4.5
7.4
Overall Score
Average Project Cost: $17.99 - $27.99
Cove offers an affordable, user-friendly DIY security system with no long-term contracts and professional monitoring starting at just $17.99 per month. Their customizable equipment packages start at around $200, featuring a touchscreen control panel, door/window sensors, and optional indoor and outdoor cameras. The system is easy to install and offers smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. Cove provides a one-year warranty on all equipment, which extends to a lifetime warranty with the Cove Plus Plan. While it lacks some advanced smart home features and self-monitoring options, Cove is a strong choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking reliable security and flexibility.
Author: Kalicia Bateman
Cove is a rapidly growing provider in the DIY home security market, known for offering affordable, easy-to-install security systems with professional monitoring. Since its founding in 2018, Cove has positioned itself as a user-friendly alternative to more traditional, complex home security systems. With no long-term contracts and competitive pricing, Cove appeals to budget-conscious homeowners who want effective security without the hassle of professional installation or high upfront costs. With nationwide coverage, Cove's aim is to protect every home in the United States.
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One of Cove’s main advantages is its affordable pricing structure, designed for those who want high-quality security without a significant financial commitment. The starter equipment package begins at around $200 and includes essential devices like a Cove Touch Alarm Panel, door/window sensors, and a motion detector. The package can be customized with additional equipment, such as cameras and smart home integrations, to meet the specific needs of each home. Unlike many competitors, Cove does not require long-term contracts; instead, customers pay a month-to-month monitoring fee with the flexibility to cancel at any time without penalties.
Cove is designed for do-it-yourself installation, making it a great option for homeowners who want a straightforward setup process. The installation requires no special tools, and Cove provides guided instructions through their setup wizard. Most users can complete the installation in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those who prefer not to pay for professional installation or wait for a technician. The devices use a plug-and-play approach, and the system connects through a secure cellular connection, ensuring reliability even if Wi-Fi goes down.
Cove offers two main professional monitoring plans—Cove Basic and Cove Plus—which provide 24/7 monitoring at competitive rates. The Cove Basic Plan starts at $17.99 per month, offering essential features like professional monitoring, cellular backup, and a one-year equipment warranty. The Cove Plus Plan, priced at $27.99 per month, includes additional benefits such as lifetime equipment warranty, smartphone control via the Cove app, Alexa and Google Assistant integration, and a $5 monthly credit toward equipment upgrades. These plans are among the most affordable in the industry, making Cove a budget-friendly option for those seeking professional monitoring without breaking the bank.
Cove’s equipment is known for its sleek design and ease of use. Their core products include:
With no limit on the number of devices that can be added to a system, Cove allows users to scale their security setup as their needs change, providing flexibility for both small and large homes.
Cove offers a lifetime equipment warranty to customers who subscribe to the Cove Plus Plan. This warranty covers all devices, ensuring free replacements for any defective equipment for as long as the monitoring service is active. Even without the Plus Plan, customers receive a one-year warranty on their equipment. This level of warranty coverage provides peace of mind, especially compared to many other DIY systems that only offer a limited one- or two-year warranty.
With Cove InstaText, you can get security notifications sent directly to your phone through a text message. Cove InstaText will alert you immediately if your motion detector, glass break sensor, video doorbell, or indoor camera records suspicious activity. You can then respond with the action you would like cove to take by responding “Send Help,” “Cancel,” or “Call me.”
Cove wants its customers to be 100% satisfied, so it offers a 60-day risk-free trial on all home security systems to test out their services. Customers can try out their system, and if they decide it’s not for them, they can send the system back for a full refund (including return shipping costs). Many security providers only offer a 30-day money-back guarantee or no money-back option at all, so this is great for consumers who want a worry-free trial period to decide if Cove's security system is right for them.
Cove offers a free app with its systems. It is available for Apple iOS and Android devices. Having a synched home security app allows consumers to monitor and control their security system from anywhere at any time and can alert them of any suspicious activity or disturbances in or around the home. Through the mobile app, customers receive the following:
While Cove offers basic smart home compatibility, it is not as robust as some competitors when it comes to integrating with other smart home ecosystems. It supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands, but it lacks deeper integration with smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit or the ability to control third-party smart lights and locks directly through its app. This might be a drawback for homeowners looking to fully integrate their security system with a broader smart home setup.
Although Cove's starter packages are affordable, the upfront costs can rise if you need a larger number of sensors or additional cameras to cover a bigger home. For example, adding extra cameras or specialty sensors like a flood detector can increase the initial cost to over $400. While this is still competitive for a DIY system, it may be a consideration for those on a tight budget who need extensive coverage.
Cove’s indoor and outdoor cameras are reliable and offer clear video quality, but their cloud storage is only included with the Cove Plus Plan. Basic plan users will need to upgrade to access video storage and playback features, which could be a downside for those who want to monitor camera footage without opting for the more expensive plan. With the Cove Plus Plan, users get 30 days of video storage, but this additional cost may not suit everyone’s needs.
Cove does not offer a self-monitoring option, which means that customers must subscribe to one of their professional monitoring plans to use the system. This may be a drawback for those who are looking for a completely self-managed system or want to avoid monthly fees altogether. For those who prefer professional monitoring for peace of mind, this won’t be an issue, but it limits flexibility compared to some other DIY systems on the market.
Cove is an excellent option for homeowners seeking a flexible, user-friendly, and affordable DIY home security solution. With no contracts, low monthly monitoring fees starting at $17.99, and a range of high-quality equipment, Cove provides solid value for those who want professional monitoring without a long-term commitment. The easy DIY installation and the ability to customize the system to fit different home sizes make it a convenient choice. While it lacks some advanced smart home integrations and requires a subscription for cloud video storage, the competitive pricing and strong warranty options—especially the lifetime warranty with the Plus Plan—make Cove a strong contender in the DIY home security market. If you’re looking for a reliable security system with flexibility and affordability, Cove Home Security is worth considering.
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