Sonitrol vs Securitas: Which Commercial Alarm System Is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing a commercial alarm system in Canada, two names often rise to the top: Sonitrol and Securitas. Both offer professional-grade solutions—but the way they detect threats and notify police differs in ways that can impact your security, your budget, and your peace of mind.

This article breaks down the differences between these two providers so you can make the right call for your business.

What They Offer

Securitas Technology is known for providing motion sensors and door contacts and CCTV recorded video. They provide custom commercial Unverified security systems across North America.

Sonitrol, by contrast, is best known for its verified commercial security using live audio intrusion detection. Instead of waiting for an unverified motion sensor or door contact alarm, Sonitrol’s system listens for break-in activity and streams it to a trained operator for instant verification.

Both companies provide 24/7 monitoring, system integration, and video surveillance. But the verification method—and response outcome—is where things significantly differ.

How Each System Detects Threats

Securitas relies on motion sensor and door contact alarms being sent to their monitoring staff.  As these types of alarms are Unverified and have a 90% plus false alarm rate Police will not respond to them and your staff will be asked to respond to the building and “Verify” the alarm.  This ruins the sleep of staff and puts them at significant risk if they stumble into a real break in.

Sonitrol’s system uses real-time audio verification, which detects the actual sound of forced entry—doors being pried, glass breaking, or movement inside the facility. Audio sensors “listen” to your whole building and unlike motion sensors cannot be beaten or easily avoided and have no blind spots.

According to a 2023 report by the Security Industry Association, “Sonitrol’s Active Audio-based verification allows operators to confirm threats faster and more reliably than motion-only systems. In high-risk facilities, this often leads to reduced loss and higher apprehension rates.”

Comparison at a Glance

Cost of False Alarms

Unverified alarm systems can lead to repeated false alarms—and fines from local authorities. Most police departments across Canada, including in BC and Alberta, are now shifting to verified-only response models.

This means if your system can’t confirm a real break-in, the police may not come.

Sonitrol’s system helps businesses avoid fines and delays by confirming events before dispatch. With a false alarm rate under 3%, it’s trusted by law enforcement and municipalities alike.

Learn more about our verified alarm solutions and how they support verified-only policies.

Use Cases and Fit

Securitas is often a fit for larger enterprise environments with extensive camera needs or complex access control requirements. Their systems work well in controlled environments with consistent lighting and line-of-sight monitoring.

Sonitrol is ideal for businesses that:

• Any commercial facility (active audio), equipment compound & Construction Sites (Sonavison Monitored Video)
• Want immediate police response
• Need coverage in blind spots or variable conditions
• Want to reduce false alarms and associated fines

Industries that benefit most include:

• Retail and cannabis storefronts
• Schools and public institutions
• Warehouses and logistics hubs
• Construction sites and multi-tenant properties

For a more detailed breakdown, explore our commercial security systems comparison.

The Bottom Line

If your goal is to record activity, Securitas can help. But if you need to deter break-ins from even occurring because criminals know to stay away from Sonitrol protected sites because they know they will get caught or Police apprehension if they do. Sonitrol’s verified commercial security system offers a proven track record of fast police response and intruder apprehension.

With 188,000+ arrests, real-time operator involvement, and the ability to detect intrusions before a camera even sees them, Sonitrol delivers a level of protection that goes beyond surveillance.

Book a Free Security Review

Looking to upgrade your system or compare options side by side? Schedule a consultation with our security experts and see how Sonitrol stacks up in your environment.

Let us show you what verified really means—for your business, your peace of mind, and your bottom line.