Cove Home Security Review (2026)

Last Updated: January 2026

Cove focuses on low-cost equipment and monitoring with no long-term contract. We review features, pricing, and who it’s best for.

What Cove Does Well

Cove’s main draw is affordability. Monitoring typically starts around $20 or so per month, and equipment is priced lower than many competitors. The company runs frequent sales that can cut the cost of sensors, panels, and cameras. There’s no long-term contract: you can cancel anytime. For households that want 24/7 professional monitoring without a multi-year commitment or high monthly fees, Cove is one of the more budget-friendly options.

The system includes a touchscreen panel, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and optional cameras and environmental sensors (e.g., smoke, carbon monoxide, freeze, flood). The app lets you arm and disarm, get alerts, and view camera feeds. Cove supports a limited set of integrations, including some Z-Wave devices and Alexa for arming. It’s not built to be a full smart home hub like Vivint or Ring, but it covers core security needs.

Equipment and Installation

You can buy equipment outright or through promotions that reduce upfront cost. Starter kits cover a few doors and rooms; you can add more sensors and cameras as needed. The panel uses cellular backup so it can communicate with the monitoring center if Wi‑Fi or power is out.

Cove offers both DIY and professional installation. DIY follows the usual pattern: place sensors, pair in the app, mount the panel. Pro install is arranged through Cove’s network of technicians. That flexibility helps if you don’t want to run wires or prefer an expert to place devices and confirm everything works.

Pricing and Monitoring

Monitoring is required to use the system beyond basic local alerts. Plans are structured around the level of equipment and features you have. Monthly fees are generally lower than ADT, Vivint, or many regional providers. There’s no equipment financing in the traditional sense; you pay for hardware up front or during sales, which keeps monthly costs down but means a higher initial outlay than some financed options.

Because Cove emphasizes value, you won’t find the same breadth of cameras, video analytics, or smart home integrations as Ring or Vivint. What you get is solid core security: sensors, panel, professional monitoring, and an app that does the basics well. If your priority is capable monitoring at a lower price and no contract, Cove is worth considering.

Who Cove Is Best For

Cove fits homeowners and renters on a tighter budget who still want professional monitoring. It’s also a good fit if you prefer no contract and don’t need the widest selection of cameras or deep smart home automation. If you want the most cameras, video features, or ecosystem integrations, Ring, Vivint, or ADT may offer more. If you want the lowest recurring cost for pro monitoring and straightforward equipment, Cove is a strong option.

Pros

  • Low monitoring and equipment costs
  • Frequent sales and discounts
  • No long-term contract
  • DIY or professional installation
  • Cellular backup in panel

Cons

  • Pro monitoring required for full functionality
  • Fewer cameras and smart home options
  • Less advanced app and automation than top-tier brands

FAQs

Does Cove require a contract?
No. Cove does not use long-term contracts. You can cancel monitoring when you want.
Can I use Cove without professional monitoring?
Monitoring is required for the full system. Without it, you’d only have limited local functionality.
How does Cove compare to SimpliSafe or Ring?
Cove is usually cheaper for pro monitoring but has fewer cameras and smart home features. SimpliSafe and Ring offer more DIY flexibility and a larger ecosystem.

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