Cove Review: No Contracts, Easy Setup, and Affordable
Cove is an economical, customizable home security system that delivers the basics and makes protecting your home super easy.
But the new kid on the block is still proving itself, and Cove has some work to do when it comes to its mobile app and smart home compatibility.
Because Cove has been on the market for only a few years, we reached out to see if we could sit down with the company and learn the ins and outs of this latest addition to the DIY home security scene.
Our full review gives you a thorough introduction to one of home security’s newest additions.
Pros
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty available
- Instant text messaging alerts
- Two-way audio with monitoring center
- Great customer reviews
- Super-easy installation
Cons
- New to market
- Limited smart home compatibility
- Unimpressive app
Compare Pricing
| Monitoring Plan |
| Monthly Fee |
| Mobile Access |
| Warranty |
| Cove Basic | Cove Plus |
| $14.99 | $24.99 |
| No X |
Yes ✓ |
| 1 yr. | Lifetime |
| View Package | View Package |
SALE
All Cove home security packages come with these features:
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- DIY installation
- No-contract options
Cove vs. the Competition
| Brand |
| Lowest Monthly Monitoring Price |
| Contract Options |
| Installation |
| Smart Home Compatibility |
| Learn More |
|
Cove
|
SimpliSafe
|
Frontpoint
|
Scout
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| $14.99 | $14.99 | $34.99 | $19.99 |
| Month-to-month | Month-to-month | Required | Month-to-month |
| DIY | DIY | DIY | DIY |
| Limited | Moderate | Good | Good |
| View Packages | View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
Cove is one of the most affordable home security choices you’ll find. One of the company’s core values is to be economical, and on that point Cove delivers. There aren’t any contract requirements, and monthly monitoring is pretty cheap, even if you opt for the higher-priced Cove Plus Plan.
At $24.99 per month, that’s about the same as a weekly splurge at Starbucks—and for a lifetime warranty plus mobile access to your security system, we think it’s worth it.
You can control your equipment costs with Cove, too. Most equipment is available à la carte, and you can get a basic setup for around $275, which includes the control panel, yard and window signs, a few window and door sensors, a motion sensor, and a (free) indoor camera.
If you aren’t sure what you need to protect your abode sufficiently, Cove’s website has a simple quiz that will help you figure out where to start.
Cove gives you the option to pay for equipment up-front or over time. If you opt for $0 up-front, you’ll pay an extra $10 per month if you keep Cove monitoring for 36 months. If you cancel early, you’ll have to pay for the equipment cost—but you’re not on the hook for the remaining months of monitoring fees like you are with other home security companies.
Cove Contracts and Warranties
We like that Cove offers a lifetime warranty for its equipment, but you can only get it with the higher-priced monitoring plan. Cove isn’t the only home security company to wrap up a better warranty in a more costly plan. ADT does the same thing with its Quality Service Plan that is only available with higher-end offerings.
| Brand |
| Minimum Monthly Monitoring Fee |
| Warranty |
| Service Call Fees |
| Contract Requirements |
| Cove | ADT |
| $24.99 | $52.99 |
| Lifetime | Quality Service Plan |
| No X |
Yes ✓ |
| None | 36 months |
The warranty from Cove is the better deal—and when we asked Cove representatives how much hassle you have to go through to get a new door sensor if yours putters out, they said, “None.” Cove simply sends you a replacement, no questions asked.
Our Cove box was nicely packaged.
Cove Tech and Equipment
Cove isn’t the most technologically advanced home security system, but it provides reliable basics that get the job done. Because the company is so new, its equipment offerings are limited. But Cove has two innovative technical features: InstaText and LiveAssist.
Cove InstaText
This feature uses text messaging to send you immediate alerts if an alarm is triggered. You can respond instantly to false alarms and dispatch emergency services if you need help—all with a text. This feature is useful for people who may not always be able to answer the phone but rarely ignore a text. It’s adapting age-old security protocols to the way we live and communicate today. Pretty smart.
Cove LiveAssist
With Cove LiveAssist you have a dedicated line of communication with Cove right through your panel. You can use this two-way audio feature to communicate in real-time if you need help or need to address a false alarm. This feature provides an extra layer of security and gives you more control over your home’s security. And you can count on it even if your panel gets unplugged or if your power goes out—its backup battery lasts for 24 hours.
Cove Home Security Equipment
We got a chance to play with Cove’s equipment.
Equipment and Price
- Cove Touch Panel, $184 ea.
- YI Indoor Camera, $59 ea.
- Door Sensor/Window Sensor, $15 ea.
- Motion Detector, $30 ea.
- Security Key Fob, $25 ea.
- Glass Break Detector, $35 ea.
- Smoke Heat Freeze Detector, $30 ea.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector, $50 ea.
- Flood/Freeze Sensor, $20 ea.
- Panic/Medical Button, $20 ea.
Cove Tech and Equipment Standouts
Standout Feature: Preconfigured Equipment
Many home security systems tout preprogrammed security equipment that’s easy to install, but Cove’s is the easiest one I’ve seen. And it talks to you—when you name a sensor (e.g., back door), you’ll hear “back door” every time it’s activated. I like that the only option isn’t a deafening and difficult-to-stop siren. I’ve tangled with those in the past (Ring), and it can be stressful.
Biggest Drawback: Limited Security Cameras
Currently, the Cove system is limited to three indoor security cameras because of the burden that streaming video puts on the network and your home Wi-Fi bandwidth. Also, outdoor security cameras are available only upon request. I think having eyes on the outside of your home is vital to keeping your property, people, and pets safe. We hope to see outdoor cameras added as a regular part of the Cove home security system soon.
Cove Smart Home Features
Cove’s smart home offerings are fairly scant. The system is focused first on providing security, and home automation is a lower priority. The system currently works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but other smart home options, like smart locks and climate control, aren’t available. Cove told us that Zigbee compatibility should be coming out sometime in 2019, and we’re eager to see how that impacts the company’s home automation offerings.
Cove Smart Home Compatibility
| Smart Home Feature |
| Voice Control |
| Climate Control |
| Lighting Control |
| Smart Home Hub |
| Third-Party Compatibility |
| Amazon Alexa, Google Home |
| None |
| None |
| Amazon Alexa, Google Home |
Cove Customer Service
Although Cove is new to the scene, the company has already garnered a hefty collection of positive customer reviews. In my experience with the company, it’s been friendly, responsive, and eager to please. You can tell that the people who created Cove and work for the company enjoy what they do and believe in their product.
Here’s a look at current Cove ratings for customer service and satisfaction.*
- Google reviews: 4.9 stars
- Trustpilot rating: 4.9 stars out of 5, Excellent
- Cove Security app on Google Play: 2.3 stars out of 5
- Cove Security app on Apple App Store: 3.5 stars out of 5
*Ratings as of December 2019.
Cove’s 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
You can try out the Cove security system risk-free for up to two months. If during that time you don’t think it’s a good fit for your home security needs, you can return your equipment and cancel your monitoring service without a penalty. Cove will give you a full refund, no questions asked.
Cove Installation
We’re impressed with the simplicity of Cove’s installation and setup process. All the components of your security system come preconfigured. You can even name them when you order, so your son’s bedroom window sensor will come ready to be installed in his room. And if you make a naming mistake or decide to move a sensor to a different place, it’s easy to give it a new name using the control panel.
The control panel is the heart of the Cove home security system—it walks you through setup and tests each sensor to make sure they’re working correctly. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you set up a window or door sensor the right way, so we like that Cove’s audio confirmation leaves no doubt.
Other Home Security Options
If you’re not ready to take Cove up on its 60-day trial, we’ve got your back. To help you make the best decision for your household, here are the details on other top DIY home security companies.
Best DIY Home Security Systems
How We Evaluated Cove Security
When we learned about Cove home security, we got in touch with them to find out more. Cove came out and met with us to explain who they are, why they do what they do, and what makes their DIY security system stand out from the rest. We got to meet the founder of the company, and we got to play with Cove’s equipment. We ran a system through the setup process and then tested all of the sensors to see how they worked. We also pored over online customer reviews, read other expert reviews, and compared Cove to other DIY security systems.
Cove FAQs
What can I do on Cove’s mobile app?
Right now, you can use the Cove mobile app to remotely arm and disarm your system using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can also check your system’s status, bypass sensors, and add or delete user accounts. To save you from constantly checking your alarm system’s status, the app sends text and email alerts when the system is either triggered or disarmed. Cove is currently in the process of further development on the app and we’re excited to see more smart home control and options.
Does Cove home security help me save on homeowners insurance?
Yes. Like many other home security companies, Cove provides you with a certificate that you can present to your insurance company for a discount on your premium. To get your certificate, your system has to be installed and activated. Details on discounts vary by insurance company, so be sure to talk to your agent for specifics.
How fast will I get my Cove security system after I order?
Because Cove puts together each security system to your specifications, it may take four to six days for your system to be delivered. The company strives to get all orders out within one day of ordering, but sometimes it may take a day or two to assemble your security system and get it in the mail.
Does Cove home security work for renters?
Yes. Cove is a good match for both homeowners and renters. And if you move, all you need to do is pack up your Cove security equipment (along with everything else) and let them know your new address. Changing your address with Cove is essential to make sure the monitoring center knows where to send help if you need it.
Final Word
We’re pretty excited to see Cove entering the DIY home security arena. It’s a young company, but they’re doing a lot of things right.
If you want a customizable home security system that’s easy for you to install on your own and doesn’t lock you into a contract, we think Cove is a solid choice.
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