ADT vs. CPI Security

Choosing the right security system for your home is no small decision. You want something reliable, effective, and worth your investment.

If you’re based in the Southeast — particularly North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Georgia — you’ve likely come across CPI Security. They’ve built a strong regional reputation, especially in the Carolinas. It’s a reputable choice with similarities to ADT, one of the best home security options nationwide.

So here’s the million-dollar question. Should you stick with regional favorite CPI Security or go with the nationwide leader ADT? Let’s break down exactly what each offers to help you make the smartest choice for your home.

Comparison

Let’s start with a side-by-side look at what you’re getting with each company. This snapshot will give you the key differences at a glance.

ADT and CPI Security Similarities

ADT and CPI security are often pitted against each other because they have so much in common. Take a look at these examples:

• Professional installation: Both companies handle the setup for you — no DIY headaches here. You’ll pay installation fees with each, although ADT offers free DIY installation if you want to avoid the fee.
• Professional monitoring: Both companies also require professional monitoring. Without a monitoring plan, neither system will work.
• Customized packages: You can fully customize your home security system according to your security needs and desired extra features.
• Contracts: You will sign a contract before the monitoring service from either company kicks in. This contract locks you into the service for three years.
• Equipment financing: You don’t need to pay a large sum upfront for the equipment. You can pay in monthly installments over the course of three years.

Where ADT and CPI Security Differ

While they share similarities, the differences between these companies could make or break your experience. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Service area: ADT is available nationwide, so if you ever have to move in the future, you can continue using its services no matter where you go. With CPI Security, you’ll have to cancel (and pay a cancellation fee) if you move outside of its service area.
• Pricing transparency: ADT’s pricing is transparent, whereas with CPI Security, you need to get a quote from a sales rep. This could lead to a high-pressure sales call.
• Online store: You can customize a system online with ADT. With CPI Security, a sales rep will guide you.
• Video verification: In terms of features, CPI Security uses video verification to speed up police response and reduce false alarms. ADT offers video verification too, but only to its business clients. Residential alarm systems don’t get this feature.
• Smart voice integrations: Although both systems work with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, ADT also works with Google Assistant, while CPI Security works with Siri. Your pick should depend on which voice assistant you use the most, if any.

Equipment Comparison

Still on the fence? Let’s dive deeper into what each home security system‘s equipment actually offers.

ADT Features

ADT delivers all the essentials you’d expect from a top-tier security provider. Your first line of defense is intrusion detection through door sensors, motion detectors, and glass break sensors. These components communicate wirelessly with ADT’s basestation. They instantly alert you and the monitoring center to any suspicious activity.

Beyond sensors, ADT’s camera lineup is impressive. They offer all Google Nest cameras, which offer advanced facial recognition capabilities that standard cameras just can’t match. All of them integrate seamlessly into the ADT+ app allowing you to check live feeds or review cloud-stored recordings at any time. You can read more in our Nest Cam review.

Finally, ADT offers home automation features that can further bolster your home security while making life more convenient. ADT’s home automation integrates into the alarm system. This makes it easy to control, schedule, and automate smart home actions using the same app you use to control the security system.

CPI Security Features

CPI Security takes a similar approach to home security. Each system comes with a touchscreen control panel that connects to a variety of security sensors, security and doorbell cameras, and home automation devices for convenient control and monitoring.

Beyond the usual home security components, CPI Security notably offers a couple of devices that we don’t see from most alarm companies we review.

First up is an outdoor sensor designed specifically for sheds, garages, and other detached structures. Its extended wireless range means you can protect buildings farther from your main house without signal issues.

Second, the smart water shutoff valve. While most companies (including ADT) stop at flood detection sensors, CPI’s valve actually shuts off your water supply when it detects a leak. This proactive approach could save you thousands in water damage repairs.

Which Has Better Equipment?

Overall, ADT and CPI Security are on par in terms of equipment. From our experience reviewing ADT, its equipment offers a seamless experience and better aesthetics. Not to mention, ADT systems are rugged and durable. CPI Security, on the other hand, offers a couple of unique hardware components that can come in handy if you have a detached structure on your property or if you’re particularly worried about water leaks and flooding.

Monitoring Comparison: Cost, Features, and Contracts

After picking out your home security hardware, the next step is selecting a monitoring plan. This goes for both ADT and CPI Security. The cost, features, and contract details, however, vary.

ADT Monitoring

ADT operates an impressive network of 12 monitoring centers across North America. Why does this matter to you? It means there’s virtually zero chance of system-wide outages.

Think about it. With millions of customers nationwide, ADT needs serious infrastructure. These twelve facilities work together. If severe weather knocks out operations in one region, the others seamlessly pick up the slack. That’s the kind of redundancy that lets you sleep soundly at night.

Each facility runs on backup power and redundant servers. When disaster strikes, the network keeps humming along without missing a beat.

As for pricing, ADT keeps it straightforward with three tiers. The basic monitoring plan starts at $24.99 monthly and includes smartphone control. Add smart home features and you’re looking at $29.99. Want the full package with video monitoring? That costs $39.99 per month.

ADT’s monthly pricing includes the Quality Service Plan, which is an extended warranty plan that covers emergency equipment repairs. The plans are also covered by a Theft Protection Guarantee that will pay your insurance deductible up to $500 if your home is burglarized while being monitored. And lastly, there’s a six-month money-back guarantee. If the system doesn’t work as intended due to an installation error, ADT will refund your monthly and installation fees.

Those guarantees make ADT’s 36-month monitoring contract much easier to live with.

CPI Security Monitoring

CPI Security plays their pricing cards close to the chest. You won’t find rates on their website. Instead, expect a custom quote based on your specific setup. Like ADT, they use tiered pricing that increases as you add features like automation and video monitoring.

Although it’s not unique, we appreciate that CPI Security offers video verification with their monitoring plans. This feature requires security cameras and the right monitoring plan, but it’s a game-changer for false alarm prevention.

With it, CPI’s monitoring team can instantly access your camera feeds during alarms. They’ll verify whether it’s a real threat or just your teenager sneaking in past curfew. If they spot actual criminal activity, they relay important details to police. This verified information often gets faster police response since many departments prioritize confirmed crimes in progress.

Much like ADT, CPI Security monitoring requires a three-year contract. During this time, your monthly rate is locked in. However, you can’t cancel your monitoring plan while the contract is active, or you’ll pay up a hefty early-cancellation fee.

Additional features of the CPI Security monitoring contract include:

• Service Plus: Free replacement parts for faulty equipment or a malfunction due to normal wear and tear.
• No False Alarm Guarantee: CPI Security will refund false alarm fines incurred due to a malfunction or error on CPI’s part.

Which Has Better Monitoring?

ADT makes a stronger case for its monitoring service with its affordable and transparent pricing, reliable and fully redundant monitoring facilities, and guarantees that add value to every plan.

That being said, CPI Security is a strong option, particularly if your goal is a false-alarm-free monitoring experience.

Buying Process Comparison

Once you’re ready to finalize your system, you’ll have to go through the buying process. With ADT and CPI Security, this includes everything from choosing a payment option to scheduling professional installation. Let’s take a closer look.

ADT Buying Process and Installation

With ADT, you can buy online or call the sales hotline to get a system quote. Either way, you’ll get a chance to customize your security system to your liking.

We like having the option to buy online, as this takes high-pressure sales tactics out of the equation. Simply go to the ADT online store, select a package, and start customizing. You’ll see the total cost of the system as you customize it, including a breakdown of the equipment and monitoring costs.

Of course, if you finance the equipment, you’ll have to undergo a credit check. If you’d rather not have your credit run, you have the option to pay the equipment fee in full upfront.

>> Related reading: Best No Credit Check Home Security Systems

Installation happens fast with ADT. Thanks to their network of local dealers, you can often get same-day or next-day setup. Yes, there’s a $99 base fee, but you’re paying for expertise — technicians who know these systems inside and out.

Before leaving you with your system, the technician will walk you through its features and operation.

CPI Security Buying Process and Installation

CPI’s buying process is similar to ADT, but without the online option. You will have to get a quote from a sales rep. You are free to customize your system, but a rep will be with you all the while.

One advantage of CPI Security over ADT is that installation is free. A technician will still do all the work, but you won’t pay a dime if you’re getting a basic system installed. There will be additional fees if your system includes security cameras or smart locks.

After the installation, CPI Security will activate your system and connect it to its monitoring service.

Which Has a Better Buying Process?

ADT wins this round with more flexible buying options and transparent online pricing. That said, CPI Security’s free professional installation is a real budget-saver.

Customer Service and Support Comparison

Even the best security systems occasionally need troubleshooting. When that 3 a.m. false alarm happens, you want to reach someone quickly.

ADT offers round-the-clock support via phone or live chat. In our experience testing their support, agents were knowledgeable and patient, even when we asked the same question three different ways. The 24/7 availability is crucial for a security company.

CPI Security provides phone, email, text, and live chat support. More options is great, but don’t expect middle-of-the-night availability like you get with ADT. Their regional focus means more personalized service that’s only available during business hours.

Which Has Better Customer Service and Support?

CPI offers more support options than ADT, and because it’s a regional alarm company, it’s able to offer a more localized support. That said, ADT’s customer service is excellent too, and even though it has nationwide coverage, it’s quick to respond to tech calls because of its network of local dealers. ADT gets our vote here.

Which Is Better Overall?

After comparing every angle, ADT comes out ahead. The nationwide coverage alone is a huge advantage. If life takes you elsewhere, you can bring your security with you and avoid cancellation fees. ADT also delivers superior equipment options, transparent pricing, and a monitoring network that’s built for reliability.

Don’t count CPI Security out completely. If you’re firmly planted in the Carolinas with no plans to move, they offer solid value. Their video verification works well, and free installation saves you money upfront. But when you weigh everything — features, flexibility, and long-term value — ADT is the smarter investment for most homeowners.