Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Telus Review

Wednesday, February 12th

2025 Canadian Home Security Reviews

Telus Review 1.5 Star Rating

Telus

1.5 Star Rating
  • $15 to $54/month for system and monitoring
  • No contract required
  • Available across the country

An award-winning company, Telus is a well-known tech provider known for having an impressive 15.2 million customer connections. Telus' extensive offerings include the deployment of a national 5G network spanning both urban and rural regions throughout Canada. On top of that, Telos offers a range of tech solutions for private customers, covering Internet, home phone lines, TV bundles, smart Home Security Systems, and online security. The company was founded in 1990 in Edmonton, making it one of the few companies on our list that got their start outside of the US.

Availability across Canada

Being one of the largest companies in Canada has its benefits. Telus has an impressive network that covers every province. However, Telus does warn that customers living in more rural areas where connections are sparse to begin with may still struggle to get a solid connection through Telus. Since this company is based in Canada, all of the prices on the Telus site for Home Security Systems are listed in CAD.

Best Canadian Home Security Systems

Four packages with 3-year commitments

At Telus, the packages and monitoring services are all extremely simple. Everything is rolled into one monthly price. There are four different pricing tiers to choose from. The two lowest tiers offer self-monitoring systems, and the two highest tiers offer professional monitoring included in the cost. The only snag is you are required to commit to a minimum term length of 3 years (with some of the terms being even longer). Here are the features you can expect from Telus' tiers:

  • Smart Camera
    • Self-monitoring
    • Basic online security package
    • 1x camera of your choice
    • Minimum commitment: 3 years
    • Cost: $15 /month
  • Smart Automation Plus
    • Self-monitoring
    • Basic online security package
    • 2x Automation devices
    • 1x Camera of your choice
    • Minimum commitment: 3 years
    • Cost: $25 /month
  • Secure + Video
    • Professional 24/7 monitoring
    • Standard online security package
    • 1x Security starter kit
    • 1x Camera of your choice
    • Minimum commitment: 3-5 years
    • Cost: $42 to $47/month
  • Control + Video
    • Professional 24/7 monitoring
    • Standard online security package
    • 1x Security starter kit
    • 3x Automation devices
    • 1x Camera of your choice
    • Minimum commitment: 3-5 years
    • Cost: $49 to $54 /month

Extras are confusing

While the Telus site seems to advertise extra items to add to your security package, our research shows this isn't actually the case. Instead, each extra item redirects you to the packages page where you pick out the prefab packages already priced out by Telus. With other companies allowing for customization or at least the purchase of extra alarms or cameras during the initial sign-up, this feels a little lacklustre in comparison.

Best Canadian Home Security Systems

Expensive cancellations with Telus

The cancellation terms and returns aren't stellar with Telus. Since you're committing to a 3-year contract minimum due to the added monitoring included in your package, it can be expensive to change out of Telus if you don't like the service. However, there are a few ways you can get out of the contract without paying.

  • First, you have the ability to cancel this contract from the moment you agree to it until 10 days after you receive a copy of the contract, and no specific reason is required for cancellation.
  • The second way is if the security equipment or services are not delivered within 30 days of the contract date, you have the right to cancel within one year from the contract date.

If neither of those is an option for you, here's what you can expect: if you cancel your monitoring services or payment before the contract period is over, you'll be charged a $136.50 removal fee, an installation fee of $409.50, and $75.00 for each free service call conducted. Ouch!

Some of the lowest ratings out there

If you weren't impressed with the cancellation problems, well, neither were other customers. Reviews for Telus are some of the lowest scores in our review with only a 1.2-star average on Trustpilot. Customers say that Telus customer service is "shockingly bad” and some have waited for hours on the phone just to not have their issues resolved. The news from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) isn't great either. The company has a mid-tier "B” rating, and there have been over 500 complaints lodged with the BBB in the last 3 years.

Not a fan favourite for anyone

While the full-country coverage is impressive (so long as you don't live in rural areas), Telus falls flat from the high expectations set by this industry giant. The prices are a little high and without customizable security packages or extras, the selection of security systems feels lacklustre. Plus, if you want to cancel within your 3-year minimum contract time, Telus makes it a huge pain (and an expensive process). At the end of the day, our research leads us to agree with the customers.

Who Offers the Best Home Security Systems in Canada?

Did you know there are over 150,000 burglaries in Canada every year? It's no wonder that Canadian home security systems have surged in popularity in recent years. Potential intruders tend to skip homes with security systems when seeking an easy target. And, burglaries and break-ins aren't the only things you might want to protect your home from.

With modern systems, you can integrate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flooding sensors, and front door cameras to protect your family and belongings from natural disasters or in-home accidents. Plus, with modern connectivity, emergency services can be immediately dispatched when an alert occurs.

The Best Canadian Home Security Systems Compare Canadian Home Security Systems Compare Canadian Home Security Reviews What are the best Canadian Home Security Systems Best Canadian Home Security Reviews

Canadian Home Security FAQ

There are more than 2 million break-ins every year in the United States alone. Home security systems are the most logical way to give yourself the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you, your loved ones and your property are being watched over.
The most important feature is 24/7 monitoring, which most services offer as part of your monthly fees. At a minimum, you'll want to have sensors for all of the exterior doors in your residence.
There are many add-ons that can offer additional security and protection. Your home security system could have smoke and CO2 detectors, flooding sensors, motion detectors, night vision cameras, and much more.
You'll find plans both with and without required service contracts. The tradeoff is usually in the price of the equipment vs. the monthly service fees. (See the next question for more on that.)
That depends. You should expect two costs: equipment and monthly service charges. Some providers of home security systems give you the equipment "for free", as long as you sign a contract (usually 2-5 years). Others have you pay for the equipment upfront as a one-time charge, but their monthly fees tend to be lower. And, with most services, you'll pay more for monthly monitoring if your system has all of the bells and whistles.
One of the most customer-friendly aspects of today's home security systems is DIY installation. While there are still a handful of companies that require you to sit down with a sales rep and then wait for a professional to come and set up your system, the vast majority are designed to be easy and fast for you to install yourself. You'll have ample support via phone or online chat if you need extra guidance during the process.
Yes, most of the time. You'll typically have a 30-day window to use your home security system and decide if it provides the protection and service you need. Terms vary, however: you may get a full refund for all fees paid, or you may only be allowed to break your contract without getting any money back. Be sure to understand the details of any plan you select, before you sign up.
Usually, yes. Because of the do-it-yourself nature of most of today's systems, you can uninstall and move your equipment just as easily as you set it up the first time. You'll just need to update the company with your current address, so that emergency responders have the right location in the event of an alarm.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

The good news is that whether you're moving in somewhere new, or you're looking for a little extra security at your existing family home, there are lots of choices for Canadian Home Security Systems on the market today. From systems that are straightforward do-it-yourself packages with just a few sensors, to cutting-edge professionally-installed security systems, there's a package out there for homes and budgets of every size.

Whether you want to monitor your own home or have a pro watch over your family, modern security systems can help keep you and your loved ones safe. And just having a security system or clearly indicating that you have 24/7 monitoring on your home can prevent criminal activity before it even starts. As an additional perk, some homeowners even enjoy reduced insurance costs with a security system in place.

There are a lot of companies out there vying for attention in the Canadian home security market. How can you determine the best fit for your needs? Consider these factors to help you make the best decision for your home:

  • Canada-based service. You'll want to be sure that the security system provider operates in Canada, with call centers and representatives located in the country. Many companies are based in the US, which can cause problems with pricing and service in certain provinces.
  • Equipment and installation. Check out the range of sensors, detectors, cameras, and other equipment offered by the company. How much of it is included in the monthly fees? Do you have to pay extra for the equipment you need? It's also important to check if the system allows for self-installation or requires professional installation.
  • Monitoring service. How much does the company charge for a 24/7 monitoring service? Some include this cost in the price of the security system while others charge separately for that protection.
  • Contracts. Check if the service requires a long-term contract. With some contracts extending up to 5 years with penalties for early termination, you may not want to get sucked into a contract option. Keep an eye out for companies that offer month-to-month plans with no long-term commitment.
  • Reputation. Consider the Better Business Bureau rating and customer reviews for different Canadian Home Security Systems. Other customers can give you a good idea of what kind of service you can expect.

With all those details squared away, all you need is your new Canadian Home Security System to help you feel at ease in your home.. To that end, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best home security systems available in Canada today. We hope this helps you select a home security system that gives you the 24/7 protection you need for your home and family!

See the Best Canadian Home Security
The Best Reviews of Canadian Home Security Systems