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Home Security

Cove vs. Abode

Review the benefits of Cove Security and Abode to find the right security technology for you.
Updated Jul 13, 2020
Written By
Jalesa Campbell | Safety and Security Reporter
Evaluated over 90 safety products to help you protect what matters most. Check our Methodology

Cove and Abode security products adopt quite different approaches to home security. With extremely competitive upfront and recurring costs, Cove Security aims to deliver a more managed security solution, with 24/7 access to live alarm monitoring and Cove Live Assist — a feature designed to give customers the peace of mind of instant contact with emergency services. Abode delivers an extensive and modular range of sensors and cameras that empower customers to manage their own home security, thus reducing recurring costs. Both DIY security providers allow customers to combine a range of products to develop a total home security solution.

Compare Cove vs. Abode

  • Professional Monitoring

    Winner: Cove

    Abode offers optional professional monitoring that is reasonably priced and available on a flexible, month-to-month basis, but the service is not as fully featured as Cove's. Cove professional monitoring incorporates LiveAssist, allowing you to communicate directly with Cove via your control panel. Both companies incorporate smartphone notification alerts, but Cove’s InstaText service is designed for speed and interactiveness, giving it a meaningful edge over Abode for professional monitoring.

  • Equipment

    Winner: Abode

    Both companies offer complementary security technologies, including door and window sensors, motion detection devices, water and smoke detectors, and cameras. Additionally, Cove offers a medical button, making the product line a stronger choice when built into an eldercare solution. Abode, however, offers both a regular indoor camera with two-way audio and a wide-angle motion-detecting camera. Abode has a larger product selection than Cove, pushing the company ahead when it comes to equipment.

  • Trial Period

    Winner: Cove

    Abode has a 30-day return policy, whereas Cove offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. While 30 day trial periods are common among providers, Cove’s 60-day return period offers a generous amount of time to install, try out your new system, and decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

  • Installation Options

    Winner: Abode

    Cove equipment requires customer installation. Clear documentation and pre-configured equipment help ensure that setup is straightforward, with equipment typically operational in under thirty minutes. Professional installation is available for Abode products, making this company a better option if you’re seeking the convenience of having your devices installed and configured for you.

  • Warranty and Guarantees

    Winner: Cove

    Abode provides a one-year limited warranty for its equipment, while Cove provides a lifetime equipment warranty with its Plus Monitoring Plan. The Cove Basic monitoring plan provides a 1-year equipment warranty. Since Cove provides a longer warranty term with its Plus Monitoring Plan, making it easier for customers to have their equipment replaced, it takes the win for this category.

  • Price

    Tie: Cove and Abode

    Abode offers an excellent entry-level equipment package for $229, and its optional professional monitoring service starts at $20 per month. You can also opt to self-monitor with Abode products, eliminating recurring costs altogether. With Cove, upfront equipment costs can start around $240 with professional monitoring starting at $14.99 per month. Because the upfront equipment and monitoring costs are in close range, we’d say it’s a tie for Cove and Abode.

Winner: Cove

While Abode remains an attractive pick if you’re seeking a self-monitored security solution, Cove comes out slightly on top. Both companies offer excellent value for your money with contract-free professional monitoring, and their devices are easy to configure. But Cove’s customer-friendly warranty terms and extended trial period are hard to pass up, particularly if you feel you’ll require a little longer to fully road test your home security solution.
Research Cove
Research Abode
Winner

Cove Security

Abode Security

Monitoring starts at
$14.99/mo.$20/mo.
Minimum contract length
NoneNone
Trial period
60 days30 days
Installation
DIYDIY or Professional
Guarantees
NoneNone
Warranty
Lifetime warranty with Plus Monitoring Plan1 year limited warranty
BBB rating
AC
Safety Score
7.49
*Please note that BBB ratings, plans, pricing, and other details can change without our knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cove and Abode

Safety and Security Reporter

Jalesa Campbell

Jalesa is one of Safety.com's staff experts on home security, natural disasters, public safety, and family safety. She's been featured on Today.com and elsewhere.

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