While we generally recommend Ring over Cove, your choice will depend on where your priorities lie. Ring saves money and is extremely convenient, but Cove doesn’t have Ring’s bad rap. But, let’s dive into those details. Keep reading to learn more and make your home security buying decision a sinch. Ring, on the other hand, has started selling packages for even less than $200, but for the bare necessities, we still recommend starting with the five-piece kit.
TripleTouch (alerts through three different communication methods) InstaText (quick text responsiveness) LiveAssist (live voice help through your alarm panel)
But even if you just go for the Basic plan, you’re getting mobile app control, smart home integration, and the option for self-monitoring. In short, Ring offers features for $3.99/mo. that Cove charges $28/mo for. The biggest equipment difference is probably the companies’ approaches to system connectivity. Cove equipment uses cellular signals and doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi. That’s good if you worry about loss of Wi-Fi connection but bad if you live in an area with poor AT&T cellular coverage. Ring, on the other hand, uses a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to work. If your base station loses its internet signal for whatever reason, its cellular backup will keep your alarm system functioning.
Smoke/carbon monoxide detector (although, Ring offers a ‘Listener’) Security key remote
Ring also sells some useful accessories, including the following items:
Ring Chime Pro Solar panel
The outdoor camera looks like it may also be a Kami/YI offering, though we aren’t certain. That one includes a 140° field of view, “enhanced” night vision, and two-way audio. However, Cove doesn’t sell its own camera storage. If you get a camera from Cove, you can choose to sign up for YI Cloud. Or you can just use an SD card to take advantage of the local storage feature. These plans aren’t the worst deal we’ve seen, but they definitely can’t compare with unlimited camera plans like Ring’s. Ring cameras don’t have local storage, requiring users to purchase a cloud video storage plan. These plans are a lot more cost-effective than YI’s—they offer storage for more cameras and more days at lower prices. But it would be nice to also have local storage like YI does. Cove smart home integrations: This isn’t a lot of automation, but it does allow you to control your Cove smart security system through your smart speakers. Also, the YI cameras don’t work with Google Assistant, curtailing your options for connecting your cameras with the rest of your smart home. Ring smart home integrations: Ring’s automation is definitely a step up over Cove’s. The addition of Z-Wave creates direct compatibility between the Ring Alarm system and other smart home devices. And IFTTT is a popular platform for cause-and-effect chains, adding even more smart home possibilities. Additionally, Ring has some in-house smart home equipment, like its smart light options. Cove doesn’t have anything like that yet. For those who try the system and run into snags, the customer service department responds to both emails and phone calls. Ring, on the other hand, has people who super love it and people who super hate it. There’s good reason for that. Ring’s accessible, inexpensive, and relatively easy to use. But it’s also embroiled in tons of unsavory issues. In addition to its customer support phone number, Ring has a help center and an extensive community forum.
Cove customer service number: 877-456-2683 Ring customer service number: 800-984-1596
Prices and monitoring plans: Ring. Overall, you’ll spend less money with Ring than you will with Cove. Security equipment: Both Ring and Cove make their own devices at affordable prices. And while Ring may actually be the cheapest home security offering out there, Cove isn’t much more expensive. Cameras: Ring has a larger camera selection with more features and a better monitoring plan than Cove. Smart home integrations: The addition of Z-Wave and IFTTT compatibility make Ring a better automation option than Cove. Customer service: Cove’s reputation is fairly neutral with few complaints, while Ring has become majorly controversial.
But all these points withstanding, for many folks, Ring’s reputation alone is a good reason to go with Cove or with something else entirely. Of course, these aren’t your only options. There are other inexpensive DIY systems out there. Learn more about additional alternatives in our Best Home Security Systems Review.
Price Equipment Home automation Cameras Customer service
In our versus pieces, the highest-rated system doesn’t always emerge victorious. If one of the systems is really good at something, we might pick it over its competitor, even if it didn’t shine in every area. Continuous video recording captures everything that happens whether there’s a motion alert or not. That way, if your camera’s motion detection misses something (which happens from time to time), you’ll still have footage. DIY security tends to be less time-consuming, more affordable, and more customizable than a professional system like ADT. But there are pros to using a more traditional installer, like experience, expertise, and professional monitoring with every package. Learn more in the Best Professionally Installed Security Systems.
