The best home security system in Canada is the one that matches what you need: cameras that record what happened, a monitored alarm where a company responds, or both. Cameras you own suit most houses and carry no monitoring contract. Monitoring suits people who want a response while away. Pixl installs cameras, doorbells and smart locks. Pixl does not offer alarm monitoring.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Pixl prices checked October 31, 2026. Statistics Canada table dated July 22, 2026. 8 min read. CAD, before tax.
- Cameras vs monitored alarm vs both
- DIY, installed and no-subscription options
- Questions to ask any alarm company
- Pixl prices for the camera and door layers
- Cameras show what happened. A monitored alarm sends a company to respond. Many homes use cameras, some add monitoring.
- The police-reported break-in rate fell 11% in 2025, but incidents still averaged about 300 a day across Canada.
- Ask any alarm company about the contract term, equipment ownership and cancellation before you sign.
- Pixl installs cameras, doorbells and smart locks. Pixl does not monitor alarms.
Cameras, a monitored alarm or both: what each one does
Home security in Canada comes down to three set-ups. They solve different problems, so the better choice depends on whether you need a record of events, a response to them, or both.
| Option | What it does | Who responds | What to check | Pixl role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameras and doorbell you own | Record and send alerts to your phone | You, or police if you call | Where video is stored and whether a plan is needed | Supplies and installs |
| Monitored alarm | Sensors trigger a monitoring centre | The monitoring company | Contract term, equipment ownership, cancellation | Does not offer monitoring |
| Cameras plus separate monitoring | Both record and respond | You and the monitoring company | Whether the provider accepts third-party cameras | Installs the cameras only |
The longer comparison is in alarm company or camera installer. If a monthly fee is the worry, read cameras without a subscription. To compare camera types and systems, see home security cameras and camera systems.
How common are break-ins in Canada?
Statistics Canada counted 109,753 police-reported break-ins in 2025, a rate of 264 per 100,000 people. The rate is down 11% from 2024 and down 41% from 2015. It is still about 301 a day, and the count covers homes, businesses and other premises together.
| Year | Incidents | Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 121,563 | 295 |
| 2025 | 109,753 | 264 |
Falling numbers do not remove the risk, and they say nothing about your street. They do argue for fitting what you will actually use, and keeping the rest simple.
Cameras and a doorbell, installed and tested
Send photos of your doors and yard. WiFi cameras from $200 for one or two, wired CCTV by free written quote. You pay after the job.
What are the layers of a home security system?
| Layer | What it does | Pixl role and price |
|---|---|---|
| Doors and locks | Keeps people out | Smart lock installation: labour is a market estimate of $150 to $350 on a standard door, not a fixed Pixl price. Fixed quote from photos |
| Video doorbell | Shows who is at the door | $99 battery, $149 wired on existing wiring |
| Cameras | Record yard, driveway and entrances | From $200 for one or two WiFi cameras, $89 each added to a visit. Wired CCTV: free written quote |
| WiFi | Keeps cameras connected | Home WiFi or mesh setup from $129 |
| Monitored alarm | A company responds to alarms | Not offered by Pixl. Buy from an alarm provider |
Start with doors and the yard, then add alarm monitoring if you want a response while away. The door layer is covered in the home security upgrade checklist, and locks in which smart lock fits your door.
What should you ask an alarm company before you sign?
Terms differ by company, so get the answers in writing. Rules for police response also differ by city. In Edmonton, for example, the police issue alarm permits and false-alarm fees under Alarm Systems Bylaw 10922. Check your own city’s alarm bylaw.
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How long is the contract, and how do I cancel? | Terms vary and can run for years |
| Who owns the equipment? | Leased gear may stop working if you leave |
| Is the monitoring centre built to the CAN/ULC-S301 standard? | Your insurer may ask. Check the current edition with the Standards Council of Canada |
| What happens on a false alarm in my city? | Some cities charge fees or require a permit |
| Does it keep working if the internet fails? | Ask whether there is a cellular backup |
| Can I add my own cameras? | Not every provider accepts third-party cameras |
| What is the full monthly price in writing? | Monitoring, app and video plans can be separate lines |
DIY, installed or wired: which is the better route?
| Route | Who does the work | Pixl price | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY battery or plug-in cameras | You mount and set up | Not applicable | Renters, one or two spots |
| Installed WiFi cameras | Pixl mounts, aims and tests | From $200 for one or two, $89 each added | Most houses with good WiFi |
| Wired PoE cameras with a recorder | Pixl, from a written plan | Free written quote | Four or more cameras, whole property |
The time and cost trade-off is in DIY or professional camera installation. Where to put each camera is in where to place security cameras. The main service page is security camera installations.
What does a camera and doorbell layer cost?
| Example | Sum | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Two WiFi cameras, booked alone | From $200 | $200 |
| Battery doorbell plus two cameras | $99 + 2 x $89 | $277 |
| Battery doorbell, two cameras and home WiFi setup | $99 + 2 x $89 + $129 | $406 |
| Four or more cameras, or any recorder system | Free written quote | No number until quoted |
These are planning sums from posted prices. Cameras and smart locks that Pixl supplies are listed on your quote, or you bring your own. Photos settle the final figure before you commit.
How does booking work?
- Send photos. Your doors, yard, router and any camera spots.
- Say what you want. Cameras, a doorbell, a lock, or all three.
- Get a price in writing. Fixed price for WiFi jobs, free written quote for wired CCTV.
- Choose a day. Same-day service is available when we have an opening.
- Pay at the end. Card, e-transfer or cash after the work is tested.
Plan your cameras and doorbell
Fixed price from photos. You pay after the job.
You want cameras, a doorbell or a smart lock installed and tested, with no monitoring contract.
You want a company to watch the system and dispatch help. Pixl installs and sets up, and does not monitor.
Home security systems in Canada: frequently asked questions
What is the best home security system in Canada?
There is no single best. Cameras you own suit most houses, a monitored alarm suits people who want a response while away, and many homes use both. Choose by the problem you want to solve.
Are security cameras enough without an alarm?
Cameras record and send alerts to your phone, but nobody responds unless you do. If you want a response while away, add a monitoring service.
Do I need professional monitoring?
Only if you want a company to respond to alarms. Monitoring is a separate service. Pixl does not offer it.
What is the best DIY home security system?
Choose by criteria: where video is stored, whether it needs a monthly plan, how it is powered and whether it works with your WiFi. See the no-subscription guide for the storage side.
Can I get a home security system with no monthly fee?
Yes, with cameras that record to a card or a recorder you own. Cloud plans and alarm monitoring are the usual monthly costs.
Does Pixl monitor alarms?
No. Pixl installs cameras, video doorbells and smart locks and sets them up. You get alerts on your phone.
Will a security system lower my home insurance?
It depends on your insurer. Ask which systems they accept in writing. See does a security camera lower home insurance.
Are break-ins going up in Canada?
Statistics Canada reports the police-reported break-in rate fell 11% from 2024 to 2025 and 41% from 2015 to 2025. Local trends vary, so check your own police service.
Get cameras and a doorbell installed
Start with photos and get the price in writing before you book.
Installation price list
Alarm company or camera installer
Cameras without a subscription
Home security upgrade checklist
All installation services
Installation by project
Installation guides library
How to reset a camera or doorbell by brand
CCTV installation cost
Security camera for business
Sources and method. Break-in figures: Statistics Canada, Police-reported crime for selected offences, Canada, 2024 and 2025 (date modified July 22, 2026): 109,753 incidents in 2025, 264 per 100,000. Per day = 109,753 / 365 = 300.7. Edmonton alarm permits and false-alarm fees: Edmonton Police Service alarm permits page (read October 31, 2026). CAN/ULC-S301 is named in the Standards Council of Canada database; the current edition was not confirmed, so check it before relying on it. Pixl prices are posted prices checked October 31, 2026, in Canadian dollars before tax: $99 + 2 x $89 = $277; $277 + $129 = $406. The smart lock labour range is a market estimate, not a Pixl price. Pixl does not monitor alarms. Cost figures for alarm providers are not given because they vary by company.
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.