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.
Installation type
DIY or professional via X Line
DIY
Installation fee
None if DIY
None
Upfront cost
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
Varies based on equipment
Trial period
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
60-day money-back guarantee
Contract terms
None; discount for prepaying annually
No term contracts
DIY or professional via X Line
None if DIY
Equipment ranges from $60 to $1,010
30-day free trial of Ring Protect Plus
None; discount for prepaying annually
DIY
None
Varies based on equipment
60-day money-back guarantee
No term contracts
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
$15.00 to $24.99/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 $15/month
Upgraded professional monitoring
Not offered
Starting at $25/month
Free self monitoring; $3 to $10/month for professional monitoring
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.”
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.”
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.
