CPI Security Reviews: Should I Buy a CPI Security System?

If you’re the type to make supporting local businesses a priority, you might be interested in CPI Security systems. While the company isn’t as small as a mom-and-pop diner, it offers a local touch that you won’t get from a nationwide company. The company donates to local charities and security alarms are monitored from the regional headquarters in the Southeast.

CPI Security is one of the largest security providers in the Southeast. This means you get the benefit of working with a company that is invested in your area, but you also get the resources and support you’d expect from an industry leader.

The idea of supporting a local company is nice, but is it right for you? Read our review to learn more about CPI Security.

What makes CPI Security unique?

CPI Security offers most of the same things any traditional home security company would offer, but it stands out by offering customizable packages and free professional installation. This means you have more control over what your particular setup is like and that your up-front costs are lower than if you had to pay for installation.

CPI Security service area

Another benefit of CPI Security is the opportunity to work with a company that is part of your local community. CPI Security is licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, and Florida.

How does CPI Security compare to the competition?

Although CPI Security has some good things to offer, it suffers in comparison to some of the larger national security providers. Our highest-rated home security companies, Frontpoint and Link Interactive, both offer shorter contracts and lower prices for monthly monitoring.

CPI Security is also at a disadvantage because it operates only in a small region of the country. This means that you can’t take your system, or contract, with you if you move out of CPI’s service area.

While these are minor drawbacks, the biggest concern about CPI Security is the company’s poor customer service reputation. Our research turned up a lot of negative reviews from upset customers.

How much do CPI Security packages cost?

CPI Security offers two monthly packages—the basic Security Package and the slightly more expensive Smart Home Door Package.

Security Package features

• Cellular monitoring
• inTouch mobile app
• Text and email notifications
• Audio verification

Smart Home Door Package features

• Cellular monitoring
• inTouch mobile app
• Text and email notifications
• Audio verification
• Secure video network
• Remote video feed access
• Video alerts

CPI Equipment options

Additional equipment available:

• Glass break detector
• inTouch thermostat
• Remote garage door control kit
• Smart plug for lighting control
• HD indoor camera
• HD outdoor camera
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Key remote
• Medical pendant

Customer reviews of CPI Security

To be honest, there aren’t a lot of positive customer reviews about CPI Security. Most of the positive reviews focused on the free installation and the individual installers. Some customers also mentioned the convenient remote access.

The common theme among negative reviews was frustration with CPI’s customer service. Customers were also bothered by the company’s long contracts and high early termination fees.

Positive

"CPI technician J*** M*** was prompt, professional & thoroughly repaired & tested our home security system." – Sam Odum, August 4, 2017, trustpilot.com

"I've had CPI for approximately two years now. Couldn't be more pleased with the service and comfort of knowing that my home is protected. Love the Intouch connections where I can monitor my house from anywhere in the world." – Richard P. Burgess, Sr., August 7, 2017, bestcompany.com

Negative

"Stay away they will rip you off. I had the system installed on my home. We then sold and moved. We decided that we no longer wanted the security at our new home because of the wires and crappy install that they did at previous house. Since we still are within their coverage area we have to continue to pay for 5 years from the original install date at the previous residence. There are better companies with better service out there that won't rip you off." - Travis, July 20, 2017, trustpilot.com

"I've been with CPI for 7 yrs now. Techs are very friendly and helpful and provide excellent service in person. I concur with the review about undisclosed fees...they are not open about them. I moved my service and had to pay more than I felt was reasonable. I like their usage of Alarm.com's hardware integrated into the InTouch system. It's really easy to install but tech support will swear that they are the only one's that can install the equipment and all of it must be purchased from them or it will not work. I don't like being lied to so they can charge me installation fees and overcharge for the equipment. Ebay sells all their products at a fraction of the cost. Service other than that is good but lying to me is what pulls my score down to average." Stephen Parker, August 16, 2017, bestcompany.com

Do we recommend CPI Security?

We put a lot of stock in customer service, so we’re hesitant to recommend CPI Security considering the company’s extremely negative customer service reputation. If you aren’t worried about customer service and want to support a local company, CPI Security may be an option for you, but in most cases, we’d encourage you to choose a national company like Frontpoint or Link Interactive with a better reputation.