Cove vs. SimpliSafe

Can't decide? Customize your comparison

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    What is the difference between SimpliSafe and Cove?

    SimpliSafe and Cove are home security companies with similar equipment and monitoring options. Neither company requires a contract, and each offers a 60-day trial period. SimpliSafe offers more smart-home devices, including locks and doorbells. Though it has a similar price point and trial period, Cove provides price locks and monthly equipment rewards.

    Installation and cost

    simplisafe logocove logo
    Installation typeDIYDIY
    Installation feeFreeNone
    Upfront costBuild-your-own systems start at $135 with interactive monitoringVaries based on equipment
    Trial period60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refund60-day money-back guarantee
    Contract termsNo-contract options availableNo term contracts
    simplisafe logoDIYFreeBuild-your-own systems start at $135 with interactive monitoring60-days; 100% satisfaction or return for full refundNo-contract options available
    cove logoDIYNoneVaries based on equipment60-day money-back guaranteeNo term contracts

    Monitoring plans and pricing

    simplisafe logocove logo
    Monitoring price range$15 to $25$17.99 to $27.99/month
    Monitoring optionsProfessional or self-monitoredProfessional
    Self-monitoringFree
    Upgraded self-monitoringNot offered
    24/7 professional monitoring$15/monthStarting at $17.99/month
    Upgraded professional monitoring$25/monthStarting at $27.99/month
    simplisafe logo$15 to $25Professional or self-monitoredFreeNot offered$15/month$25/month
    cove logo$17.99 to $27.99/monthProfessionalStarting at $17.99/monthStarting at $27.99/month

    Security equipment

    simplisafe 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
    simplisafe logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor cameras
    cove logoWirelessIndoor and outdoor camerasMedical panic button

    Smart-home features

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

    Technology

    simplisafe logocove logo
    Mobile app
    Mobile app monitoring
    iOS rating4.82.3
    Android rating4.32.5
    Notification/alert optionsPush, text and emailPhone, email, text and push
    Home automation capabilities
    Voice integration
    Amazon Alexa
    Google Home
    Other integrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Home, August Locks
    simplisafe logo4.84.3Push, text and emailAmazon Alexa, Google Home, August Locks
    cove logo2.32.5Phone, email, text and push

    Reputation on ConsumerAffairs

    simplisafe logocove logo
    Overall star rating1.92.3
    Verified customer reviewsSimpliSafe reviewsCove reviews
    simplisafe logo1.9SimpliSafe reviews
    cove logo2.3Cove reviews

    All information accurate as of publishing date.

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      SimpliSafe

      SimpliSafe is a home security company that provides professional monitoring services and well-designed equipment. Equipment options are broad and include add-on sensors and smart-home features like smart locks, cameras and doorbells. Depending on the monitoring plan, its 24/7 professional monitoring team can summon help to your home for fires, intrusions, medical events and more. The monitoring service is affordable and runs monthly with no contract, but you must buy the equipment upfront.

      SimpliSafe packages

      • Standard: SimpliSafe's Standard plan includes 24/7 professional emergency and fire monitoring with a built-in cellular connection. This plan costs 50 cents per day.
      • Interactive: The Interactive plan adds unlimited camera recording, video storage, video monitoring, advanced alerts and notifications, Amazon or Google Assistant integration and water damage and temperature monitoring. It costs 83 cents per day.

      What SimpliSafe customers say

      SimpliSafe customers say the system has competitive pricing and is easy to set up and install. They also like the remote monitoring capabilities through SimpliSafe’s app. Some customers who chose to get help with install instead of going the DIY route describe issues with the contractor SimpliSafe uses for installations.

      The system is very easy to install and gives you total and complete control of every aspect of the alarm system ... It is all controlled with a smartphone and can be armed/disarmed remotely and cameras viewed as well. It is a very good system and the cost is very low with NO long term contracts. The ONLY setback is that you need to buy all the equipment upfront.”

      Kevin of Waco, TX

      Cove

      Cove is a home security company that offers a sleek touch-screen control panel, cameras, sensors and other equipment to improve your home's safety. It uses a three-factor communication process that utilizes phone, text and a live operator to contact you in case of an emergency. Equipment and monthly monitoring costs are affordable, and monitoring plans can be canceled at any time. With Cove Plus, the monthly monitoring price is locked in and there's a rolling $5 monthly credit that you can use towards new equipment.

      Cove plans

      • Cove Basic: The Basic plan includes 24/7 monitoring, a three-factor alert system, cellular connection, automated system checks, battery backup and a one-year equipment warranty. This plan costs 50 cents per day.
      • Cove Plus: The Cove Plus plan includes everything from the Basic plan and adds a lifetime equipment warranty, smartphone control and voice control integration. Monitoring with this plan costs 83 cents per day.

      What Cove customers say

      Cove customer reviews describe an easy installation process, a good support team and customer service that goes the extra mile. There are mixed reviews for Cove on ConsumerAffairs, with some customers describing issues with cancellation, false alarms and other equipment concerns.

      The overall experience with Cove has been great. I can't compare them to others, as this is my first home alarm company I've used, but they've never given me a reason to seek another company. Great customer service, great security performance... I know it works because the various alarms have been triggered and it was always accurate. I've recommended several people to use this and continue to do so.”

      Michael of Santa Fe, NM

      Which is better: SimpliSafe or Cove?

      SimpliSafe offers more options for smart-home integrations but is a little more complicated to install. Cove is affordable and easy to install, and it has perks like equipment rewards, three-factor communication and lifetime equipment warranties.

      • SimpliSafe is best for customers interested in smart-home integrations and monitoring.
      • Cove is best for customers who want a simpler home security system with a customer-friendly interface but not as many smart-home integrations.
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