I’m looking for a monitored home alarm system in Canada. I don’t need cameras, just the alarm system with door sensors, keypad, etc. We get a discount on home insurance if the system is monitored. Is there anything in Canada besides Ring that’s better?
Yes, there are tons of options. Are you more focused on getting the insurance discount? Or are you looking for a system that’s really strong against potential break-ins?
Rin said:
Yes, there are tons of options. Are you more focused on getting the insurance discount? Or are you looking for a system that’s really strong against potential break-ins?
A bit of both, I guess. What would you recommend for something ‘strong’ or just something focused on the insurance discount? I don’t need cameras, since I have a pretty good Hikvision NVR setup already.
@Kim
Nice setup! Next question—what does your insurance company require for the discount? Sometimes they might ask for extra features like flood sensors or CO2 detectors… Also, will you be wiring in the system, or do you need a wireless option? If you need wireless, Ajax is amazing. Honestly, it’s probably the best wireless system on the market. Only Power G is close, but in my opinion, Ajax beats it.
@Rin
Thanks, I’d never heard of Ajax. Looks interesting from what I found. One more question—if you had to recommend a DIY system, what would you go with?
Kim said:
@Rin
Thanks, I’d never heard of Ajax. Looks interesting from what I found. One more question—if you had to recommend a DIY system, what would you go with?
In Canada? Not much, honestly. In the US, there’s Surety, which sells alarm.com. But in Canada, I haven’t seen any quality DIY options. Ajax is great though. They’re one of the largest in Europe and just started expanding to North America. Their cameras are solid, their alarms are top-notch, and the app is easy to use. They’re my go-to for installs.
@Rin
First time hearing of Ajax? Are they UL rated? Does the system offer monitoring station takeover?
Arlo said:
@Rin
First time hearing of Ajax? Are they UL rated? Does the system offer monitoring station takeover?
Yes, they are UL rated and yes, the system can do monitoring station takeover. Their CCTV is also NDAA approved.
@Rin
Sweet! I’ll look into them more.
I don’t work for them, but my rep at ADI suggested I try them. After the first install, we changed all our proposals. Now, anything wireless is 100% Ajax unless the customer already has ADC and likes that interface. Unlike many older brands, they really focus on improving and innovating.
How much of a discount are we talking about? I’m wondering if it’s worth the cost, since these monitored systems can be really expensive. I’ve got a self-monitored system with door sensors and cameras, no monthly fees. From what I can tell, they seem to be just as effective. Either way, you’ll need to be contacted somehow, right?
@Jensen
The hardware quality, features, and communication capabilities are really different between DIY brands and professional systems. It’s like comparing an old black-and-white TV to a modern flat screen. They both work, but the newer one is definitely better.