Ring vs. Cove

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    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.

    ring logocove logo
    Installation typeDIY or professional via X LineDIY
    Installation feeNone if DIYNone
    Upfront costEquipment ranges from $60 to $1,010Varies based on equipment
    Trial period30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus60-day money-back guarantee
    Contract termsNone; discount for prepaying annuallyNo term contracts
    ring logoDIY or professional via X LineNone if DIYEquipment ranges from $60 to $1,01030-day free trial of Ring Protect PlusNone; discount for prepaying annually
    cove logoDIYNoneVaries based on equipment60-day money-back guaranteeNo term contracts

    Monitoring plans and pricing

    ring logocove logo
    Monitoring price rangeFree self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring$17.99 to $27.99/month
    Monitoring optionsProfessional or self-monitoredProfessional
    Self-monitoringFree
    Upgraded self-monitoring$3/month to store recorded video
    24/7 professional monitoring$10/monthStarting at $17.99/month
    Upgraded professional monitoringNot offeredStarting at $27.99/month
    ring logoFree self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoringProfessional or self-monitoredFree$3/month to store recorded video$10/monthNot offered
    cove logo$17.99 to $27.99/monthProfessionalStarting at $17.99/monthStarting at $27.99/month

    Security equipment

    ring logocove logo
    Wired or wireless?BothWireless
    Camera optionsIndoor and outdoor camerasIndoor and outdoor cameras
    Video doorbell
    Control panel
    Motion sensor
    Entry sensor
    Glass break sensorWith Alexa-enabled devices
    Keychain remote
    Siren
    Panic buttonMedical panic button
    Yard sign
    ring logoBothIndoor and outdoor camerasWith Alexa-enabled devices
    cove logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor camerasMedical panic button

    Smart-home features

    ring logocove logo
    Smart locks
    Smart lights
    Smart thermostat
    Garage door controlWorks with Chamberlain garage door openers
    Temperature sensorHeat detector within smoke detector
    Water sensor
    Smoke detector
    CO detector
    ring logoWorks with Chamberlain garage door openers
    cove logoHeat detector within smoke detector

    Technology

    ring logocove logo
    Mobile app
    Mobile app monitoring
    iOS rating4.52.3
    Android rating3.72.5
    Notification/alert optionsPushPhone, email, text and push
    Home automation capabilities
    Voice integration
    Amazon Alexa
    Google Home
    Other integrationsHoneywell and Alexa-enabled devices
    ring logo4.53.7PushHoneywell and Alexa-enabled devices
    cove logo2.32.5Phone, email, text and push

    Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

    ring logocove logo
    Overall star rating1.82.9
    Verified customer reviewsRing reviewsCove reviews
    ring logo1.8Ring reviews
    cove logo2.9Cove reviews

    All information accurate as of publishing date.

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      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.

      I love this system. You can see who’s in your home or on [your] porch anytime even though you are not home! Is reassuring your home is doing well and nothing going on that you would need to be concerned with while away at work or on Holiday.”

      Michelle of Sheffield, AL

      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.

      After researching several systems, money was a factor, Cove gave us the best options for the buck. We still love our Cove system. Installation was a breeze and simple. Their response time[s] are extremely fast … They have [been] way more than helpful. I'd recommend Cove over any other system I've had.”

      Chris of Elizabethton, TN

      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.
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