CPI Security is a Southeast-only provider based in Charlotte, NC — they monitor about 250,000 customers across six states. ADT is the national legacy brand with 6+ million customers and 150+ years of history. If you’re in the Southeast comparing these two, here’s the full breakdown — including why a DIY system might beat both of them.
CPI vs ADT: Quick Comparison
| Feature | CPI Security | ADT Pro Install | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 (Charlotte, NC) | 1874 (Boca Raton, FL) | 2022 (Google partnership) |
| Customers | ~250,000 | 6+ million | Growing (newer offering) |
| Coverage | NC, SC, GA, TN, parts of VA & FL | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Installation | Professional only | Professional only | DIY |
| Monitoring center | Own center (Charlotte, NC) | 9 centers nationwide | ADT centers |
| Video verification | ✅ Real Time Response™ | ✅ ADT+ app | ✅ ADT+ app |
| Smart home platform | Alarm.com | ADT+ (Google) or Alarm.com | ADT+ (Google Nest) |
| Monthly cost | $30-50/mo | $28-60/mo | $5.99-24.99/mo |
| Contract | 36-60 months | 36 months | ❌ None |
| Equipment | “Free” (bundled) | “Free” (bundled) | You buy & own |
| Early termination fee | ~80% remaining months | 75% remaining months | N/A |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ | A+ (same company) |
CPI Security: Deep Dive
CPI’s biggest differentiator is their own CSAA Five Diamond-certified monitoring center in Charlotte. They don’t outsource — every alarm call goes to their team. Their Real Time Response™ video verification is the standout feature: when an alarm triggers, CPI operators can view your camera feeds to confirm whether it’s a real emergency before dispatching police.
CPI Coverage Map
| State | Coverage | Major Cities Served |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Full state | Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Wilmington |
| South Carolina | Full state | Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach |
| Georgia | Major metros | Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta |
| Tennessee | Major metros | Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga |
| Virginia | Southern parts | Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk |
| Florida | Parts | Jacksonville, northern FL markets |
The coverage trap: If you move outside these states — or even to parts of these states CPI doesn’t serve — you’re stuck paying early termination fees on a contract for a system you can’t use. With the average American moving every 6-7 years, this is a real risk.
CPI Strengths
| Strength | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Own monitoring center | CSAA Five Diamond certified, Charlotte-based | Faster response, better accountability than outsourced monitoring |
| Real Time Response™ | Operators view camera feeds during alarms | Reduces false dispatches; police respond faster to verified alarms |
| Video verification | Live camera access during alarm events | Critical in cities with verified response policies — unverified alarms get lowest priority |
| Local reputation | 30+ years in the Carolinas | Strong community presence and word-of-mouth |
| Professional install | Trained technicians, in-home consultation | Good for large homes or complex setups |
| Alarm.com platform | Industry-leading smart home app | 4.5★ app rating, reliable Z-Wave integration |
CPI Weaknesses
| Weakness | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast only | 6-state coverage area | Move outside area = ETF + useless equipment |
| Long contracts | 36-60 month commitments | Locked in for 3-5 years with significant penalties |
| No DIY option | Professional install only | Can’t self-install to save money |
| Opaque pricing | Requires in-home consultation | Can’t compare prices before committing to a sales visit |
| “Free” equipment trap | Equipment subsidized through monthly fees | You don’t own it — CPI does |
| No HomeKit | Alarm.com doesn’t support Apple HomeKit | Apple users lose native integration |
| Dealer markup | Equipment costs hidden in monthly rates | $1,000-2,000+ in equipment costs baked into your contract |
ADT: Deep Dive (Two Very Different Paths)
ADT now offers two distinct experiences. Understanding the difference is critical:
ADT Pro Install vs ADT Self Setup
| Feature | ADT Pro Install (Legacy) | ADT Self Setup (Newer) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Professional technician | DIY — you set it up |
| Equipment | Bundled (“free”) | You buy & own |
| Cameras | ADT proprietary + Nest | Google Nest cameras |
| Contract | 36 months | ❌ None |
| Early termination | 75% of remaining months | N/A — cancel anytime |
| Monthly cost | $28-60/mo | $5.99-24.99/mo |
| App | ADT+ or Alarm.com | ADT+ app |
| Smart home | Z-Wave, Alexa, Google | Google Home, Alexa |
| Monitoring centers | 9 nationwide | Same 9 centers |
| Equipment ownership | ADT owns it | You own it |
Key insight: ADT Self Setup is a legitimately different product from traditional ADT. No contract, lower monthly costs, and you own the equipment. If you’re considering ADT, always go Self Setup unless you specifically need professional installation for a large property.
ADT Monitoring Plans
| Plan | Monthly | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Self Setup | $5.99/mo | Self Setup | Smart alerts, app control, no video |
| ADT Self Setup + Video | $12/mo | Self Setup | Camera recording, smart detection |
| ADT Self Setup + Pro | $24.99/mo | Self Setup | 24/7 professional monitoring + video |
| ADT Secure | $28.99/mo | Pro Install | Professional monitoring, sensors |
| ADT Smart | $35.99/mo | Pro Install | + video, automation |
| ADT Complete | $59.99/mo | Pro Install | + video analytics, premium features |
3-Year Cost Comparison
| Cost Component | CPI Security | ADT Pro Install | ADT Self Setup | Abode | Ring Alarm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | “Free” (contract) | “Free” (contract) | $200-480 | $199-400 | $199-330 |
| Installation | $0-199 | $0-199 | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) |
| Monthly | $35-50/mo | $28.99-59.99/mo | $5.99-24.99/mo | $0-20/mo | $0-20/mo |
| 3-Year monitoring | $1,260-1,800 | $1,044-2,160 | $216-900 | $0-720 | $0-720 |
| 3-Year total | $1,260-1,999 | $1,044-2,359 | $416-1,380 | $199-1,120 | $199-1,050 |
| Equipment ownership | ❌ CPI owns | ❌ ADT owns | ✅ You own | ✅ You own | ✅ You own |
| After contract ends | Month-to-month at same rate | Month-to-month at same rate | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime |
The math is clear: CPI and ADT Pro Install cost $1,000-1,200+ more than DIY options over 3 years — and you don’t even own the equipment. That’s money spent on contracts and installation labor, not better security.
Monitoring Quality: CPI vs ADT
| Monitoring Feature | CPI Security | ADT | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring centers | 1 (Charlotte, NC) | 9 nationwide | More centers = better redundancy during regional disasters |
| CSAA Five Diamond | ✅ | ✅ | Highest industry certification for monitoring quality |
| UL Listed | ✅ | ✅ | Required for insurance discounts |
| Video verification | Real Time Response™ | ADT+ video | Both can verify alarms before dispatch — critical for priority response |
| Two-way voice | ✅ | ✅ | Operators can communicate through the panel |
| Crash & smash | ✅ (Alarm.com) | ✅ | Alert sent even if panel is destroyed |
| Average response time | ~15-30 seconds | ~15-30 seconds | Both meet Five Diamond standards |
Verdict: Monitoring quality is roughly equal. CPI’s single center gives a more personal experience, but ADT’s 9-center network provides better disaster redundancy. Both are Five Diamond certified.
Smart Home & Technology Comparison
| Technology | CPI (Alarm.com) | ADT Pro Install | ADT Self Setup | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Alarm.com | ADT+ or Alarm.com | ADT+ (Google) | Abode native |
| Amazon Alexa | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Home | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (deep) | ✅ |
| Apple HomeKit | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Only system |
| Z-Wave | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Zigbee | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Matter/Thread | Coming | Coming | Coming | Coming |
| Geofencing | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ |
| Cameras | Alarm.com cameras | Nest + proprietary | Nest cameras | Abode Cam 2 ($35) |
| Smart locks | Z-Wave locks | Yale/Kwikset | Nest × Yale | Z-Wave + Zigbee locks |
Who Should Choose CPI?
| Choose CPI If… | Why |
|---|---|
| You’re in the Carolinas long-term (5+ years) | Local accountability, strong regional reputation |
| Video verification is critical (high false alarm fines) | Real Time Response™ is well-implemented |
| You want professional installation | CPI handles everything — good for complex homes |
| You value a local company over a national brand | Single monitoring center, community presence |
| You have a large or complex property | Professional design and installation has value for 4,000+ sq ft homes |
Who Should Choose ADT?
| Choose ADT If… | Which Path |
|---|---|
| You might move out of the Southeast | Self Setup (no contract) |
| You want the cheapest monitoring ($5.99/mo) | Self Setup |
| You want Google Nest camera integration | Self Setup |
| Brand recognition matters (resale, insurance) | Either path |
| You have a large property needing pro install | Pro Install |
| You want no contract at all | Self Setup only |
Why You Should Consider Neither (The DIY Alternative)
Both CPI and ADT Pro Install share the same fundamental problem: you’re paying a premium for installation labor and subsidized equipment through inflated monthly fees and long contracts. The security monitoring itself isn’t meaningfully better than what Abode or Ring offer at half the price.
| Feature | CPI Security | ADT Self Setup | Abode | Ring Alarm | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract | 36-60 months | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Free self-monitoring | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pro monitoring | $35-50/mo | $24.99/mo | $20/mo | $20/mo | $29.99/mo |
| Apple HomeKit | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Equipment ownership | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cameras | Alarm.com | Nest | Cam 2 ($35) | Ring ecosystem | SimpliSafe cams |
| Geofencing | ✅ | Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cellular backup | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Video verification | ✅ | ✅ | Coming | ❌ | ✅ Live Guard |
| Installation | Pro only | DIY | DIY (30 min) | DIY (30 min) | DIY (30 min) |
| 3-Year total | $1,260-1,999 | $416-1,380 | $199-1,120 | $199-1,050 | $969-1,590 |
Our recommendation: Abode gives you everything CPI offers (cellular backup, crash & smash, professional monitoring, geofencing) plus HomeKit, Z-Wave/Zigbee, and no contract — at roughly half the 3-year cost. The $35 Abode Cam 2 eliminates any camera advantage CPI’s Alarm.com cameras might have. Visit goabode.com →
The Contract Trap: What Both CPI and ADT Pro Don’t Tell You
| Contract Issue | CPI Security | ADT Pro Install | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum term | 36-60 months | 36 months | You’re locked in for 3-5 years |
| Early termination fee | ~80% remaining months | 75% remaining months | Breaking a $45/mo CPI contract at month 12 = ~$1,080 penalty |
| Auto-renewal | Yes (month-to-month) | Yes (month-to-month) | Rolls to month-to-month at same high rate |
| Equipment ownership | CPI owns it | ADT owns it | You can’t take equipment if you switch providers |
| Price increases | Possible during renewal | Possible during renewal | Monthly costs can rise after initial term |
| Moving penalty | ETF if outside coverage | New contract at new address | CPI is worse — can’t move outside Southeast |
Want to avoid all of this? Read our contract cancellation guide or start with Abode — no contract, cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CPI Security better than ADT?
In the Southeast, CPI has a slight edge in customer service due to their own monitoring center. But they’re geographically limited — if you move outside their 6-state coverage, you’re stuck paying termination fees. ADT Self Setup is more flexible, cheaper, and contract-free. Abode beats both on price and smart home features.
Can I get CPI Security outside the Southeast?
No. CPI only serves NC, SC, GA, TN, and parts of VA and FL. If you’re outside these areas, consider Abode, Ring Alarm, or SimpliSafe — all work nationwide with no contracts.
What happens if I move with CPI?
If you move within their coverage area, CPI will relocate your system (usually with a new contract). If you move outside, you’ll owe early termination fees — typically 80% of remaining contract value. For a $45/mo contract with 24 months left, that’s ~$864 in penalties. This is the biggest risk of choosing a regional provider.
Does CPI use Alarm.com?
Yes. CPI runs on the Alarm.com platform — the most widely used smart home security platform in the industry. This is a genuine strength: Alarm.com’s app is reliable (4.5★), supports Z-Wave devices, and offers geofencing, video analytics, and energy management.
Is CPI Security worth the contract?
Only if you’re in the Carolinas for the long haul and specifically want professional installation with local accountability. If there’s any chance you’ll move in the next 3-5 years, the contract risk outweighs the benefits. A no-contract DIY system like Abode gives you equivalent security for $1,000+ less over 3 years.
Which ADT plan should I choose?
Always start with ADT Self Setup — no contract, you own the equipment, and monitoring starts at $5.99/mo. Only consider ADT Pro Install if you have a large or complex property that genuinely requires professional design and installation. Read our full ADT review for details.
Related Comparisons
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- Abode Home Security Review 2026
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- How to Cancel Your Security Contract
- Alarm.com Review 2026
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William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Dave says
We have had the system now for over a year and cannot wait for the contract period to end so we can get rid of them. they are the WORST!
First off, they installed an old style (UGLY) control panel in spite of our protesting that we wanted the newer style (which my daughter had installed at the same time as we had ours installed). In spite of repeated request to replace it we have always been refused until today when they said it would be an additional $300!
Second, we have had a continuous problem with sensors going bad, malfunctioning and going off in the middle of the night for no reason. Techs have been to our home a half dozen times over the past year replacing them.
Third, we have a ;Smart Home; and CPI’s system is NOT Smart Home friendly unless you buy all their equipment which costs thousands.
I wish I had never heard of them and the end of the contract period cannot come soon enough for me. YOU SHOULD NOT BUY their service IMO.
Jeff F says
I disagree with several of your reviews. I did extensive research on alarm companies for my new home. I had a list of things i wanted in a home security system and only CPI fit the bill. I agree it was expensive upfront. I had specific things I wanted, glass break sensors for a sun room full of windows, window break sensors in on room because of my gun safe, live video feed without a bulky hard drive with the capability of reviewing past video. When i ran this by the sales person on the phone they hid nothing from me. I put out a thousand dollars for the equipment but the monthly fee was comparable to other systems without the video feed. The installer was great and did an a 1 job, He was there for over 7 hrs. Great system and great installation. now I get text messages whenever anyone goes near my house. The front door is motion sensor and the rest of the video is live feed. Try to find that with any other system, Most are only motion activated. Very happy with CPI
Alarm Reviews says
Good to hear Jeff! Congrats on your new system and hope it’s good for years to come. Thanks for feedback.
Jacqueline Wade says
I was a loyal customer of CPI for years. They are shady, my system started not acting right, going off in the middle of the night and police rushing out for no reason. I complained…asked to cancel and was deferred day after day. Finally was told you’re in the middle of billing …payment can’t be stopped. My payment w asnt due for another 4 days…I was told I had to give 5 days notice. Then told…you have to give 60 day notice.
SAM says
I have found CPI service calls are fast and free. Never had a problem getting help when I needed it. Most of my neighborhood has CPI and loves them. I would recommend.
Steven Rosso says
I just relocated from Chicago to Greenville, SC. In my opinion, most of the comments in this thread are nonsense. I contacted CPI and they were straightforward about their equipment and pricing. I was using FrontPoint in Chicago (also a very good service) but was persuaded that CPI was local to the South. Their equipment and software app are excellent, and in all of my interactions with them I have found them to be highly professional and responsiveness. And this across a number of different individuals. Also, their installer (Adam) was awesome, installation was smooth. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend CPI. Stop whining!
Steve McMahel says
Great insight and thank you
Lakefastongirl says
Worst experience of my life. I sold the house where service was there over 6 months ago and they still continue to bill me and harass me. Get another service company for your alarm
Bethany Peters says
If you like using an app on the go, don’t go with CPI. I have the Galaxy s7 with Verizion. No issues with connection ever and my phone is perfectly fine BUT no matter what, this app always crashes! I am over it. I feel like this is something they need to get fixed because most people rely on mobile perks these days!!
Sean Prax says
CPI is very fishy. I checked all over online and everyone was quoting different numbers almost as if they charge a person based on how much they can get out of them which is not right! I was a bit mad when I spoke to a rep on the phone who told me 3 different prices as well. I do not recommend them.
Phil Frankfort says
The same thing happened to me as well. I called 4 different times as I was still decided and each time I got a quote it was a little different. Maybe they
have issues with people who do the quotes like because i called different time and spoke to a few different people things were mixed up. I am not sure.
Caroline says
CPI’s customer service won be over. I will be honest in saying I had no idea what I was doing or what I needed. They didn’t try to oversell me anything or lie to me about my needs for my home. I made sure because my brother in law is in the field but in another state. It has only been a few weeks but I like it. The devices they use are super reliable.
Maddy says
Do you remember who you spoke with? The man I spoke to was very rude. His name was Mark something. I don’t know what his problem was but he was getting frustrated with me for asking so many questions. I don’t want to call and speak to the same person again.
Belinda says
Some don’t like you to ask questions because they won’t be honest. When I started with CPI almost three years ago i could not get the guy to answer me on chat the exact panel I was getting. I kept pressing and finally he did it. I printed out the chat. Good thing I did. I was supposed to get window sensors in addition to my already hardwired glass break sensors. Install guy did not show them. CPI changed their tune REAL QUICK when I brought out the chat room printout. The salesman lied about that and a couple of other things thinking he could get away from it. Get anything they promise you in writing.
Gary says
The starting prices were hard for me. I am on a tight budget but I made it work. I have no complaints with the company or the hardware but I do with the rates were cheaper. I had to cut out a few things but with CPI, I feel safer over all.
Willy says
I know someone who works with the company and the starting prices more than pay for themselves. There are some areas that will offer discounts to long standing customers as well which is a huge bonus. I am not in need of a security system now as I am still a renter but when I buy my first home (likely this fall) I will be getting set up with CPI Security for sure!
Kerri says
Worst customer service ever!! It takes me a few days to get through to them. I’ve never have been so frustrated with a company before in my life. I should have done my homework before I went with them.
Missy says
I had no issues with the customer service myself but the person I spoke with seemed like they had no idea what was going on either. I had a lot of charged for things I didn’t even have in my package. I think they got me confused with someone else. The issues were eventually taken care of but it was a bit annoying.
Jeff says
I had the same issues Kerri! I had tried reaching out to these people for DAYS! And when I finally would speak to someone they would put me on hold and then I would get disconnected. I had a friend of mine pretend he wanted to sign up and the customer service was ON IT. Seems like they only care about making sales and that is it.
Sam says
Every time I have called the 800 number I got through right away….not sure who you are calling
Jose says
That is right i have never had a problem with them.
Sam says
I get through within seconds of each call I have made…SMH…sounds like a competitor got their employees to make these comments trying to make these good people look bad. Shameful.
Grace says
I don’t like any site that doesn’t put their prices online. That usually means that they prices are high or they plan on suckering you into purchasing more. I always stay away from these sites, but that’s just me.
Sam says
Genuine consumers do not mind calling a company to get a quote, or better yet have a professional consultant come to your home like I had and see what they say and recommend. I realized areas of my home that didn’t need protecting like I thought like high off the ground windows. I was impressed with the quality of the employee and the pricing and have not regretted choosing CPI
Alarm Reviews says
Yeah we recommend calling several. However, they should still openly display information such as equipment rates, monitoring rates etc. Forcing the customer to get on the phone with a sales rep is not beloved by most consumers. Take for example a car lot. Sometimes it’s nice to just browse rather then being one on one with a sales rep. Same thing as home security systems.
Ellen Porter says
This is a very good point! I just finished reading a few of your reviews. I feel like some companies are very dishonest and it is easier to trick people about pricing on the phone then reading it in black and white. I am still on the hunt for the company I will choose but I am keeping this in mind.
Steve McMahel says
Grace, not sure what you saw but I saw their pricing with the free installation clearly labeled. Starting rates are posted as well. They do not show every level of service online so a phone call makes I simple.
LaraM says
Though I like the high rating of CPI, I’m not sold on their shady pricing practices. Price is a big consideration when it comes to choosing home security systems. And if they have a difficult to contact customer service, prospective buyers will be put off by this. It’s probably not worth the higher price point.
Cassey says
CPI looks nice but why hiding price from users? It implies the bad impression of the company in the users mind. I put this company at bottom in my list.
Sam says
website lists the pricing- no cost to install or $99 if you get an outdoor camera. Pretty easy to read if you look.
MM says
And if you learn to read, you would notice people are pointing out the lack of monthly monitoring fees.