SimpliSafe vs Cove
Last updated July 2026
SimpliSafe
The DIY home security default with a broad equipment lineup
Advantages
- $0 upfront possible on subscription plans; equipment kits start at $250
- Wide equipment lineup: entry sensors, motion, water, glass break, panic
- No contract required, monitoring is month-to-month
- Professional monitoring plans start at $19.99/mo with 24/7 backup
- Own the hardware, no rentals
Drawbacks
- Base station and keypad can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- Video doorbell and cameras cost extra
- Home automation integrations are limited (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant)
Cove
DIY home security with cheaper monitoring and 60-day guarantee
Advantages
- Cheaper monitoring: $17.99/mo Basic, $27.99/mo Plus
- 60-day risk-free trial with full refund
- InstaText and RapidResponse, text confirmations sent before dispatch
- Equipment fully owned by the customer after purchase
- Easy DIY setup, no professional installation required
Drawbacks
- Smaller equipment lineup than SimpliSafe
- Camera options fewer than SimpliSafe or Ring
- Newer brand, fewer public reviews than SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe and Cove both target the DIY home security market with no contracts and professional monitoring options. SimpliSafe is the older, bigger brand with the broader equipment lineup. Cove is the challenger with cheaper monitoring plans and a strong money-back guarantee.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | SimpliSafe | Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring Price | $19.99/mo Standard; $29.99/mo Pro (video verification) | $17.99/mo Basic; $27.99/mo Plus (video and smart features) |
| Contract Required | None, month-to-month | None, month-to-month |
| Equipment Kits | $250-$500+ starter kits | $150-$400+ starter kits |
| Professional Install | Optional, $124 add-on | Not offered, DIY only |
| Cellular Backup | Yes, included on paid monitoring | Yes on paid monitoring plans |
| Smart Home Integration | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| App Experience | Solid iOS/Android app | Solid iOS/Android app; InstaText for quick response |
SimpliSafe Wins
SimpliSafe wins for most homeowners thanks to the broader equipment lineup and larger installed base, the modest monitoring savings on Cove don't offset it.
Cove's monitoring is $2/mo cheaper than SimpliSafe's Standard tier, $24/yr in savings. SimpliSafe's advantage is the deeper equipment lineup (more camera options, panic buttons, smart locks integrations) and the larger installed base means better long-term support. Choose Cove if you want the very cheapest monitoring and don't need advanced accessories.