ADT vs CPI – Which is the Best Home Security System?

Last Updated on August 23rd, 2019 by Natalia Bickell

As smart home technologies continue to advance and offer more convenience, so do security systems for your home. The days when your system would emit a loud siren at the first sign of a break-in have come and gone, giving way to more sophisticated and robust options.

Today’s home security systems are packed with features, which means customers should take a little more time in determining which company has the options that make the most sense for their needs. Two of these home security systems are ADT and CPI.

For example, customers might want to consider what type of equipment a company offers, how they monitor your home, how much it costs, and whether or not it will integrate with your current smart home setup, should you already have one in place.

 Main Differences Between ADT and CPI

• Service Area – ADT provides its services to clients throughout the United States and some parts of Canada. CPI primarily focuses on areas in the Southeast United States.
• Control Panel Bypass – If your control panel is damaged during an intrusion, ADT has a method in place which still sends out alerts. Unfortunately, CPI does not have this type of technology at this time.
• Equipment Replacement – ADT has equipment from several different manufacturers, including DSC, Honeywell, and General Electric. If you have a problem with hardware, you can easily replace it with one of these options. CPI, however, makes their own equipment, which means you can only replace faulty hardware through the company itself.
• Monitoring Stations – CPI offers one monitoring station for all its customers. ADT, on the other hand, has six monitoring centers in various locations spread throughout the US and Canada.

ADT vs. CPI

Both of these high-quality home security systems provide professional installation, are compatible with wireless sensors, and integrate well with home automation. You’ll more than likely have a pleasant experience no matter which system you choose, however, let’s dig a little deeper to find out more about these systems.

Chances are good you’ve heard of ADT, considering it’s one of the most popular and industry-leading home security companies in the United States. ADT has been in business for more than 140 years, offering environmental protection, home automation, and 24/7 monitoring for your home.

Comparatively, CPI is one of the largest home security providers in the Southeast United States. Established in 1982, CPI has provided excellent home security service to its customers for more than 35 years. It specialized in home security, business security, home automation, and web-based video monitoring.

Licensed in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, CPI primarily provides services to those in the South.

If you’re considering either of these companies for your home security needs, it’s highly recommended that you do your research. We’ll provide information throughout our comparison, however, you know the needs you have much better than we do.

With that in mind, read on to see how these home security businesses compare with one another.

ADT vs. CPI: The Basics

In terms of home security basics, these two companies offer great features and equipment. However, we’d have to give the nod to ADT in this category. This is primarily due to the fact that if you own a home or an apartment that already has a security system, ADT might be able to install on top of it. ADT can use equipment from other home security companies like DSC, General Electric, Honeywell, and ITI.

Both systems include three security packages that require installation by a professional. ADT’s offerings are the following:

• Traditional – Cellular connection, carbon monoxide, flood, and fire monitoring, 24/7 professional monitoring, six-month money-back guarantee
• Control – Everything you get with the Traditional package plus home automation, remote arm and disarm functionality via a smartphone app, text and email notifications
• Video – Includes all features in the Traditional and Control packages plus the added capability of remote secure video

CPI also has three packages which include:

• Basic Security – Professional installation, fire, carbon monoxide, and flood monitoring, cellular connectivity, and 24/7 alarm monitoring
• InTouch + Smart Home – Includes all Basic Security features plus home automation, an InTouch app which lets you control your home remotely, real-time response, and a no false alarm guarantee
• InTouch + SmartHome + Video – Includes features from all packages plus video monitoring and verification capabilities

One item worth noting for CPI is that the company offers free installation for all Basic Security packages.

ADT vs. CPI: Devices and Sensors

We’ve already touched on the fact that today’s home security systems have a lot more functionality than they used to. Today’s options provide features that include remote live-video monitoring, home automation, and environmental protection.

Live-video is arguably the most beneficial feature for those that have small children, pets, or aging grandparents. This feature gives them a way to check-in and verify that everything is as it should be. Additionally, both CPI and ADT offer doorbells with cameras that allow you to see who is at your front door. Using this type of hardware also lets you communicate with someone on your porch without needing to open the door or even be in your home.

CPI and ADT are considered among the best in home security since both offer their users a variety of sensors and places to put them throughout your home. You’ll get window and door sensors, glass break detection, garage door sensors, and motion detectors through both home security companies.

In terms of sensors and devices, ADT is again the winner. Its crash & smash protection keep intruders from interrupting the communication between your security system and the ADT monitoring station by destroying your control panel. In the event your control panel is damaged, your system will automatically notify ADT’s monitoring center.

Both home security companies offer the best in environmental protection. You’ll get fire and smoke, temperature, flood, and carbon monoxide monitoring no matter which company you select. Additionally, both offer outdoor, indoor, doorbell, and tilt and pan cameras, plus event-triggered and live-surveillance options.

While ADT gets its equipment from outside sources like DSC, General Electric, Honeywell, and ITI, CPI manufactures and installs its own hardware. This means if a piece of equipment goes out, your only option for replacing it is going through CPI.

ADT vs. CPI: Smart Integration

Today’s advanced home security systems can be controlled by connecting to your smartphone or tablet. This gives you the ability to ensure that your home is safe and sound no matter where you are, so long as you have access to the internet.

As you take a closer look at these two home security companies, you should consider what type of technology they work with. What mobile devices can connect, what mobile apps, how they interact with the systems, and which home automation products are compatible.

Having this type of integration with smart home products makes life easier for you while making your home feel more safe and secure. Plus, having smart home compatibility can help keep false alarms to a minimum.

In terms of technology support and integration, ADT and CPI both offer excellent support. You’ll get email and text notifications, remote alarming and disarming capabilities, Android and iPhone apps, and live surveillance support with both home security companies.

Through ADT, users can also control their smart thermostat, lights, locks, and appliances. You can get smart devices from ADT, which offers smart lights, smart thermostats, smart locks, video doorbells, and garage door security. Smart plugs and switches will also work with ADT’s mobile app.

CPI offers its own smart locks, garage controls, and doorbell cameras as well. Both companies will work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, however, only CPI supports Z-wave technology.

ADT vs. CPI: Monitoring

ADT operates and owns its monitoring stations. It has six different centers throughout the United States and Canada, plus its national center which resides in Colorado. With so many monitoring stations, ADT has the distinct advantages of offering coverage in more places around the country.

Additionally, multiple centers also prevents communication disruption in the event of a natural disaster. For instance, if one station goes offline due to a flood, customers can be rerouted to a different monitoring location. These factors mean that you’re getting a stable, effective, and more reliable service.

By comparison, CPI only has a single monitoring center. Security systems are operated and monitored at the company’s headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Online 24-hours a day, seven days a week, its only intent is to serve CPI clients.

Additionally, something to keep in mind when it comes to monitoring is the length of the contract along with the fees you’ll pay. ADT requires you sign a three-year contract for monitoring purposes, however, you have six months to cancel it.

On the other hand, CPI asks for a five-year commitment with its monitoring contracts, and you do not have the option to cancel it if you’re not satisfied. As with many home security companies, your monthly monitoring rate is going to depend largely on which package you select.

With ADT, you’ll have a monthly rate based on your package, however, you don’t have to pay for your equipment upfront. CPI users pay for their equipment in full upon installation, then pay a monthly monitoring fee.

Keep in mind, however, that if you move into a home that already has a system wired, you might be able to just install ADT services on top of it. Of course, this depends on the compatibility of the equipment but would be much cheaper than paying for all new equipment.

ADT vs. CPI: Cost

There are some home security systems which let you pay for your service monthly and don’t ask you to sign a long-term contract. Typically, these companies allow you to install your equipment yourself and do your own monitoring. Usually, you’ll have to purchase your equipment upfront with these types of home security companies.

Going month to month is usually best suited for those who are renting or tend to move often. Other home security companies want you to sign on for multiple years, which more often than not includes a sizeable cancelation fee.

Of course, the benefit of signing a multi-year contract is that most home security companies won’t make you pay for the costs of hardware upfront. You’ll wind up paying a bit more every month but won’t need to come up with a huge chunk of cash when you’re just starting out.

If you choose to go with ADT, then you won’t pay upfront for your hardware. However, this is not the case when it comes to CPI. Although each company does ask you to sign a long-term contract. ADT requires a 36-month commitment while CPI wants a 60-month contract.

The cost of your monthly package will vary depending on how which one you choose. However, ADT holds the advantage in this category as well, since you might be able to install it for much less if you already have a home security system in place.

Comparison Table

ADT vs. CPI: Our Selection

Unless you live in the Southeast United States, we’d recommend going with ADT for your home security needs. Even if you do live in the area, you’re giving up quite a bit to choose CPI over ADT. You’ll only get one monitoring station as opposed to six and you’ll have to pay for your equipment costs upfront. Plus, you’re locked into a five-year contract with no hope of escape.

CPI holds its own against ADT in nearly every category, but those primary differentiators are enough to make us choose ADT. It’s not restricted to certain areas of the country and has all the features and functionality you’d want from a smart home security company. We recommend going with ADT to ensure that your home is safe and sound.

Further read:

• Bay Alarm vs ADT: Which One Work For You?