Brinks vs. Cove

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    How are Brinks and Cove different?

    Brinks and Cove both offer DIY home security options with professional-level monitoring and a trial period. There are, however, several significant differences between the companies, including cost, contract and voice integration.

    Installation and cost

    brinks home security logocove logo
    Installation typeProfessionalDIY
    Installation fee$200 to $450None
    Upfront cost$199 to $699Varies based on equipment
    Trial period30-day risk-free60-day money-back guarantee
    Contract terms36 monthsNo term contracts
    brinks home security logoProfessional$200 to $450$199 to $69930-day risk-free36 months
    cove logoDIYNoneVaries based on equipment60-day money-back guaranteeNo term contracts

    Monitoring plans and pricing

    brinks home security logocove logo
    Monitoring price range$39.99 to $49.99/month$17.99 to $27.99/month
    Monitoring optionsProfessionalProfessional
    Self-monitoringNot offered
    Upgraded self-monitoringNot offered
    24/7 professional monitoring$39.99/monthStarting at $17.99/month
    Upgraded professional monitoring$49.99/monthStarting at $27.99/month
    brinks home security logo$39.99 to $49.99/monthProfessionalNot offeredNot offered$39.99/month$49.99/month
    cove logo$17.99 to $27.99/monthProfessionalStarting at $17.99/monthStarting at $27.99/month

    Security equipment

    brinks home security logocove logo
    Wired or wireless?WirelessWireless
    Camera optionsIndoor and outdoor camerasIndoor and outdoor cameras
    Video doorbell
    Control panel
    Motion sensor
    Entry sensor
    Glass break sensor
    Keychain remote
    Siren
    Panic buttonMedical panic button
    Yard sign
    brinks home security logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor cameras
    cove logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor camerasMedical panic button

    Smart-home features

    brinks home security logocove logo
    Smart locks
    Smart lights
    Smart thermostat
    Garage door control
    Temperature sensorHeat detector within smoke detector
    Water sensor
    Smoke detector
    CO detector
    brinks home security logo
    cove logoHeat detector within smoke detector

    Technology

    brinks home security logocove logo
    Mobile app
    Mobile app monitoring
    iOS rating3.82.3
    Android rating2.92.5
    Notification/alert optionsPush and textPhone, email, text and push
    Home automation capabilities
    Voice integration
    Amazon Alexa
    Google Home
    Other integrationsApple TV
    brinks home security logo3.82.9Push and textApple TV
    cove logo2.32.5Phone, email, text and push

    Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

    brinks home security logocove logo
    Overall star rating2.62.6
    Verified customer reviewsBrinks reviewsCove reviews
    brinks home security logo2.6Brinks reviews
    cove logo2.6Cove reviews

    All information accurate as of publishing date.

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      Brinks

      Brinks offers a large selection of home security and home automation technology. It’s open with pricing information and allows you to save money by installing the system yourself. The company does require you to commit to a lengthy contract.

      Brinks plans

      Brinks offers three plans to choose from. You can also add equipment to the plans to customize your security.

      • Smart Security Essential: The basic plan is $199 and includes a control panel, a motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $39.99 a month.
      • Smart Security Complete: This plan costs $349 and includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, two door sensors and a yard sign. Monitoring services are $44.99 a month.
      • Smart Security Ultimate: The most thorough Brinks plan costs $699 and includes one control panel, one video doorbell, one motion sensor, three door sensors, one outdoor camera and one yard sign. Monitoring services cost $49.99 a month.

      What Brinks customers say

      Brinks customers report timely, friendly and polite service with knowledgeable technicians that are attentive to questions and concerns. Customers who experienced issues with Brinks mostly complained about long hold times and the need for multiple calls to resolve issues. Overall, reviewers on ConsumerAffairs appear to be happy with their system and describe Brinks as professional.

      The Technician who worked on my system was polite and helpful. He was knowledgeable and explained things to my understanding. The system was not telling when one door was opening and he fixed it. I would recommend Brinks to anyone who asks about an alarm company.”

      Charlene of Virginia Brach, VA

      Cove

      Cove is a DIY home security option that also includes professional monitoring. The company promises easy cancellation and no contracts, and it offers a lifetime price-lock guarantee.

      Cove plans

      Unlike most companies, Cove doesn’t offer equipment-based plans. The website has you build a unique package based on your needs. From there, you can choose from two monitoring packages.

      • Cove Basic: This plan costs 50 cents a day. It includes 24/7 live alarm monitoring, environmental monitoring, three methods of communication, smash and grab protection, a 100% AT&T 4G LTE connection, an hourly automated system check, a 24-hour backup battery and a one-year equipment warranty.
      • Cove Plus: This plan is 83 cents a day. It includes all the features of the basic plan and has a lifetime equipment warranty, smartphone control, Alexa and Google Home voice control, a $5/month equipment reward and a lifetime monitoring rate-lock guarantee.

      What Cove customers say

      Cove customers leave mixed feedback on ConsumerAffairs, with happy customers commenting on a customer service team that goes the extra mile, an easy install process and quality products. Negative feedback centers around equipment functionality and cancellation issues.

      The cost was very attractive, but we didn't know what to expect of the Company nor their products. It's with great pleasure that I can say that their products are excellent, easy to install and that COVE stands behind their products firmly. [In] every instance when I needed their help, [advice], assistance and or instructions, every single COVE representative that I talked to has been very pleasant to deal with...”

      Jan of Azusa, CA

      Bottom line: Brinks or Cove?

      Cove has fewer technology choices but is more affordable. Brinks can provide more comprehensive home automation but requires a commitment.

      • Brinks is best for customers who want a wider equipment selection and home automation.
      • Cove is best for customers who are looking for affordable prices without a commitment.
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