Choose an alarm company if you want professional monitoring, with someone responding to alarms, under a contract. Choose an independent camera installer if you want to own your cameras, pick the brand, avoid a monitoring contract and pay once for the installation. The two overlap: you can use an installer for cameras and add monitoring separately. Pixl Canada is an installer: one or two WiFi cameras from $200, wired CCTV by free written quote, and you pay after the job.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 6 min read. Prices in Canadian dollars, before tax.
- Side-by-side comparison table
- When each one is the better fit
- Questions to ask either company
- Pixl pricing, pay after the job
- Alarm companies sell monitoring and usually a contract. Cameras are often part of the package.
- Independent installers sell the installation. You own the equipment and choose the brand.
- Cameras record what happened. Monitored alarms send someone when it happens.
- You can combine both.
How do alarm companies and independent camera installers compare?
| Factor | Alarm company | Independent installer (like Pixl) |
|---|---|---|
| Main product | Monitoring service, with sensors and cameras | Camera installation and setup |
| Contract | Often a multi-year monitoring contract | No monitoring contract from the installer |
| Who owns the equipment | Varies. Some is leased or tied to the contract | You own what you buy |
| Choice of brand | Usually the company’s brands | Your choice, or we suggest one |
| Response to an alarm | Monitoring centre can call you or dispatch | You get alerts on your phone and review footage |
| Upfront cost | Equipment plus monthly monitoring | Installation fee. Pixl: from $200 for one or two WiFi cameras |
| Best for | People who want someone watching and responding | People who want to own cameras and avoid contracts |
Which one fits your situation?
| If you… | Lean toward |
|---|---|
| Want someone to respond when you are away | An alarm company with monitoring |
| Want to own the cameras and avoid a contract | An independent installer |
| Already bought cameras and need them mounted | An installer. Pixl installs cameras you bought |
| Need both | Installer for cameras, plus separate monitoring if you want it |
| Run a business | Wired CCTV from an installer, with an alarm service if your insurer asks for one |
If you go with cameras, read how to choose a security camera, wired vs WiFi and installation cost.
What should you ask either company before you sign?
| Ask | Why |
|---|---|
| Is there a contract, and how do I cancel? | Monitoring contracts can lock you in for years |
| Who owns the equipment? | Leased gear may stop working if you leave |
| Is the quote itemized? | Cameras, recorder, cable and labour should be listed separately |
| Where is the footage stored? | Cloud plans cost monthly. Local storage does not. See cloud vs local NVR |
| When do I pay? | Pixl: after the job |
Alarm company vs camera installer: frequently asked questions
Is an alarm company better than a camera installer?
Neither is better for everyone. An alarm company adds monitoring and response. An installer gives you cameras you own without a monitoring contract.
Do I need a contract for security cameras?
Not for cameras installed by an independent installer. Monitoring services usually need one.
Can I use an installer and add monitoring later?
Often yes, if the cameras support a third-party monitoring service. Ask before buying.
Does Pixl monitor cameras?
No. Pixl installs and sets up cameras. You get alerts on your phone.
How much does Pixl charge?
From $200 for one or two WiFi cameras. Wired CCTV is a free written quote. You pay after the job.
Will insurance require an alarm?
Some policies discount or require alarms. Ask your insurer what they accept.
Cameras you own, no contract
From $200 for one or two WiFi cameras. Free written quote for wired CCTV. You pay after the job.
Camera system sizes and prices
How to choose a camera
Installation cost
What to compare in a camera installation company
Home security systems: cameras, alarm or both
Sources and method. General comparison of typical alarm-company and independent-installer models. Terms vary by company, so read each contract. Pixl prices were checked in October 2026, in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.