Cove vs. Ring 2024

You may recognize the Ring brand from your TikTok For You page. It features hilarious conversations with delivery drivers and people trying to open a door after too many cocktails only to realize they’re at the wrong house.

But Ring is not just a source of entertainment. It’s also one of the best security systems you can install by yourself.

Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Equipment

When we tested the company’s equipment, it was full of home-automation features and the monitoring costs were dirt cheap. We didn’t even need to sign up for a long-term contract to use it.

Is it as good as Cove? We tested Cove, too, so we could find out. After spending over a month with both systems, we found that Ring is superior in its product range, ease of use, and overall value.

Cove equipment

Let us explain further.

>> Check Out: Ring Home Security Camera Review 2024

Cove and Ring Similarities

Cove and Ring share many similarities on paper, but these are the ones that stood out 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. If we got stuck, we knew we had the app’s 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. All you need to do is 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 Ring or Cove. That means you can choose the plan that currently suits your needs and then change it as your demands evolve. You could sign up for the self-monitoring plan with just a video doorbell while living in a small apartment, and then upgrade to professional monitoring and expand your system when you buy a house.

There’s even an option to cancel the services, which is one reason they both made our list of the best no-contract home security systems. If you’re using Cove products, however, they won’t work without a subscription.

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

As you dive further into the details, there are some features that separate Cove and Ring.

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 2024

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

There is no self-monitoring option, but both Cove plans offer great bang for your buck. Our favorite feature is the rate-lock guarantee, which allows you to know what you’ll pay for the life of the plan. (SimpliSafe, for example, has had price increases twice over a three-year period.) Below is an overview of both Cove monitoring plans.

Ring Monitoring Costs

Choosing the free plan may be tempting, but we recommend investing in one of Ring’s monitoring plans. We went with Ring Protect Pro. Its prices are significantly lower than Cove and offer exceptional value. Below is an overview of all of Ring’s plans.

If you plan to purchase additional security devices, consider the Ring Protect Plus or Ring Protect Pro plans. You can save 10% when you buy items directly from ring.com. Alternatively, choose a lower-tier plan and wait for the next Prime Day deals on Ring products when the company offers its biggest discounts.

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. Cove’s brand-new products still cost less than Ring’s refurbished devices.

Cove's Touchscreen Alarm Panel

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 to purchase either the Protect Plus or Protect Pro plans. 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.

Cove’s products are cheaper and you can lock in your monitoring rate for the life of the plan without having to sign a contract, but it’s missing some must-have items and offers only one type of indoor and outdoor camera. We also like that we can add third-party products to our Ring security system rather than having to use multiple apps.

You’ll sleep a little easier knowing both brands get emergency services to you quickly, but we still think you should head to Ring’s website for your DIY home security setup.

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