Compare Top Providers
 SimpliSafe Security |  CPI Security | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pro. monitoring starts at | $14.99/mo. | $45.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $44.99/mo. | $29.99/mo. |
Installation | DIY or Professional | Professional | Professional | DIY | Professional |
Contract | None | 36 months | 42-60 mos. or pay for equipment in full | None | 39 or 60 month agreement |
Smart home compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video surveillance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | Option to extend limited warranty | 120-day equipment warranty | 3-year limited equipment warranty | Not specified |
About Raleigh
Part of North Carolina’s “Triangle” region, and known as the “city in a park,” Raleigh is home to over 10,000 acres of parkland, including 180 miles of greenway trails and the largest museum art park in the U.S. Raleigh was also ranked as the third Sportiest City in America by Men’s Health Magazine in 2017, and is home to the 2006 Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes NHL team.
The city’s 469,298 full-time residents don’t include the students attending Raleigh’s six colleges and universities, including NC State, which houses the James B. Hunt Jr. Library, considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Raleigh’s culinary arts scene is also a big draw to visitors, with the “Best Chef in America,” Ashley Christensen, operating five different Raleigh restaurants. But with everything this city has going for it, it’s important for its residents to know they can find a home security system that’s right for Raleigh.
Raleigh Crime Statistics
According to Neighborhood Scout, Raleigh’s crime rates make it more dangerous than 86% of American cities. It has a crime rate of 30.73 per 1,000 residents, or about 3%. Its crime rates are about the same as the rest of the state of North Carolina, but unfortunately, NC ranks sixth in the nation for the highest burglary rates per capita. In Raleigh in 2018, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation reported:
- 7,672 incidents of larceny-theft
- 2,025 incidents of burglary
- 1,209 incidents of aggravated assault
- 688 incidents of motor vehicle theft
- 533 incidents of robbery
Raleigh Spotlight: CPI Security Systems — Local Security Provider
CPI Security Systems is the largest privately-owned home security company in the southeast region of the U.S., serving customers throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Alabama, and Virginia. CPI runs its own award-winning monitoring center, and uses video alarm verification to help police assist in alarm events (for customers with video surveillance). The Better Business Bureau gives CPI an A+ rating, and customers give it an average of four out of five stars.
CPI home security services start at $29.99 a month for monitoring, with four packages to choose from: inTouch™ Essentials, inTouch™ Essentials Plus, inTouch™ Video, and inTouch™ Edge. Fees for installation and monitoring vary; you’ll need to contact CPI directly for a quote. CPI’s contracts are optional, but if you want month-to-month monitoring, you’ll have to pay for your equipment up front.
Our Take on SimpliSafe Home Security
Keep those pesky burglars away with a SimpliSafe security system. Choose from a range of packages and equipment, and get inexpensive professional monitoring.
★ Recommended Plan
We recommend The Barrington if you’re interested in SimpliSafe. This package combines intrusion detection and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $388.93. Professional monitoring starts at $14.99 per month. Self-monitoring is free.Pros
- Inexpensive professional monitoring
- Wireless equipment
- Cellular monitoring
- Free self-monitoring
Cons
- Mobile alerts not available in the basic monitoring plan
- No selection of smart home devices
- Smart home capabilities not available in basic monitoring plan
- Research SimpliSafe
- Best for Money-Back Guarantee
Our Take on ADT Home Security
ADT is a well-recognized name in the home security business thanks to its top-notch equipment, award-winning monitoring centers and commitment to customer service. For people who feel like you get what you pay for, it’s hard to beat ADT.
ADT prefers to provide a brief consultation before quoting a custom package. Contact ADT to get started.
★ Recommended Plan
ADT’s Video Lite Plan is nothing minor — you’ll get motion detection, smart home capabilities, and video surveillance. Equipment starts at $599. Professional monitoring starts at $54.99 per month.Pros
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- $500 theft protection guarantee
- High-quality equipment
Cons
- Must pay for an extended warranty
- Lengthy contracts
- More expensive than competitors
- Best for Smart Homes
Our Take on Vivint Home Security
Vivint really shines when it comes to equipment. Perhaps no other provider has such an extensive catalog, which makes it an excellent provider for those who plan to install new equipment over time.
★ Recommended Plan
Vivint’s Smart Home Service is our recommended plan because it unlocks a larger selection of smart home devices, as well as video monitoring.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract option if equipment is purchased up front
- Backup battery included with the Sky Control panel
- Extensive equipment features, including Vivint Car Guard
Cons
- Long contract if equipment is financed
- Installation can take 3-4 hours
- Short (120-day) equipment warranty and service guarantee (unless you purchase Premium)
- Short (3-day) trial period
- Best for Customer Service
Frontpoint Home Security
Our rating7.6Starting at$44.99/moOur Take on Frontpoint Home Security
Frontpoint recently changed its billing model to month-to-month contracts, which we believe shows that the company strives to stay on top of industry trends and cares about customer service. We also appreciate that Frontpoint’s equipment is compatible with the major smart home hubs.
★ Recommended Plan
Our recommended Frontpoint plan is the Safe Home Starter equipment package combined with the Ultimate monitoring plan, which will give you access to a smartphone app for monitoring your security devices.
Pros
- No lengthy contracts
- Excellent customer service
- Variety of equipment to choose from
Cons
- Monitoring fees are relatively expensive
- Short (30 days) trial period
- No professional installation option
Our take
CPI offers a wide array of equipment packages, award-winning professional monitoring and the personalized customer support you want from a local company. Month-to-month plans are available with an upfront equipment purchase, and all CPI systems are cellular-based.
Recommended Plan: inTouch Edge features the most of CPI’s intelligent video alert notification cameras, as well as fire detection and full security features.
Pros
- Month-to-month contract option
- Can use existing equipment
- Intelligent video notifications
Cons
- Contract is required if equipment is not purchased upfront
- Must call to find out specific pricing
- No DIY installation option
Additional Local Home Security Providers for Raleigh
For other local home security options in Raleigh, check out these local providers.
- Iwatch Security: Iwatch gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from Yelp users and the company claims that 95% of its potential clients choose Iwatch over their competitors.
- Security Force: Security Force Inc. (SFI) is based right in Raleigh and offers 24/7 monitoring, and smart home device options in addition to basic intrusion detection.
- Alarm Man of NC: Alarm Man uses Honeywell equipment and offers medical alert systems in addition to home security systems in Raleigh.
- Secur-Tek: Professional monitoring with Secur-Tek starts at $21.95 a month, and you can use its security cost comparison calculator to calculate the price difference between your current system and a Secur-Tek system.
Surrounding Areas for Raleigh
Raleigh home security providers also provide service to the following Raleigh cities and suburbs:
- Durham, NC
- Cary, NC
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Wake Forest, NC
- Fuquay-Varina, NC
- Morrisville, NC
- Apex, NC
- Garner, NC
Common Home Security Equipment and Features
Control panel/hub
Motion sensor
As one of the sentinels in your home, the motion sensor captures unusual activity, and your system lets you know. Some providers have motion sensors that are designed to be pet-friendly, avoiding pets under 80 pounds to help prevent false alarms. Learn more about motion sensors here in our post.
Door/window sensor
Door/window sensors are sentinels for your entry points. Most have a discreet profile so they’re not easily seen, but once an entry point is breached, your control panel sounds an alarm to let the intruder know they’ve been caught. Learn more about the door/window sensors offered by Frontpoint, Protect America, and SimpliSafe.
Indoor security camera
If you want to be able to monitor the interior of your home, communicate with family members, and check in on pets, then choosing an indoor security camera is a great option. Most indoor cameras feature HD video, come with night vision, and have two-way communication. Learn more about indoor security camera options offered by SimpliSafe, Vivint, and Abode.
Outdoor security camera
Keep tabs on your property no matter your location with an outdoor security cameras. Most outdoor cameras have weatherproof features, night vision, and some even have deterrence features. Learn more about the outdoor security camera options offered by ADT, Vivint, and Frontpoint.
Video doorbell camera
Check your front doorstep without having to leave work with a video doorbell camera. Most video doorbells have built-in two-way communication and night vision. Learn more about the video doorbells offered by Guardian Protection, Vivint, and SimpliSafe.
Smart thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can potentially improve your home’s energy efficiency. Most smart thermostats allow you to program them, creating a schedule for when your home’s heating and cooling system turns on. Some will also automatically adjust themselves based on certain conditions. Learn more about the smart thermostats offered by Vivint, Frontpoint, and ADT.
Smart lock
Go keyless with a smart lock, designed so you can easily lock or unlock your door via app. Some smart locks have a keycode feature, allowing you to set unique PINs for family members and or professionals who may need to access your home. Learn more about the smart locks offered by Guardian Protection, Protect America, and Scout.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can’t decide? Compare top providers side-by-side: ADT vs. SimpliSafe, Vivint vs. Frontpoint, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions for Raleigh
Because Raleigh has a high percentage of professionals who work from home, doorbell cameras are an important security feature for Raleigh homeowners. A doorbell camera can let you answer your door without interrupting your day.
SimpliSafe is one of our top home security system picks for renters in the Raleigh area because of its DIY installation, wireless equipment and affordable pricing. Simplisafe’s month-to-month monitoring is also helpful for people whose living situation changes frequently.
Our pick for the best home security system for Raleigh homeowners is ADT. The company boasts over 140 years of experience in the home security industry, has a six-month money-back guarantee, and uses some of the highest-quality equipment in the industry.
All the local home security providers we’ve researched in Raleigh offer home security cameras and video doorbells. National companies such as Frontpoint, Vivint, ADT and SimpliSafe also offer security cameras.
Our top picks for The Best DIY Home Security Systems for Raleigh residents include SimpliSafe, Cove, and Frontpoint. These DIY systems have online ordering and include wireless devices and straightforward installation.
