The Best Home Security Systems in Canada

TELUS is one of the biggest security providers in Canada since it acquired ADT and Vivint's Canadian operations. This gives TELUS a strong foundation—with experienced, nationwide pro monitoring and your choice of pro or DIY installation. Keep an eye out for its internet bundling discounts and free equipment up front.

Frontpoint's excellent DIY equipment is easy to install, for those who don't want to wait for a professional installation appointment. We're also fans of the Frontpoint app—your command centre for controlling security and smart home gear wherever you are.

TELUS gives you the choice between two plans with self-monitoring and four with professional monitoring. The self-monitored plans from TELUS are a decent alternative to Ring, but pro monitoring removes some of the stress in an emergency. We love that you can choose a DIY or professional installation when other brands don't give you a choice.

TELUS is one of the biggest security providers in Canada after acquiring ADT's Canadian operations in 2019. (It recently purchased Vivint Canada as well.) This puts the company in a strong position to offer experienced monitoring to a significant portion of the population, though coverage in remote areas isn't guaranteed.

You need to commit for at least three years with no way out other than a cancellation fee. This isn't very reassuring when so many competitors offer no-contract options. As for installation, there is a $100 or $150 fee for self-installation and professional installation, respectively. We like that the self-install fee is refundable upon system activation.

If you choose TELUS security, we recommend bundling multiple services to lower standalone costs. The free equipment options go a long way toward winning over folks on a budget.

Learn more in our full TELUS SmartHome Security review.

• TELUS vs. Ring
• TELUS SmartHome Security vs. Bell Smart Home

Frontpoint offers SafeWise customers a special entry-level package that includes mobile access and geofencing but leaves off the more expensive smart home controls and video streaming. You can buy equipment outright or you can get your equipment for nothing down if you qualify for the company's consumer financing.

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.

All of Frontpoint's equipment—ranging from smart thermostats to the Frontpoint Wireless Outdoor Camera 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.

Plus, Frontpoint systems can travel with you if you move. You can request a free moving box to keep your system safe during transit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Monitoring starting at $19.99 CAD/mo.
• Standard package includes a base unit, one door contact, one motion sensor, and a pin pad for $199.99 CAD
• 100% wireless equipment
• Pet-friendly motion detectors
• 3-year warranty
• Private guard response available for $4.99/mo.

Visit ThinkPro for more information.

Abode'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.

• No-contract monitoring is $21.99/mo.
• Equipment packages start at $274.97 ($438.99 for Iota kits)
• Optional professional monitoring

Read our Abode review to find out more.

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.

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, TELUS and ThinkPro 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.

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.

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.

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.

We love Frontpoint for its great customer service, smart home equipment, and easy DIY installation. Still, it's not as effortless as professionally installed equipment where someone else does the work.

Frontpoint's unavailable in Quebec, like many of Canada's best home security systems, so Quebecios should look for a different security company like TELUS 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.

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.

• 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?
• How to Choose a 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?

1. Abode, "Canada Top-Rated DIY Alarm Security Systems - Abode," July 2020. Accessed 11 November 2022.
2. Toronto Police Service, "Communications Services Alarm Unit Frequently Asked Questions," April 2012. Accessed 11 November 2022.
3. Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, "Alarms," January 2013. Accessed 11 November 2022.
4. City of Vancouver, "Security Alarm System By-Law No. 7111," January 2013. Accessed 11 November 2022.
5. Calgary Police Service, "False Alarm Fees and Rebates." Accessed 11 November 2022.
6. Edmonton Police Service, "Alarm Systems Bylaw #10922 Fees and Fines," Accessed 11 November 2022.
7. Ottawa Police Service, "2021 Draft Operating Budget and Capital Budgets," November 2020. Accessed 11 November 2022.