When it comes to DIY home security systems, Xfinity and Cove are good options. Both offer wireless systems with affordable monitoring and a good range of security products. Cove doesn’t have as many smart-home integrations, and Xfinity has a shorter trial period.
Installation and cost
Installation type
Professional
DIY
Installation fee
$100
None
Upfront cost
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
Varies based on equipment
Trial period
30-day money-back guarantee
60-day money-back guarantee
Contract terms
Two years
No term contracts
Professional
$100
Equipment cost of $360 to $600+; financing available
30-day money-back guarantee
Two years
DIY
None
Varies based on equipment
60-day money-back guarantee
No term contracts
Monitoring plans and pricing
Monitoring price range
$30+
$15.00 to $24.99/month
Monitoring options
Professional and self-monitored
Professional
Self-monitoring
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
Upgraded self-monitoring
—
—
24/7 professional monitoring
$30+
Starting at $15/month
Upgraded professional monitoring
$40+
Starting at $25/month
$30+
Professional and self-monitored
Self protection feature available (live recorded video) for $10/month
—
$30+
$40+
$15.00 to $24.99/month
Professional
—
—
Starting at $15/month
Starting at $25/month
Security equipment
Wired or wireless?
Wireless
Wireless
Camera options
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Indoor and outdoor cameras
Video doorbell
—
—
Control panel
Motion sensor
Entry sensor
Glass break sensor
Keychain remote
—
Siren
Not specified
Panic button
Via touch-screen control panel
Medical panic button
Yard sign
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
—
Not specified
Via touch-screen control panel
Wireless
Indoor and outdoor cameras
—
Medical panic button
Smart-home features
Smart locks
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
—
Smart lights
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
—
Smart thermostat
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
—
Garage door control
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
—
Temperature sensor
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Heat detector within smoke detector
Water sensor
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Smoke detector
CO detector
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with August, Kwikset and Yale
Compatible with GE (Jasco), Leviton, LIFX, Lutron Castéta, Phillips Hue, Sengled
Traditionally, Xfinity has been known for its internet and television services. Recently, its smart-home systems have started to become popular because of the range of options. However, it doesn't have as vast of a product range as some other companies and doesn’t include a video doorbell. Prices are pretty competitive — there are no upfront costs, and you can package internet and television in the monthly price. Prices range between $15 to $25 per month for the systems, and monitoring is as low as $30 per month.
Xfinity plans
Base Home System: For smaller homes with one or two entrances, the Base Home System is a good option. This package comes with three door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a control system and a yard sign. This package is $360 upfront or $15 a month for 24 months.
Complete Home System: The Complete Home System is recommended for homes with more windows and doors. It comes with five door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, an indoor/outdoor camera, a control system and a yard sign. This package is $20 a month for 24 months or $480 upfront.
Ultimate Home System: The Ultimate Home System is best for bigger homes and includes 10 door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a wireless keypad, two indoor/outdoor cameras, a control system and a yard sign. This system costs $25 a month for 24 months or requires a one-time payment of $600.
What Xfinity customers say
Xfinity receives mixed feedback in ConsumerAffairs reviews. Customers who had a positive experience comment on enjoying the mobile app control and HD cameras, and some say the products are of good quality for the price. Customers who weren’t satisfied with their experience mentioned problems dealing with customer service regarding cancellation issues and frustration around the automated answering system.
I do like my Xfinity Home security service. I like the keypad by the door and how I can set it when I leave and when I go to bed each night. I'm glad I've never had an intruder but I know if I did I could count on Xfinity Home security service to keep me safe and send the authorities in a hurried manner."
Cove is a DIY home security solution that lets you build your own system. Its online quiz gives you an easy way to determine what equipment you need from its range of security options. Cove doesn’t offer many types of equipment that include smart-home integrations, although it does connect to two popular voice integrations: Google and Alexa.
With Cove, you must buy the base unit ($249), and everything else is an additional cost after that. If you’re looking for a simple solution, Cove is a good place to start.
Cove plans
Cove Basic: With Cove Basic, you get 24/7 live monitoring and environmental monitoring. In this plan, the system also checks itself automatically every hour and comes with a one-year warranty. Cove Basic monitoring is 50 cents per day, or about $183 per year.
Cove Plus: The Cove Plus plan includes the ability to control your system through your smart home or with your voice integration, which isn’t included in Basic. Professional and environmental monitoring are also included. Instead of a year-long warranty, Cove Plus comes with a lifetime warranty. Cove Plus is about $305 per year, or 83 cents a day.
What Cove customers say
Cove customers leave mixed feedback on ConsumerAffairs. Happy customers comment on a customer service team that goes the extra mile, an easy installation process and quality products. Negative feedback centers on 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."
Xfinity offers a pretty well-rounded solution for customers who want to combine internet and security into one payment. Cove, on the other hand, is a bit more expensive (starting at $249, which is close to Xfinity’s basic package) but is pretty easy to use.
Xfinity is best for customers who want a fully integrated security system on a budget.
Cove is best for customers who need additional help designing a system and are focused more on security than smart-home integrations.
