If you’ve been in the market for an affordable, DIY-style security system, you’ve probably come across SimpliSafe. Based out of Massachusetts, SimpliSafe is a security company that has been around since WHENEVER. For the most part, SimpliSafe has been celebrating for being an affordable alternative to traditional security systems— namely because users won’t have to pay a subscription fee to benefit from their service.
If you’re a Canadian looking for an affordable system, though, SimpliSafe probably won’t be the right choice for you. For now, the company is only focusing on the US and UK markets.
With that being said, we’ve got a list of amazing alternatives you can look at to keep your home, possessions, and loved ones safe for a reasonable price!
Does SimpliSafe work in Canada?
The answer to this is a little complicated. Depending on what services you’re looking for, SimpliSafe may still be a solution for you.
In countries like the United States, SimpliSafe has made its name by being a complete, affordable, and contract-free security system.
Unfortunately, the system won’t be as ‘complete’ for Canadians. While their monitoring systems are not available in the great white north, there are many key functions of the system that are still available— if you can get your hands on the hardware.
Without the remote monitoring service, SimpliSafe still works as a wonderful local alarm system. You won’t be alerted on your phone whether there’s been a break-in, but the alarm will still notify you within the house if their sensors are tripped.
It’s unfortunate that the full system isn’t available in Canada, but luckily, the options for alternatives are nearly endless. Check below for our favourite alternatives to SimpliSafe.
What to consider before buying a security system?
If you’re looking to keep the cost down for your new system, prioritizes will have to be sorted. The very first thing you’ll want to do is sit down and figure out what features are most important to you.
From there, you can start to work on a price you’re willing to spend. For example, if you’re positive you want 24/7 monitoring and support, that will come at a monthly fee.
More interested in being able to check in on the kids when you’re away? Maybe you can skip out on monitoring and just look for remote cameras with smartphone/home integration.
Your needs and wants are going to be what set companies apart, so be sure to take the time to consider which of these popular features you consider the most important:
Do you need monitoring?
Monitoring services are going to come at a higher price, but they offer a higher level of security as well.
If you’re paying a monthly fee for monitoring, you’ll be alerted to different threats to your home. When most people think of home security systems, they’re thinking of home monitoring as well.
What type of detection do you need?
While some will be more at peace knowing their homes are safe from burglars and vandals, others are far more concerned with environmental damage.
Depending on your security system, you may have options to monitor whether your pipes are freezing, whether glass has been broken in your home, or whether a smoke alarm has been set off.
If you’ve got an older home or maybe a remote property, take special care to consider whether you need environmental monitoring. If you’re looking to only opt for perimeter sensors, then it’s worth noting that you may be able to take the lowest plan on many of the services outlined below.
Things like video monitoring will often come at a higher price tag, but alternatives like doorbell cameras (such as the ones offer by Ring) will drive that price down.
Before deciding which company to go for, before to really narrow down what’s most important for you to keep an eye on in your home.
How do you want it installed?
While this may seem like a small issue, installation costs can start to add up. If you’re looking for a simple system, you may be able to get away with a DIY option.
For those looking for a more complicated system (especially with things such as smart home integration and environmental detectors), installation may be better left to the professionals.
Professional service will come at a professional price, and it’s worth noting that if you’re looking to keep your payments as low as possible, you’ll probably want to look for DIY options in the list below.
Will you need a contract?
One of the defining factors when it comes to comparing the below options is the contract requirements. Before purchasing any system, it’s important to know what it is you’re getting involved in.
The majority of systems in Canada will require that you sign a two- to three-year contract. Though, the upside to this is that you’ll have many of your equipment expenses wrapped up in your monthly payments.
If you’re on a budget, it may actually be more cost effective for you (at least, in the short term) to look for companies that offer the option of longer contracts.
For those looking to go contract free, your choices may be a little more limited. While companies like Ring boast their lack of contracts, you’ll have to ask about contract-free options with companies like Vivint.
Keep in mind, though, that going contract free will most likely drive up your up-front costs.
What are the alternatives to SimpliSafe in Canada?
If the throttled features of SimpliSafe aren’t going to work for you or your family, we’re fortunate enough to have a series of alternatives within Canada.
Our advice is to pick through the list of services from the list above. Once you’ve got a handle on that, take a look at the options below to find the option that best suits your needs.
Frontpoint
If you’ve done a bit of research in home security, you’ve probably seen the name Frontpoint pop up a few times— and for good reason!
Frontpoint is an all-around wonderful option for the average user. It’s quick to set up (and can be done yourself), it comes with a backup for peace of mind, and it offers an affordable monitoring system.
Though, the system isn’t without its cons. If you want Frontpoint, you will have to be locked into a lengthy contract for their services, which might make it less accessible.
The cheapest monthly plan for Frontpoint will ring it at about $34.99 and will cover a variety of environmental and home security features.
Overall, this is a well-rounded system.
Ring
In our opinion, Ring security is probably the closest alternative to SimpliSafe that’s available in Canada.
This security system is contract-free, can easily be built to suit your home, and has the option of being either professionally or self-monitored.
The cheapest plan they offer (with home monitoring) is $10 a month and if you’re willing to forgo the professional monitoring, you can have this beauty set up for $0 monthly cost.
In addition, it’s worth mentioning that Ring also boasts affordable equipment. Their started pack will ring in at about $199, which makes Ring and easy choice for someone who’s trying to achieve security on a budget.
Though smart-home integration for Ring is limited, and their emphasis on online customer service may be a deal-breaker for some.
ADT
If the price tag on Frontpoint is going to stretch your wallet too tight, it might be a good idea to look into ADT.
For Canadians who are looking for monitoring but simply aren’t able to pay the monthly fee of Frontpoint, ADT may be a better fit for you.
ADT offers five different packages, the cheapest of which is around $28. Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a wide variety of features, you’ll have to upgrade to one of their premium plans.
ADT does offer a 6-month guarantee that you’ll love their system, which will be important to users who aren’t sure whether home monitoring is really right for them.
Though, the long-term contract and lack of DIY installation may take this out of the running for some.
Brinks:
When it comes to reputation, Brinks takes the cake. When most Canadians are thinking about home security options, Brinks is the name that comes to mind and for good reason!
The company has a long history, and its monitoring has evolved over the time. Prices with Bring begin at about $30 a month, but that won’t offer you camera support.
What Brinks does best, though, is their wide variety of alerts. If anything goes wrong in your home, they’ll contact you through multiple channels with a blazing fast response time, which will offer the peace of mind many are seeking.
Though, people looking for a short-term contract are going to be disappointed. For their services, Brinks requires a three-year contract.
Vivint
For those who are looking for a traditional approach that will be handled almost entirely by experts, Vivint may be the way to go.
While Vivint lacks any DIY setup, this may be a bonus for customers who are looking for professional installation and management.
Plans range from $30 to $45 a month, but it’s worth mentioning that only the highest tier will offer you video support.
Vivint really makes its name by offering complete integration with the vast majority of smart home systems (though, integration is going to require the $40 a month plan).
For those of you who are looking for the simplicity of a contract-free life, Vivint is worth taking a serious look at.
They offer top of the line services but still offer the option of going contract free as long as you pay for your equipment up front (which should clock in somewhere around $700 for basic systems).
Which solution is right for you?
While it’s unfortunate that SimpliSafe won’t work as a fully-fledged security system in Canada, it’s fantastic that Canucks have so many alternatives!
Once you know exactly what features you’re looking for, you’ll be able to work out a budget to fit your needs and your wallet.
From there, all that’s left is to shop around. With our list of three wonderful alternatives, we hope we’ve helped you get a start on your new home security system.
Now, all that’s left is to choose!
