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.