Tuesday, June 6th
2023 Wireless Security System Reviews
CPI Security
- 2 packages to choose from, or customize your wireless security system
- Professional installation required
- "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
- Service areas in NC, SC, GA, TN
- "No False Alarm" Guarantee
CPI Security operates out of Charlotte, North Carolina, and services customers in several metro areas of NC, SC, TN and GA. The company was founded in 1991 and maintains an "A+" and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
Choose from two packages or make it custom
To set up your wireless security system with CPI Security, you've got three options:
- inTouch Essentials: this package covers your main entry points with four door/window sensors, plus an indoor motion detector. You'll use either a wireless control panel or the inTouch app to control your system.
- inTouch Essentials+: this upgraded package includes six door/window sensors and a motion detector, plus a video doorbell and an outdoor camera. It's controlled with the inTouch App or a SmartHub device.
- Customized Systems: if you'd like a more a la carte security system, you can start with the SmartHub and app controls, motion detector and four door/window sensors, then add the Smart Video and/or Home Automation devices you prefer. These can include indoor/outdoor/180 cameras, thermostats, keyless door locks and a garage door controller.
Professional install required - at no cost
Your wireless security system here will have to be installed professionally - but the good news is that you won't pay anything to have it set up. One plus of these systems is that they also come with a "No False Alarm Guarantee" : should your equipment malfunction because of an error on CPI's part, you'll be reimbursed for any alarm fines you pay. (Just remember that user error, "acts of God" , or negligence aren't covered by this guarantee.)
Not many service areas
We had hoped to see a service area expansion for CPI Security in the time elapsed since our last evaluation. No such luck: these wireless security systems are still only available to residents of the NC/SC/GA/TN metro areas of Knoxville, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Charleston, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Greenville, Asheville, Greensboro, Raleigh and Charlotte.
More info upfront, please?
We also weren't exactly thrilled to see that CPI Security is still extremely tight-lipped about their costs. If you want to know what you'll pay for equipment or monitoring, you'll have to submit a contact form through their website. You can't even use their "live chat" to ask questions about pricing: that just brings you to a "call us" option or the contact form again. That stops CPI from comparing favorably with other wireless security providers who transparently disclose what customers pay without jumping through any hoops online.
Expensive plus long contracts
There's a reason why CPI Security doesn't come right out and tell you what their security systems cost: they're much more expensive than most. We had to go deep into their Terms and Conditions to find out that customers have a minimum equipment purchase of $499. It was only in customer comments on third-party websites that we also discovered monthly monitoring costs from $29.99 to $49.99+, and that all security systems have a contract from 39-60 months.
Not all customers have a good experience
Reputation-wise, CPI is not our favorite. Yes, they are in good standing with the BBB, but customer reviews say otherwise. Hundreds of ratings give CPI Security three stars or less, mostly because of poor customer service. Do you want to wait on hold for an hour to get help with a system that's malfunctioning? One customer went so far as to stay in a hotel because his alarm wouldn't shut off - and he wasn't able to reach a CPI Security rep to take care of it. Is your wireless security system actually keeping you safe if you can't get help from its provider?
Not impressed with these wireless security systems
In short, there's not much reason to use CPI Security to protect your home. The company has a very restricted geographic service area, isn't transparent with terms and fees, and doesn't seem to be doing a satisfactory job of providing customer support. With several other options for reliable wireless security systems, there's just not much to recommend CPI Security.
More Wireless Security System Reviews
The 10 Best Wireless Security Systems
Which Company Offers the Best Wireless Security Systems?
You may be surprised at the number of wireless security systems offered today. You can choose from popular companies that have been in business for decades to startup carriers marketing do-it-yourself, budget-friendly residential protection and automation.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a wireless security system, whichever solution you pick. There are products that can shield you and your family against burglaries when you're out that can also provide added assurance if you're among numerous Americans who work from home often. Want to see who is knocking at your door? You can get live video on your smartphone or tablet screen so you can choose whether to pause a remote meeting to answer the door!
Wireless Security System FAQ
Continued from above...
What matters most when choosing a wireless security system? You'll likely want a few window/door sensors and some type of control panel as a basic option, which most systems tend to have. Some conventional devices still exist that consist of an in-wall panel, however the majority of today's systems have standardized on a touchscreen device of some kind to arm and disarm the security system. Lots of other choices exist, including video doorbells, indoor/outdoor cameras, smoke/fire and carbon monoxide detectors, and lots of other ways to maintain a feeling of security.
Today's systems truly are space-age technology. Just ten years ago, who would have dreamed that they could use a smartphone to raise or lower the temperature on the way home from work? Now you can! Who would have thought they could arm the alarm just by saying a few words while getting ready for bed? It's now possible! Hardly anyone thought they could sign into their system from a computer to check the lock on the front door, and lock it if it wasn't. That's one less thing you have to worry about now.
The task of choosing a wireless security system can be overwhelming when there are so many options. Here is a summary of what to consider when deciding so that you get the perfect system for your needs:
- Features. What do you absolutely need in a security system? Look at having the correct amount of door and window sensors that cover all vulnerable entries on the first floor, and an intuitive screen that everyone can understand and use. What are the nice-to-have options that you really want? Some options could be lots of home automation capabilities, indoor video monitoring and storage, etc. Put these two lists together when comparing providers for your requirements.
- Cost. Wireless security systems include numerous costs. First is the payment in advance or a recurring/contractual cost. Next are fees for monthly monitoring, and sometimes the installation. Various companies will tell you a firm price upfront, but others require you to ask for an estimate. The terms and conditions document is very important, so be sure that you fully understand the agreement before you buy. For example, some home security contracts have a minimum of one year or more.
- Service Area. The majority of wireless security companies have a presence in each of the 50 states. However, not all have universal coverage, so make sure that your address or zip code is covered by their services. Depending on where you live, there may or may not be a dealer or authorized reseller to install and service your equipment.
- Reputation. Find out what current customers like and dislike about their security solutions. Did they get their money's worth? Is there prompt, reliable, and professional technical support when things go wrong? Keep in mind that larger companies will have more complaints than smaller companies, but that is not necessarily an indicator of a bad service if you can see that they are responding to complaints quickly and courteously.
TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the best wireless home security systems available today. We're certain that this detailed review will give you everything you need to know to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property with an excellent combination of equipment and service.
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