In a landscape filled with legacy home security brands and tech-heavy newcomers, Cove has managed to carve out a compelling niche by combining professional-grade monitoring with DIY-friendly installation and zero contract commitments. Since its founding in 2018, Cove has steadily risen to become a serious contender in the smart home security market.
Whether you’re looking for cost-effective monthly plans, voice assistant compatibility, or a sleek, no-pressure buying experience, Cove might be your best bet in 2025. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore Cove’s key features, device lineup, pricing structure, performance, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Quick Summary: Why Choose Cove?
- Professional monitoring starting at $17.99/month
- No long-term contracts required
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant (Cove Plus plan)
- DIY installation in under 30 minutes
- Reliable cellular backup and responsive customer support
However, it’s not all perfect. Users seeking self-monitoring or a more extensive smart device ecosystem may want to look elsewhere. Still, for affordable professional security with excellent usability, Cove checks most of the boxes.
What’s Inside This Review?
- Cove Equipment Overview
- Installation Experience
- Smart Home Integration
- Mobile App Features
- Camera Performance
- Pricing & Monitoring Plans
- Customer Support Insights
- Final Verdict: Is Cove Worth It?
Cove Security Equipment: What You Get
The standard Cove system includes:
- Cove Hub – The central brain, connects all devices and monitoring service.
- Alarm Panel – Touchscreen controller for arming/disarming your system.
- Entry Sensors – Monitors doors and windows for unauthorized entry.
- Motion Sensors – Detects movement and pet-friendly up to 45 lbs.
- Key Remote – Arm/disarm the system from up to 100 yards away.
- Indoor Camera – 1080p HD video, night vision, cloud storage.
- Optional Accessories – Smoke/CO detectors, flood sensors, medical alerts.
Design & Hardware Impressions
Cove’s equipment is compact, low-profile, and blends seamlessly into any modern home. Entry sensors are nearly half the size of industry counterparts, with minimal branding and discreet finishes. Motion sensors are also thoughtfully designed with pet-immune technology, reducing false alarms.
Hub & Alarm Panel: Two Devices, More Flexibility
Cove has moved from a single control unit to a dual-device system. The Cove Hub stays discreetly tucked away (ideally near your router) and includes a 24-hour battery and cellular backup—essential during power or internet outages. Meanwhile, the Alarm Panel, which functions solely as a touchscreen controller, can be placed anywhere in your home. You can even use up to four panels for added convenience.
Note: The Alarm Panel’s battery only lasts 4 hours, unlike the Hub’s full-day backup.
Door and Motion Sensors: Compact, Reliable, Efficient
Cove’s sensors are pre-programmed out of the box, simplifying setup. The door sensors have an impressive 300-foot range and five-year battery life, making them ideal for larger homes.
Motion sensors also deliver strong performance with minimal setup required. You can arm only certain zones (e.g., leave upstairs sensors off while watching TV downstairs), giving you tailored protection at all times.
Key Fob: Remote Access in Your Pocket
The included key remote lets users arm or disarm the system without accessing the control panel or smartphone. With a range of up to 100 yards and a built-in panic button, this remote is perfect for quick access in emergencies. Like the sensors, it boasts a five-year battery life.
Cove Indoor Camera: Good Quality, Limited Intelligence
With 1080p resolution, 8 infrared night vision LEDs, and 4x digital zoom, the Cove Indoor Cam offers clear daytime and nighttime footage. However, it falls short in AI features—it lacks person detection or facial recognition, meaning alerts can sometimes be triggered by irrelevant motion.
Still, it includes cry detection, which can double as a baby monitor. Video footage is stored in the cloud for $2.99/month per camera, and setup is simple via Wi-Fi. But keep in mind, it’s a wired camera, not battery-operated.
Outdoor Camera Upgrade: Enter Eufy
Cove recently partnered with Eufy to offer a solar-powered outdoor security camera with an impressive 2K resolution, integrated spotlight, 90dB siren, and local + cloud storage. At $199, it’s competitively priced and on par with popular models like the Arlo Pro 3, especially considering the integrated solar panel for continuous charging.
Even better, this new outdoor camera introduces AI-driven person detection, a major upgrade over the indoor version and a strong deterrent against intruders.
Smart Home Integration: Alexa & Google Assistant Support
Only the Cove Plus plan supports voice control, but when enabled, Cove works relatively well with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Alexa: Users can arm the system and check its status. However, disarming by voice is not supported, and there are occasional delays when streaming footage to Echo Show devices.
- Google Assistant: Offers deeper integration. You can arm the system, request event history, and stream video to Nest Hubs. Cove earned a spot on our list of top Google-compatible security systems for good reason.
Pro Tip: If seamless Alexa integration is a priority, Ring Alarm might be a better choice.
Installing Cove: Fast, Simple, and DIY-Friendly
Cove offers optional professional installation for $79, but we opted for the free DIY route, which was refreshingly easy. Before shipping, Cove pre-configures your equipment based on your order.
- Setup Time: ~20 minutes
- Tools Needed: None—sensors have adhesive backing.
- Testing Process: Each device was tested manually and over the phone with a support rep.
The experience was comparable to SimpliSafe, another standout in the DIY security space.
The Cove Security App: Control Anywhere, Anytime
The Cove Security app provides full remote access to your system:
- Arm/disarm the alarm
- View live camera feeds
- Receive instant alerts
- Talk through two-way audio
- Review event history
- Manage cloud storage
The standout feature here is the “Recipes” automation tool that enables simple “if-this-then-that” rules (e.g., start recording when a door opens). However, integration with broader smart home ecosystems is currently limited—something systems like abode or Vivint handle better.
Pricing & Monitoring Plans
Cove offers two monthly monitoring tiers:
| Feature | Cove Basic ($17.99) | Cove Plus ($27.99) |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular Backup | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile App Access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voice Assistant Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lifetime Equipment Warranty | ❌ | ✅ |
| Rate Lock Guarantee | ❌ | ✅ |
| Equipment Credit ($5/mo) | ❌ | ✅ |
Fast Response Times: Cove leverages RapidSOS to reduce emergency dispatch times by up to 4 minutes compared to standard protocols.
While Cove Basic is one of the most affordable professional monitoring plans on the market, Cove Plus offers better value if you’re looking for smart integrations and long-term savings.
Customer Support: Friendly, Accessible, and No Hard Selling
Cove delivers one of the more user-friendly support experiences we’ve had with a security brand. Contact options include:
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Online form
- Knowledge base
Our experience with live chat was responsive, helpful, and refreshingly free from upselling pressure. It’s a standout aspect of Cove’s customer experience.
Final Thoughts: Is Cove Worth It?
✅ Recommended For:
- Users who want affordable, professional-grade monitoring without contracts
- Households needing easy installation and flexible equipment placement
- Homeowners who want basic smart home integrations with Alexa or Google Assistant
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Users who prefer self-monitoring
- Shoppers looking for no monthly fees
- Those seeking a broader smart home ecosystem (e.g., smart locks, lights)
Overall Score: 8.7/10
Cove may not have all the bells and whistles of the most advanced home automation platforms, but it delivers rock-solid security fundamentals at a budget-friendly price—backed by excellent support and a low-stress buying experience.
Want more details on pricing and plans? Check out our full [Cove pricing guide].
