Cove vs. SimpliSafe 2024

Having a professional install your security system can be expensive, and you’ll have to block out a big chunk of your day waiting for them to show up.

It’s why we love DIY home security systems, and Cove and SimpliSafe are two of the best. Both offer affordable equipment, monitoring options, and features ranging from automation to user-friendly apps.

After extensive testing, we found that SimpliSafe is the standout. Its equipment has a stylish, modern look and it offers packages to suit any type of home, whether it’s a tiny apartment or a luxurious mansion.

Let’s take a closer look at how we came to that conclusion.

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. Think of it as though you’re buying the ingredients to bake a cake for your mother. It’s always smart to grab a premade cake, too, just in case you accidentally add salt instead of sugar. Sorry, mom.

Cove equipment

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.

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 even Grandpa can activate your alarm when he’s housesitting while you’re on vacation. It’s easy 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 2024

Where Do Cove and SimpliSafe Differ?

The key differences between Cove and SimpliSafe are the monitoring costs and the features included with their packages. One advantage SimpliSafe has is its free self-monitoring plan.

Cove Monitoring Costs

Here are my specialized Cove Routines on the app.

Some of those features are straightforward, like 24/7 professional monitoring and smash-and-grab protection, but a few require further explanation.

• Triple-touch communications: Instead of being notified of an alarm by one method, Cove will contact you via your control panel, text message, and phone call. If you can’t be reached, the company will alert the relevant emergency services based on the alarm type.
• Cove InstaText: This is one of the methods Cove will use to alert you. You can even set up a group text so family members are also notified of the alarm.
• Cove LiveAssist: Another contact method Cove uses to communicate with you is via the alarm panel.
• $5-per-month equipment reward: If you need to add more devices to your security system, Cove will give you $5 a month to cover the costs.
• Lifetime monitoring rate-lock guarantee: Lock in your rate for the life of your plan to avoid future price increases.

>> Read More: Cove Security System Pricing 2024

SimpliSafe Monitoring Costs

The inclusion of a free self-monitoring plan gives SimpliSafe a massive edge over Cove, especially since it includes livestreaming and notifications. What are some of the other features you’re missing out on?

• 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.

>> 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. Cove’s prices are significantly cheaper, but some of its equipment isn’t very aesthetically pleasing. The entryway sensors, for example, are bulky and may not fit in every doorway.

SimpliSafe Essentials Kit

SimpliSafe has an advantage, since it offers packages instead of making you figure out what you need on your own. 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
• Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera: $139.99
• Smart lock: $99
• Video doorbell: $169.99
• Siren: $59.99

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 equipment (starts from $206.20)

• Base station
• Keypad
• 2 entry sensors
• 2 motion sensors

The Foundation ($244.96)

• Base station
• Keypad
• Entry sensor
• Motion sensor

The Essentials ($274.95)

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

The Hearth ($394.91)

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

The Lighthouse ($464.93)

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

The Knox ($469.87)

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

The Haven ($509.86)

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

The Beacon ($699.90)

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

>> Learn More: SimpliSafe Security System Review 2024

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.

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. Cove is missing a lot of vital equipment, which means you’ll need to source the devices elsewhere and operate them separately outside of the security system. Cove also offers only two monitoring packages, and it’s up to you to decide which devices to purchase.

SimpliSafe makes it easier, with packages providing everything you need for specific property types. It’s also simple to add extra devices if you need them. The products are more expensive than Cove’s equipment, but they’re not as bulky and they’re more stylish. You’ll also have extra items to choose from, such as multiple indoor and outdoor cameras.

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