Ring and Cove both offer great options for consumers interested in DIY security options. Despite some privacy concerns with Ring, the company is addressing these issues and working hard to establish itself as a competitor in the market. Cove is also carving out a niche with its customizable systems. Learn more about both of these providers to pick the right security solution for your home.
Compare Ring vs. Cove
Ring and Cove are both relatively new and affordable entrants to the DIY home security market. Ring launched in 2013 as a video doorbell provider and was subsequently purchased by Amazon, while Cove was founded in 2018 and provides a range of self-installed, customizable security offerings. Both companies now provide wireless security equipment that enables customers to keep their homes secure, with month-to-month service plans and no contracts.
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Price
Winner: RingRing provides monitoring services for as little as $10/mo., compared to Cove’s solution starting at $14.99/mo.. Ring's equipment packages begin at $199, while Cove's will be determined by the customer’s custom security solution that customers build - they don’t offer ready-built packages. Because of Ring’s low cost, they win this round.
Security Cameras
Winner: RingRing provides customers with a wide range of security cameras, from video doorbells to indoor and outdoor cameras that are equipped with HD video, night vision, two-way talk options, and wide-angle viewing. In comparison, Cove only provides one security camera, the YI Indoor Camera, which is a good option for users that only want to monitor inside their home. Since Ring offers a wide selection for customers to choose from they win this round.
Equipment
Winner: RingRing provides a large selection of security equipment for customers to choose from, including a touchscreen panel and motion detectors, smart lighting, solar panels, and video doorbells. Packages are pre-built to help customers get the best all-around security for their home. Cove offers a smaller range of equipment and no pre-built packages. Instead, customers choose their own equipment setup by selecting from several burglary detection options, from door, motion and window sensors to smoke, carbon dioxide and window break detectors. Since Ring offers a variety of security devices and pre-built packages to customize they win this round.
Trial Period
Winner: CoveIn addition to not requiring customers to enter into a contract, both Ring and Cove also offer excellent free trial periods in which to test out their equipment. Ring provides a 30-day free trial, but Cove takes this category as it allows new customers to try its services for up to 60 days. Because Cove has a longer trial period they win this round.
Professional Monitoring
Winner: CoveWhile Ring makes professional monitoring an option, Cove requires professional monitoring for its security system., Cove’s InstaText service claims to enable its customers to notify and respond to issues 10 times faster than other providers, so it takes this category.
Installation
Winner: CoveBoth of these providers require customers to install their own equipment. However, Cove takes the edge here as its equipment is pre-configured and comes with setup instructions that it helps customers complete installation in as little as 30 minutes and makes it easier for the customer.
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Final Call: Ring vs. Cove
It’s a tough call between the two providers and their security solutions. Ring and Cove are both appealing options for people that want an inexpensive route into the home security market. Neither offers professional installation, which means customers will have to install the equipment themselves. But Cove, in particular, makes this simple with pre-configured equipment that it claims can be up and running in just 30 minutes. Ring offers an extensive range of security cameras, from video doorbells to surveillance technology both inside and outside the home. If you’re looking for more customization, Cove may be a good choice, but they don’t offer a wide variety of equipment. On the other hand, Ring equipment is not pre-configured and comes with a shorter trial period. No matter which you choose, both are great options depending on your home security needs.
 Ring Home Security |  Cove Security | |
|---|---|---|
Monthly monitoring starting price | $10/mo. | $14.99/mo. |
Minimum contract length | None | None |
Extended No-Risk Return | 30 days | 60 days |
Installation | DIY | DIY |
Guarantees | None | None |
Warranty | 1 year | 1 year with Basic Plan, Lifetime with Cove Plus Plan |
BBB Rating | C- | A+ |
Safety Score | 8.4 | 7.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring and Cove
Ring gives customers a choice of several equipment packages starting at $199 with a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion sensor, and range extender. Cove does not offer predetermined equipment packages but instead enables customers to build their own. All packages must use the Touch Alarm Panel as the hub then users can add as many devices as they like.
Ring provides professional monitoring through its Protect Plus plan, which costs $10/mo. or $100 annually. Cove customers have a choice of two monitoring plans starting at $14.99/mo.
Ring allows customers to self-monitor their security system. If you want professional monitoring for Ring, you can subscribe to the Ring Protect Plus plan for $10 per month or $100 per year.
Professional monitoring is required for Cove’s security system. With Cove, you’ll have to choose between the Cove Basic and Cove Plus monitoring plans. Cove Basic costs $14.99 per month and Cove Plus costs $24.90 per month.
Ring and Cove are both good options for renters. Both enable customers to sign for a month-to-month service that doesn’t require a contract. Cove is a particularly appealing option given its 60-day free trial period.