Cove vs. Ring 2024

We decided to test two of the best DIY home security systems to see which one performs better.

While both brands let us choose the devices we wanted to protect our home, we preferred Ring’s solution, as the equipment was more reliable and easier to operate. Plus, it has cheaper monitoring plans and a free option if you only need a livestream of your cameras and alerts.

Cove is an excellent security system too. We saved money on cloud storage because the cameras let us record on micro SD cards, and they rewarded us when we decided to add more devices after we took out a plan.

After spending six weeks with Cove and Ring, here’s what we learned about these two home security systems.

Key Similarities

During our testing with Cove and Ring, we found they had a lot in common, such as:

• No contracts: There’s no need to find a pen. Neither Cove nor Ring require you to sign a contract. Simply choose your devices and monitoring plan to get started.
• Professional installation: If you prefer an expert to set up your home security system, Cove and Ring can send technicians to install your equipment.
• Smart integrations: You can connect your security systems to Google and Alexa devices. This lets you control your security system with your voice.

Key Differences

Of course, there were some differences too, including:

• Third-party devices: Ring let us connect some smart devices, like light switches, dead bolts and garage door controls. We couldn’t do this with Cove.
• Storage: All Ring monitoring plans have 180-day cloud storage for footage captured by your security cameras. For Cove, you need to pay separately for Cove Cloud+ or buy a micro SD card to retain your videos.
• Self-monitoring: You can sign up for a free Ring self-monitoring plan and use the devices you paid for. Cove requires a monitoring plan for the equipment to work. Check out our roundup of the best self-monitored home security systems for some Ring alternatives.

Equipment Comparison

Cove and Ring let you mix and match your security equipment, so you only pay for what you need. We recommend at least one sensor for each ground floor door and window as well as a motion sensor for any main egress points.

Here’s a quick comparison between the equipment offered by Cove and Ring:

Not only does Ring have more products, it also offers options for several devices. For example, you can choose different power sources for most cameras. There’s a battery option, one you can connect to your internal wiring and a solar-powered solution.

Multiple generations are even available. You can pick an older device to save a few bucks.

>> Learn More: Ring Alarm Security System Cost and Pricing

In comparison, Cove’s product selection is light. While it makes it easier to browse, some homes need a smart lock or garage door sensor to stay secure, and Cove doesn’t have these devices.

If you’re not an expert in home security, Ring designed multiple kits to fit different property types.

Equipment winner: Ring blew us away with its equipment selection. While there are many product pages to browse through,the kits make it easy to start a system.

Which One Is Easier to Install?

Anyone can install a Cove or Ring security system. You won’t need any specialized tools, and you’ll be lucky to break a sweat. The hardest part for us was choosing where to place our devices.

For Cove, we made room on a bookshelf for our Eufy Indoor Camera, as it had the best coverage. Then, we plugged it in and connected it to our main hub. The sensors were easier. We peeled the protective layer off the adhesive and stuck them to our doors and windows.

Our Ring equipment also required little effort. We sat the Stick Up Cam on the other side of our bookcase, but we could have mounted it on a wall if we wanted. To connect it to the app, we scanned the QR code on the back and could see everything instantly. For the sensors, like Cove, we exposed the adhesive and followed the installation instructions.

Installation winner: It’s a draw. We set up both security systems within 30 minutes. It might take longer, depending on how many devices you buy, but all of them are easy to set up yourself.

Comparing Monitoring Plans

Ring has a monitoring plan for every budget, including a free self-monitoring option. But Cove forces you to choose one of their packages in order for their products to work.

Cove

Here’s an overview of Cove’s two plans:

Is Cove Plus worth the extra $10? It depends if you use an Alexa or Google voice assistant. With Cove Plus, you can use them to arm and disarm your system as well as check notifications.

The equipment lifetime warranty is handy to have up your sleeve, but we think it’s only worth it if you have a history of electronic devices malfunctioning.

Our favorite feature was the rate-lock guarantee. We’re tired of emails about price increases filling our inboxes. If you’re a Cove Plus customer, you won’t get one from them.

>> Check Out: Cove Security Systems Pricing and Packages

Ring

Here’s an overview of every Ring plan, including the free option:

The self-monitoring plan is attractive, but it doesn’t offer many features. Fortunately, Ring’s other monitoring plans are affordable.

We recommend the Ring Protect Plus or Ring Protect Pro plans. You get 10 percent off new products you buy from the Ring website, an extended warranty on all devices and cellular backup on the Protect Pro plan if your internet drops out.

The Ring Protect Pro plan is only slightly more expensive than Cove Basic and includes 60 days of cloud storage. With Cove, you’ll need to pay an extra $2.99 per month per camera, but storage only goes back 30 days. Both include comparable professional monitoring.

Monitoring plans winner: Not only do we like that Ring has a free self-monitoring plan, but all of their packages offer value that Cove can’t match.

App Functionality

We found Cove and Ring’s apps were the easiest way to control each system.

Cove let us monitor our entire setup from the comfort of our favorite chair. We reviewed notifications, livestreamed footage, and armed and disarmed the system. When someone showed up at our door, we spoke to them through our phone instead of getting up.

We liked the Recipes option, which is what Cove calls automations. We set our cameras to record when a door or window opens and our system to arm at 10 a.m. every weekday.

Ring offered us similar functionality. We could look through events, arm the system and livestream from cameras. Another neat feature was setting privacy zones. We blacked out areas or narrowed the field of view for spaces we didn’t want recorded, like our neighbor’s backyard.

Another thing we adjusted was the sensitivity of the sensors. At their default setting, we found we got false alarms when our pets strolled through the living room.

App winner: It’s another draw. Cove and Ring’s apps let us set up custom automations and manage our system without interacting with the main hub.

>> Read More: Cove Home Security Review for 2024

Integrating Third-Party Products

Cove only integrates with its equipment. We found this disappointing, as they didn’t offer some products we look for, such as garage door sensors or smart locks. The Cove Plus plan lets your system work with Alexa or Google Assistant, but you can’t incorporate other products in your Cove Recipes.

Meanwhile, we connected a lot of third-party devices with Ring. From sirens to light switches and dead bolts, adding them to the app and operating them with our home security system was a breeze. Some brands Ring recognizes are GE, Dome, Chamberlain and Leviton.

Third-party integration winner: Ring allowed us to broaden our home security system with products from other companies. They even have a “work with Ring” category on their website with devices from third-party providers.

Speaking to Customer Service

Cove is there for you day or night. Its phone and webchat services are responsive and available 24/7. The agent we spoke to did more than send us guides on the website. They talked us through setting up our camera and troubleshooting a syncing issue.

Ring’s chat button is available on every webpage. But that’s only to chat with a bot. It tried to guide us to help pages and their community. But we wanted to speak to a real person, so we had to give them a call. Thankfully, the contact center is available 24/7.

Customer service winner: It was easier to get help from Cove. We appreciated that we could speak to someone via webchat.

Emergency Response Times

When Cove receives an alert, someone from the monitoring center will confirm you need assistance. If you don’t respond, they send emergency personnel to your home. We found this out for ourselves while testing the system. Sure, it was embarrassing, but we also found it reassuring that the police would arrive quickly if we needed them.

Ring follows a similar procedure if you have the Protect Pro plan. Their response varies according to the alarm. For example, if a sensor gets tripped, Ring will attempt to contact you first to confirm before sending the police. But they instantly send the fire department if it’s a carbon monoxide alert.

Emergency response winner: While we accidentally received a visit from the cops with Cove, we felt safe and secure with both systems, so we’ll call it a draw.

Overall Winner: Cove or Ring?

Cove is an excellent DIY home security system with affordable products and a monitoring rate you can lock in for life.

However, the product range is slim, and it can’t integrate with third-party security devices. This is one of the things we like about Ring.

We also like their free monitoring option, cheaper plans and equipment with multiple power sources.

No matter which brand you choose, you’ll sleep well knowing you’ve got adequate protection. But if we had to pick one, we’d recommend Ring.