As one of the leading competitors in the home security space, ADT guarantees its services, provides professional installation, and offers high-quality equipment and home automation options. It may not be the cheapest option out there, but ADT is well-tested and well-respected. Cove Security launched in 2018. Though it’s a newer company, Cove has wasted no time attracting attention for its low prices and transparent business model. Contracts and pricing are straightforward and pressure-free, and many customers enjoy professional monitoring without any contract at all.
Compare ADT vs. Cove
Price
Winner: CoveCove's very competitive pricing makes it a clear choice here. Its basic monitoring plan starts at $14.99/mo., with an upgrade to Cove Plus only costing $25/mo. Costs vary for its customizable equipment packages. ADT starts its plans at $45.99/mo. and goes up to $57.99/mo. for full features, in addition to the $599 equipment cost over the length of the contract.
Trial Period
Winner: ADTIf any issues do arise, ADT offers a 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee to refund installation and monitoring fees if there’s a service or system issue they cannot resolve. Cove is contract-free so users can cancel at any time without worry about trial periods or cancellation fees. In these cases, the paid-for equipment stays with you. Cove's Economy plan allows users a 60-day trial period, but it’s not quite as long as ADT’s guarantee so they win this round.
Contract
Winner: CoveIn addition to selecting a monitoring plan, Cove allows you to select a payment plan that determines your type of contract. Its Value Plan requires upfront payment for equipment but leaves you contract-free after that. The Economy Plan rolls the cost of equipment into the monthly monitoring costs with a 36-month contract, while its Plus Plan offers a lifetime rate lock. ADT has recently expanded its contract options - but still requires a contract. Contract length now starts at 12-months, with the flexibility to choose a longer contract length if preferred. This is a nice addition to the legacy site, but we still prefer the no-contract option here.
Home Automation
Winner: ADTPerhaps because it's a relatively new company, Cove hasn’t branched into home automation yet. Cove Plus does integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control some smart products from there. If this is one of your priorities, however, ADT is a clear choice. It offers plenty of smart home products and an app for full control, though you’ll have to subscribe to an upgraded package.
Equipment
Winner: CoveBoth companies offer high-quality equipment, with comparable features such as outdoor and indoor cameras, door and window sensors and carbon monoxide detectors. ADT also offers a video doorbell. Cove provides motion sensors, glass break detectors, and Smash and Grab protection for the main panel. Cove outperforms ADT, however, by offering customizable equipment packages and low-cost add-ons.
Installation
Tie: ADT & CoveIf you’re looking for professional installation, ADT is for you. For a fee of at least $99, their technicians will help you position cameras and ensure that all equipment functions properly. If you prefer DIY security, Cove is a better choice. As you sign up, you can even assign names and locations to each piece of equipment so that you’ll know exactly where to place each product it arrives.
Summary: ADT vs. Cove
Winner  Cove Security | ||
|---|---|---|
Monitoring starts at | $45.99/mo. | $14.99/mo. |
Contract length | 12 months | None |
Trial period/ refunds | 6 months | 60 days |
Installation | Professional | DIY |
Guarantees or Refunds | $500 Theft Protection | None |
Warranty | Optional Extended Limited Warranty on equipment | 1 year with basic plan, lifetime with Cove plus |
BBB Score | A | A |
Safety Score | 8.8 | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions about ADT and Cove
The starting package for ADT includes a digital panel, alarm, sensors, a motion detector and window and yard signage. More advanced packages include extra features, and buyers may upgrade for additional products. Cove customizes its equipment to each home and makes upgrades easy, cheap, and transparent with clear pricing on its website.
Cove offers two tiers of monitoring. Their Basic Plan costs $14.99/mo., and Cove Plus costs $25/mo.. ADT offers several packages, beginning with Protection Plus for $45.99/mo. Its highest package, the Complete package, starts at $57.99/mo. and includes full video features and home automation services.
Both ADT and Cove Security provide professional monitoring services. Cove gives the option to self-monitor. However, ADT provides access to live video streaming and recording capabilities.
Cove Security may be a stronger choice for renters. Equipment is fitted for your unique needs, and if you purchase the equipment upfront with its Value Plan, then it’s yours to keep. The no-contract Value Plan, along with the DIY installation, is also helpful for quick moves.