confusing, but the simple answer is that cloud storage is most common (and most useful) in reference to security cameras.

Because not all home security systems include cameras, we don’t emphasize cloud storage in our reviews of whole-home security systems. But we do make it a priority when it comes to finding a quality home security camera. And there can be concerns about the true security and privacy of information stored in a cloud.

All the companies and equipment that we recommend that use cloud storage take extreme measures to ensure the security of information saved in the cloud. But some security companies, like our number-one pick, Vivint, prefer encrypted local storage to the cloud.

Overall, cloud storage is a secure and convenient option—particularly for video storage. But we recommend that you fully research the benefits and risks before making a decision for your family.

• AlarmForce
• Chubb Edwards
• DSI Security
• SimpliSafe (not yet available in Canada)

Looking for a home security system in Canada? We think the companies above are solid options whether you’re looking for DIY home security system, a company with decades of industry experience, low prices, or convenient smart home integration.

• Frontpoint: Go to Frontpoint for the best DIY installation.
• Vivint: If you want home automation, buy Vivint.
• Ring: Ring has incredibly low monitoring prices.
• Think Protection: You won’t need a contract with Think Protection.

Contributing author: Brianne Sandorf