Are you looking to ramp up your home protection? Were you recently the victim of a break-in or theft?
Or, perhaps, you simply want the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that your home, family, and belongings are protected if the worst were to happen.
In 2021, there were 125,536 reports of breaking and entering in Canada, per Statistics Canada. Unfortunately, the risk remains even if you live in a “safe” neighbourhood.
Thankfully, home security systems are more accessible and affordable today than ever. Below, I’ll share some of the best home security systems in Canada.
The Best Home Security Systems In Canada
Homes in Canada have become increasingly expensive in recent years, which is all the more reason to protect your investment. Whether you want to install a couple of home security cameras or you’re looking for a complete home security system, there are plenty of options on the market.
Let’s take a look at some of the best security systems available in Canada!
1. Frontpoint Home Security System – Best for DIY
- Learn More: frontpointsecurity.com
- Good For: Complete professional monitoring
Frontpoint is one of the most reputable home security companies in Canada.
The company offers a wide range of high-quality home monitoring devices and professional monitoring services (in addition to self-monitoring via its smartphone app). It even offers complimentary identity theft protection through Allstate Canada.
Highlighted features:
- Easy DIY installation: Frontpoint’s wireless system is designed for simple, do-it-yourself installation, saving users the cost and hassle of hiring a professional.
- Customizable plans: Frontpoint offers a variety of security packages that can be tailored to suit individual needs, including options for professional monitoring, automation, and video surveillance.
- Smart home integration: The system is compatible with popular smart home platforms, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, allowing users to control their security system using voice commands.
- Mobile app: The Frontpoint app enables users to remotely monitor and control their security system, receive notifications, and view live video feeds.
- Intrusion protection: The system includes various sensors to detect potential break-ins, such as door/window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors.
- Environmental monitoring: Frontpoint also offers sensors to monitor environmental hazards, such as smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leaks.
- 24/7 professional monitoring: The company provides round-the-clock monitoring services to ensure swift emergency response when needed.
Some of the devices offered by Frontpoint include:
- Wired and wireless doorbell cameras
- Night vision-capable indoor and outdoor cameras
- Motion sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Door and window sensors
- Smoke and heat sensors
- Flood sensors
- Smart door locks
- Wireless light controls
- Touchscreen control panel
- Keychain remote control
No matter what type of home security system you’re looking for, Frontpoint has it. Although some of their equipment requires professional installation, the majority of Frontpoint’s equipment can be installed by simply plugging the devices into a wall outlet or can operate wirelessly.
Many Frontpoint security devices also have a built-in backup battery, so they’ll still function through a temporary power outage. This can be very useful during one of Canada’s severe winter storms!
Frontpoint allows customers to build their own home security kit, choosing the devices they need. Alternatively, you can purchase one of Frontpoint’s home security bundles, which can make for a great gift to a friend or family member.
I also like how Frontpoint offers a range of devices that can warn you of home intruders and environmental threats (such as excessive CO2, fire, or flooding).
What I like about Frontpoint the most is that they offer a hybrid model that combines professional and self-monitoring. Users can monitor their home security devices anytime with the Frontpoint app. However, they’ll also receive 24/7 live monitoring by Frontpoint’s core security team.
If your home is ever broken into, Frontpoint’s agents will check camera footage to make sure it’s not a false alarm. Agents will immediately contact local law enforcement or first responders if a threat is identified.
- User-friendly: The system is designed for easy installation and operation.
- Flexibility: Frontpoint’s range of customizable plans allows users to select the level of security that best suits their needs.
- Reliable support: The company is known for its responsive and helpful customer service.
- Smart home compatibility: Adds convenience and functionality.
- Upfront costs: Can be a significant investment for some users.
- Monthly fees: Can be a drawback for those seeking a more affordable option.
- Limited local storage: Relies on cloud storage, which can be a concern for users who prefer local storage options
- No professional installation option: Some homeowners would prefer to not install the system themselves.
2. Bell Smart Home Security System
- Learn More: bell.ca
- Good For: Long-term homeowners and existing Bell customers
Bell isn’t just a telecom provider. In 2017, the company purchased AlarmForce and began providing smart home security solutions in addition to phone and internet services. Existing Bell mobile and internet customers may also be eligible for special deals.
Bell offers a number of wired and wireless security systems, including cameras, alarms, door and window sensors, smart locks, and more. The company also provides environmental security devices such as fire, flood, CO2, shock sensors, smart home lighting accessories, and control units.
While many of Bell’s devices can be installed by the homeowner, the company provides professional installation when required or requested.
You’ll be able to monitor the status of your home security system via Bell’s smart home app. However, Bell’s home monitoring centre also assists in the event of an emergency or home invasion.
The main downside to Bell’s home security system is that you must sign up for a minimum three-year contract. This may not be an issue if you’re a long-term homeowner. However, it’s not a great option for short-term renters.
3. TELUS Smart Home Security System
- Learn More: telus.com
- Good For: Existing TELUS customers and long-term homeowners
To compete with Bell’s acquisition of AlarmForce, TELUS purchased ADT Canada in 2019 for $700 million and began providing home security solutions.
TELUS’ smart home security system is nearly identical to Bell’s. TELUS offers a nearly-identical lineup of security devices, including outdoor and indoor security cameras, glass break sensors, door and window sensors, alarms, and environmental sensors.
Like Bell’s home security service, you must sign up for a minimum three-year professional monitoring contract. That being said, TELUS periodically offers deals and special offers for first-time customers, which can significantly reduce the cost of your equipment.
4. Honeywell Smart Home Security Kit
- Learn More: honeywellhome.com
- Good For: DIY self-monitoring system
Honeywell is well known for its heating, cooling, and air purification devices. The company also offers several home security devices, including:
- Motion sensors
- Indoor/outdoor cameras
- Alarms
- Door and window sensors
- Panic buttons
- Flood sensors
These can all be integrated with Honeywell’s smart home application, Honeywell Home, allowing you to monitor your home’s status at all times.
Honeywell Home’s free version supports one camera with up to 24 hours of cloud video storage. You can also upgrade to a paid subscription for more cloud video storage or if you want support for multiple cameras.
Honeywell doesn’t offer professional monitoring, but it’s a reliable solution for those who want to self-monitor their home.
5. Rogers Smart Home Security System
- Learn More: rogers.com
- Good For: Existing Rogers customers and long-term homeowners
With Bell and TELUS offering home security solutions, Rogers entered the competition as well. Like both of its telecom competitors, Rogers offers a range of security devices, ranging from simple security cameras to motion sensors, glass break sensors, and more.
Unfortunately, Rogers customers must also sign up for a minimum three-year contract. The upside of this is that Rogers will give you your home security equipment with $0 down. Instead, the equipment will be bundled into your monitoring contract, and you’ll pay towards it every month.
What differentiates Rogers from its competitors is that the company offers two separate monitoring plans:
- Automation plan – for self-monitoring
- “Assure” professional monitoring for home security
- “Control” professional monitoring that includes home security and fire/leak monitoring
You can also create customized home monitoring plans that fit your needs, such as adding extra devices or monitoring services.
6. Ring DIY Home Security System
- Learn More: ring.com
- Good For: Simple, DIY security system with affordable monthly plans
Originally called “DoorBot,” Ring was launched in 2013 by US entrepreneur Jamie Siminoff. He started his company by offering a doorbell that doubled as a wifi-connected security camera. The idea was the first of its kind and revolutionized the DIY home security industry.
Today, Ring is one of the top-selling doorbell cameras in North America. In addition to doorbell cameras, the company offers the Ring alarm security kit. The ring alarm system has door/window sensors and a motion sensor.
Customers can purchase self-monitoring plans for as low as $4 per month or can pay extra for professional monitoring services.
It also offers smart locks, car-mounted cameras, and stand-up cameras that can be placed on a desktop.
One of the more unique products offered by Ring is its solar-powered camera. This gives you more versatility regarding camera placement, as you don’t have to worry about complex wiring setups.
Are Home Security Systems Expensive?
In the past, the home security industry was known for being rather costly. Cameras and other home security equipment were expensive and almost always required professional installation. Customers were often required to sign contracts with professional monitoring services as well.
Today, affordable smart home technology has revolutionized the home security industry. Almost anybody can set up a no-contract security system by connecting affordable devices to their home internet and self-monitor their home using an easy-to-use smartphone app.
The best part is that many of these affordable home security systems can be installed with little to no technical skills or knowledge. Many are also apartment-friendly and don’t require the tenant to re-wire their unit or drill unsightly holes in the wall.
Types Of Home Security Systems
Now that you’ve had a chance to review some of the best home security systems in Canada, let’s take a minute to break down some of the most common types of systems and the pros/cons of each.
This will give you better insight into which company best serves your needs.
Wireless Home Security System
Wireless home security systems have become very common thanks to readily available smart home technology. Wireless security sensors and other devices connect directly to your home internet, allowing the customer to monitor devices remotely with a smartphone app. Some wireless systems also include professional monitoring.
The advantage of wireless home security systems is that they don’t require professional installation. Most customers can set up their system by themselves in 30 minutes to an hour.
The disadvantage of wireless systems is that they’re more vulnerable. For example, certain devices may not function properly if your internet connection cuts out. Additionally, skilled hackers may be able to hijack your internet network and control or disable the devices.
- Very easy to install
- No hard-wiring, which makes them renter-friendly
- Easy to self-monitor
- Typically have a lower monthly fee
- Require a reliable internet connection to function properly
- Vulnerable to hacks
Wired Home Security System
Wired home security systems are generally more reliable than wireless systems. For example, hard-wired security cameras can be connected directly to a storage device, which allows them to record video even without an internet connection.
Additionally, wired home security systems can function without the internet by connecting to a wired phone line. If an intruder breaks into your home, the security centre will be notified and will dispatch responders to your home. This also means that wired systems are less vulnerable to being hacked.
The main disadvantage of wired home security systems is that they almost always require professional installation (which typically incurs additional installation fees). Holes will be drilled into your walls, so these systems aren’t a good option for short-term renters.
- Don’t always require an internet connection to work
- Less vulnerable to hacks
- Require professional installation
- Monitoring typically requires long-term contracts
- Wired systems aren’t good for short-term renters
Alternative: Hybrid Wired/Wireless Security System
An alternative is to combine aspects of a wired and wireless security system. For example, you may use plug-in cameras or wireless door and window sensors to monitor your home’s interior, but use wired cameras and doorbells to monitor your home’s outer perimeter.
Professional Monitoring
Professional monitoring services are great for homeowners who travel frequently or cannot respond to emergencies themselves (such as the elderly or disabled).
If you’re away from home, sleeping, or don’t have your phone on you to respond to security notices, the security monitoring centre will handle the situation for you and dispatch the appropriate aid.
Today, most companies that offer professional monitoring also allow customers to self-monitor their devices with an app as well. This gives you the best of both worlds.
- First responders will be dispatched by the security centre
- Provides peace of mind if you’re away from home
- Good for those who are unable to respond to situations themselves
- Professional monitoring usually incurs more expensive monthly fees
Self-Monitored Security Systems
If you can respond to security threats yourself or want to save money, you may consider a self-monitored security system.
These systems provide you with many of the same devices as professionally monitored systems. The only difference is that there won’t be a secondary line of help if you cannot respond to security threats.
For example, if you’re out of town and your security app notifies you of a break-in, you must request first responders yourself.
The main benefit of self-monitored security systems is that they’re more affordable. Self-monitor systems are a good option for general home monitoring but may not be the best choice if you’re trying to protect against home invasions.
- Typically cheaper than professional monitoring
- Offer the same devices as professional monitoring companies
- Good for general home monitoring
- Customers will need to request first responders themselves
- Not the best protection against home invasions
FAQs About Home Security Systems In Canada
To wrap up, here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about home security systems.
Can A Home Security System Lower My Home Insurance Rates?
A home security system can reduce your home insurance premiums, offsetting some of the costs of the security system itself.
Having a home security system in place protects your home against breaking and entering and can result in a quicker response to fires and floods. This can lead to less damage to your home and more affordable insurance.
What Happens When My Home Security System Is Triggered?
If your security system is triggered, you’ll immediately receive a notification on your home security app.
You can review the alarm to see if the threat is legitimate or a false alarm. If you’ve subscribed to professional monitoring, the security company’s response centre will do the same and dispatch law enforcement/first responders in case of a real threat.
Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked?
While it’s unlikely, wireless home security systems can be hacked. Protecting your wireless network with a secure, hard-to-guess password is the best way to prevent this. You should also change your password frequently, as some robbers can pose as friends/acquaintances to gain access to your wifi network and password.
How Often Should I Test My Home Security System?
To ensure proper functionality, you should test your home security system at least once per month. Ensure that all your devices are functioning properly, alarms work, and you receive security notifications on your smart home app.
Conclusion – What’s The Best Home Security System In Canada?
I’d say the Frontpoint home security system is the best of all of these home security systems. Compared to plans offered by Bell, TELUS, and Roger’s, Frontpoint has no contract, so you can stop your professional monitoring service at any time.
With Frontpoint, you can purchase whichever devices you need and build your own customized plan, utilizing either wireless or wired devices (or both). The company’s monthly monitoring fees are also very affordable.
The Ring home alarm system would be a close second. However, some of its professional monitoring services aren’t available in Canada, which could be a deal-breaker for some.
Having trouble even affording a house? Check out why houses are so expensive in Canada here.
