Anybody with eyes and a brain can see Canary is using highly unethical subscription ‘trap’ tactics and dark patterns, while toeing the line as as close as possible to avoid getting into troubl... See more
Company replied
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The most concerning is sneakiness - the canary App (on smart phone) at regular intervals has pop-ups for Data harvesting. The option is to 'deselect' by clicking on each of the 250 vendors for non con... See more
Company replied
Awful company should be 0 star they increase subscription and take money from your account with out prior consent. They also make false deal on discount agreed by taking more money than was agreed. D... See more
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They tried to bill me for an annual renewal $100 higher than last year's renewal with no notice. Thankfully, Apple blocked the transaction. I am done with Canary.
Company replied
Company details
Information provided by various external sources
Canary is a complete security system in a single device. Includes a 1080p HD camera, night vision, motion-activated recording, air quality sensors, and more.
Contact info
6th Avenue 101, 10013, New York, United States
- canary.is
1.1
Bad
333 reviews
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
How this company uses Trustpilot
See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.
The worst experience I have ever had with a company
Anybody with eyes and a brain can see Canary is using highly unethical subscription ‘trap’ tactics and dark patterns, while toeing the line as as close as possible to avoid getting into trouble.
EVERYONE DO THIS NOW: dispute the charge with your bank and cite “services not as described” or “cancellation not honored”.
Then FILE A COMPLAINT with the FTC. Every one matters and will be used to build a case against Canary: reportfraud.ftc.gov. In addition, file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General consumer protection division, find it here: usa.gov /state-consumer
Canary Support: escalate this as high as you can. Your management is a bunch of thieves and crooks, but you already knew that didn’t you?
I am an individual and powerless to do anything, but in aggregate, we can get regulators to pay attention to this piece of shit company.
31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Dan!
We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. We strive to provide the best service possible, so thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is so we can address your concerns directly and look into possible offers.
PP customer service, debit your account then hide behind T&C’s
I have been a long standing customer of Canary for many years, I would like to thank them for giving me the reason to ditch Canary which I should of done years ago, Canary customer service is appalling and very brave to hide behind the terms and conditions when you complain ,they have certainly earned there 1 star status on Trustpilot
7 April 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Mark!
We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. We strive to provide the best service possible, so thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is so we can address your concerns directly and look into possible offers.
Shady renewal practices.
They tried to bill me for an annual renewal $100 higher than last year's renewal with no notice. Thankfully, Apple blocked the transaction. I am done with Canary.
27 March 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Michael,
Thanks for your feedback.
We sent the customers the price adjustment emails before introducing the new prices. Very often, the receiver's email blocks these emails or sends them to spam or other unattended folders.
Since we’ve launched Premium Service in 2016, we have always been driven to provide you with the strongest security and peace of mind. Over the years, we've continuously enhanced our service with new, cutting-edge features to ensure you receive the highest quality experience.
As part of this, we’ve added the most significant feature expansion in our history, delivering substantial added value to the service—including doubling video cloud storage to 60 days and introducing AI-driven smarter detection capabilities, such as package, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and loud noise detection with video preview clips. These improvements are designed to make your experience even more powerful, personalized, and secure, while providing you with greater safety and peace of mind.
To adjust to increased operational cost and market changes, the service plans adjustments are necessary to maintain this high standard and continue delivering the latest innovations, the high level of service, security, and support.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
****Stay away from CANARY****…
****Stay away from CANARY**** absolutely terrible**
I had canary for 11 years until January 2026. This company use to be pretty good from service to the cameras but both have failed...
NOW they have become an Unethical and Deceptive Company.
Canary's price has jumped and do not notify you buy email or any other way. Last year they tried to charge $129.00 after many attempts to contact Canary we agreed on $49.00 last year which I had been paying every year before.
This year Without any notice that my renewal was coming due or that the price jumped to $199.00 for the year.
I get a pending charge on my credit card of $199.00 on January 2, 2026. I immediately put a ticket by text on the Canary app they provide. Asking to have someone contact me with in 24 hours due to the price change and that I did not authorize the charge. They do not provide a phone number on the app to contact and the phone number I had used in the past no longer worked (which seem to change throughout the years).
I did not receive any contact. I again text and put a ticket into Canary on January 3rd, 2026 telling them to cancel my account and that I NO longer wanted Canary. Due to the non contact and the jump in price and that I did Not authorize the charge.
I still received no contact until afternoon on Jan 4th, when I received an email which stated that it was an automated message, and they wanted the serial numbers from my cameras. I immediately sent the serial numbers from my cameras, which I had already disconnected from the app. I received an email back that the ticket was in and it would be completed.
Canary charged my credit card on the Jan 4th anyway. I ask for refund and they told me they would Not give me a refund that the service would stay the same for the year and they were sorry to see me go, and that next year I could use the cameras on their basic plan that does not record and do not have to have a subscription.
I went back and forth with Canary until the 6th trying to get a refund with no luck.
I then disputed the charge through my the credit card company. My credit card refund me $199.99 after 30 days due to no response from Canary at that time. Next I get a notice from my credit card company that canary responded days after the dispute was closed and the dispute was re opened and the charge of $199.99 was back on my card.
I again disputed the charge on my card. I sent to my credit card company all my attemps to get a hold of Canary before the renewal on the 4th along with my emails to and from Canary. My credit card denied my dispute and Canary gets to Keep my $199.99 FOR NOTHING!!!
I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CANARY SENT TO PROVE I DID NOT TRY TO CANCEL OR WHY THEY GET TO KEEP my $199.99 for nothing.
On Jan 3rd, I went and purchased other cameras from a well known company and I have 5 cameras that we're installed on Jan 3rd and only charged $99.00 for the Year for all 5.
Canary gets to keep my $199.99 for their Unethical and Deceptive Company ways and practices.
And now This credit card company will be used only in an absolute extreme emergency.
2 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello C Rey,
Thanks for your feedback about the price adjustment.
Since we’ve launched Premium Service in 2016, we have always been driven to provide you with the strongest security and peace of mind. Over the years, we've continuously enhanced our service with new, cutting-edge features to ensure you receive the highest quality experience.
As part of this, we’ve added the most significant feature expansion in our history, delivering substantial added value to the service—including doubling video cloud storage to 60 days and introducing AI-driven smarter detection capabilities, such as package, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and loud noise detection with video preview clips. These improvements are designed to make your experience even more powerful, personalized, and secure, while providing you with greater safety and peace of mind.
To adjust to increased operational cost and market changes, the service plans adjustments are necessary to maintain this high standard and continue delivering the latest innovations, the high level of service, security, and support.
With regards to the refund, according to our Terms of Service you agreed to, any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period, therefore, we would be unable to provide you with a refund.
When you signed up for Premium Service, you acknowledged that your subscription would automatically renew unless you cancel before the renewal date.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Has anyone be successful in suing this…
Has anyone be successful in suing this company? I need us to all come together to eradicate the unethical methods used by Canary to force subscription on customers. No opportunity to cancel within the app and when you call they delay so there is a lapse.
22 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Adebusola! We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. Your feedback is important to us, and we would like the opportunity to make things right.
According to our Terms of Service, any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period; therefore, we would be unable to provide you with a refund or apply a discount retroactively. You can cancel your Premium Subscription by choosing Manage in the Canary WebApp.
We’ve added the most significant feature expansion in our history, delivering substantial added value to the service—including doubling video cloud storage to 60 days and introducing AI-driven smarter detection capabilities, such as package, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and loud noise detection with video preview clips. These improvements are designed to make your experience even more powerful, personalized, and secure, while providing you with greater safety and peace of mind.
To adjust to increased operational cost and market changes, the service plans adjustments are necessary to maintain this high standard and continue delivering the latest innovations, the high level of service, security, and support.
We have sent all our customers an email informing them about these changes. Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is if you have not received this email.
We appreciate your understanding and feedback.
Unethical company and Deceptive
Unethical company. They start with a promotional annual subscription then every year they increase it dramatically. They do not advise you of the increase in the Email that you receive, so you are taken off guard when it more than doubles.I tried to resolve 2 days after they charged me and their answer was we will give you a discount next year. This is how they keep you subscribed and manipulate you as a customer. They are inflexible and even refused to prorate the membership down to the actually days that I actually first saw the charge on my credit card. (2 days) Very deceptive practices. They are charging double for the camera to shoot you a notice on your phone. Some security cameras do that for free. Do not get involved with this company.
13 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Grace! We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. Your feedback is important to us, and we would like the opportunity to make things right.
According to our Terms of Service, any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period; therefore, we would be unable to provide you with a refund or apply a discount retroactively.
We’ve added the most significant feature expansion in our history, delivering substantial added value to the service—including doubling video cloud storage to 60 days and introducing AI-driven smarter detection capabilities, such as package, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and loud noise detection with video preview clips. These improvements are designed to make your experience even more powerful, personalized, and secure, while providing you with greater safety and peace of mind.
To adjust to increased operational cost and market changes, the service plans adjustments are necessary to maintain this high standard and continue delivering the latest innovations, the high level of service, security, and support.
We have sent all our customers an email informing them about these changes. Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is if you have not received this email.
We appreciate your understanding and feedback.
Terrible!
Terrible!! Avoid at all costs! They raise prices, or charge as they please without notice. SCAM! Also, no replies, I had to go through PayPal to get my money back. Smartfrog, originally, was so much better. Better camera, better prices, then they join canary and ruin their reputation. Please avoid this company, they need to go bankrupt for fraud! Years of having an account to instant regret after they sneakily took money they shouldnt have!
5 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello SAN! We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. We strive to provide the best service possible, so thank you for bringing this to our attention.
According to our Terms of Service, any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period; therefore, we would need to check if you requested cancellation before your renewal before we provide you with a refund.
Only users can add or create new subscriptions and add or change payment methods in their accounts.
Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is so we can address your concerns directly and work towards a resolution.
This company is just awful
This company is just awful. They change the rules over the years even if you were a customer from 10 years back. What they’ve done has rendered my camera is useless. Now the app is full of ads, and you can’t watch for more than a couple seconds without having to watch another ad. Even when I paid for the subscription, the service was terrible. Miss notifications, bad camera quality, no connectivity with my Wi-Fi,. There’s so many better options. Any company you pick would be better than Canary
1 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello John! We apologize for the inconvenience you've experienced. Your feedback is important to us, and we would like the opportunity to make things right.
I’d like to confirm that our Basic Service plan continues to remain free. The Watch Live experience will also continue to remain free with unlimited sessions, now set to 30 seconds at a time per session. This aligns with how most customers already use Watch Live—quick check-ins when something seems off. If you wish to watch longer than 30 seconds, you can always start a new session by simply tapping the “Resume” button.
Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is so we can address your concerns directly and look into possible offers.
I used Canary fairly happily for about…
I used Canary fairly happily for about 8 years. Unfortunately, my experience at renewal completely changed my view of the company.
I did not receive any notice of the upcoming renewal—whether it was never sent or went to junk, I don’t know. As soon as I noticed the charge, within a couple of days, I contacted Canary, canceled the service, and requested a refund. They could clearly see that I had not used the service for months.
Despite this, customer support refused to work with me on a refund and the communication I received was poor and came across as rude. In 8 years, this was the only time I ever contacted customer support, and it was a very disappointing experience.
As a result, I will not return to Canary when I set my cameras back up. Long-term customers should be treated better, especially in situations like this.
30 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Christine! We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. We strive to provide the best service possible, so thank you for bringing this to our attention.
According to our Terms of Service, any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period; therefore, we would need to check if you requested cancellation before your renewal before we provide you with a refund.
Please reach out to our customer support team at support@canary.is so we can address your concerns directly and look into possible offers.
Absolutely RUN from Canary
Absolutely RUN from Canary! I have had their camera for years and have blindly paid for their Premium service. The camera is ok at best and drops off quite frequently. The service is no better than anyone else but is way overpriced. If you threaten to cancel they immediately drop the price in half. Customer service is the worst I have ever dealt with. I mistakenly let my annual subscription renew and 1 day into the renewal period they refused a refund. Ring is much better at half the price.
** UPDATE ** Of course now the company wants to seem like they are sympathetic but I had two days of messaging back and forth. I was charged $212 for an annual subscription and the best they would offer in a refund was $53. DESPITE the fact that they instantly offered the same subscription for $79 the next year. RUN, RUN, RUN from Canary ****
22 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello David! We are sorry to hear about your recent experience. We strive to provide the best service possible, so thank you for bringing this to our attention.
According to our Terms of Service, any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period; therefore, we would be unable to provide you with a refund.
Our goodwill refund was extended as an exception to our standard sales terms. As we could not reach a mutual agreement, the offer is no longer valid.
Thank you for your understanding.
Horrible service
The cameras are fine, but a little pricey when compared to the rest of the available options that are in the market now. The one thing everyone should know is how bad the customer service is. I understand that service should not include doing everything I want, but I have been with them since they were released on Kickstarter. I tried to cancel my auto-renewal recording service 1 day after the charge went through, and they would not consider it. The rates are increasing by over 60%. Buyer beware. There are many other options, and I have been extremely happy with Ring, especially with the option to never pull a battery and charge due to the available solar options. My exterior Canary camera required charging every 2 weeks, which was very inconvenient.
Replying after receiving feedback:
What a horrible reply. Your are increasing by more than double with nothing improving. My new service has all the features you mentioned, allows as many cameras as I add with no additional charges, and they overcommunicate. I do not disagree with the cancellation policy; what I disagree with is not notifying me 30 days prior to the charge, as required by law. I also only have one camera online because it was the one I needed access to in order to pull the last video of my deceased son. You're still charging me for 4 cameras, which are no longer online.
I stand by my comment: "horrible service" and "buyer beware"
7 August 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hello Rick! Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate it.
Since we’ve launched Premium Service in 2016, we have always been driven to provide you with the strongest security and peace of mind.
We’ve added the most significant feature expansion in our history, delivering substantial added value to the service—including doubling video cloud storage to 60 days and introducing AI-driven smarter detection capabilities, such as package, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and loud noise detection with video preview clips. These improvements are designed to make your experience even more powerful, personalized, and secure.
To adjust to increased operational cost and market changes, the service plans adjustments are necessary to maintain this high standard and continue delivering the latest innovations.
According to our Terms of Service , any cancellation request sets the subscription to expire at the end of the current billing period.
When you signed up for Premium Service, you acknowledged that your subscription would automatically renew unless you cancel before the renewal date.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Dirty company.
Dirty company.
Features that were free for years now cost money.
And if you were paying already, guess what price goes up every year.
There are so many good companies out there to give your money to. Don't waste your money here.Let them go out of business.
30 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Robert! Thank you for sharing your feedback—we really appreciate it. I’d like to confirm that our Basic Service plan continues to remain free. The Watch Live experience is now set to 30 seconds at a time per session.
This adjustment keeps Watch Live focused on quick, meaningful check-ins—making the experience more efficient and reliable without wasted data streaming.
Please contact us directly for possible offers. We would be happy to continue having you as a customer.
Don't buy as no recording without a subscription
You've really lost it the cameras are useless without record feature unless you have a subscription and as more and more cameras are becoming available with memory cards you will lose your business.
25 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi David! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re sorry to hear about your experience.
We would be happy to offer you a 12 month 60% discount on a Premium Service subscription. Please reach out to us at support@canary.is, and we can arrange this for you.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Frauds, scammers, deceptive billing pracgices
increased auto renewal cost without informing and charged whole year cost (~double), unresponsive to emails from husband, argued with husband on phone, refused to let him cancel, refused any full or partial refund, refused to let him talk to supervisor. read the BBB complaints. frauds, scammers, deceptive billing
23 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Linda! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re sorry to hear about your experience.
We sent all customers an email informing them about the price adjustment.
We’re concerned to hear that you did not receive a discount, and we would like to look into this further. Please contact us directly with your details at support@canary.is so we can review your case and assist you.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Do not use this company they would get 0 star if available
Awful company should be 0 star they increase subscription and take money from your account with out prior consent. They also make false deal on discount agreed by taking more money than was agreed. DO NOT USE
If you paid via PayPal l recommended you cancel the auto renew this will not allow them to take unauthorised increased subscription
12 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Paul! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re sorry to hear about your experience.
We sent all customers an email informing them about the price adjustment.
We’re concerned to hear that you did not receive a discount, and we would like to look into this further. Please contact us directly with your details at support@canary.is so we can review your case and assist you.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Avoid Canary at all costs
Let me just add onto the tanking of trustpilot reviews for this awful company. I completely forgot I had a subscription - haven't used the cameras since I moved. No refund available and the customer service person hung up on me. I wish I could give them a zero. Avoid this company like the plague that they are.
8 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi E.J.! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re sorry to hear about your experience.
Customers can cancel their subscription at any time through their online account, or by contacting our customer support team via chat, email, or phone. We aim to make the process straightforward and transparent for all our customers.
We’re also concerned to hear that you felt you were not treated respectfully during your call. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we would like to look into this further. Please contact us directly with your details at support@canary.is so we can review your case and assist you.
Thank you again for sharing your feedback.
Save yourself the headache and buy a cheap camera on amazon.
EVERY OTHER COMPANY offers refunds if customer wasn’t aware of a price increase and does not like the new price. You guys do not. It appears the entire business is predicated on preying on consumers.
In what universe is $330/year is justifiable for a subpar product and terrible customer service?
After my miserable experience with Canary, I bought a Xiaomi camera for....yep, $40. No subscription required. Does what it says on the tin. Lets me watch my baby, has a few days history, has motion alerts. Not a plug, I'm pointing out what the competitive landscape looks like in 2025.
Maybe you guys can't compete anymore, so you have to become predatory on customers to stay alive.
1 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Alfred! Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and understand how frustrating unexpected changes can feel.
Our cancellation and renewal terms are clearly outlined on our website and in the sales terms that customers accept at the time of purchase. We also send renewal reminders as well as notifications of any price adjustments to ensure full transparency ahead of renewal.
That said, we take concerns like this seriously and would appreciate the opportunity to review your specific case in more detail. If you could please contact us directly, our team will be happy to investigate further and assist you.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
had activity on my account so tried to…
had activity on my account so tried to enable 2 factor and no security token was sent to my mobile.
Have tried the number of times but nothing received and have correct details in. I don't trust this company.
3 November 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Tony!
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear about your experience.
Please reach out to support@canary.is, and we will be happy to troubleshoot your issue.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience.
No customer support!
My Canary renewal withdrawal showed up in my bank account for the amount of ~$330. In the past it was nearer $150. Price more than doubled. I contacted Canary and they basically said, 'Sorry you missed the notice your price was going to double but our policy is no refunds.'
Goodbye Canary!
28 October 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Greg!
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear about your experience.
We want to clarify that Canary does send reminder emails ahead of both subscription renewals and any price changes. Additionally, our current pricing and subscription details are always available on our website at https://help.canary.is/hc/en-us, and our customer support team at support@canary.is is always happy to assist with any questions regarding pricing or discounts in advance of your renewal.
Please note that our cancellation policy is clearly outlined in the sales terms that are reviewed and accepted at the time of subscription.
We regret that this experience has led to your decision to leave Canary, but we thank you again for your past support and for taking the time to share your perspective.
Bought a brick
9/25 STOP playing games, you responded with the same suggestion today, but took off the stolen suggestive part which i have print screened. This shows you're merely worried about the way your company is perceived and not the way you treat consumersof your product. 9/24 Youre a jerk company to say it could be stolen i am highly offended, nothing is stolen i have a receipt! I Bought a brick! I emailed with issue of pairing the rep stated 21st that it was still active on a different user's account. I received an email the 22nd asking me to update firmware then perform a pairing test. I did with no results and replied as instructed. The 23rd i was told it was still active on a different user's account. I knew that already I would have assumed that it was taken care of when the company asked me to try and pair the camera again. Incompetence. Now canary just read my review and I guess they think im stupid if they really expect me to do the same thing again ive already emailed my receipt and serial # TWICE i am not falling for their games I stand by my review.
18 September 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Canary
Hi Chelle,
Thank you for your feedback.
The device in question was purchased second-hand and is attached to the previous owner's account. The original owner, who may be the one that is your seller has not responded; therefore we can not remove it from their account. We suggest you return the second-hand device to where you purchased it if we don't receive their confirmation soon.
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