Cove vs. SimpliSafe 2025

Cove and SimpliSafe are two of the easiest DIY security systems on the market. You can have them up and running in under an hour. But which one should you buy for your home?

Setting up a home security system is easier than you think. Some brands like Cove and SimpliSafe barely require any tools to install devices. We think the hardest part is picking the perfect spot on the doors and walls to stick your sensors. Instead of mounting them to the walls, some of the cameras can sit on mantles or bookcases to get the perfect view of the room.

When we bought Cove and SimpliSafe security systems, we were up and running in less than an hour. But during our testing, we found ourselves favoring SimpliSafe over Cove. It was easier to choose a system, the equipment looked nicer in our home, and the professional monitoring services were more innovative. But there’s a lot to like about Cove as well. Let’s dive deep into the similarities and differences between these DIY home security systems.

How Are Cove and SimpliSafe Similar?

A quick glance at Cove’s and SimpliSafe’s offerings reveals several similarities. The equipment is effortless to install, you don’t need to worry about being locked into a long-term contract, and you can control your system with your voice. Plus, they both have excellent apps that make it easy to monitor your surroundings.

A sampling of SimpliSafe equipment on my dining room table.

Preprogrammed Equipment

Installing your Cove or SimpliSafe equipment is painless. You can be up and running in 20 minutes, depending on how many devices you’ve purchased.

For both systems, you’ll start by setting up the primary hub, which is as easy as configuring a new mobile phone. You’ll proceed through a series of screens, setup pins, and activate devices.

If you have sensors, they stick to surfaces with a strong adhesive. You can mount outdoor cameras following the instructions, but they usually only require drilling a couple of holes. The keypads are also simple to set up, since the app has a step-by-step guide.

Professional Installation

Cove and SimpliSafe pride themselves on being DIY security systems, but you can arrange for someone to install your devices professionally. For SimpliSafe, the cost starts at $125 and varies depending on the number of items. Cove will cost you a minimum of $129.

It’s a good safety net to have. However, we’ve always found the best professionally monitored security systems come from brands with their own installers rather than relying on third-party providers. If you prefer someone else to take the lead on installation, check out our reviews on ADT or Vivint.

Everything we got with our Cove security system

No Contracts

Neither security system requires you to sign a lengthy contract or sign up for a minimum time period. The added bonus is that you don’t need to stress over things like early termination fees or extra costs if you want to change your plan.

The one difference is that SimpliSafe allows you to self-monitor, that is, forgo professional monitoring completely. We tried self-monitoring SimpliSafe ourselves, and if you’re really in a pinch and can’t afford paying a monthly fee, it’s a really good alternative. In fact, SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems that offer self-monitoring as an option. On the other hand, Cove equipment stops working as soon as you end your monitoring subscription.

Smart Integrations

Cove and SimpliSafe can connect to your Alexa or Google Assistant. You can control your systems using your voice with commands for arming your system, activating door locks, or getting a status update.

Both brands require a monitoring subscription for voice control. You’ll get some extra benefits, but you should weigh whether you’ll be shouting at Alexa or Google Assistant to manage your system or using the app.

Great Apps

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera App

The Cove and SimpliSafe apps are so easy to use that we even had our Grandpa turn them on and off when he was house sitting while we were on vacation. We could even use the apps to set up schedules, manage alerts, and adjust device settings. Some of the other things you can do include:

• Add new equipment to your security operations
• Arm and disarm systems
• Watch recordings from your cameras
• Check the status of the equipment
• Schedule when to arm and disarm based on sleep schedules or vacation times.

>> Read More: Cove Home Security Review 2025

Where Do Cove and SimpliSafe Differ?

The key differences between Cove and SimpliSafe are the monitoring costs and the features included with their packages.

Cove Monitoring Costs

Some of these features you might have seen in every home security professional monitoring plan such as 24/7 alarm monitoring and cellular backup. But there are a few unique features in Cove’s packages that need further explanation.

• Camera support: If you plan on getting security cameras, you’ll have no choice but to sign up for Cove Plus. It’s similar to ADT, which only has one plan that supports security cameras.
• Cove InstaText: You can use InstaText to confirm or cancel a triggered alarm, even before the monitoring center calls you. All you have to do is respond by SMS to verify if you need assistance.
• Alarm verification: Instead of using text messages, you can use Cove devices to communicate with the monitoring center.
• $5-per-month equipment reward: If you didn’t buy enough equipment, you can add more devices to your security system at any time. Cove will even chip in $5 a month to cover the costs.

>> Read More: Cove Security System Pricing 2025

Here are my specialized Cove Routines on the app.

SimpliSafe Monitoring Costs

One of the biggest differences between Cove and SimpliSafe is that SimpliSafe has a free self-monitoring plan. It includes security camera live streaming and notifications. While it’s a great option to have, we always recommend opting for a professional monitoring service as you’ll miss out on features like:

• Cellular connection: If your Wi-Fi drops out every now and then, your security system will remain online courtesy of the cellular network.
• Secret alarms: You can choose to notify specific individuals when an alarm goes off. It’s handy if there is a home invasion and you don’t want the intruders to know they’ve tripped the system.
• Video-verified alarms: If your system is triggered, you and the monitoring center will get a notification featuring a video clip. That can speed up response times for authorities.
• Active guard protection: Monitoring agents can access the two-way audio in the wireless indoor or outdoor camera during an active alarm to further assess the situation and deter criminals.

>> Check Out: SimpliSafe Pricing, Plans, and Packages 

How Much Does Equipment Cost?

We love that Cove and SimpliSafe have an a la carte menu of equipment you can choose from. Both brands walk you through each step so you don’t forgot to add a specific device to your cart. Cove makes life a little easier by having you answer questions about your living situation, including whether you have pets or not. Cove then recommends the equipment you should buy based on these answers. It’s a big help if this is your first time buying a home security system.

SimpliSafe Essentials Kit

SimpliSafe takes a different approach by offering pre-built packages in addition to the build-your-own method. The packages start with the Foundation, which includes a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor. Each offering builds onto it by adding devices such as outdoor cameras, key fobs, and panic buttons.

More on that later. For now, let’s compare the equipment costs.

SimpliSafe Outdoor Camera on Garage

This is not the only equipment SimpliSafe offers. Its range is far more extensive and includes:

• Temperature sensor: $29.99
• Panic button: $19.99
• Extra yard signs: $3.99

With both brands, you can create your own unique security system. Cove doesn’t have packages to choose from, but SimpliSafe has multiple plans that suit any type of home.

Refurbished Systems

• 9-piece kit: $413.92
• 12-piece kit: $473.89
• 11-piece kit: $658.90
• 16-piece kit: $832.86

The Foundation ($249.96)

• Base station
• Keypad
• Entry sensor
• Motion sensor

The Starter ($279.94)

• Base station
• Keypad
• 3 entry sensors
• Motion sensor

The Hearth ($409.91)

• Base station
• Keypad
• Key fob
• 3 entry sensors
• Motion sensor
• Auxiliary siren
• Smoke detector

The Lighthouse ($479.93)

• Base station
• Keypad
• 3 entry sensors
• Motion sensor
• Outdoor camera

The Knox ($489.87)

• Base station
• Keypad
• Key fob
• 6 entry sensors
• 2 motion sensors
• Auxiliary siren
• Smoke detector

The Haven ($529.86)

• Base station
• Keypad
• Key fob
• 4 entry sensors
• 2 motion sensors
• Auxiliary siren
• Panic button
• Freeze sensor
• Smoke detector
• Water sensor

The Beacon ($729.90)

• Base station
• Keypad
• 4 entry sensors
• 2 motion sensors
• 2 outdoor cameras

>> Learn More: SimpliSafe Security System Review 2025

How Do They Compare in an Emergency?

You can rely on both systems when alarms are triggered.

With SimpliSafe, you’ll need to alert the authorities yourself if you’re on the Free or Camera Recording Only plans. If you’re spending the extra cash on monitoring, however, the company will contact emergency services for you. It will also give them helpful details such as the number of offenders, descriptions, and their location in or around the home.

Cove, meanwhile, uses RapidSOS technology to send the services you need. It means faster response times and different tactics depending on the type of emergency. If your smoke alarm starts blaring, for example, the fire department is instantly alerted. If someone is trying to break in, the police will get a message to head your way.

The Cove motion sensor turns red the second it detects movement in the area.

In both instances, paying the extra monthly fee for monitoring means you’ll get the attention you need if you're in an emergency situation.

Cove or SimpliSafe: Which One Should You Choose?

Cove and SimpliSafe are excellent DIY security systems. Both have a range of high-quality products and exceptional monitoring services, and they’re quick to alert authorities in an emergency.

But we believe SimpliSafe is the better choice. Features such as Active Guard offer a new level of protection indoors and outdoors. Plus, Cove also offers just two monitoring packages, and only one if you’re using security cameras.

Plus, SimpliSafe makes it easier to buy a security system. The pre-built packages provide everything you need for any property type. It’s also simple to add extra devices if you need them in the future. While it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to buy a Cove system either, it was slightly more challenging to set up.

If you’re ready to build your security system from the ground up, we recommend heading to SimpliSafe’s website to get started.

FAQs About Cove vs. SimpliSafe