Cove review (2024)
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Cove Security is a DIY home security system that’s gaining popularity for all the right reasons — affordability, simplicity, and flexibility. It’s ideal for people who want reliable protection for their homes without dealing with complicated setups or high monthly fees. With Cove, you can easily customize your security package to suit your specific needs.
I’ve tested this security system thoroughly with the Cybernews research team, and in this Cove Security review, I’ll tell you about my experience. From its installation to performance and security capabilities, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if Cove is the right choice to protect your home.
Cove Security overview
Cove Security is a modern, DIY home security system. It’s perfect if you want something simple, affordable, and quick to set up. One of Cove’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to install — all you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions on the alarm panel, and you can get everything up and running yourself. If you need help, Cove offers phone support, but I found the process smooth and hassle-free.
Another of Cove’s standout features is its monthly subscription plans, which start at just $17.99 a month for 24/7 professional monitoring. That’s quite competitive compared to other home security systems, especially when you consider that Cove doesn’t just offer monitoring; it gives you flexibility to build your system with different cameras, sensors, and alarms. Whether you need indoor or outdoor cameras or environmental sensors for smoke or water leaks, Cove has options to suit your needs.
Everything connects to Cove’s central hub and alarm panel, which you’ll use to control, arm, and disarm your system. Cove also works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can use voice commands for added convenience. Plus, the system has a cellular backup in case your Wi-Fi goes down, ensuring your home stays protected even during internet outages.
Cove is an excellent choice for people who don’t mind a bit of DIY when setting up their home security system. While you won’t have to deal with complicated installations or high costs, you’ll need to sign up for professional monitoring — self-monitoring isn’t an option. That said, Cove’s affordable plans and professional monitoring make it a solid choice for families or individuals who want reliable security without overspending.
The Cove app allows you to control your security system remotely. It also works with smart home devices, such as locks, lights, and thermostats, making it even more user-friendly.
Here’s a table highlighting Cove’s key features:
| Overall rating | |
| Easy installation | DIY with easy on-screen instructions; pro installation available |
| Subscription plans | Starts at $17.99/month for professional monitoring |
| Smart home compatibility | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, some smart locks, lights, and thermostats |
| Connectivity | Ethernet with cellular backup |
| Customization | Build your system with cameras and sensors |
| Mobile app | Yes, for remote control and monitoring |
Cove Security: pros and cons
Cove Security is a great option for people who want an easy-to-use, affordable home security system. Cove has become popular thanks to its budget-friendly prices and the fact that it doesn’t require professional installation. But like any product, Cove Security has its upsides and downsides.
What does Cove Security do?
Cove Security makes it easy and affordable to protect your home. It provides 24/7 professional monitoring, ensuring your home is always protected.
What sets Cove apart is its focus on keeping things simple for everyday homeowners. The Cove system includes motion sensors, door and window sensors, cameras, and smoke detectors that all work together to detect any unusual activity, like someone trying to break in or start a fire in your home.
If any of these sensors are triggered, Cove will sound an alarm and immediately send alerts to you and the monitoring team. You’ll get a quick text message to check if everything’s okay, and if you don’t respond, Cove will notify emergency responders for you.
Cove uses a service called RapidSOS, which shares your information directly with 911 to get help to your home faster. Unlike some security companies that are complicated to set up, Cove is super easy to install on your own. You just stick the sensors where you want them, and you’re good to go. Cove gives you a solid, straightforward way to keep your family safe without all the fuss.
Cove Security equipment overview
Cove’s security system includes a range of equipment that’s easy to set up. Let’s break down the core devices that come with most Cove packages and a few optional add-ons you can get.
1. Touchscreen control panel: This is the central hub of your system. You use it to arm and disarm your alarms, and if something goes wrong, it’s where you’ll see the alerts. The panel has a built-in siren that sounds off if an alarm is triggered, letting intruders know they’ve been caught.
2. Door/window sensors: These sensors are placed on your doors and windows. When the door or window is opened unexpectedly, they send a signal to the control panel, which sets off the alarm. This helps to prevent break-ins and keeps your home secure.
3. Motion detectors: Motion sensors pick up movement in rooms or hallways. They’re smart enough to ignore small pets, so your dog or cat won’t trigger a false alarm. If they detect human movement, they’ll sound the alarm and alert the monitoring center.
4. Security cameras: Cove offers both indoor and outdoor cameras. The indoor camera records in sharp detail and has two-way audio so that you can talk to people in the room. The outdoor camera is weatherproof and solar-powered, making it ideal to install anywhere around your home.
Optional add-on equipment:
- Key fobs: These little remotes let you arm and disarm the system with one click. They’re perfect if you’re running out the door or coming home with groceries.
- Panic buttons: If there’s an emergency and you need help fast, the panic button triggers the alarm instantly. You can place them around your home and keep one by your bedside.
- Environmental sensors: Cove offers smoke detectors and flood sensors to protect your home from fire and water damage. The smoke detector will alert you to smoke, while the flood sensor will send an alert if there’s water in places it shouldn’t be, like your basement.
The table below summarizes the core equipment and optional add-ons Cove offers and their main functions.
| Equipment | Description |
| Touchscreen control panel | Main control hub with a built-in siren for alerts. |
| Door/window sensors | Detects when a door or window is opened unexpectedly. |
| Motion detectors | Senses movement and triggers alarms; ignores small pets. |
| Indoor security camera | 2K video, two-way audio, and night vision for indoor monitoring. |
| Outdoor security camera | Solar-powered, weatherproof camera with clear video quality. |
| Key fobs | Remote controls for easy system arming/disarming. |
| Panic buttons | Instantly triggers the alarm in an emergency. |
| Environmental sensors | Alerts you to smoke and potential fires. Detects water leaks and helps prevent flood damage. |
Cove customer service
Cove Security makes it easy to get help when you need it. You can reach out in different ways, including live chat, phone, email, or by filling out a form. Cove also has an online support center with helpful guides if you want to solve the problem yourself.
If you’re more old-school, Cove even accepts good old snail mail. It’s clear they want to give everyone options to get support in the way they’re most comfortable with.
For example, once, I couldn’t figure out why my motion detector kept going off randomly in the middle of the night. I hopped onto Cove’s live chat and asked for help. The rep quickly responded and suggested that the sensor might be picking up our ceiling fan’s movement. Sure enough, after adjusting its placement slightly, the issue stopped completely.
From what other customers say, Cove’s support team is friendly, quick to respond, and genuinely helpful. You don’t get the pushy sales vibe that’s common with some other companies, which is a big plus. Instead, it feels like they’re focused on answering your questions and solving your issues, not upselling you.
Cove Security monthly costs
Cove offers affordable home security plans, and you don’t have to sign any long-term contracts. You can pay month-to-month and cancel whenever you want without any penalties.
This flexibility makes Cove a great choice for people who want reliable security without the hassle of being locked into a lengthy agreement. Cove offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the security system.
When choosing a plan, you have two options: Cove Basic and Cove Plus. The Cove Basic plan covers the essentials, like 24/7 live monitoring, hazard protection, and a one-year warranty on your equipment.
If you want more features, the Cove Plus plan gives you smartphone control, the ability to connect with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home and a lifetime warranty on your equipment. You’ll also get a $5 monthly discount on your equipment costs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the monthly costs and what each plan includes:
| Plan | Cove Basic | Cove Plus |
| Monthly cost | $17.99 | $27.99 |
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone control | No | Yes |
| Voice control | No | Yes |
| Lifetime warranty | No | Yes |
| $5 equipment credit | No | Yes |
How to install Cove Security
Setting up the Cove security system is easy and ideal for anyone who likes a DIY project. Here’s how to install it in just a few simple steps:
- Unbox the equipment: When you open the box, you’ll find everything you need — the control panel, door/window sensors, motion detectors, and a setup guide. Cove keeps it simple, so everything is ready to go out of the box.
- Set up the control panel: Plug in the control panel to get started. It will guide you step-by-step with clear instructions on the screen. You’ll create a passcode and adjust some basic settings; this only takes a few minutes.
- Install the sensors: The sensors are super easy to install. They come with adhesive backing, so you just peel and stick them on doors, windows, or wherever you need them. Place the motion detectors in areas where there’s a lot of movement. The setup guide includes some tips on the best spots.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect the system to your Wi-Fi once the sensors are up. It’s quick and simple, and if your Wi-Fi goes down, Cove has cellular backup to keep things running smoothly.
- Test the system: Now, it’s time to test everything. The control panel will help you determine if all the sensors are working properly. You can also call Cove’s support team if you need help. It’s important to test each sensor to ensure everything is set up correctly.
That’s it! In less than 30 minutes, your Cove system will be fully installed and protecting your home.
Cove Security app overview
The Cove Security app lets you control and monitor your home security system from anywhere.
One of the app’s main features is the ability to arm and disarm your system with a tap on your phone. Whether you’re at work, on vacation, or simply in another room, you can manage your home security without accessing the control panel. The app also sends real-time alerts, so you’ll know immediately through notifications if a sensor is triggered.
If you have Cove’s cameras, the app lets you watch live footage directly on your phone. This means you can check on your house anytime and even use the two-way audio to talk through the cameras if needed. This is great for keeping an eye on deliveries or chatting with family members.
One of the app’s cool features is the “Recipe” function. This lets you set up automated actions, like “if the front door opens, start recording.” While the options are somewhat limited, it’s a nice touch for extra control.
The Cove app is simple and reliable. It makes managing your home security system easy, whether you're at home or out and about. It puts everything you need to protect your home right at your fingertips.
Cove Security reviews
Cove Security gets mixed reviews from users. Many people like that it’s easy to install and affordable. Many customers mentioned that setting up the system was quick and simple, taking less than 20 minutes. Cove’s customer service also gets praise, with users saying they get help fast, especially when installing the system.
However, there are some common complaints, too. Some users have had problems with the system’s smart home integration and the reliability of the equipment. For example, a few people said the control panel sometimes loses connection to the sensors, making the system less dependable.
There are also frustrations with canceling the service — several customers found it hard to stop their subscription even after trying multiple times. Some felt they were being charged for a service they weren’t using anymore.
Cove is generally known for being easy to use and cost-effective, but it has its downsides. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable security system, Cove might be a good choice. But, if you need seamless smart home integration, it might not meet all your needs.
Our methodology
To create this review, the Cybernews team and I closely assessed Cove Security and tested several of its features. Here’s what we paid attention to:
- Installation ease (25%): We checked how easy it is to set up the system. We focused on how clear the instructions were and how long it took to get everything running.
- Monthly costs (20%): We looked at the different subscription plans to see how affordable they are compared to other home security systems. We wanted to find out if users get good value for their money.
- Security features (25%): This part involved checking what types of sensors and cameras Cove offers, how well they work to keep your home safe, and how reliable the monitoring service is.
- Mobile app functionality (20%): We tested the app to see how easy it is to use. We looked at features like remote control, alerts, and compatibility with other smart home devices.
- Customer service (10%): We assessed how good Cove’s support team is if you encounter problems. We checked how quickly they respond, the quality of help they provide, and what customers say about their experiences.
Other home security systems you might be interested in:
Our final verdict on Cove Security
After testing Cove Security, I think it is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple and budget-friendly home security system. It’s easy to set up yourself, and plans start at just $17.99 a month, so it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Cove is an excellent option for families, renters, or first-time homeowners who want reliable protection without the hassle of complicated setups or long-term contracts.
However, if you need advanced smart home features or want to monitor the outdoors, Cove might not be the best fit. Their basic package doesn’t include outdoor cameras, and the smart home compatibility is limited.
Overall, if you want an affordable, straightforward way to keep your home safe, Cove Security is worth checking out.
FAQ
Is Cove Security hackable?
Cove Security uses encryption and cellular backup to safeguard against hacking attempts. While the system is designed to be secure, no home security system is immune to cyber threats. We recommend regularly updating your passwords and ensuring your Wi-Fi network is secure.
Is Cove a good security system?
Cove Security is an affordable and user-friendly home security system. Its ease of installation, customizable packages, and 24/7 professional monitoring make it appealing to many homeowners. However, you might find Cove’s integration somewhat limited if you want advanced smart home features.
Is Cove Security free?
Cove Security does not offer a free service; it operates on subscription plans that start at $17.99 per month for professional monitoring. These plans provide ongoing support without long-term contracts, allowing users to cancel anytime. Cove offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Does Cove work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, Cove Security is designed to function even without a Wi-Fi connection, thanks to its built-in cellular backup. This feature ensures that your home remains protected during internet outages. However, a Wi-Fi connection is required for the initial setup and to access certain smart features effectively.
Can I use Cove without a subscription?
Cove Security requires a subscription for its monitoring services, meaning you cannot use the system without one. Self-monitoring is not an option, as the service is designed to include professional monitoring and rapid response.
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