Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Which Home Security System Should You Buy?

Home security systems can help homeowners or renters feel safer in their homes, making them well worth it for many customers. When it comes to the best home security systems, Cove and SimpliSafe are both strong contenders. Customers who are looking for an affordable security system that offers high-quality equipment and the choice between DIY and professional installation will find a lot to like with both home security companies. But when comparing Cove vs. SimpliSafe, one stands out for its variety of equipment packages, additional security equipment, and flexible monitoring options.

This guide will compare the Cove Smart vs. SimpliSafe security systems to help potential customers learn more about each company. With this knowledge, shoppers can choose the one that will work best for their needs and give them peace of mind knowing that loved ones and property are safe and protected.

Editor’s Note: Prices listed in this article are accurate as of the last update, but may vary. For the most up-to-date costs, please see Cove’s or SimpliSafe’s website.

• See all SimpliSafe DIY home security systems. 
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How We Compared Home Security Systems

Before entrusting their safety to the first home security service they encounter, customers will want to make sure they take the time to research all the essential criteria relevant to each company’s products and services. Failure to perform due diligence can result in wasted time and money.

• Reputation: As is the case when making any significant purchase, customers will want to consider which company has achieved a better public reputation. While being around for a greater length of time can often play a role in a company’s reputation, it is not necessarily a guarantee of a better product or service.
• Equipment options and quality: Whether a customer is interested in a DIY doorbell camera or a security system that offers total home coverage, the function, reliability, and variety of options available can make a real difference. Consumers will want to evaluate the ease of installation and compatibility with any smart-home systems they may already have.
• Packages and plans: Another point of consideration is comparing the costs of any paid subscription plans offered by each company and seeing which provides better value for the money. When combined with discount codes or sales events, pricing may be such that one company offers customers a much better value for their money.
• Pricing and fees: It is important to note that some home security companies require an ongoing subscription on top of the initial equipment purchase price. Customers will want to compare the all-in costs and services each company offers.
• Installation: Unless a customer is a licensed electrician, it can be dangerous or even deadly to attempt the installation of any home security devices that require wired electrical connections. In addition to considering the ease of setting up the system, customers may want to look into whether wireless options are available.
• Monitoring: When it is necessary to spend significant time away from home and loved ones, having the ability to check in on everything via a smartphone app is the next best thing. Consumers may also want to take advantage of professional monitoring, which can contact emergency services if necessary.
• App user experience: Smartphone apps can be beneficial components of a home security system, but only if they are well designed and executed. If customers plan on extensively using their security system’s app, it may be worth going with the product that has the easiest customer experience, which can often be determined by reading online reviews.
• Contracts and trial period: Although this is not necessarily the case with every security company, some providers will require clients to enter into contracts for fixed periods or offer a limited time to return the equipment before being locked into a financial agreement. Customers will want to check the fine print before consenting to agreements or contracts.
• Warranty: The coverage provided by a security company’s warranty can save buyers significant amounts of money in the event of damage or malfunction. Customers will want to familiarize themselves with the terms and limitations of the warranties offered by different services, as it can be a significant factor in deciding which company to choose.
• Home automation and device compatibility: Few things are more frustrating than discovering new software can’t be installed on preferred devices or that a new security system can’t connect to existing smart-home automation. Customers can make sure they purchase the best solution by checking whether a home security system has any limitations in terms of interoperability.

1. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Reputation and Customer Reviews

When purchasing any product, a customer’s first step is often to research the company’s reputation and see what its customers are saying. How a security company conducts its business is reflected in the satisfaction of its customers and its standing as a reputable organization within the field of home security, and this is why considering a security company’s customer reviews and reputation is so critical. SimpliSafe has been a name in the home security industry since 2006 and has built up a generally positive reputation over that period. In comparison, Cove was founded more recently in 2018, but it has still built impressive brand recognition since its inception.

The home security industry regards both companies well for providing affordable and DIY-friendly equipment and services. But which is better: Cove or SimpliSafe? Customer reviews provide additional information on user satisfaction. On Trustpilot, SimpliSafe has an impressive 3.7 out of 5 rating over more than 16,000 reviews, although Cove’s Trustpilot rating outranks its competitor with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 (though Cove has fewer than 6,000 reviews total). The same is true on Consumer Affairs, where SimpliSafe’s 2.1 out of 5 rating exceeds Cove’s 2.5 out of 5 Consumer Affairs rating. SimpliSafe reviews mention the company’s responsive customer service, easy-to-install equipment, and user-friendly app. Cove reviewers praise the company’s reliability, polite and helpful customer service, and easy setup. Cove vs. SimpliSafe reviews are fairly well matched, but Cove’s reputation can’t quite compete with SimpliSafe’s.

Verdict: Although Cove and SimpliSafe both have excellent reputations in the home security industry, SimpliSafe has been around longer, giving it better name recognition among customers. Both Cove and SimpliSafe have generally positive customer reviews on websites such as Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.

Winner: SimpliSafe

2. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Equipment Options and Quality

Cove and SimpliSafe both have reputations for creating high-quality security equipment. When choosing between the two, customers will want to consider the types of equipment they want included in their home security system. Both companies offer different types of security cameras (including indoor, outdoor, and doorbell), hazard sensors, and entry and motion sensors. But there are a few significant differences that can help customers determine which security system will best meet their needs.

Cove’s equipment offerings include door and window sensors, motion sensors, smoke and flood detectors, a panic/medical button, and a doorbell camera. These devices allow the customer to keep tabs on their home while they’re away, get help ASAP in case of an emergency, and react quickly in the event of a fire or a burst pipe. Additionally, Cove’s cameras are not proprietary; instead, the company uses Eufy cameras to complement its home security devices.

SimpliSafe offers the same types of basic equipment as Cove, but it goes a step further by offering additional equipment not available in Cove’s lineup. This include the following:

• Temperature sensor: Monitors the temperature within the home and triggers if it falls below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps prevent frozen pipes when the customer is away from home or in a vacation home that’s frequently vacant.
• 105dB siren: Sounds if it detects an intruder to scare off the trespasser and alert the customer and their neighbors. The volume of this siren is comparable to that of a loud rock concert.
• Smart lock: Allows the user to lock and unlock the door using a keypad or mobile app, and sends the user an alert if someone enters the wrong PIN five times.

This makes SimpliSafe a good choice for a customer looking for a traditional alarm and basic smart-home functionality.

Verdict: Both companies have a selection of high-quality home security equipment, but SimpliSafe has more equipment options than Cove, including a temperature sensor, 105dB siren, and a smart lock.

Winner: SimpliSafe

3. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Packages and Plans

Cove allows customers to design their own systems, but it does not offer preassembled equipment packages. Instead, customers will be directed through a questionnaire to identify their home security needs so Cove can create a customized package designed to meet these needs precisely. This extra step can result in a more tailored system from the start without the customer needing to add on extra equipment to a pre-existing package.

How does SimpliSafe work? SimpliSafe also offers a build-your-own option, in addition to seven prebuilt security equipment packages, which include:

• The Foundation: Includes a base station, keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor, and one indoor camera.
• The Essentials: Includes the same equipment as what comes in The Foundation but adds one additional camera.
• The Hearth: Includes the same equipment as what’s offered with The Essentials but adds two additional entry sensors (three total), a key fob, and a wireless siren.
• The Knox: Includes the same equipment as what comes in The Hearth but adds three additional entry sensors (six total) and one additional motion sensor (two total).
• The Haven: Includes a base station, keypad, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, a panic button, a temperature sensor, a water sensor, a key fob, a wireless siren, and one free indoor camera.
• The Lighthouse: Includes a base station, keypad, three entry sensors, one motion sensor, and two indoor cameras.
• The Beacon: Includes a base station, keypad, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, two wireless outdoor cameras, and one indoor camera.

Although Cove’s customized packages can help users build their ideal system, SimpliSafe’s seven equipment packages give customers a good starting point for building their home security system while also having the option to customize from scratch.

Verdict: Cove and SimpliSafe both allow customers to build their own packages by selecting individual pieces of equipment to create their own system. However, SimpliSafe also has seven preassembled equipment packages that give customers a wider range of options, while Cove does not offer prebuilt equipment packages.

Winner: SimpliSafe

4. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Pricing and Fees

When pricing a home security system, shoppers will want to pay close attention to initial pricing and any recurring fees. While some less scrupulous companies may present seemingly good deals that ultimately cost more than expected, Cove and SimpliSafe are up front with the initial cost of equipment and service plans.

The cost of Cove’s customized systems will depend on the equipment the customer chooses for their personalized package. Cove often has promotions that allow customers to purchase equipment at a discounted price, saving them money on their system. The full prices for Cove equipment are as follows.

Customers will choose a monitoring plan based on the equipment included in their package. Cove’s two monitoring plans have the following costs:

SimpliSafe’s seven preselected equipment packages have an approximate price range of $250 to $700; however, the company often runs promotions that allow the customer to purchase equipment packages at a discounted price. The full prices for these packages are as follows:

SimpliSafe offers two professional-monitoring plans and a self-monitoring plan. Customers can also opt for no monitoring, which is free but will limit what the customer can do with their system. SimpliSafe monthly costs for its three monitoring plans are listed in the table below.

Verdict: Both Cove and SimpliSafe offer relatively low-cost equipment and monitoring plans, and neither have any hidden fees for their services. Additionally, both companies offer discounts for customers who opt for top-tier professional monitoring.

Winner: Tie

5. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Installation

Before deciding what kind of home security service to buy, customers will want to consider their technical ability, manual dexterity, and patience. While some people who are skilled at DIY may be able to install a home security system themselves quickly and efficiently, others would greatly prefer to have everything set up professionally for extra peace of mind.

Regardless of the kind of installation experience a customer prefers, Cove and SimpliSafe provide a wide range of equipment requiring minimal knowledge and experience to install, including doorbell cameras, indoor cameras, hazard sensors, entry sensors, and security panels. For customers who lack the time or ability or would rather pay for the whole system to be installed by professional technicians, both security providers offer services starting at $99.

Cove’s DIY security system setup involves the user setting up a centralized security hub on a tablet device, which guides the user through the instructions for installing any purchased equipment. Installing cameras is easy—the user just needs to scan the QR codes on each camera and follow the prompts to install and connect each camera. Cove Plus users get access to the Cove app, where they can get instant installation help from Cove representatives.

SimpliSafe offers a user app regardless of which services or equipment have been purchased, and all of its devices can be installed without using tools or landlines or running electrical wires. Most SimpliSafe equipment can be installed using peel-and-stick adhesive pads, allowing for setup in 30 minutes or less.

The option to self-install makes Cove and SimpliSafe among the best apartment security systems, since the peel-and-stick design prevents unnecessary damage to walls and helps renters preserve their security deposit.

Verdict: Cove and SimpliSafe both offer easy DIY system installation as well as professional installation services for customers who prefer to leave the work to an expert.

Winner: Tie

6. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Monitoring

When it comes to home security systems, monitoring refers to either having the ability to receive live footage, alerts, and other system notifications on mobile devices or having the security system monitored 24/7 by security professionals. Each approach has pros and cons, with self-monitoring options generally less expensive but requiring much greater personal oversight. Professional-monitoring services are more costly but can benefit individuals with health or mobility issues or those living in areas where property crimes frequently occur.

Cove offers two professional-monitoring plans and no option for self-monitoring. With either professional-monitoring plan, users can customize their home security setup via a series of inputs, including the number of doors and windows, the presence of indoor pets, the number of desired key remotes, and the presence of any hazard sensors in the home. The plans also offer the following features:

• Cove Basic: Includes 24/7 monitoring, three-factor alarm verification, two-way communication through a touch-screen panel, automatic hourly system tests, 24-hour battery backup, and a 1-year equipment warranty.
• Cove Smart: Includes everything in Cove Basic, plus a lifetime equipment warranty, camera integration, cloud storage, smartphone control, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, and a $5 per month reward that can be applied toward upgraded equipment.

SimpliSafe offers three monitoring options (two professional and one self-monitoring) as well as an unmonitored option. The features of the three monitored options are as follows:

• Self Monitoring with Camera Recordings: Includes remote arming and disarming, push notifications, unlimited recording for up to five cameras, and unlimited view time.
• Standard Monitoring: Includes remote arming and disarming, push notifications, 24/7 emergency dispatch, cellular connection backup, 7-day view timeline.
• Fast Protect Professional Monitoring: Includes remote arming and disarming, push notifications, 24/7 emergency dispatch, cellular connection backup, video verification, unlimited recording, 30-day cloud storage, unlimited view time, 10 percent discount on additional equipment purchases, and a lifetime warranty.

Verdict: Cove and SimpliSafe each offer two professional-monitoring plans for customers to choose from. But while Cove doesn’t provide an option for self-monitoring, SimpliSafe has two: a free self-monitoring option and a paid option that includes camera recording. SimpliSafe has more types of monitoring available, making it more accessible to customers who want to opt for monitoring without paying the maximum amount.

Winner: SimpliSafe

7. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: App User Experience

Many modern products come with companion apps designed to make things easier by allowing quick access to controls and settings. However, unless these apps are well designed and provide users with a reliable means of controlling devices and services, they can easily become annoying. An app may become more of a hassle than it’s worth if users frequently experience difficulty and frustration.

Although user reviews may not necessarily reflect how any individual’s experience with a home security system’s mobile app will pan out, they often contain valuable information. Considering the average user experience reported in Cove alarm vs. SimpliSafe reviews, SimpliSafe emerges as the winner in terms of overall customer satisfaction. The SimpliSafe app is accessible for all SimpliSafe customers, regardless of their chosen monitoring plan. Cove’s app is only available to customers enrolled in Cove Smart. Cove users can only access security system settings through the app, while SimpliSafe users can issue commands through their preferred virtual assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, as desired.

Verdict: Both companies’ apps allow users to control their home security systems remotely; however, only Cove customers with the highest-tier monitoring plans can access the Cove app, while SimpliSafe customers can use the company’s app regardless of the monitoring plan they choose. SimpliSafe’s app is highly rated by customers, whereas Cove’s app ratings are slightly below average.

Winner: SimpliSafe

8. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Contracts and Trial Period

Cove and SimpliSafe both make it easy for consumers to try, test, use, and return their products during the first 2 months without risk with a 60-day money-back guarantee. This allows customers to determine whether the system they chose works in their home and meets their security needs before committing to it. Both vendors even offer to pay for return shipping. This can offer customers additional peace of mind when spending a chunk of money on equipment without knowing whether it’ll be the best fit.

Additionally, neither company requires customers to sign a contract, although SimpliSafe customers can choose to finance their home security system for 3, 6, or 12 months to decrease the up-front cost slightly; doing so means a customer will need to continue making payments for that time period, though they can cancel their monitoring services at any time.

Verdict: Customers are not required to sign a contract to use Cove or SimpliSafe home security systems. Both companies offer a generous 60-day trial period that gives customers time to test out their equipment and make sure it meets their home security requirements; if it does not, they can return it for a full refund.

Winner: Tie

9. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Warranty

Attempting to get a refund for malfunctioning equipment can be a stressful process, which is why customers often look to see whether a home security company they’re considering choosing offers a warranty on its products. A warranty suggests that the company is confident in the quality and reliability of its equipment, which can offer added peace of mind to a customer. And if the equipment does break unexpectedly, a warranty means the customer won’t need to pay out of pocket to replace it.

Both Cove and SimpliSafe offer a basic 1-year limited hardware warranty while also offering an extended warranty on certain equipment. For example, Cove offers a lifetime equipment warranty for customers who have the Cove Plus monitoring service. Customers who opt for the less expensive Cove Basic plan get a 1-year limited warranty. Cove’s limited 5-year warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but explicitly excludes batteries. Customers must return their equipment to Cove to receive replacement parts.

SimpliSafe also offers a 1-year limited hardware warranty, which provides replacement of covered products, or a refund or credit, at the company’s discretion. SimpliSafe customers with Standard Monitoring plans or Camera-Only plans can extend their warranty by 2 additional years for a total of 3 years by maintaining a subscription. Customers who choose Interactive Monitoring will get a lifetime warranty on equipment as long as they maintain their monitoring plan.

Verdict: SimpliSafe and Cove each offer a limited 1-year warranty on equipment, though both also offer a lifetime warranty on equipment for customers who sign up for their top-tier professional-monitoring plans.

Winner: Tie

10. Cove vs. SimpliSafe: Home Automation and Device Compatibility

Whether a customer is looking for a security system to integrate into an existing smart-home system or to jump-start the home automation process, checking for compatibility issues with the current home digital ecosystem is critical. Given that home automation devices require both an internet connection and the ability to communicate with one another, it’s important that the security system a customer chooses can connect seamlessly to their smart-home system.

Both Cove and SimpliSafe offer home automation equipment in their packages and can integrate with smart-home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, Cove doesn’t sell any smart-home equipment, whereas SimpliSafe has two smart keyless door locks for customers to choose from: a SimpliSafe-branded one and an option from August. This gives SimpliSafe the edge for customers looking to create or build upon their smart-home system.

Verdict: SimpliSafe and Cove systems both integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, SimpliSafe also integrates with August smart locks, as well as offering its own branded smart lock.

Winner: SimpliSafe

Verdict: SimpliSafe is a great choice for customers looking for a comprehensive and relatively low-cost DIY security system that offers basic smart-home integration. However, Cove is still a great choice for customers who want a basic customizable home security system from a standout company.

Is Cove better than SimpliSafe? Cove and SimpliSafe are both strong contenders for customers looking for a reliable security system that can help them monitor and protect their home and belongings. However, when comparing a Cove security system vs. SimpliSafe security system, customers will find that SimpliSafe caters to a broader audience. SimpliSafe is a flexible system that lets customers choose between self-monitoring and professional monitoring, and it even has an unmonitored option. With seven prebuilt packages that include basic security equipment as well as additional hazard sensors and smart-home devices, SimpliSafe strives to help customers find the right fit for their home.

• Buy a SimpliSafe DIY home security system.

Although SimpliSafe slightly outperforms Cove, the latter is still an excellent option for those looking to create a customizable home security system for a relatively low price. Cove’s online questionnaire identifies a customer’s home security needs so the company can build a system designed specifically to meet those needs. From there, the customer can add or remove equipment until they have a system they are happy with. This can be a huge benefit for customers who want a tailored system rather than a preselected package.

• Think Cove is the right choice for you? Explore Cove’s DIY home security options.