Ring vs. Cove

What is the difference between Ring and Cove?

Ring and Cove allow you to monitor your home from your cellular device. Although both companies offer affordable, reputable DIY home security systems, there are some important differences between Ring and Cove when it comes to cost and smart-home capabilities. Though Ring is the more affordable of the two, first responders, teachers and military personnel should check with Cove about special pricing.

Monitoring plans and pricing

Monitoring price range	Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring	$17.99 to $27.99/month
Monitoring options	Professional or self-monitored	Professional
Self-monitoring	Free	—
Upgraded self-monitoring	$3/month to store recorded video	—
24/7 professional monitoring	$10/month	Starting at $17.99/month
Upgraded professional monitoring	Not offered	Starting at $27.99/month

	Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring	Professional or self-monitored	Free	$3/month to store recorded video	$10/month	Not offered
	$17.99 to $27.99/month	Professional	—	—	Starting at $17.99/month	Starting at $27.99/month

Security equipment

Wired or wireless?	Both	Wireless
Camera options	Indoor and outdoor cameras	Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell		—
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor	With Alexa-enabled devices
Keychain remote	—
Siren
Panic button		Medical panic button
Yard sign

	Both	Indoor and outdoor cameras					With Alexa-enabled devices	—
	Wireless	Indoor and outdoor cameras	—							Medical panic button

Smart-home features

Smart locks		—
Smart lights		—
Smart thermostat	—	—
Garage door control	Works with Chamberlain garage door openers	—
Temperature sensor	—	Heat detector within smoke detector
Water sensor
Smoke detector
CO detector

			—	Works with Chamberlain garage door openers	—
	—	—	—	—	Heat detector within smoke detector

Technology

Mobile app
Mobile app monitoring
iOS rating	4.5	2.3
Android rating	3.7	2.5
Notification/alert options	Push	Phone, email, text and push
Home automation capabilities		—
Voice integration
Amazon Alexa
Google Home
Other integrations	Honeywell and Alexa-enabled devices	—

			4.5	3.7	Push					Honeywell and Alexa-enabled devices
			2.3	2.5	Phone, email, text and push	—				—

Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

Overall star rating	1.8	2.9
Verified customer reviews	Ring reviews	Cove reviews

	1.8	Ring reviews
	2.9	Cove reviews

All information accurate as of publishing date.

Ring

Ring is a contract-free, do-it-yourself home security system that lets you monitor your property remotely. If someone breaks in, you will get a push notification from the app on your phone, tablet or computer. From there, you can ignore the alert or contact emergency services. You can also use the app to speak to people at your door.

Ring sells its equipment in bundles and a la carte. The company’s 1080p high-definition cameras provide a 160-degree horizontal view and a 90-degree vertical view. Ring currently has three monitoring plans with options for both DIY monitoring and 24/7 professional monitoring services:

Ring plans

• Ring Protect Free: Ring Protect Free includes a 100% Wi-Fi connection, video sharing in real time, an intercom feature and theft protection for life. This plan does not include recording features.
• Ring Protect Basic: In addition to all the features of Ring Protect Free, Ring Protect Basic comes with video saving and sharing features. Ring Protect Basic costs $3 per month and includes coverage for either one doorbell camera or a security camera.
• Ring Protect Plus: In addition to all the features of Ring Protect Free and Ring Protect Basic, Ring Protect Plus includes recording coverage for multiple devices at one address. Ring Protect Plus costs $10 dollars a month and includes 24/7 professional monitoring, extended warranties on Ring equipment and a discount on select accessories.

What Ring customers say

Customers describe Ring as easy to use and say they like the remote access to cameras through the app. Some customers experienced issues with video going offline, but overall, reviewers say having Ring makes them feel safer and that they like being able to detect motion and porch pirates and monitor deliveries.

Cove

Cove is a contract-free, DIY home security system that includes 24/7 professional monitoring. Cove has a three-factor communication strategy to reduce false alarms. If an agent gets an alert for activity in your home, they will try to speak to you through Live Assistant, a two-way voice feature on Cove’s control panel and send you a notification by text message. You can respond to dismiss the alarm or dispatch emergency services. If Cove cannot reach you, they will call you on the phone. Cove will call emergency services for you if you cannot be reached those three ways.

Cove only sells their equipment a la carte, so there are currently no packages to choose from. Instead, Cove customers build their own systems. Once you have chosen your equipment, customers who choose to put money down instead of paying in installments can lower their monthly monitoring plan costs by $10 per month. Both of Cove’s plans are professionally monitored 24/7, and there is currently no self-monitoring option.

Cove plans

• Cove Basic: Cove Basic includes 100% cellular connection, smash and grab protection, hourly automated system checks and 24-hour battery backup. All equipment comes with a one-year warranty. Cove Basic costs $25 per month with no money down and $15 a month with money down.
• Cove Plus: In addition to all the features of Cove Basic, Cove Plus includes smartphone control, voice integration and a $5-monthly equipment reward. All equipment comes with a lifetime warranty. Cove Plus costs $35 per month with no money down and $25 a month with money down.

What Cove customers say

Cove has mixed reviews on ConsumerAffairs. Many reviewers say that Cove has good products and a good support team, while others describe issues with equipment causing false alarms and difficulty canceling the service. Despite these issues, many customers say the system is easy to install and that they have positive interactions with the customer service team.

Bottom line: Ring or Cove?

The two biggest differences between Ring and Cove are the monthly costs and smart-home integrations. With home automation capabilities like smart locks, lights and thermostats, Ring is the best choice for those who want to use their security system to power a smart home. Also, Ring has cheaper equipment and lower monthly costs. Since Cove does offer a handful of professional discounts and cellular backup, possible exceptions might be customers in certain professions or users without access to reliable Wi-Fi.

• Ring is best for customers who want the best value as well as smart-home features.
• Cove is best for rural customers who can’t depend on or have no access to Wi-Fi and those who qualify for the company’s discounts for specific professions.