Overview

There are plenty of options for those who need home security, especially if you choose a DIY system. With so many choices on the market, it can be hard to determine which one is the best fit for you.

Though Cove has only been around for about a decade, they’ve made a significant impact on the home security industry during that time. They offer high-quality, easy-to-install equipment—more on that shortly—and their excellent monitoring service ensures authorities will be on their way quickly if an emergency occurs. On paper, Cove seems to meet many important criteria. But does that make it the right security system for you?

Cove’s home security system is designed like a DIY project with professional monitoring. While professional installation is available, Cove makes DIY setup effortless with on-screen guidelines on the alarm panel. Phone support is also available if you need assistance during installation.

Cove lets you customize your security system by choosing from a variety of indoor and outdoor cameras, along with a range of environmental alarm sensors. These cameras and devices connect to Cove’s hub and alarm panel, which allows you to control, arm, and disarm the system. Cove systems are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and use an ethernet connection with cellular backup to ensure reliable service even if your Wi-Fi goes down.

Cove’s home security system is ideal for individuals and families who are comfortable building and installing their own system, with or without assistance. Since Cove doesn’t offer a self-monitoring option, you’ll need to be okay with opting for professional monitoring as part of the service.

Monitoring Plans and Pricing

Cove offers two professional monitoring plans, and subscribing to one is required since there is no self-monitoring option available. New customers are eligible for a 60-day refund guarantee upon signing up. For system financing, customers can either pay upfront with the Value Plan or opt for the Economy Plan, which involves a monthly payment and a contract commitment, offering up to $415 worth of equipment for free.

Cove Basic

This plan provides 24/7 live alarm monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, alarm verification, hazard protection, smartphone control, and a one-year equipment warranty.

Cove Plus

This plan includes all the features of Cove Basic, plus a lifetime equipment warranty, camera support, voice control via Alexa and Google Home, and a $5 monthly equipment reward that can be used for system upgrades.

No matter which subscription plan you choose, Cove offers 24/7 professional monitoring with a fast and reliable connection. The hub employs AT&T’s 4G LTE network, ensuring that your signal remains strong even if your Wi-Fi is unstable. In my tests, an agent always responded to an alarm within 30 seconds.

Installation Process

Installing Simplisafe is easy and can be done on your own without professional help. Other devices in the system are wireless so you don’t need to worry about them too much, but you need to ensure that the base station is plugged in. The devices will include instruction guides on how to properly place and connect them to the base station. It takes an average of 30 minutes to set up your keypad, base station, and several units of motion sensors. You do not need fancy DIY skills to complete the process.

If you do need help because you do not have time or are simply worried you might botch the system, you can get your security system professionally installed for $99.

Warranty and Contract

There is no lock-in contract required if you want to get a security system from Simplisafe. Unless you subscribe to 24/7 monitoring, you don’t need to worry about monthly costs. The 24/7 monitoring subscription, however, is required if you want to integrate smart devices and access the mobile app.

If you’re subscribed to the monitoring service, you can cancel any time you want if you’re unsatisfied. Just call the customer support team and it will take a few minutes to terminate the subscription.

If you are unsatisfied with your Simplisafe equipment, you can get a complete refund if you return them within 60 days. SimpliSafe’s devices all come with one year warranty.

Client Service and Customer support

For those who need help, you can reach the customer support team via live chat, phone, and email. The live chat channel is available from 9 AM to 9 PM Monday to Sunday. It takes less than a minute to connect with an agent through live chat. Phone lines are open 8 AM to 12 AM ET, Mondays to Sundays.

You can check out the knowledge center on their website where you will find detailed explanations about their device, instructions on how to set up and troubleshoot your system, and more. There is no blog available on the website so far.

Features

Panic Function

Cove’s home security system includes a panic function on the alarm panel, offering three types of panic alarms: one for police, one for fire services, and one for emergency medical assistance. If a panic alert is triggered, Cove will attempt to contact you by phone. If there’s no response, the company will send the appropriate first responders to your location.

RapidSOS

Another notable feature of Cove is its use of RapidSOS, the same technology that allows your smartphone to transmit information directly to 911 dispatchers. This means you don’t have to verbally communicate details over the phone during an emergency. It’s a cutting-edge technology that I haven’t seen other security companies implement, giving Cove a significant edge in terms of next-gen capabilities.

Installation

Setting up a Cove home security system is straightforward. The hub and alarm panel come with built-in setup instructions from the moment you start the installation. If you need further guidance, Cove provides a variety of instructional videos on its website. For additional support, you can call the company’s customer service, and professional installation is available for a fee starting at $99.

Product Line

• Hub and alarm panel: Cove’s hub serves as the central command unit for your home security system, while the alarm panel provides access for controlling the system. With the panel, you can adjust settings, monitor system statuses, arm and disarm the system, and set schedules.
• Eufy indoor camera: This indoor camera has a 360-degree pan-and-tilt function that automatically adjusts to follow motion within a room. It also includes two-way audio, night vision, and capabilities for live streaming and video recording.
• Eufy doorbell camera: The Eufy doorbell camera comes with an ergonomic button, night vision, two-way audio communication, and a Wi-Fi chime. It can be connected wirelessly or integrated with your existing doorbell, allowing you to screen visitors before answering the door.
• Eufy outdoor camera: The Eufy outdoor camera features live video streaming and includes a 75-decibel siren to notify you of movements outside your home. It is equipped with a solar panel that keeps the camera charged, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
• Motion Detector: Cove’s motion sensor has a 45-foot detection range, allowing it to monitor spaces of various sizes. It can also distinguish between humans and pets weighing 35 to 50 pounds, minimizing the likelihood of false alarms.
• Glass break detector: Cove’s glass-break detector utilizes a sonar sensor to identify the frequency and tone of breaking glass. If a window is shattered by a burglar, the sensor will activate and send an immediate notification to alert you.
• Door Sensor: Cove’s door sensor can be placed on any door in your home and will instantly notify you if the door is opened. You can monitor these sensors with the mobile app, allowing you to stay connected even when you’re not at home.
• Window Sensor: Cove’s door sensor can be installed on any door in your home and will instantly notify you if the door is opened. You can monitor the sensors through the mobile app to stay updated on your home’s security, even when you’re away.
• Cove’s window sensors work similarly, alerting you if a window is opened. They connect to the touch-screen panel and trigger an alarm when activated.
• Smoke detector: Cove’s monitored smoke detector activates when it detects smoke, and Cove’s monitoring agents will promptly dispatch emergency services to your location.
• CO detector: Cove’s carbon monoxide detector quickly detects any CO leaks, alerting you to hazardous levels so you can evacuate the premises. With 24/7 monitoring, agents will swiftly notify emergency services to respond to your home.
• Secondary siren: The Cove secondary siren expands your alarm coverage, making it perfect for larger homes or areas like basements or third floors. By adding an extra siren, you can ensure the alarm is heard throughout your entire house.
• Flood sensor: You can place water leak detectors near washing machines, water heaters, and other appliance units to detect moisture. You can also get alerts if the home temperature drops to less than 41 degrees to minimize the risk of pipes freezing.
• Medical pendant: Cove’s medical pendant allows you to request emergency assistance at the press of a button, making it perfect for family members with limited mobility who may have difficulty reaching a phone during an emergency.
• Key fob: The key fob allows you to arm and disarm your security system with the press of a button, making it easy to secure your home as you pull into the driveway or after locking the door.

Contract and Warranty Terms

Cove provides a one-year limited warranty for customers who subscribe to the Cove Basic plan. Those who sign up for the Cove Plus plan receive the same warranty benefits, but it extends for as long as they remain enrolled in the Cove Plus service. To qualify for warranty protection, customers must purchase home security equipment directly from Cove or one of its approved distributors. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects, but does not include coverage for battery defects.

Customer Support

Cove offers three ways to contact its customer service department. Customers can call the phone number listed on the website for installation assistance and other service inquiries. A 24/7 live chat feature is also available on the site, and customers can send a message through the contact page, with Cove promising a response within 24 hours.

Bottom Line

While Cove could benefit from more flexibility in home automation to allow for more nuanced system customization, it remains a reliable option for those seeking a comprehensive DIY home security solution. The system doesn’t offer a lot of extra features, but its core functionality and value are hard to beat. If you’re budget-conscious and don’t mind doing some light installation to save on costs, Cove is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional, feature-rich security experience, you may find it lacking.