CPI Security packages and prices Pros:

High-quality, in-house equipmentFree professional installationNo False Alarm guarantee

Cons

Professional monitoring onlyLimited geographical range

Date effective 02/10/20 Professional monitoring comes with all three of CPI’s home security plans. So does smartphone control. But if you want to upgrade your kit with a video doorbell or with an outdoor security camera, you’ll also need to upgrade your monthly agreement. Still, it’s impressive that a 7-inch touchscreen hub and the solidly rated CPI app can be used with the Essentials Package, the same as the Edge package. Another standout: free professional installation. Right there, you’re saving around a hundred dollars compared to other professional installation-only providers like ADT. The major perk of leaving the installation to the pros is proper functionality. A faulty installation is the cause of many false alarms. If you have a false alarm and get fined, the company will credit the amount to your account with CPI.

Who is each CPI Security Systems plan best for?

inTouch Essentials: Best for light technology users who aren’t interested in including cameras in their home security system.inTouch Essentials Plus: Best for homeowners who plan on making a video doorbell the center of their smart home security system.inTouch Edge: Best for smart home security connoisseurs who plan on installing outdoor cameras or keyless locks.

CPI Security prices

Both equipment and monthly monitoring costs are in the middle-to-high range for home security prices. Cheaper systems often eschew professional support at both the installation and monitoring stages, resulting in upfront costs of a couple of hundred dollars and monthly charges of $20 or less. CPI, like other traditional home security companies, doubles both of these prices. It’s not a bargain, but the customer support and system guarantees from CPI are outstanding.

CPI Security ease of use

Touchscreen and smartphone control promises an intuitive user experience. And that free professional installation also means you will have a knowledgeable technician to walk you through customizing and controlling your system from the outset.

CPI Security types of installations

Professional packages

CPI Security Systems require professional installation. This may be less convenient than DIY options like SimpliSafe, but other than the potential issue of scheduling, professional installation from CPI is a positive – it’s free. Other companies charge $50-$250 for professional installation, depending on the size of your system.

DIY packages

DIY installation is not available from CPI Security Systems. The initial professional installation is free, but you might have to pay a fee if you move and want to take your equipment with you. This transfer fee is waived if you’ve been with the company for more than 24 months.

CPI Security types of monitoring

Professional packages

CPI Security Systems includes professional monitoring with every plan. Alerts are fielded out of CPI’s local North Carolina command center.

DIY packages

While you can’t self-monitor a CPI system, smartphone control is included at every monitoring tier. The CPI app commands a solid four out of five stars (averaging its Android and iOS ratings) and allows you to control your system remotely.

Additional benefits:

Additional drawbacks:

No trial period: While other home security companies allow you some time to change your mind after installation (ranging from a few days to a month or more), CPI Security doesn’t do a trial period. Once the equipment is installed, it’s yours.Surveillance cameras require upper plan tiers: You will have to pay $40 - $50 per month if you want to include a video doorbell or a smart security camera in your system. The cheapest plan, at $30 per month, still supports smartphone control.

Compare home security providers

Who is each home security provider best for?

CPI Security: People looking for a regional company that provides service guarantees and smart home security. ADT: The smart-home-curious who value company reputation. Frontpoint: Those who will pay more for customer experience. SimpliSafe: Budget-minded homeowners looking for sleek, flexible systems.