Wednesday, January 15th
2025 Canadian Home Security Reviews
Vivint
- Available throughout Canada
- Must be ordered directly from a rep, can't be purchased online
- Options for smart home automation
Vivint, with a substantial customer base exceeding two million in both Canada and the US, is a well-known company often represented by door-to-door visits. The popularity of Vivint home security systems is attributed to their comprehensive integration, allowing you to connect locks, cameras, lighting, and thermostats through a hub or smartphone app, compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, there's one huge problem with Vivint: you can't get anything done unless you're willing to sit on the phone with one of their reps.
No details about availability
While Vivint says that it serves Canadian households, there aren't a lot of details to help you understand which provinces are covered. Further, the site is not a .ca website which raises questions about what currency the site will use. But, as we couldn't find any detailed pricing on the site, this didn't become an issue. However, if you do call it, you may need to be prepared to ask for your quote in CAD specifically.
No pricing on the website
Determining the cost of a Vivint home security system poses a challenge. The only way you can purchase your system is through a company representative. To that end, the company maintains intentional vagueness about costs, with statements such as "costs less than the average monthly cell phone bill". Customized quotes for each caller, potentially accompanied by upselling, contribute to the ambiguity. Customer feedback on the internet reveals potential high costs, with instances of individuals paying over $2,000 (USD), which is around $2,680.10 (CAD), for two cameras and four window sensors under lengthy service contracts. Whoa!
No price transparency for monitoring
Now, the lack of details on pricing for monitoring is the same as for the security systems themselves. There's just nothing to find on the Vivint website. While it's clear Vivint does offer 24/7 monitoring, it's not clear if this is through monthly payment separately or if the cost is rolled into what you pay for your system. The lack of transparency at Vivint is particularly frustrating.
Return policy is missing
During our research, we looked for information on returns or a 30-day trial, and couldn't find anything on Vivint's website. Given the other concerns about transparency, we weren't surprised. While you will have time to ask a rep questions if you decide to get on the phone with one, and hopefully you'll be able to get the details about returns or a possible trial period, it's still concerning that the site itself seems so committed to giving you no helpful information. The Vivint site is a perfect example of something that looks pretty but has pretty much zero substance.
Abysmal reputation
The company holds a "C+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, accompanied by over 6,500 complaints filed in the last three years. Customer complaints include problems with billing, unaddressed system malfunctions, and challenges in transferring services when moving to a new home. Vivint also recently faced legal issues with the US Federal Trade Commission, for fraudulent practices related to credit reports and unauthorized cosigners added to contracts. On top of it all, third-party review sites show that the average rating for Vivint is 1.1 stars out of 5, making Vivint one of the lowest-scoring providers in our review of Canadian Home Security Systems.
Not worth the hassle
Vivint's placement at the bottom of home security system providers in Canada is primarily due to its negative reputation. But even with a poor reputation, we were shocked to see the complete lack of transparency on Vivint's website. Given that there's no way to get any details from Vivint without calling a representative, the entire site feels outdated and more than a little questionable. So, keep yourself safe and stress-free by checking out one of our higher-rated companies instead.
More Canadian Home Security Reviews
The 9 Best Canadian Home Security Systems
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.
Canadian Home Security FAQ
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!
Compare Canadian Home Security Systems
Select any 2 Canadian Home Security Systems to compare them head to head
Canadian Home Security Articles
Trending Canadian Home Security System News
Related Canadian Home Security Reviews
Since you're interested in Canadian Home Security Systems, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.
Newest Reviews
