Canary vs Ecobee Cameras

If you're upgrading your home security system, one of the best things you can do is purchase security cameras. Security cameras provide the eyes and ears of your security system, but there are plenty to choose from.

Ecobee and Canary are two excellent providers.

Canary was launched in 2013 following a successful Kickstarter campaign; Canary prides itself in offering complete security systems in one device. Ecobee has won several awards in the technology field since being launched in Canada in 2007. Ecobee is best known for offering excellent indoor security cameras.

Let's take a look at what Canary and Ecobee can do for you.

Canary vs Ecobee: What do they have in common?

• Smart home integration: Canary and Ecobee are compatible with a lot of the same software, such as Amazon Alexa and Apple Homekit.
• Mobile app: You can download a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices. Your app can send you notifications.
• Indoor cameras: Canary and Ecobee offer indoor cameras.
• Cloud storage: You can store your data in the cloud.
• HD resolution: Canary and Ecobee offer excellent, crisp video quality with 1080p HD resolution.
• Additional fees: There are no activation or installation fees.

Canary vs Ecobee: What are the differences?

• Field of view: Ecobee offers a 180-degree field of view, compared to Canary's 145 degrees.
• Weatherproof outdoor cameras: Canary offers weatherproof outdoor cameras; Ecobee doesn't.
• Night vision: Canary offers color night vision, but Ecobee doesn't provide outdoor home security cameras, so there's no night vision.
• Smart thermostat: Ecobee offers Wi-Fi thermostats; Canary doesn't.
• Refurbished equipment: Ecobee offers refurbished equipment, allowing you to benefit from great discounts. Canary doesn't provide this.
• Air quality monitor: Canary offers an air quality monitor.
• Professional monitoring: Ecobee offers professional monitoring; Canary doesn't.

Canary Security: What you need to know

Canary launched in 2013 thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign; they provide an all-in-one security package that offers excellent features, including local storage, If This Then That (IFTTT) equipment compatibility, color night vision, and live video streaming via the app. Let's take an in-depth look at what they can offer you.

Installation

Wireless cameras are easier to install than wired ones; there's no need to drill holes or use cables. You can set up your security camera system in less than 30 minutes; it's usually a plug-in-and-go experience. If you have any problems, there are several troubleshooting options, including a live chat.

Equipment

Canary presently only offers smart cameras and mounts; some cameras offer built-in advanced extras such as climate monitors. Many companies provide this separately; Canary offers complete security systems in one device; equipment includes:

• Canary View
• Canary Flex
• Canary Pro

You can also purchase a mount to install your system, including a stake, twist, or secure mount.

Home automation

You can download a mobile app that will let you oversee your full security system; you can download the app on iOS and Android. In terms of smart home security devices, only basic integration is provided. There is some Z-wave compatibility but no smart locks, lights, etc. Home automation involves:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Apple Homekit

Costs

You should consider the costs involved when you buy your new security cameras, including:

• Equipment: You'll purchase your equipment upfront, and you can receive a discount for subscribing, but the costs are low regardless. The priciest camera is $129.
• Monthly costs: If you don't want a paid plan, you won't pay monthly fees. You can subscribe to a premium plan for $9.99.

Nerd pros

• Warranty: Canary has a great warranty; you'll be eligible for a refund for up to 60-days after your purchase.
• Outdoor security cameras: Canary provides indoor and outdoor security cameras with great perks.
• Price: The most expensive Canary camera is the Canary Flex; the Flex is a $129 camera with weatherproofing; it's suitable for outdoor use. Canary is one of the more affordable providers.
• HD video quality: Canary offers 1080p HD quality.
• Unique features: Canary offers great additional features such as climate control, person detection, AI technology, two-way talk, and a siren.

Nerd cons

• No door or window sensors: There are no contact sensors, leaving your home vulnerable. You could mount a camera at each exit, but this could get costly.
• Activity zones: Canary doesn't offer customizable motion detection.

Ecobee: What you need to know

Ecobee came onto the scene with its smart thermostat. A few years after its inception, it branched into security systems, including video doorbells and POE (Power over Ethernet) cameras. Let's break down what Ecobee has to offer you.

Installation

Ecobee offers variety, so it's hard to expand on the installation process. The Ecobee SmartCamera has the most straightforward approach but requires a drill and mounts. It can take around an hour to get started. But the premium Ecobee Smart thermostat may require professional installation, and comprehensive guides are available online on the Ecobee website. Their customer service line is responsive and helpful.

Equipment

Ecobee offers vast amounts of equipment, including:

• Voice-activated smart cameras
• Smart contact sensors for doors and windows
• Wi-Fi thermostats
• Smart speakers

Home automation

Ecobee has a great range of smart home options, including dedicated smart thermostats and a smart speaker. While third-party integrations are limited, they can be used with Amazon's Alexa.

Costs

• Equipment costs: Equipment costs have to be paid upfront; an individual camera starts at $99.99, and a premium smart thermostat costs over $200.
• Monthly costs: Monthly fees are flexible, you won't need to commit to a long-term contract, and you can pay $10 a month for Ecobee Haven and RapidSOS response with professional monitoring.

Nerd pros

• Professional monitoring: Professional monitoring is available for just $10 monthly.
• Voice control: With a voice assistant, you can control your security system easily. Siri and Alexa are both compatible.
• Smart home integration: Ecobee offers excellent smart thermostats and compatibility with various IFTTT products, including Apple Homekit, allowing you to design your own smart home ecosystem.
• Refurbished products: Ecobee offers official, certified refurbished products to help you save up to 60% off of your usual purchase price.

Nerd cons

• Installation: There's no professional installation, but it's pretty complex for a DIY system. It's a good idea to hire a contractor to install your system if possible.
• No environmental sensors: Ecobee doesn't offer environmental sensors.
• No cellular monitoring: You're vulnerable to power cuts and other issues due to the lack of cellular monitoring.

Canary or Ecobee?

If you're looking for the best, most affordable security cameras, you should choose Canary. However, if you want more effective home security, you may want to consider Ecobee. Ecobee offers additional security equipment, including motion sensors and contact sensors; Ecobee also provides professional installation.

Ecobee is more expensive than Canary but also offers refurbished equipment for a reduced fee. Each provider is excellent in its own way, but Ecobee provides more comprehensive security.