Best Home Security System for Canadian Homeowners (2026 Guide)

Best Home Security System for Canadian Homeowners (2026 Guide)

Choosing the best home security system in Canada is harder than it looks. Many top-rated systems were built for the US market, and some of them do not offer professional monitoring here at all. Others are not sold in Quebec. Add long contracts, cold winters and insurance rules, and it is easy to buy the wrong system.

This guide addresses that. We analyzed how many different alarm and camera packages are available to homeowners in Canada, monitoring services, contract requirements, monthly expenses, installation, outage backup and regional availability. In the following section you'll find the finest security systems for home use in Canada, who they're best for, and what you should avoid doing before you purchase.

Short answer: Ring Alarm offers the most convenient flexible solution for most Canadians that aren't in Quebec. If you are looking for a traditional full-service provider, then TELUS (the current owner of the former ADT Canada business) is a better bet in Quebec. For those who want to go subscription-free, the best options are eufy camera systems and Reolink camera kits.

Reside in Toronto or the GTA? United Security offers a local option for professionally installed alarm and camera packages that are monitored 24/7, starting at $39.95 per month and $0 upfront.

Why Canadian Homeowners Need a Security System

The problem of break-ins is not uncommon. In 2025, there were approximately 264 police-reported break-ins per 100,000 Canadians, or approximately 109,753 break-ins across the country, according to data analysed by MyChoice from Statistics Canada. Sources in the industry also state that the majority of break-ins occur during the day when many homes are unoccupied.

One reason a security system is important is that it is visible and working. It scares off opportunist thieves and provides speedy notifications and proof if they get too close. A monitored system can also help to reduce the amount of your home insurance premium, covered below.

Quick Comparison: Best Home Security Systems in Canada (2026)

Prices are often updated and fluctuate between plans, so make sure to verify the latest prices with each provider prior to purchasing.

Provider	Best for	Reported monthly cost	Contract	Quebec?
Ring Alarm	Flexible DIY with optional monitoring	Low-cost plans; check current price	Month-to-month	No
TELUS (incl. former ADT Canada)	Full-service monitoring, Quebec homes	About $15 (basic, self-monitored) to $44 (Total Protection)	3-year on some plans	Yes
ThinkPro	No-contract, Canada-wide monitoring	Roughly $34.99 to $79.99	No long-term contract	Check with provider
Abode	Smart home integrations	Optional pro monitoring from about $5 to $20	Flexible	No (pro monitoring)
Canadian Security Professionals	Traditional contract monitoring (Ontario and BC)	About $34.99 to $45.99+	36 months	Not primary market
Rogers Self Protect	Existing Rogers customers	About $15 as an add-on	3-year	Check with provider
eufy / Reolink kits	No monthly fee, local storage	$0	None	Yes
United Security	Local installation and monitoring in Toronto and the GTA	From $39.95 (alarm monitoring) to $69.95 (smart home)	Confirm term when you request a quote	Serves Ontario and the GTA

The Best Security Systems for Home Use in Canada: Our Top Picks

1. Ring Alarm: Best Flexible DIY System (Outside Quebec)

Ring Alarm is offered nationwide in Canada (excluding Quebec). Self-monitor from your cellphone or add professional monitoring 24/7 at no commitment on a month-to-month basis. Professional monitoring also means cellular backup, so if the internet is down, the system will still be able to reach the monitoring centre.

Pros

• Easy DIY installation, no technician visit needed
• Month-to-month monitoring, no lock-in
• Works with Ring cameras and doorbells
• Cellular backup with professional monitoring

Cons

• Not sold in Quebec, and professional monitoring is unavailable there
• Ring Alarm Pro is aimed at the U.S. and not compatible for use in Canada, so be sure to purchase the Ring Alarm base station that is compatible with Canada
• Features such as remote arming/disarming are only available while the subscription is active

Ideal for: Homeowners in provinces and territories outside Quebec who need a budget-friendly, easy-to-install system.

2. TELUS Smart Home Security: Best for Full-Service Monitoring and Quebec

Unlike many DIY alarm systems, TELUS operates the former ADT Canada alarm company and provides professional monitoring services in Quebec. Plans can be as simple as self-monitored or as comprehensive as Total Protection (full monitoring). The cost is flexibility, as plans tend to have a finite agreement period, and some customer reviews claim difficulties with billing and cancellation.

Pros

• Wide Canadian coverage, including Quebec
• Professional installation and monitoring options
• Smart home integration

Cons

• Multi-year terms on many plans
• Mixed customer service reviews
• Higher total cost than DIY options

Ideal for: Homeowners who prefer a traditional service, or anyone in Quebec who wants professional monitoring.

3. ThinkPro: Best No-Contract Monitoring

ThinkPro specializes in home and small business solutions that are flexible, have no contract and are monitored throughout Canada. It can be self-managed, or professional monitoring can be added. For those who do not want to sign a long contract, it is one of the more flexible Canadian-based providers.

Ideal for: Homeowners who seek Canada-wide monitoring, but not on a multi-year basis.

4. Abode: Best for Smart Home Control

Use Abode's DIY system with either Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa and Google Home to integrate your alarm with lights, locks and routines. Professional monitoring is not available in Quebec, and is otherwise optional and relatively inexpensive.

Ideal for: Tech-savvy homeowners who already have a smart home.

5. eufy and Reolink: Best Home Security Systems Without Monthly Fees

For those who prefer to purchase their cameras and devices and not subscribe to any services, both eufy and Reolink camera-based systems store footage on a local hard drive and provide alerts directly to your mobile device. You won't have a monitoring centre sending assistance, but you will have video proof and instant notifications without a recurring bill.

Ideal for: Someone who wants cameras and alerts without a monthly subscription.

6. Canadian Security Professionals: Best for Traditional Contract Service

This provider offers smart security systems, 24/7 monitoring, fire protection and app control in Ontario and British Columbia. Generally, plans begin at $34.99 monthly and have a minimum term of 36 months.

Best for: Homeowners within its service area who are okay with a contract and are looking for a full-service provider.

7. United Security: Best for Toronto and GTA Homeowners

Full disclosure: United Security is our company, so weigh this section accordingly.

Since 2004, United Security has been securing homes and businesses in Ontario and is an authorized dealer for SecurTek, with alarm systems, video surveillance and 24/7 monitoring. It offers home security systems that are professionally installed, so you don't have to do it yourself, and monitoring is offered for systems installed previously.

Packages listed on its website:

• Essentials: intrusion and alarm monitoring from $39.95 per month
• Total Protection: monitoring plus video surveillance from $55.95 per month, including four 4K night-vision cameras, a DVR, door and window contacts and a pet-friendly motion detector
• Smart Home Plus: advanced home automation from $69.95 per month
• 4K camera packages: systems with 4, 6, 8 or 12 cameras

There is no initial equipment cost for plans. Check its service areas to make sure it provides services in your vicinity, whether you're located in Toronto , Mississauga , Brampton or Vaughan .

Pros

• Professional installation and local support
• Alarm, camera and smart home packages in one place
• Monitoring available for new and existing systems

Cons

• Service area is limited to Ontario and the GTA
• Confirm contract length and current promotions when you request a quote

Ideal for: Toronto and GTA homeowners who want their system installed by a local company that will also handle maintenance. You can request a free quote or call 1-800-466-3348

A Warning About SimpliSafe in Canada

Canadian users report that SimpliSafe is not offered with professional monitoring, yet it is commonly found on lists of the "best home security system." No monitoring means local app alerts only, with no dispatch. Before purchasing any monitoring system, especially those made in the US, always check whether monitoring is available at your address.

How to Choose the Best Home Security System for Your Home

Use this checklist to narrow your options.

• Confirm monitoring is available in your province. Ring and Abode do not offer professional monitoring in Quebec. TELUS does.
• Decide on DIY or professional installation. If you move, DIY kits are less expensive and more easily moved. Hardwired systems can cost anywhere between $900 and $1,600 to install in Ontario, according to an installer quoted by MoneySense, but they're permanently installed.
• Check the contract. Month-to-month plans give you freedom. Three-year contracts bind for three years, so read the moving and cancellation terms.
• Check battery and cellular backup. Power outages and internet dropouts are common during Canadian winters. A backup battery and cellular communication keep the system running if the internet is down.
• Think about cold-weather performance. Check the low-temperature rating for outdoor cameras and sensors, and the battery-life specs, as these can be reduced in extreme cold.
• Check for ULC certification. For an insurance discount, select a provider that is ULC certified (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) or meets your insurer's standards.
• Plan for expansion. Start with door and window sensors, a motion detector and a siren, then add cameras, smoke and CO monitoring and water sensors later.

Self-Monitored vs Professionally Monitored

Self-monitored systems communicate with your cell phone. It is up to you whether you call a neighbour or the police. They're less costly, but require the alert to be noticed in time.

Professionally monitored systems send alarms to a 24/7 monitoring centre. Trained operators call you and your emergency contacts and may request police, fire or medical assistance. These cost more per month, but if you travel frequently, work long hours or want an insurance discount, this is a good option.

You don't necessarily have to replace an existing alarm. Some providers, such as United Security, offer monitoring for current as well as new systems.

How Much Does a Home Security System Cost in Canada?

Costs will vary according to the equipment, level of monitoring and the contract.

• Equipment: Starter sets are usually the most cost-effective. Hardwired installations are much more expensive initially.
• Monitoring: Reported plan prices range from approximately $15/month for basic or self-monitored tiers, to $45/month and higher for full professional monitoring.
• Contracts: Many traditional providers require 36-month terms.
• Add-ons: Cameras, doorbells, smoke and CO detection and cellular backup can raise the total.

The trick to comparing is to determine total cost over 3 years: equipment, installation, plus all monthly payments. The local reference price is reported at United Security's $39.95 with no upfront cost for alarm monitoring, or $55.95 with video surveillance monitoring. Request a written quote from any provider that covers installation, equipment and contract duration.

Will a Security System Lower Your Home Insurance?

In many cases, yes, but it depends on your insurance company. Your premiums can be lower with a monitored alarm, generally in the 5% to 20% range based on the type of alarm system and whether it monitors fire along with burglary. Larger discounts are typically offered for professionally monitored systems rather than self-monitored ones.

Before you buy:

• Check with your insurance company which systems will be covered.
• Establish whether they need ULC certification for monitoring.
• Work out the discount and compare it to the monthly cost; it may not be worth paying a lot for a small discount.

Canada-Specific Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a US-only product. Some systems and models do not work in Canada or lack Canadian monitoring.
• Ignoring Quebec rules. In Quebec, check availability before ordering.
• Skipping backup power. Power and internet connections go out during winter storms.
• Not reading the contract. Check for auto-renewal, relocation and early-cancellation charges.
• Forgetting local permits. Alarm registration or permit rules vary from one municipality to another, so check with yours.
• Spending money on things you won't need. Begin with the basics and gradually build up.

Final Verdict

The home security system that is best for you will depend on where you live, how much you want to pay monthly, and how involved you want to be in the system.

• Flexible, month-to-month monitoring (most Canadians outside Quebec): Ring Alarm
• Quebec or full-service: TELUS
• No contract: ThinkPro
• Smart home fans: Abode
• No monthly fees: eufy or Reolink
• Toronto and the GTA: United Security, for local installation and monitoring

Either way, make sure to verify that monitoring is available at your address, confirm the contract, and ask your insurance provider about any discounts prior to signing.