Cove vs. Ring 2025

A lot of homeowners these days prefer DIY home security, where they get to pick their security equipment, install it themselves, and control how they are monitored. Cove and Ring both offer reliable DIY security systems, but which one is better?

Video doorbell cameras are just one component of a complete home security system. They keep an eye on parcels that are left on your doorstep, let you know when your food has been delivered, and alert you when that annoying neighbor starts heading towards the front door. And when it comes to video doorbells, Ring is the name that rings the loudest.

Ring has one of the best home security systems you can install yourself, too, in Ring Alarm. But is Ring’s security equipment as reliable as other reputable brands like Cove? You can also pick and choose the Cove products you need to keep your home safe and set everything up on your own. So is Ring or Cove better? We bought security systems from both brands and tested them over a month to find out. Here’s everything we learned.

A warm welcome from Cove with instructions on how to set up our security system.

>> Check Out: Ring Home Security Camera Review 2025

Cove and Ring Similarities

Cove and Ring share many similarities on paper, but these are the ones that stood out to us when testing both systems.

DIY Installation

Cove’s and Ring’s products were already synced to the base station when we took them out of the box, which made it effortless to set up our system. We didn’t worry about getting stuck in the process either, because we knew we had the apps’ step-by-step installation instructions to fall back on.

We got both systems up and running in under 20 minutes, because the majority of products are wireless. A bigger system may take longer than 20 minutes to install, but it shouldn’t take more than an hour. For most devices, all we had to do was pick a spot, stick the device to the surface, and configure it in the main hub.

Installing the Ring Floodlight Cam

Professional Installation

If you’re not the DIY type, Ring and Cove can install your security system for you. Cove contracts HelloTech, which will not only set up the system, but also talk you through how each device works. The cost for that courtesy starts at $129.

Ring uses OnTech to install its security systems. Prices are fixed based on the equipment you need to set up. The costs aren’t advertised, so you’ll need to get in touch with the company for a personalized quote.

No Contracts

Unlike other security systems, there are no lock-in contracts with either Ring or Cove, but that doesn’t mean the same thing for both companies.

With Ring, having no contract means you can opt to pay for professional monitoring with cloud storage for your cameras or just cloud storage, or opt to pay nothing at all and still self-monitor your security system. We got a 30-day trial of the professional monitoring service, but for a couple of weeks after that expired, we self-monitored our system just to test out what it can do.

With Cove, you have no option to self-monitor. You can opt in and out of the professional monitoring service (starting at $19.99 per month), but if you opt out, you won’t be able to use the security system until you opt back in. That’s why throughout our testing period, we maintained a professional monitoring subscription.

There’s a stark difference there between Cove and Ring, but either way, you get flexibility from both companies. That’s why they both made our list of the best no-contract home security systems.

Integrations With Google and Alexa

Since Ring is an Amazon product, it integrated easily with the Amazon Echo Show 8 we tested, and it works with all other Alexa devices too. It also worked with our Google Home devices. Cove can connect to your smart-home devices as well. Some of the voice commands we liked using with both systems include:

• Show camera footage
• Adjust motion sensitivity
• Disable alarms
• Arm and disarm the security system
• Record footage
• Get a status update on devices
• Review notifications

Controlling Ring with Alexa

Useful Apps

We used the Ring and Cove apps to manage our security system while we were relaxing on the couch watching Netflix on our Apple TV. One time while we were at a coffee shop, we got an alert that someone was at our door. We just pulled up the app and saw that it was the UPS guy dropping off our Amazon order.

Cove App Dashboard

Another way we used the app was to schedule times to arm and disarm our system. We set it up to automatically arm at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday when we leave for work and disarm at 5:30 p.m. when we get home. Ring gave us an additional feature we could use to share footage with our neighbors. It was helpful when we noticed suspicious activity and wanted to let our neighbors know to stay alert.

Cove and Ring Differences

During our testing we also noticed some significant differences. We recommend taking note of them as it can help you choose the right security system for your home.

Third-Party Integrations

Unfortunately, Cove doesn’t integrate with other third-party security equipment. It’s disappointing compared to Ring’s wide range of integrations.

We linked our sirens, light switches, dimmers, deadbolts, and garage door controls to our Ring security system. That let us operate all our smart devices from one place instead of creating a dedicated folder on our phone with all the apps like we had to with Cove.

Storage

Ring gave us cloud storage for 60 days’ worth of footage from our security cameras with all monitoring plans. There is one plan that provides cloud storage for only one camera. While testing Cove, we got only one day of cloud storage. You’ll need to purchase a separate subscription, Cove Cloud+, which gives you 30 days of clips for $2.99 per month per camera.

Fortunately, we had a microSD card in our Cove cameras that let us avoid that extra monthly cost. We got the largest 128 GB microSD cards, which is about 120 hours of 4K footage.

>> Read More: Best Cloud Storage Home Security Cameras of 2025

Cove's indoor and outdoor cameras are made by Eufy and are tiny, powerful, and affordable.

Monitoring Costs Comparison

For Cove products to function, we needed to buy a monitoring plan. If you choose to go with Ring, you can avoid paying a monthly fee by self-monitoring, but it will mean you miss out on some other features.

Cove Monitoring Costs

Cove doesn’t have self-monitoring like Ring or SimpliSafe. But we always tend to opt for professional monitoring anyway just in case we miss an alert while we’re sleeping or on vacation. For monitoring, Cove offers Cove Basic and Cove Plus. One of the key differences between the two plans is the camera support. So if you need security cameras, you really only have Cove Plus as your option. Here’s a breakdown of both Cove monitoring plans.

Ring Monitoring Costs

We’ll admit it. We were tempted to go with Ring’s free plan. It includes live view, real-time notifications, and keypad arming and disarming. But as we said earlier, we always feel safer with a professional monitoring plan. So we chose the Standard cloud storage package and paid extra for professional monitoring ($10 per month) bringing the total cost to $19.99 per month. The first thing you’ll notice is that Ring’s monitoring plans without add-ons are cheaper than Cove while including a lot of useful features. Let’s take a closer look at each option.

All Ring plans are essentially self-monitoring plans unless you pay the extra $10 per month for professional monitoring. Keep in mind that this service is only available with the Standard and Premium plans. When an alarm is triggered, Ring will send emergency responders to your location. For added security, you can pay an extra $99 per month on top of the subscription for highly trained security professionals to live monitor your security cameras and make a call when you need emergency assistance.

Comparing Equipment Costs

Cove and Ring let you build your own security system to suit your home. If you rent an apartment, for example, you may be limited in what devices you can install. If you own a large house, you’ll want to set up outdoor cameras to monitor the perimeter.

Ring Spotlight Cam

Below is a comparison of the prices of popular security devices from both companies.

We spent more putting together our Ring home security system than our Cove system. Ring gave us the option to buy refurbished products to save a few bucks, but we bought new products. While the normal prices are more expensive than Ring, Cove regularly runs sales with discounted products and free devices thrown in. We got 70 percent off our equipment plus a HD camera. Not bad.

All of the Cove equipment we purchased for our home security system.

One advantage Ring has over Cove is its product range. There are multiple types of indoor and outdoor cameras, including wireless, solar-powered, and hardwired. If you plan to purchase multiple items, bundle packages are also available. Below is an overview of Ring’s equipment packages.

Ring has additional starter kits, including pet cameras, doorbell bundles, and lighting packages. Having access to those options is helpful if you’re not sure what products you need for a security system. It’s also easy to add extra devices at any time if you want more protection.

Ring Video Doorbell 3, Installed

What Happens in an Emergency?

Regardless of which Cove plan you choose, you’ll get access to the RapidSOS system, which instantly sends you personnel relevant to your emergency. You’ll also speak with someone from the monitoring center, who will confirm you need assistance so no one’s time is wasted. While we were testing the system, we ended up with the cops at our front door since we didn’t cancel an alarm quickly enough. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but it made us feel safe knowing the police would show up immediately if there was an actual issue.

If you want the same treatment from Ring, you’ll need the Standard or Premium plan plus the professional monitoring add-on. Depending on the emergency, there are different types of responses.

• Burglary: The monitoring center will try to call emergency contacts. If no one answers or they don’t know the password, police will be dispatched.
• Smoke alarm: They will call the first emergency contact, and they’ll send the fire department if no one responds.
• Panic alarm: If you press the panic button on the keypad, they will try to reach the first emergency contact. If they don’t answer or they provide the wrong password, police are sent to the location.
• Duress alarm: No alarm sounds during this response. Police are immediately advised to attend the premises.
• SOS alarm: The monitoring center attempts to call the first emergency contact. If they don’t receive a response, they will send appropriate service.
• Carbon monoxide alarm: The fire department is instantly dispatched, and the monitoring center will call emergency contacts.
• Flood or freeze alarm: You’ll receive alerts or automated calls advising you of the situation.

Cove or Ring: Which Is Better?

Ring has a broader selection of security products, cheaper monitoring plans, and a free option if you want complete privacy.

Meanwhile, Cove has better security equipment and a more reliable professional monitoring center thanks to the RapidSOS technology. It might not be able to connect to third-party products like Ring, but you can get everything you need from Cove to protect your home and the people in it.

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