July 9, 2020

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Frontpoint vs CPI Security

Item: Frontpoint vs CPI Security
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

To help you find the Best Home Security Systems, TopConsumerReviews.com provides you with an in-depth comparison of Frontpoint and CPI Security.

To see ALL of our reviews for the Best Home Security Systems, please Click Here

Where can you find the best home security system? Today's marketplace gives you more options than ever, with packages ranging from budget-friendly, basic home monitoring with equipment you install yourself, to technician-installed systems that include smoke and flood detectors.

Before you determine which home security system is right for your needs, it's important to understand why you should have one. Although crime rates have been dropping in some areas, there are still nearly 2 million break-ins nationwide every year, resulting in losses of at least $2,000 on average. And, even if a burglary doesn't lead to a big financial loss, there's no way to put a monetary value on the peace of mind that vanishes when you find out that an intruder was inside your home.

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2020

Home Security Systems Reviews

FRONTPOINT
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Features:

30-day risk-free trial

Free shipping on orders and returns

No contract required

Monthly monitoring from $34.99 to $49.99 per month

DIY installation, no technician required

TopConsumerReviews.com Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award Frontpoint has been leading the pack for over a decade, as the first nationwide alarm company to include smart security in every home system they sell. Frontpoint has always had a great reputation, and it only keeps getting better: since the time of our last review, the company's rating with the BBB has gone from a respectable "A" to a flawless "A+", indicating that they show no signs of slacking off when it comes to responding to any of their customers' concerns.

30 day risk-free trial

One way they take great care of their clients is with a 30-day risk-free trial. If you order a Frontpoint system and don't love it, you'll get a full refund when you return the equipment. Not only will they pay for the shipping to your home, but they also cover the costs if you have to send it back. Compared to other retailers of home security systems that lock you into a lengthy contract and then make you keep paying even if your protection isn't working properly, Frontpoint comes out way in the lead with their customer-friendly guarantee.

3 home security packages

Frontpoint continues to offer three packages for home security systems:

Protection ($34.99/month): as the most basic tier of service, this plan gives you intrusion protection, environmental protection, fire protection, and life safety monitoring.
Interactive ($44.99/month): this plan includes all of the features of the basic plan, plus geo services, crash & smash protection, remote access and control, as well as email/text alerts.
Ultimate ($49.99/month): this is the most robust of Frontpoint's packages, adding live video streaming, motion-activated alerts, HD/night vision camera capabilities, light controls, automated door locks, and energy management control to the features of the first two levels of service.

Free personalized quote

So, how much does the equipment cost? Like many home security systems companies, Frontpoint lets you request a free quote; once you've entered your name, number, email and some basic details about the level of coverage you need, you'll get a call from one of their sales reps to help determine what equipment fits your situation.

4 pre-made home security packages

But, you can always click on the "Shop" button at the top of the page (or the "Shop Online" button after you've requested a free quote) to see what pre-made packages might be a good match for your home. Here are some to consider:

Safe Home Starter: in this 7-piece system, you'll get 1 hub/keypad, 2 door/window sensors, 1 motion sensor, 1 yard sign, 1 door sticker and 5 window decals. While the site says that the retail price for this package is $430.95, their everyday price is more like $69. That's extremely affordable - a great value if you have a small home or apartment.
There is another package for the same price of $69 that includes 1 more door/window sensor and an extra motion sensor, listed as the Safe Home Everyday system. You may want to look for that package as you shop, since it didn't pop to the top like the Starter kit did.
Safe Home Select: with this 12-piece home security system, you'll get a total of 4 door/window sensors, 2 motion sensors, plus 1 glass break sensor and 1 smoke/heat sensor, in addition to the components of the Starter and the Everyday packages. Again, Frontpoint lists a retail price ($701.90) that is much higher than what they actually charge ($201.90) for the equipment.
Safe Home Preferred: if you want to add an indoor camera to your package, this set might be the right one for you. You'll get everything included in the Select plan, plus an extra door/window sensor (total of 5). Retail price is shown as $834.88, but actual cost is $334.88.
Safe Home Elite: if you want the most comprehensive package Frontpoint offers, consider the 18-piece Elite set. You get the usual decals, stickers, hub/keypad and yard sign. Plus, you'll receive a total of 6 door/window sensors, 2 glass break sensors, 2 motion sensors, 1 smoke/heat sensor, 1 indoor camera, 1 outdoor camera, and 1 doorbell camera. Despite a retail price of over $1300, you'll pay just $832.84.

Home security customization

Any of Frontpoint's packages can be customized to add any extra monitoring devices or sensors you may need. You may want to add a carbon monoxide sensor ($89.99) or a flood sensor ($44.99) in the laundry room or bathroom. Or, you could be looking for home automation options like a garage door controller ($69.99) or a smart door lock ($179.99). It's easy to add them to your equipment, and you won't pay extra for your monthly monitoring when you include additional devices.

At the time of our most recent review, Frontpoint was offering a free doorbell camera with any purchase over $69. Keep an eye out for any promotions that might be in place when you shop the site.

Easy self-installation

All of the equipment they offer is self-installed. Many customers love not having to endure a pushy in-home technician/sales rep, and people say that every component is easy to set up DIY-style. And, if you need any extra help, Fronpoint's friendly customer service team stands at the ready to answer your questions and help you get it all set up with minimal hassles.

Room to grow

Because you pay for your equipment upfront, it could be more expensive initially to get a home security system from Frontpoint. But, the good news is, you can add equipment at any time. So, if you're on a tight budget, maybe you'll start with one of the $69 starter packages until you can afford to add the extra coverage you'd like to have.

No long-term contract

Frontpoint doesn't lock you into a service contract, but they do lock in your rates: you'll never get an unexpected price increase on your monthly monitoring fees. Good luck finding another home security systems company that offers you that promise! Of course, you may need to upgrade your monitoring plan if you start with basic equipment and then add video monitoring, for example, but that will always be your choice, no unpleasant surprise rate hikes.

Industry best

If you're looking for the industry's best home security systems, your first consideration should be Frontpoint. From 24/7 monitoring that you can afford to equipment packages with all the bells and whistles you could ask for, this company gives customers all of the peace of mind they want. And, if problems arise, you're protected by an exceptional satisfaction guarantee and refund policy in your first 30 days, with no contracts to lock you into a service you don't need or want. Frontpoint continues to earn our highest rating among providers of home security systems.

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CPI SECURITY
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Features:

Technician-installed home security systems customized to your needs

100% wireless - no need for landline

24/7 monitoring starting at $29.99/month

"No False Alarm" guarantee

Equipment costs start at $499: pay in full or 0% interest over 39 or 60 months

CPI is a trusted name among providers offering home security systems. In business for nearly three decades, the company is well-known for its excellent customer service - including a "No False Alarm" guarantee that will credit your account if a system malfunction ever results in a fine from your local authorities.

3 home security packages

There are three main packages you can get from CPI:

inTouch Essentials: secures your main entry points with 3 door/window sensors and 1 motion detector. This package includes a wireless control panel and the inTouch app for controlling your system with your smartphone.
inTouch Essentials Plus: This mid-range package includes the same 3 door/window sensors and motion detector as the Essentials tier, but also gives you a doorbell camera and a SmartHub instead of a wireless control panel.
inTouch Edge: The top-tier package offered by CPI adds an outdoor camera and touchscreen/keyless door lock, above and beyond what you get in the first two plans.

Customizable

Keep in mind that all of these packages are 100% customizable to your home's needs. Maybe you need sensors for 10 doors and windows, or you want an outdoor camera for both the front and the backyard. No problem! Your CPI sales representative will create a package and plan that addresses all of your areas of concern and desired coverage.

3-5 year contracts

When choosing among the packages and plans offered by CPI, it's important to know that you'll be obligated to a monitoring agreement of either 39 or 60 months, unless you decide to purchase your security equipment upfront. Equipment prices start at $499, increasing as you add features and devices beyond the basic package. Given that many of CPI's competitors give you the equipment for free with a contract, rather than spreading it out over 3-5 years, that makes their home security systems some of the most expensive on the market. On a more positive note, you'll get your equipment at a 0% interest rate when you choose one of the two contract lengths, so at least you won't be paying more than the original price.

Talk with a rep

What will your individual package cost? The only way to find out is by speaking with a sales representative. CPI tells you in their FAQ that monthly monitoring starts at a minimum charge of $29.99, with higher fees as you add more sensors and detectors in your package. Even the live chat doesn't connect you with an online rep - it's more of a glorified "contact us" form that gives CPI your phone number so that someone can call you.

3 security monitoring plans

Because you'll be speaking with a sales representative, the pricing and packages CPI offers you may vary. But, as a general guideline, here's a ballpark of what you can expect:

Basic Security: $29.99/month for monitoring
Basic Security + Smart Home: $39.99/month for monitoring
Basic Security + Smart Home + Video: $49.99/month for monitoring

At the time of our most recent evaluation of CPI's home security systems, there was also a promo in place offering a free inTouch Doorbell Camera and Outdoor HD Camera as part of your smart home security package. That could be a good deal if you were already planning on installing one of the top two tiers of monitoring, but it wouldn't be a bargain if you were only looking for the most basic coverage.

Limited service area

CPI has a limited service area. Unless you live in the southeastern part of the United States (the greater metro areas of Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta or Knoxville, to be exact), you won't be able to use this company's home security systems.

Strong reputation

If you do live within their service area, you may appreciate CPI's strong reputation, as demonstrated by accreditation and an "A+" rating from the BBB over nearly 30 years of service, plus an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars over more than 200 independently-verified customer reviews.

While we give CPI high marks for having a strong reputation, we can't get past the fact that their home security systems are only available to a small fraction of potential customers in the US. And, with high equipment costs, lengthy contracts, and monitoring fees that are more expensive than some providers', CPI still winds up towards the bottom of our rankings.

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Continued from above

You may feel like your home won't be a target because you live within a gated community or you have strong deadbolts and motion-activated floodlights. While those preventative measures can make it less likely you'll be the target of a home invasion or robbery, the most determined criminals can still gain access to your house. For that reason, the experts strongly recommend that you invest in a 24/7 monitored home security system. Not only does it make it less likely that a criminal will target your house to begin with, but it also ensures that any attempts to break into your home will be detected immediately and reported to you and to local law enforcement.

When considering the many home security systems on the market today, you'll quickly see that they vary widely with respect to features, provided equipment, and service fees. Some providers give you all of the sensors and other equipment at no cost, with the understanding that you'll install the needed components on your own. Other services require you to make an appointment with a technician who will set up your home security system for you. Also, while most systems are monitored using wireless connections, some companies still use landlines - which can add to your costs if you are one of the millions of homeowners who rely solely on mobile phones and need to add a landline to use the home security system.

As you look through home security systems reviews, it's easy to get bogged down in the numerous packages, price points, and add-on features. Keep in mind the following basic criteria, to help you narrow down the options to find the right protection for your home:

Equipment and Installation Costs: What will you pay to get the equipment needed for the level of coverage you want? If the equipment isn't given to you free of charge, do you own it outright or do you pay monthly to rent it? If there's no charge, are there add-ons not included with the basic setup that you'll need to pay for? If a technician install is required, how much will you pay for the service?
Monitoring Service. Will your home security system be monitored around the clock? What do customers say about the response time of the service? Will local authorities be contacted directly and immediately, or will the company reach out to you first (e.g. false alarms)? How much does the monitoring cost per month?
Satisfaction Guarantee. If you're unhappy with your home security system for any reason, can you get a refund? Is there a warranty period on any provided equipment?
Reputation. What do current and previous customers say about their experience with the home security system? Has the provider been rated by the Better Business Bureau? Does the company deliver on its promises to keep you safe?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best home security systems available today. We hope this information gives you all of the insight needed to identify the home security system that will protect you and your loved ones now and in the future!

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