How Much Does Alarm Monitoring Cost in Toronto?
Monthly monitoring prices look similar from company to company, but what you get for the money is not. Here is what monitoring costs, what should be included, and the fine print that makes a cheap plan expensive.
By Ilan Nahum , Blaze Alarms October 13, 2026 6 min read
- At Blaze Alarms, monitoring starts at $25 a month.
- Private guard response comes with every Blaze plan, but it is not part of the $25. Its cost is added on top.
- Compare what happens when the alarm goes off, not just the monthly number.
- Watch for long contracts, leased equipment and big cancellation fees.
What Blaze Alarms charges
Our 24/7 monitoring starts at $25 a month. Every plan also comes with private guard response to burglary alarms. Guard response is not part of the $25: its cost is added on top. We will tell you the exact total for your home in writing before you decide, so there are no surprises on your first bill.
The total depends on your system and the services you choose. Call 416-250-7398 and we will give you the exact number for your home.
What should be included in monitoring
- 24/7 monitoring by a ULC-listed station. ULC listing is the Canadian standard for monitoring centres, and most insurers look for it.
- A clear response plan. Who gets called, in what order, and who actually goes to your home.
- Burglary, fire and medical alarms. Panic buttons on the keypad should reach the right service.
- Cellular communication. So the alarm still gets through if a phone line is cut. See do I need a landline.
- An insurance certificate you can send to your insurer for a possible discount.
Why the cheapest plan is not always cheaper
Some companies advertise a very low monthly price and make it back in other ways:
| Watch for | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Long contracts (3 to 5 years) | You are locked in even if the service disappoints. |
| Leased equipment | If you leave, you may have to pay off or return the system. |
| Cancellation fees | Often the rest of the contract, all at once. |
| Automatic renewals | Some contracts renew themselves unless you cancel in writing during a short window. |
| Prices that leave things out | A low monthly number may not include everything you need. Ask for the full total in writing. |
| Price increases | Ask how often the price can change and by how much. |
Call us or send the form, and we will give you a written monitoring quote with nothing hidden.
What about the equipment?
Monitoring is a monthly cost. The alarm system itself is a one-time cost to buy and install. When you compare quotes, add both together over a few years. A "free" system tied to a long contract can cost more in total than buying a system outright with straightforward monitoring.
If you already have an alarm, you may not need new equipment at all. Many existing panels can be connected to our monitoring, and switching is generally free unless a part like the control panel needs replacing. Here is how switching works.
Is monitoring worth it?
Without monitoring, an alarm only makes noise. If you are away and the neighbours are at work, nothing else happens. With monitoring, someone sees the alarm at 3 a.m., tries to reach you, and sends a response. For most homeowners, a monthly cost that brings a real response, plus a possible insurance discount, is worth it. Read exactly what happens when an alarm goes off.
Questions to ask any company
- What is the total monthly price, including guard response? Get it in writing.
- How long is the contract, and what does it cost to cancel?
- Do I own the equipment?
- What happens, step by step, when my alarm goes off?
- Is the monitoring station ULC-listed?
Frequently asked questions
How much is alarm monitoring per month in Toronto?
At Blaze Alarms, 24/7 monitoring starts at $25 a month. Private guard response comes with every plan and its cost is added on top of the $25. We give you the exact total in writing.
Is guard response included in the $25?
No. Every Blaze Alarms plan comes with private guard response to burglary alarms, but its cost is added on top of the $25 monitoring price. Your written quote shows both.
Can I monitor my alarm myself instead?
You can get phone notifications as an option, but self-monitoring means you have to see the alert and act on it yourself, any time of day. Professional monitoring keeps working when you are asleep, busy or travelling.
Does monitoring lower my home insurance?
Many insurers offer a discount for a monitored alarm. We provide a certificate for your insurer. Ask your insurer how much they offer, since it varies.
Ilan Nahum runs Blaze Alarms, a Toronto security company installing alarm systems and security cameras across the GTA since 1990. Rated stars from 178 Google reviews.
Blaze Alarms has protected Toronto and GTA homes since 1990. Tell us about your home and we will give you a clear written quote.