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.
The Best Home Security Systems in Canada
We compared the price, features, contract terms, and coverage across Canada to pick our top security systems.
This website is operated from the US. If you are a non-US resident, your personal data (including IP address and any other information you provide in your interaction with this website) may be transferred to the US and/or to other countries or territories. Please see our privacy policy for further detail regarding how your information is treated.
May 30, 2023
SafeWise is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click links on our site. Learn how we rank and review.
Looking for another brand?
- Looking for SimpliSafe? See our Best Home Security Systems page for the US.
- Looking for ADT or Vivint? TELUS acquired both of these brands in Canada. So TELUS will be your best bet if you're a fan of those picks.
Here are the top home security systems in Canada
- : Equipment pick
- : Budget pick
- : Best for Apple customers
- : Quebec pick
- : Best internet bundling
Compare the best home alarm systems in Canada
Product | Best for | Lowest monitoring price | Starter equipment price | Contract required | Installation | Available in Quebec | Learn more |
| Equipment pick | $24.99 USD/mo. | $399.00 USD |  No | DIY |  No | View Packages | |
| Budget pick | $15.00 CAD/mo. | $269.99 CAD | No | DIY | No | View on Amazon | |
| Basic pick | $21.99 USD/mo. | $274.97 USD | No | DIY | No | View Packages | |
| Quebec pick | $19.99 CAD/mo | $199.99 CAD | No | DIY | Yes | View Packages | |
| Best internet bundling | $47.00 CAD/mo. | $0.00 CAD† | Yes | Pro or DIY | Yes | View Packages |
Amazon.ca price as of publish date. Read full disclaimer.
† Installation fee instead of equipment
Frontpoint: Equipment pick
Equipment pick
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. And its equipment options are pretty comprehensive, as you'll notice below.
Pros
Easy DIY installation
Great customer service
No contract required
Home automation capabilities
Equipment you can take if you move 
Cons
Not available in Quebec Frontpoint Canada pricing
All Frontpoint prices are displayed in USD.
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.
Monitoring plan | Monthly monitoring fee | Contract length | Mobile app | CO and smoke monitoring | Video streaming | Learn more |
| Lower monthly cost | $24.99 USD/mo. | 3 years* | Yes | Yes | Yes | View Packages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower upfront cost | $34.99 USD/mo. | 3 years* | Yes | Yes | Yes | View Packages |
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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
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.
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: smart home and video monitoring
Favourite package
Frontpoint's lower monthly cost plan has it all: remote control, home automation, video surveillance, and alarm monitoring. Plus, it includes full access to your system with the mobile app.
- $24.99 USD/mo.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Mobile app access and control
- Crash & Smash protection
- Video monitoring
The bottom line
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 Alarm: Budget pick
Budget pick
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 $270 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.
Pros
Cheap monthly monitoring
DIY installation
Ring Neighbors app
Many security cameras and lights available
No contracts Cons
Monitoring not available in Quebec
Up-front equipment cost Ring 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 | $5.99 CAD/mo. | $59.99 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 publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
End-to-end video encryption
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
Favourite 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.
Abode: Best for Apple Customers
Basic pick
Abode is one of our favourite systems for folks who want a simple system. It's also the only security system on the market that works with Apple HomeKit. You can ask Siri about your system’s status, use HomeKit to arm your system, and create automations so your Abode system works with your Apple devices.
Abode recently launched its no-contract professional monitoring in Canada.1 For $22 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.
Pros
Affordable, no-contract monitoring
DIY installation
Professional and self-monitoring options
Streamlined equipment packages Cons
Pricey equipment
Not available in Quebec 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.
Abode security Canada basics
- 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.
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
ThinkPro: Quebec pick
Quebec pick
ThinkPro (formerly 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.
ThinkPro 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.
Pros
Nationwide coverage
Mobile app included free
30-day, risk-free trial
No contracts Cons
Lower-quality equipment
Home automation requires upgrade ThinkPro home security basics
- 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.
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
TELUS SmartHome Security: Best internet bundling
Best internet bundling
TELUS SmartHome Security works best when you can bundle it with other services from TELUS, like internet and mobile phones—with savings up to $15 a month. We also like that TELUS offers nationwide professional monitoring coverage (including Quebec) making it one of two companies on our list with the option—ThinkPro is the other.
We're big fans of TELUS's smart home equipment selection and pricing transparency, so you know what you're paying before signing a contract. Plus, there's free equipment included in every plan, though free devices depend on the option you choose.
Pros
Nationwide coverage
Experienced professional monitoring
Choice of professional or DIY installation
Discounts for bundling TELUS services
Excellent smart home compatibility Cons
Long-term contracts
Higher monitoring cost without a bundle TELUS SmartHome Security pricing
All TELUS prices are displayed in CAD.
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 bundles
Discounts are available for customers who bundle home security with other TELUS services like internet—lowering the costs to $32.00, $42.00, and $45.00 per month. Plus, right now you can get a $7 discount on the Control + Video plan, taking the monthly cost down to $60 per month.
Plan | Monthly cost | Contract length | Professional monitoring | Security cameras | Home automation | Learn More |
| Smart Camera | $15.00 CAD/mo. | 3 years | No
| Yes | No
| View Packages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Automation Plus | $33.00 CAD/mo. | 3 years | No
| Yes
| Yes | View Packages |
| Secure | $47.00 CAD/mo. | 3 or 5 years | Yes
| No
| No | View Packages |
| Control | $57.00 CAD/mo. | 3 or 5 years | Yes | No | Yes | View Packages |
| Security + Video | $57.00 CAD/mo | 3 or 5 years | Yes | Yes | No | View Packages |
| Control + Video | $60.00 CAD/mo. | 3 or 5 years | Yes | Yes | Yes | View Packages |
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
TELUS SmartHome Security basics
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.
Our pick for TELUS: Control + Video
Favourite plan
The TELUS Control + Video plan combines professional monitoring with an excellent selection devices with that you control with a smartphone app.
It comes with a control panel, motion sensor, and two entry sensors. You can also choose one security camera and three smart home devices at no extra cost.
- Monitoring starts at $60.00/mo.
- Monthly price as low as $45/mo. when bundled with other TELUS services
- Professional installation costs starts at $150
- 36-month contract
- Choosing a 60-month contract nets you a $5 monthly discount
The bottom line
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.
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Learn more about TELUS
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, 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.
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.
Final word
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.
FAQ
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, Ring, and Abode aren't available in Quebec, while TELUS and ThinkPro cater 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 centre2
- Montréal: no charge for first false alarm—$92 to $177 for subsequent false alarms3
- 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 permit4
- Calgary: first false alarm is $0—additional false alarms cost $500 to $1,500 depending on the number of incidents in a 12-month period5
- Edmonton: $75 for each false alarm6
- Ottawa: the fee changes each year based on the annual budget of the Ottawa Police Service—for 2023, it's $168 plus taxes for each false alarm7
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.
Not yet. The Wyze Core Starter Kit requires a monitoring plan to use, which is US-only for now. Wyze Home Monitoring is our budget pick for US security systems, so we'd love to see it available in Canada.
The good news is that Wyze is expanding its Canadian offerings. It recently launched the Wyze Canada Store to ship its products direct to Canadian consumers. Still, the selection isn't as large as in the US, with just a handful of cameras, smart devices, and headphones currently.
We'll keep you posted as Wyze improves its Canadian presence.
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.
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?
- 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?
Sources
- Abode, "Canada Top-Rated DIY Alarm Security Systems - Abode," July 2020. Accessed 30 May 2023.
- Toronto Police Service, "Frequently Asked Questions," September 2018. Accessed 30 May 2023.
- Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, "Alarms," January 2013. Accessed 30 May 2023.
- City of Vancouver, "Security Alarm System By-Law No. 7111," January 2013. Accessed 30 May 2023.
- Calgary Police Service, "False Alarm Fees and Rebates." February 2017. Accessed 30 May 2023.
- Edmonton Police Service, "Alarm Systems Bylaw #10922 Fees and Fines," August 2020. Accessed 30 May 2023.
- Ottawa Police Service, "2023 Draft Budget," February 2023. Accessed 30 May 2023.
Disclaimers
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.
Recent Articles
The Best Home Security Systems in Canada
Find the best home alarm system to protect your house. We looked at price, features,...
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2023
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system because it's cost-efficient, effective, and easy to...
10 Best Home Security Systems of 2023
After hundreds of hours of tests and research, plus a combined 50+ years of experience,...
The Best Smart Home Security Systems
We’ve tested and researched smart home security systems to help you find the right DIY...
