Cove and Xfinity are two very different home security providers. Cove is an up-and-coming company founded in 2018 that disrupts the traditional sales and payment models used by many other home security providers. On the other hand, Xfinity is backed by Comcast and is more expensive in every way, but has some additional features that may be worth the extra cost. It’s also important to note that Xfinity is not available in all areas of the U.S.
You'll find a clear winner when comparing Cove vs. Xfinity if you consider price or ease of installation a major deciding factor. However, these two companies are similar in some surprising ways. For example, both offer financing plans and no-contract options. There's also no major distinction to make in terms of the rather basic security equipment offered by both companies.
Cove's equipment costs less than Xfinity's, and its professional monitoring is more affordable as well. For example, purchasing one control panel, three door/window sensors, and a motion detector through Xfinity's Base Home System costs $360. Purchasing the same equipment through Cove costs around $245. Cove's professional monitoring plans range from $14.99 to $35 per month, whereas Xfinity's plans cost $40 to $50 per month.
Cove stands apart from the competition thanks to its easy-to-install systems. Plug in the touchscreen control panel and follow the on-screen instructions to activate and install all of your equipment. Nothing needs to be hardwired into your home's electrical system. In contrast, Xfinity requires its equipment to be professionally installed and charges an additional fee for this service.
If you purchase your equipment up front, both Cove and Xfinity allow you to pay for your professional monitoring plan on a month-by-month basis with no contract. However, if you need to finance your security system with either company, your monitoring plan will go under contract. With Cove, the contract lasts 36 months, whereas Xfinity's is 24 months.
Neither Xfinity nor Cove sells "smart" home security equipment. However, with Xfinity, you can purchase devices from other manufacturers like August Home, Chamberlain, Philips HUE, and others to integrate them with your Xfinity system for control and monitoring. Smart home device options include smart locks, garage door openers, thermostats and lighting.
Cove allows customers to try their equipment and monitoring system risk-free for 60 days. Get a full refund if you're not satisfied during that time period. Cove even pays the shipping costs for you to return your equipment. Xfinity's trial period only lasts 30 days.
A mobile app is essential for conveniently controlling home automation devices and self-monitoring your security system. Xfinity offers its Xfinity Home app in all equipment packages, whereas Cove limits access to its app to users subscribed to the Cove Plus monitoring plan.
The only major feature that may sway buyers toward Xfinity over Cove is Xfinity's ability to integrate with home automation devices. If you're solely interested in home security — not home automation — then Cove represents an affordable and user-friendly option. With six monitoring centers across the U.S. providing 24/7 monitoring, Cove offers a blend of DIY installation and professional monitoring that many consumers find convenient and ideal.
*Please note that BBB ratings, plans, pricing, and other details can change without our knowledge.
Learn more about Cove packages, equipment, and more.
Cove’s focus is on customizable sets, providing you with the ability to purchase the need or want. Xfinity offers two equipment packages: Base Home System (touchscreen controller, door/window sensors and a motion detector) and the Complete Home System (additional door/window sensors, wireless door keypad and an indoor camera).
Cove offers two professional monitoring plans: Cove Basic and Cove Plus. The major differences include access to a mobile app, a lifetime equipment warranty and a locked-in monitoring rate with Cove Plus. Xfinity offers a Home Security Plan and a Home Security Plus Plan. If you want access to 24/7 video recording and artificial intelligence (A.I.) for motion detection, choose the Home Security Plus Plan.
Professional monitoring is required for both Cove and Xfinity.
Because Cove is designed for easy DIY installation and has a no-contract option, it’s an ideal home security provider for renters.
