Canary Security Review

There are also important features in the Canary app like one-touch emergency services and even an incident response team who will help you after a break-in if you have a premium account. But there are some downsides if you’re in the market for a robust security system.

Canary doesn’t offer window or door sensors, and the siren only works manually. If you catch someone in the act of burglarizing your home, you have to press the siren yourself. Users also have to become members in order to use the more advanced features that the system offers.

• Hardware: 4 out of 5: No matter which Canary camera you buy, you’ll get a compact and reliable system that keeps an eye on your family and home. Customers can choose from the Canary Pro, Canary View, and Canary Flex options. They are simple to use and come with a one or two-year warranty, depending on whether you become a member. They aren’t the sleekest design we’ve ever seen, but they are simple to use and have superb video quality.
• Customer Service: 2.5 out of 5: Canary gives customers multiple non-phone ways to get a hold of the company to ask questions or start a support ticket. However, our Security Nerd had a lot of questions about a potential system and it would have been easier to get on the phone and talk it out. Canary only has phone representatives for the premium cancellation line, so customer service is primarily chat, email, and Twitter. If your problem is better solved via the phone, Canary reps will schedule a time to call you. Our Security Nerd preferred contacting representatives via chat, although even then it was not an immediate response. It took two days for an email response, and a Twitter response took hours. Not ideal.
• Pricing: 4 out of 5: Canary is an affordable system, especially for all the features you get. If you chose not to become a member, the most expensive camera is only $129. If you decide on the subscription plan, that can lower the cost of your equipment and in some cases even make it free. It also may be worth chatting with a representative on the website. Our Security Nerd was offered 50% off the first year of premium membership via chat.
• The Mobile App: 2.5 out of 5: The Canary app needs some improvement, with ratings in both the Google and Apple store at a mediocre 2.4 and 2.2, respectively. For what it’s worth, Canary is actively responding to customer complaints in both app stores.
• Smart Home Capabilities 3.5 out of 5: While having environmental monitoring built into one of these Canary cameras is a pretty great feature, there are still some basic smart home features that aren’t offered yet through Canary. Right now, there are no integrations for smart lights, smart locks, or smart thermostats. It is compatible with Wink, IFTTT, Google Home and Alexa.

Canary security can be a good option for homeowners or renters who are looking for a high- quality camera system, and who are comfortable monitoring their homes without the help of a professional. With both indoor and outdoor options, and a Pro model with environmental monitoring, there’s a camera for anyone’s security needs. Set up is simple, and you can get some great deals on the equipment if you sign up for premium membership.

Customer service and the app are two areas where we think Canary needs to improve but its affordability and flexibility still make it an attractive option for the right customer. You don’t have to worry about any lengthy and expensive contracts as you would with the more traditional home security companies.

If you are still on the hunt for other options, here are a few to consider:

• Arlo: Arlo offers a powerful line of cameras and also doesn’t have any professional monitoring. It has some more advanced features than Canary, but you’ll pay more across the board for equipment.
• SimpliSafe: If you like the DIY aspects and affordability of Canary, but are looking for a few more security features, SimpliSafe is a great option. There are no contracts required, but you’ll get to customize your security system more with items like door and window sensors. You also get the option of professional monitoring.
• Larger national companies like ADT: If you’ve looked into DIY and it’s not for you, a more traditional security company like ADT will conduct a home visit, do all the installation and monitor your home 24/7. You will pay much more for the service, but you don't have to worry about monitoring your own home.

Canary might be the right choice for homeowners and renters who want great picture quality inside and outdoors with extras like environmental monitoring and person detection, as long as they are willing to handle monitoring on their costs even lower. And with a 60-day money back guarantee, you aren’t taking any risk to give it a try.