What Sets Cove Security Apart?
Cove Security is an upstart new company that’s muscling its way into the increasingly popular do-it-yourself (DIY) home security space. The provider offers modern wireless security equipment, custom packages, cellular connectivity, professional monitoring, easy cancellation and competitively low prices. You won’t find preset package deals or smart home devices, but if you’re looking for effective no-frills security, Cove could be a strong choice for you.
Pros
- Custom packages with low-pressure sales
- Easy cancellation
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Premium app subscription required for many features
- Relatively new company
- Lack of smart home integration and camera options
Cove Security Equipment Packages
Cove Security does not offer predetermined packages. Instead, it has a unique personalized approach where each customer configures their system by answering a few easy questions on Cove’s website. If you need help, you can chat with customer service.
While some companies won’t let you get a quote without entering a high-pressure sales conversation, the Cove shopping experience is refreshingly low-pressure and transparent. All configurations can be customized beyond the website recommendations. If you want to add an additional camera or any other device (or remove some of the recommended products) their system builder allows you to do that.
Our Take
Cove Security lets you custom-build your home security system from scratch. The only non-negotiable device is the Cove Touch Alarm Panel, which acts as the hub of the system. From there, you can add on as many devices as you’d like. If you’re unsure what you need, use Cove’s online recommendation tool or speak with its customer support team. Once you’ve selected your equipment, you can pick from two monitoring plans. The Basic plan starts at $14.99/mo. for 24/7 professional monitoring, while the Cove Plus plan starts at $25/mo. and adds features such as mobile app access and support for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Package Features
- Touch Alarm Panel (required)
- Intrusion detection options: Door sensor, window sensor, motion detector, glass break detector
- Environmental monitoring options: smoke/heat/freeze detector, carbon monoxide detector, flood sensor
- Remote and medical alert options: key fob, panic button
- Yard sign and window stickers included with every order
Cove Security Equipment and Features
Cove Touch Panel
This small device is the control panel for your home security system. Its 7-inch touchscreen looks and acts like the alarm panels seen in many high-end systems. It includes on-screen instructions with animations to make the system easier to use. You can use the two-way talk feature to communicate with the monitoring center directly through the panel. Smash and Grab Protection ensures that the monitoring center is notified even if intruders attack the panel. And don’t worry about what might happen if the power goes out— the Cove Touch Panel comes with 24 hours of backup battery protection to keep your system up and running. Retail price is $184.
Cove Door Sensor
Cove recommends one door sensor for every exterior door. You can add more door sensors at any time for $15 each. These are easy to install, work with any door type, and come with a 5+ year battery life. They are programmed to self-test every 60 minutes to regularly ensure they are working properly.
Cove Motion Detector
For average-sized homes, Cove recommends one motion detector that covers a central location/high-traffic area of your home. These can be added on for $30 each. The motion detectors are pet-friendly up to 40 lbs. This detector has a 5+ year battery life, is easy to install and like Cove’s other equipment, is programmed to self-test every 60 minutes.
Cove Window Sensor
Cove recommends installing a window sensor on any windows that will be susceptible to intruder entry, especially those that may be out of sight to neighbors or passersby. These sensors can be used on any windows, have 5+ year battery life, are easy to install and self-test every 60 minutes. Window sensors can be added for $15 each.
Glass Break Detector
Designed to be installed near windows, these devices detect the sound of breaking glass. Available for $35 each, place one wherever you have doors, windows or other glass exteriors that need more protection than a door or window sensor.
YI Indoor Camera
Cove recommends at least one YI indoor camera depending on the size of your home. These are ultra-wide angle HD video cameras that detect things like motion and even babies crying. These should be placed in a central location of the home. The YI Indoor Camera retails for $29.50, but you may be able to get it free or at a discount if Cove is offering a promotion. At the time of this writing, Cove is including one free YI Indoor Camera with all packages, but additional cameras can be added for $29.50 each.
Smoke/Heat/Freeze Detector
For $30 each, this one sensor sounds an alarm in the event of smoke, fire or freezing temperatures. Alerts are customizable. Start with one in a central location on the main floor, and add another in each sleeping area if desired.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is potentially deadly. This alarm, which you can add to your package for $50 each, detects carbon monoxide and issues an alarm before the levels become dangerous.
Flood Sensor
Leaks often build up slowly and remain unnoticed until there’s a full-fledged flood or expensive water damage. Install a flood sensor, $20 each, in areas that are vulnerable to leaks and you’ll be alerted before the damage becomes extensive.
Security Key Remote
Attach one of these to your key ring, and you can arm or disarm the system at the touch of a button. The security key remotes retail for $25 each. Unless you live alone, you’ll probably want more than one.
Panic Button/Medical Alert
This wearable help button is designed to be worn around the house. It’s even waterproof, so it can be worn in the shower. Just press the button to alert the monitoring center, who can send along medical, fire or police services as needed. The panic button costs $20.
Compare Cove Security Payment Plans
Once you’ve selected the equipment you need, the next step is to choose your Cove payment plan. The Value plan is contract-free but requires you to pay for your equipment up front. The Economy plan eliminates your equipment fees, but requires a 36-month minimum contract.
Value Plan | Economy Plan | |
|---|---|---|
Equipment cost | Paid upfront, depends on configuration | Upfront payment not required |
Monthly monitoring cost | $14.99-$25/mo. | $25-$35/mo. |
Contract length | No contract required | 36 months |
Cancellation policy | Cancel at any time | Early termination fee equal to equipment cost |
Compare Cove Security Monitoring Plans
Once you’ve decided what equipment you need and how you will pay for it, the final step is to choose the Cove monitoring plan you’d prefer: Cove Basic or Cove Plus.
Cove Basic Monitoring | Cove Plus Monitoring | |
|---|---|---|
24/7 Professional Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Environmental Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
TripleTouch Communications | Yes | Yes |
Smash and Grab Protection | Yes | Yes |
100% Cellular Connection | Yes | Yes |
Hourly Automated System Check | Yes | Yes |
24-Hour Battery Backup | Yes | Yes |
Equipment Warranty | One year | Lifetime |
Mobile App Access | No | Yes |
Alexa and Google Home Support | No | Yes |
Equipment Reward | No | Accumulate $5/mo. credit toward future new equipment |
Locked Monitoring Rate | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Cove Security
These payment plans offer different benefits, so it depends on your priorities. The Value Plan is better if you can’t make a long-term commitment, and you don’t mind paying for your equipment up front. The Economy plan offers more value, but less freedom: If you end up canceling early, you’ll end up paying more than you would have otherwise.
All of Cove’s equipment must be self-installed (there’s no option for professional help) but it shouldn’t present a challenge for most people. Most of the equipment is wireless with a simple peel-and-stick installation. Cove also allows you to name each sensor during the ordering process, so they can preconfigure each one. This should help speed up the installation and orientation process.
All Cove equipment has a 1-year warranty under the Cove Basic monitoring plan or a lifetime warranty under the Cove Plus monitoring plan.
When your system sets off an alarm, Cove’s monitoring station will call, text and email you. You can respond to the text by dismissing the alarm or dispatching authorities immediately.
In addition to 24/7 cellular monitoring, LiveAssist, InstaText, Smash and Grab Protection, and automatic system checks, Cove Plus includes a lifetime equipment warranty, remote mobile app access, a $5/mo. equipment reward, and a locked monitoring rate.
While the Cove System supports voice commands from Google Home or Amazon Echo, it does not have any other built-in smart home integrations. At the time of this writing, Cove doesn’t offer any smart home products of its own. If home automation is a non-negotiable for you, you’ll have to set up a separate smart home hub or consider a different DIY home security system.
If you sign up for the Cove Plus monitoring plan, you’ll receive a $5/monthly equipment credit. Once that credit accumulates, you can use it to add or update your security equipment. This should help keep your system as thorough and up-to-date as possible.
