4.6
3.9In this guide
SimpliSafe vs Cove at a glance
| Feature | SimpliSafe | Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.6/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Installation | DIY (professional available) | DIY |
| Contract | None | None |
| Monitoring | Optional professional or self-monitoring | Professional (required for most value) |
| Monthly cost | $0–$79.99 | $22.99–$42.99 |
| Equipment cost | $250–$700 | $250–$500 |
| Video storage | Cloud | Cloud |
| Works with | Alexa and Google Assistant on eligible paid plans; no Apple Home | Alexa, Google Assistant (limited) |
| Trial / returns | 60-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Best for | Most people — the default recommendation for a first security system | Budget buyers who specifically want 24/7 professional monitoring |
The entry monitoring prices are equal
SimpliSafe Standard and Cove Basic both cost $22.99/month. SimpliSafe Core and Cove Plus both cost $32.99/month, but their recording retention and other features differ. Cove Premium costs $42.99/month. Compare SimpliSafe’s current plans with Cove’s plan details; there is no automatic monthly saving from choosing Cove.
At equal monitoring prices, the equipment quote, interface and features you actually use should decide the comparison.
SimpliSafe’s free option keeps live camera views and remote app arming over the internet, but not professional dispatch, cellular backup or saved video. That can reduce subscription spending during months you do not need a paid plan, but it also changes what protection you receive.
Hardware and app: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe combines wireless sensors, a physical keypad and app control. The Base Station has battery backup; cellular communication requires a professional monitoring plan.
Cove Connect uses a separate touchscreen and hub. Its current plan page includes app access on Basic for Connect, while older Cove Simple systems have different Basic-plan app access. Confirm the system generation and camera compatibility before buying.
SimpliSafe’s outdoor agent service requires eligible cameras and a Pro or Pro Plus plan. Pro is $49.99/month for 8pm–6am local coverage; Pro Plus is $79.99/month for 24/7 coverage, with the system armed. This is a different price tier from Standard or Core.
Three-year totals
| Scenario | Three-year total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cove + Basic | $1,077.64–$1,327.64 | $250–$500 equipment + 36 × $22.99; no Plus camera benefits |
| SimpliSafe + Standard | $1,127.64–$1,327.64 | $300–$500 equipment + 36 × $22.99; no recording |
| SimpliSafe + Core | $1,487.64–$1,687.64 | $300–$500 equipment + 36 × $32.99; recording included |
| SimpliSafe, unmonitored | ≈ $300–$500 | No recurring cost at all |
Totals exclude tax, optional installation and extra equipment. Promotions, annual billing and price changes can alter the result. None of these examples includes outdoor agent coverage. Cove Basic and SimpliSafe Standard each contribute $827.64 in monitoring over three years; the difference shown comes entirely from the equipment assumptions.
Which should you choose?
Choose SimpliSafe if free self-monitoring or optional outdoor agent coverage matters. Budget for the eligible cameras and higher plan if you want that agent service.
Choose Cove if you prefer its touchscreen and alerting workflow, and your equipment quote offers the better total for the same monitoring needs. Its entry monitoring price matches SimpliSafe Standard.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cove or SimpliSafe cheaper?
Cove Basic and SimpliSafe Standard both cost $22.99/month; Cove Plus and SimpliSafe Core both cost $32.99/month. Equipment and required features determine the total. Free SimpliSafe use removes subscription costs but also removes professional dispatch, recordings and cellular backup.
Can SimpliSafe work without monitoring?
Yes. The official free option includes live camera views and remote app arming/disarming over the internet. It does not include professional dispatch, cellular backup or saved recordings.
Which has better cameras?
Compare exact models and recording requirements. Cove Plus and SimpliSafe Core include camera recording, while SimpliSafe’s outdoor agent service requires eligible cameras and Pro or Pro Plus. These features do not establish comparative image quality.
Full specifications and scores
Quick scores
- SimpliSafe
- 4.6/5 — The DIY system that gets the fundamentals right
- Cove
- 3.9/5 — Cheap professional monitoring, modest hardware
