Cove home security system with camera, fire alarm, motion sensors, yard sign, and base station

Cove offers cost-effective DIY options if you’re looking to protect your home on a budget.

Packages. Cove does not offer its hardware in packages, but it does offer an online quiz that curates a potential packaged security bundle depending on if you have pets and how many windows and doors your home has. This can be a good option if you’re new to home security.

Touch Screen Panel. Cove’s home security devices are meant to be built around its Touch Screen Panel, which allows you to monitor your cameras and other security devices, arm or disarm your system, and communicate with Cove’s 24/7 monitoring team via cellular connection. Its Touch Screen Panel can also provide simple instructions for self-installation, which Cove says should take 30 minutes or less. Cove also offers a mobile app for remote monitoring, but this service has more limited features.

Hardware. Cove’s hardware options include window and door sensors, motion and glass break detectors, and a key remote, which is a large enough selection to build a complete home security system. It also sells a Medical Button, a feature unique to this company, that provides the functions of a simple medical alert system.

Monitoring. Cove does not offer a self-monitoring option or unmonitored service. You must choose between two monitoring tiers, Cove Basic and Cove Plus. Both offer professional monitoring, but with Plus you can access camera footage or Cove’s smart-home integration features.

Contract. However, unlike some other home security companies, Cove doesn’t require a contract, meaning that you can cancel services at any time if you’re dissatisfied or simply no longer need them.

Professional reviews note that Cove’s short response times coupled with its easy installation and setup give it high customer satisfaction ratings.

Cove Security Plans and Pricing

DIY security services generally are sought because they are affordably priced, and Cove is no exception. Cove does not package any of its products or services, so users will need to purchase each piece individually.

Cove’s selection of equipment, though limited when compared to other security companies in our Best Home Security Systems of 2023 ratings, is very affordable. A Cove Touch Alarm Panel costs $249, while door and window sensors are $15 apiece. Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors cost $55. The company’s indoor camera is $99 and its outdoor camera $199. These prices are similar to those of other home security companies that offer DIY systems. For example, SimpliSafe’s entry sensor costs $14.99 and its outdoor camera $169.99, while ADT Self Setup charges $199.99 for its wireless outdoor camera.

You can choose to install Cove’s system yourself or pay for professional installation, which starts at $79.

To find out Cove’s rates, you will need to either answer a series of questions on the company’s website to build a custom security package or call the company to get a price quote. While selecting your equipment on the website, you will be able to see the price of each piece. When you’re done, you will be required to choose one of two monitoring options – Cove Basic at $17.99 per month or Cove Plus at $27.99 per month.

Cove has no service contracts and allows you to try out its security system for 60 days, offering a refund after that amount of time if you decide not to keep it. There is no self-monitoring option with Cove. Monthly monitoring plans include:

Cove offers some of the most affordable monitoring services. In comparison, ADT Self Setup’s monitoring fees begin at $27.99 per month for its basic plan and $62.99 per month for a plan that includes mobile app compatibility, live video monitoring, and smart home integration. Cove’s pricing is similar to SimpliSafe, which charges $17.99 a month for its basic plan and $27.99 for smart home integration and live video footage.

Cove Security Components

Cove sells customized hardware systems and monitoring subscriptions on its website. The company also sells a seven- or 10-piece hardware system on Amazon. All hardware purchases come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cove Security vs. the Competition

While Cove and Link Interactive both serve the DIY market, their services are very different.

Equipment. Link offers a longer list of hardware options, but its hardware is also significantly more expensive than Cove’s. Cove’s window sensors sell for $15 apiece, while Link’s door and window sensors cost $24 apiece. Likewise, Link’s glass-break detector costs $69, while Cove’s sells for $35. Plus, Cove’s equipment is often on sale.

However, Link offers smart home devices, such as smart locks and garage door openers, while Cove does not offer any smart home hardware.

Monitoring. Cove’s monitoring services cost $17.99 per month or $27.99 per month, depending on the level of service you choose, whereas Link’s monitoring services are significantly more expensive. Links’ basic service costs $30.99 per month and its premium service is $47.99 per month.

Verdict. Given the differences in price and hardware options, Cove is best suited for people looking to add a security system on a tight budget.

Link’s services are geared more toward DIYers who want hardware options that allow greater customization, regardless of the price.

The biggest difference between Cove and Ring Alarm is the breadth of hardware they offer.

Equipment. While Cove offers a limited selection of sensors, cameras, and environmental detectors, Ring offers perhaps the most comprehensive list of hardware that covers security as well as home automation.

Integrations. Cove systems can integrate with Google Home and Amazon Echo products. Since Ring is owned by Amazon, it’s only compatible with Echo products. Therefore, Cove may be the better choice in smart homes using Google Home, though households using Echo devices may appreciate that Ring is designed exclusively for their network.

Monitoring. Cove’s professional monitoring is similar in price to Ring’s. Cove’s basic service is $17.99 per month; however, to access cameras and home automation features, you would need to pay for Cove’s Plus service, which costs $27.99 per month. Ring offers one professional monitoring service that costs $20 per month and two paid subscription plans for those who want to self-monitor.

Verdict. Ring’s extensive list of hardware makes it an ideal choice for those who want a security system that allows them to integrate their Amazon smart home devices and self-monitor.

Cove is a good choice for those looking for a budget-priced system and professional monitoring.

For more information, check out our full Ring Alarm review.

Cove and SimpliSafe are very similar DIY security systems. Both offer easy-to-install systems that even people with limited experience can handle.

Equipment. Cove is a build-your-own system that requires its users to pick and choose pieces of equipment following a series of questions about their homes. SimpliSafe takes a different approach with prepackaged home security kits to fit a variety of home sizes, though you can also purchase equipment individually. SimpliSafe’s hardware options also offer smart home hardware, such as smart locks, whereas Cove does not offer smart home devices.

Pricing. Pricing with both companies is similar. SimpliSafe charges $14.99 for its door and window sensors, while Cove charges $15.00. SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera costs $169.99, compared to Cove’s outdoor camera at $199.00.

While both Cove’s and SimpliSafe’s indoor cameras cost $99, Cove’s equipment often goes on sale at drastically reduced prices, and Cove often offers deals like a free indoor camera with either of its monitoring services.

Monitoring. SimpliSafe gives customers the option to self-monitor with no monthly fee, while Cove customers must subscribe to one of its two plans. Both companies charge the same for their two-tiered monitoring plans at $17.99 and $27.99 per month, but SimpliSafe offers smartphone controls with its basic plan, while Cove only includes that feature with its premium monitoring plan.

Verdict. Though both services are similar, SimpliSafe tilts toward DIYers who want more control over service customization and home automation integration.

Cove, however, may be ideal for those looking to add a security system with minimal upfront investment.

Similar Home Security Systems

Cove FAQ

How much does any Cove home security system cost?

Cove sells its touchscreen hub for $249, and you can select the components you want. For example, a window/door sensor lists for $15 and a smoke/carbon monoxide detector for $55, prices on par with other DIY security firms. And Cove often takes 30% to 50% off the prices of some devices. You will need professional monitoring with Cove, which offers two options at $17.99 and $27.99 a month, priced in line with its DIY rivals.

Cove offers DIY installation with the option for professional installation. To install the system, users will turn on the central hub, which then will guide them through the placement and connection of cameras and sensors with instructions that include pictures and diagrams.

All Cove sensors, motion detectors, and environmental detectors are wireless and can be installed using peel-and-stick mounting, so there’s no need to drill holes or use screws. Security cameras can be connected to the system by scanning their QR codes with a smartphone.

How is the system monitored?

Cove partners with RapidSOS to deliver real-time data to its monitoring center. The company says this provides more accurate information and helps speed the response of emergency teams. The basic monitoring plan costs 60 cents a day (roughly $18 monthly), and its upgraded Plus plan is 93 cents daily (around $28 monthly). There is no self-monitoring option.

What text and email notifications can I get?

You can get notifications on the touch panel as well as by phone and text. Cove says its RapidSOS technology delivers alerts faster than its rivals, potentially saving critical minutes in an emergency.

Will my pets set off the alarm?

Cove's sensors ignore pets weighing up to 45 pounds.

Does Cove support an emergency duress or distress code?

Yes. Cove allows you to set up a “hostage passcode” to silently alert the monitoring center if an intruder forces you to disarm the system.

Cove sells a key fob with an SOS button for $25.

Cove is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, both of which allow you to arm, disarm, and check the status of your system using voice controls. You must subscribe to Cove’s Plus monitoring plan to connect the service to a voice assistant. Connecting the voice assistant works by logging into the Alexa app and locating the Cove skill or logging into Google to link the Cove system to Google Home.

What home automation technology integrates with Cove?

Cove has a limited number of third-party home automation devices that integrate with its system, including the Google Nest Thermostat and August Smart Lock.

Does Cove integrate with my thermostat?

Cove does integrate with smart thermostats, but its compatibility is very limited. The security system currently only works with Nest thermostats. To use a Nest thermostat with your Cove system, you’ll need to link Cove to a Google Home digital assistant that’s paired with the thermostat.

What is Cove's warranty?

Cove offers a one-year warranty for basic subscribers and a lifetime warranty for customers choosing the Cove Plus monitoring plan. This covers defects as well as wear and tear, but not damage caused by homeowners or intruders.

How do I contact Cove's customer service?

Cove has a 24/7 support phone line. Email is also available as well as online chat weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The company says customers can resolve many issues by checking the online videos that include step-by-step installation instructions.

Home

Cove Home Security System