The average CPI system costs at least $499 for CPI equipment. You can pay upfront or enter a 39- to 60-month contract to finance it over time. On the other hand, Blue by ADT cameras must be purchased upfront. Each camera costs $199.99 and the Blue Extender + Chime costs $49.99 to extend your Wi-Fi range. With cheaper equipment and a build-your-own-system model, Blue is more affordable.

Blue by ADT doesn’t require a contract, so you can cancel service on a month-to-month basis. You can self-monitor your cameras or get professional monitoring for $19.99/mo. for a month-to-month service plan. You’ll also get your first month free. CPI doesn’t require a long-term contract either, but it requires a 39- to 60-month monitoring contract if you’re financing your equipment.

CPI Security only has a three-day return window after you receive your equipment. On the other hand, Blue by ADT gives you the first 30 days of professional monitoring and cloud storage for free with their 24/7 professional monitoring plan. You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee on your equipment. Both provide give you a limited one-year warranty, but CPI does offer a more robust warranty program for purchase as well with their Service Plus Program. With this program, you’ll get free replacements and installation on normal wear-and-tear on equipment. Because of Blue by ADT’s more generous trial period and gives you more for your money and satisfaction they win this category.

Blue by ADT’s equipment is geared toward renters and designed to be DIY-friendly to install on your time using the camera’s kit and your smartphone. Simply remove the cameras from the box and plug them into outlets. Or, you can have them run on their built-in rechargeable batteries. CPI Security, on the other hand only offers professional installation for their equipment. Since both options depend on your preference, and one isn’t better than the other this round is a tie.

CPI’s HD indoor camera features night vision, motion detection and built-in AI technology. The camera recognizes people, vehicles and animals for smart notifications and no false alarms. Blue by ADT also sells AI-enabled cameras with facial recognition, two-way talk and motion detection. The Blue by ADT Indoor Camera even senses for smoke and carbon monoxide detector for your home’s safety and security It also offers motion detectors, door sensors and sensors for environmental monitoring. Since both cameras offer great features that are easy to control using your smartphone this round is a tie.

This category is too close to call. Blue by ADT provides nationwide coverage, whereas CPI only covers the Southeast. CPI has a No False Alarms Guarantee and its award-winning monitoring center is UL-listed facility. Blue by ADT is backed by three ADT-owned monitoring centers. It gives you two backup connections, including cellular signal and cellular text, to ensure connectivity with the call center if you lose Wi-Fi Both providers offer monitoring for fire, carbon monoxide and flooding. Since this round is too close to call it’s a tie between the two.