Cove Security System Pricing 2024

Our Methodology

We spend a lot of time testing and reviewing security equipment, but for articles about costs, we focus specifically on value. We consider how functional a security company’s equipment is, how well it stands up to daily wear and tear, and whether the features work as promised. We also take an in-depth look at the monitoring offerings, installation fees, and other fees.

Taking all those factors into account, we make a determination about the system’s overall value. It isn’t a report on how cheap or expensive a particular system is, but rather an examination to see if a system is worth its price.

Let’s get started with Cove’s equipment costs.

How Much Does Cove Security Cost?

Some of the best DIY security companies offer equipment packages, but Cove forgoes that option, opting instead for an a la carte equipment menu. Here’s a breakdown:

Required Equipment

Sensors

Environmental Protection

Remote Control and Medical Alert

Security Cameras

You can read more about this in my Cove review, but the long and short of it is that this equipment list isn’t extensive, but it’s not lacking anything either. When I put the system to the test, I didn’t find a lot of bells and whistles, but there weren’t any glaring gaps in my home security setup. Overall, I’d rank the equipment 9.2 out of 10.

You’ll definitely need a hub and a touch-screen panel — those pieces of equipment are required — and you’ll need at least one entryway sensor to make it a true security system. That equipment will run you $315, but it’s exceedingly rare that all it will take to fully protect your home is one sensor on one door. You’ll likely pay $400 to $500 for comprehensive security from Cove.

Now that you have an idea of your equipment budget, let’s move on to monitoring.

Cove’s Monitoring Costs

Cove is one of my favorite professionally monitored systems, but it’s important to point out that the company’s monitoring isn’t optional — it’s required. It offers two packages, so let’s break those down.

The primary differences between the two systems are the smart-home integrations and the camera support. Put simply: If you want to control your system using Alexa or Google Home, you’ll need a Cove Plus subscription. Same story if you want your system to include security cameras. If you’re fine with a simpler system, Basic is for you. If you need advanced functionality, go with Plus.

Another tick mark in Cove’s pro column is that it’s one of the best systems that doesn’t require a monthly contract. Unlike Vivint or ADT, Cove doesn’t lock you into a long-term contract. You can cancel your service at any time with no fee. I definitely appreciate that flexibility, but you’re out of luck with Cove if you’re looking for a good self-monitored system.

Expert Examined

From Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant

“Dispatch timing is critical with home security systems. If the homeowner is not monitoring their phone while away from home, they will probably miss the system alert. This happens a lot.

One call we received was at the home of a professional sports player. The owner notified the home monitoring service that he was out of state, so any alarm trips would be automatically dispatched. Once an outdoor perimeter alarm was tripped, the monitoring service patched into the cameras and provided us with the suspect’s description and current location on the property. We surrounded the house covertly and after a few minutes, the suspect came out and walked right into our custody.”

How Much Should You Budget for Cove?

Now that you have a good idea of Cove’s equipment prices and monitoring costs, let’s discuss how much it will cost. Everyone’s security needs are different, but here’s some Cove pricing information to get you thinking in the right direction.

Small Home/Apartment (1,000 square feet)

Grand Total: $434.99

Medium Home (2,000 square feet)

Grand Total: $674.98

Large Home (3,000+ square feet)

Grand Total: $989.96

Your personal security needs will likely differ from those three examples, but it should give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll pay for equipment. Two things to keep in mind though:

• Cove partners with Affirm to allow customers to pay for their equipment over time. You can split everything into four interest-free payments every two weeks, or you can set up a monthly payment plan.
• This is just the cost of the equipment. You’ll still need to subscribe to a monthly monitoring package, which will run you either $17.99 or $27.99 per month. All the examples above include security cameras, so you’ll have to factor an additional $30 per month into your budget if you go with any of them.

You may be thinking that Cove is looking a little pricey. Here’s a secret though: All these calculations were made using Cove’s retail prices for equipment, and it’s unlikely you’ll have to pay that.

How to Save With Cove

I’ve been testing and reviewing security equipment and systems for years, and I’ve never seen Cove charge full price for its equipment. Ever.

Similar to what I noted in my review of Frontpoint, Cove is always offering some sort of sale. The cynic in me says it’s a marketing tactic designed to make you feel pressured to buy — you don’t want to miss out on any savings, after all — but trust me, you’ll likely never have to pay full price. Some deals are bigger than others, but the majority of them are between 30 percent and 60 percent off.

About to arm my Cove system through the control panel.

Right now, for example, Cove is running a 70 percent discount on new equipment and throwing in a free camera. It’s on the high side of the savings I typically see, but it’s not at all uncommon. Just keep your eyes peeled and try to center your purchase date around a major holiday. That’s the best way to ensure you’ll get your equipment at a deep discount.

Additional Costs With Cove

A lot of security companies will try to nickel and dime you, especially on traditional systems with professionally installed equipment. Convenience fees, activation fees, early termination fees — they all add up. The good news is that the hidden costs are nonexistent with Cove. When I tested the system, everything was totally above board and transparent.

There is, however, one fee you may incur. If you’re interested in a Cove system but you’re not up to the task of installing it yourself, you can call in a professional. Installation is handled through HelloTech, and it starts at $129.

I highly recommend trying to install your Cove system yourself though. It’s a lot easier than you’d think, even if you have zero talent for home-improvement projects. When I installed my test system, it took about 20 minutes to get everything out of the box, set up, and installed. I have a lot of experience working with this type of equipment, though, so it may take you more like 30 to 45 minutes if you’re totally new to DIY security systems. Still, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed.

That’s about all there is to know about Cove’s costs. To round everything out, though, I want to tell you a little bit about my Cove experience.

My Experience With Cove

The installation was a no-brainer. The design of Cove’s packaging makes it really simple — everything is numbered — and the included booklet is really straightforward. No complaints so far.

Unboxing the Cove security system for testing.

After I had everything unboxed, my only complaint was that the entryway sensors were a little bulky. I have a sliding glass door leading out to a patio that I wanted to protect, and it just barely fit in the space I had. If you’re looking for some lower-profile equipment, you may want to consider reading my Abode review. Abode’s equipment is sleek and modern.

Minor gripes aside, I found that living day to day with my Cove system was a very positive experience. Everything was intuitive, and the equipment worked really well. There weren’t any malfunctions to speak of — none that were the system’s fault anyway — and I ended up with verification of how well Cove’s monitoring package works.

Expert Examined

From Joshua Lee, Active-duty Police Sergeant

“Using Wi-Fi jammers (or deauthers) is becoming more common because the equipment is getting cheaper and easier to buy. Wi-Fi jammers interfere with Wi-Fi devices making them disconnect from the internet while forcing a stop to the recording. Criminals use very cheap Wi-Fi locators to pinpoint the Wi-Fi coming from a victim’s home then use a jammer to disable the system. As an officer, I have seen cases where criminal groups will disable exterior cameras to steal or burglarize vehicles. When the victim reviews the video recordings, there will be nothing there; the camera simply doesn’t record.”

Cove uses RapidSOS technology to digitally transmit information to 911 dispatchers, making response times quicker and tactics more appropriate for the situation. If your smoke alarm is going off, for instance, the fire department will be summoned immediately. It’s one of the only security companies to incorporate that technology into its monitoring packages, and let me tell you — it works.

When I was simulating break-ins, I was unable to get to my phone in time to cancel one of the alarms I set off. About 15 minutes later, I had a police officer knocking at my door to make sure everything was OK.

The police officer showing up at my door.

Embarrassment aside, I appreciated how well Cove’s monitoring partnered with RapidSOS. It’s always nice to have real-world confirmation that someone is looking out for you. Keep in mind, though, a security system’s response time is the time it takes for the monitoring center to get in touch with you. It has nothing to do with how quickly emergency response will get to your property.

Cove’s Pros and Cons

If you’re still on the fence about Cove, let’s take a look at some of its best features and some of its drawbacks. Let’s start with the pros.

Now let’s weigh those benefits against Cove’s drawbacks.

You should now have a pretty good picture of how Cove performs and what a system will cost, so let’s answer that all-important question: Is Cove worth it?

Should You Buy a Cove System?

I wouldn’t recommend Cove to every one of our readers, but it would definitely be in the conversation for most. The main red flags are the lack of a self-monitoring option and the lack of smart-home integrations. If those two things are important to you, Cove is not the right system.

Cove’s equipment.

Who will Cove work for? Anyone who is interested in a do-it-yourself security system that offers powerful protections at a pretty affordable price point. There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, but you’ll like Cove if you aren’t looking for frills. When it comes to overall value, Cove is tough to beat.

Cove Frequently Asked Questions