Cove vs SimpliSafe 2026: A Hands-on Comparasion
I bought both systems, installed them in my house, and tested them side by side. Here's my honest take on which one deserves your money.
I have reviewed both SimpliSafe and Cove individually. So in this article, I wanted to breakdown how they both compare one to another. So if you are on the fence about which one to get then this will be the guide for you.
The short version? Both are solid DIY security systems, and I don’t think you’d be making a mistake going with either one. But they’re not the same, and depending on what you care about, one is going to be a better fit than the other.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Cove Vs SimpliSafe At A Glance
Here are the important details at a glance:
| Feature | Cove | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly monitoring | $23.99 - $33/mo | $0 - $79.99/mo |
| Upfront Equipment cost (what I paid) | $250 (70% off) | $519 (50% off) |
| Touchscreen keypad | Yes | No |
| Cameras proprietary? | No (Eufy) | Yes |
| Active Guard monitoring | No | Yes |
| Contract required | No | No |
| Smart home automation | No | Door lock only |
| Installation | DIY | DIY |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes |
What Both of My Systems Came With
Both of my systems came with roughly the same equipment: a base station, keypad, door/window sensors, motion sensor, glass break sensor, and three cameras (indoor, outdoor, and doorbell).
The only extra on the SimpliSafe side was a smart door lock. Cove doesn’t offer any sort of home automation (neither does SimpliSafe with the exception of the doorlock). It’s security monitoring with cameras, and that’s it.
Both are monitored 24/7 for police, fire, and medical. Both connect through Wi-Fi with cellular backup, so if your internet goes down or you lose power, monitoring stays active. There is no landline needed.
Both systems are Month-to-month, so you can cancel whenever without penality. That’s a big pro for both and one of the main reasons people choose DIY systems over something like ADT or Vivint.
Cove and SimpliSafe Equipment Comparasion
The Keypad
I prefer the Cove keypad. It’s touchscreen, it’s portable, and you can set it on a nightstand or table without wall-mounting it. You can even check your camera feeds and update settings right from the panel. It just feels more modern.
The Cove touchscreen panel sitting on the included stand.
SimpliSafe’s keypad is the traditional push-button style. It works fine, but it’s not touchscreen and it’s designed to be wall-mounted. If I’m honest, it feels a little dated sitting next to Cove’s. Most of the time I’m using the app anyway, but when I do use the keypad, I prefer Coves.
Sensors
Both systems come with door/window sensors and motion sensors that stick on with adhesive. Simple, renter-friendly, no drilling.
Both offer the same selection of sensors. In addition to your traditional security sensors (door/window, motion, glassbreak etc), both companies offer smoke, flood, CO detectors, and panic buttons. The Cove sensors are a little smaller, but not by much. Both can easily be installed and removed.
Cove vs SimpliSafe Cameras Review
I was pleasantly surprised with both. For the price, you get high-definition, night vision cameras with built-in motion detection and two-way audio. Both send push notifications to your phone when they detect activity, and you can pull up live feeds or view recordings from the app.
The Cove outdoor camera has a solar panel for wireless charging.
Heads Up: Neither system offers 24/7 continuous recording. Both only capture video clips triggered by motion. If you need round-the-clock recording, you’d need to look at something like Vivint or ADT.
SimpliSafe Cameras
SimpliSafe offers three cameras: outdoor, doorbell, and basic indoor. The standout feature is Active Guard. When coupled with their Active Guard monitoring plan ($49.99/mo), SimpliSafe’s monitoring agents can access a live feed of your indoor cameras during an alarm to relay information to emergency services. They can even talk through the camera to assess the situation or scare off an intruder.
The Pro plan ($49.99/mo) uses Active Guard to monitor outdoor cameras between 8 PM and 6 AM. The Pro Plus plan ($79.99/mo) gets you 24/7 outdoor coverage. It’s a premium, but it’s a genuinely proactive security feature that you won’t find with most other systems.
One issue I ran into: when viewing SimpliSafe’s cameras live and someone was moving quickly (like walking around my pool), the video would stutter. The recorded playback was smooth, but live viewing had some lag.
The big downside is that SimpliSafe cameras are proprietary. If you cancel SimpliSafe service, your cameras stop working. You still have to pay SimpliSafe to get any use out of them.
Cove Cameras
Cove partners with Eufy for their cameras. You get an indoor camera, an outdoor solar camera, and a doorbell camera. The quality was comparable to SimpliSafe, and I never had stuttering issues during live viewing. The video was smooth both live and in playback.
Cove’s outdoor camera is made by Eufy. It charges with the solar panel on the back.
The outdoor camera is completely wireless. It runs on a solar panel, so you never need to charge it or run a wire to it. SimpliSafe’s outdoor camera can run on battery, but if you want Active Guard, it needs to be plugged in.
The biggest advantage with Cove’s cameras: they’re not proprietary. If you cancel Cove monitoring, you can download the Eufy app and keep using your cameras for free. That’s huge if you’re not sure about committing to monitoring long-term, or if you ever want to pause your subscription.
I did have some trouble getting the Cove cameras to connect during initial setup. It was frustrating, but I eventually got them working and didn’t have issues after that. SimpliSafe’s camera setup was smoother from the start.
Camera Price Comparison
This is where Cove really stands out:
| Camera | Cove | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor | $59.99 | $99 (wired) / $149.99 (wireless) |
| Outdoor | $129.99 (solar) | $199.99 |
| Video doorbell | $99.99 | $169 |
Cove’s cameras are significantly cheaper across the board, and the quality difference is minimal. Unless you specifically need Active Guard, you’re getting a better deal with Cove’s cameras.
Installation
Both are DIY systems. Everything ships to your door, you download the app, follow the instructions, and install everything yourself.
SimpliSafe took me about two hours. Cove took about three. Between the two, SimpliSafe had a slightly easier setup process. They’ve been doing the DIY thing longer and have their process really refined. Cove was great too, but those camera connection issues slowed me down.
Sensors stick on with 3M adhesive. No drilling required.
Neither system should take you more than a few hours even if you’ve never installed a security system before. If you don’t want to do it yourself, both offer third-party professional installation. SimpliSafe starts at $125, Cove starts at $129. But honestly, save your money and do it yourself. It’s easier than you’d expect.
Monitoring Plans And Pricing
Cove Monitoring Plans
Cove keeps it simple with two plans:
| Feature | Cove Basic ($23.99/mo) | Cove Plus ($33/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone control | Yes | Yes |
| Camera support | No | Yes |
| Voice control (Alexa/Google) | No | Yes |
| Equipment warranty | 1 year | Lifetime |
| $5/mo equipment credit | No | Yes |
If you want cameras with Cove, you have to go with the Plus plan at $33/mo. Out of that $33, Cove gives you a $5 credit each month that accumulates on your account. You can use it to buy additional equipment later. So your real out-of-pocket is closer to $28/mo.
One thing to know: Cove requires a monitoring plan. There’s no self-monitoring option. If you cancel monitoring, the security system stops working. (Your Eufy cameras will still work through the Eufy app though.)
Cove also has a two-way voice feature built into the keypad panel. If your alarm goes off, the monitoring agents will try to reach you on your phone, but they can also talk to you through the panel. That can be useful if there’s an actual break-in and you can’t reach your phone.
SimpliSafe Monitoring Plans
SimpliSafe has more options, which is both good and bad:
| Plan | Monthly cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Self-monitoring, camera live streaming, notifications |
| Camera Recording Only | $9.99 | Cloud storage for 10 cameras, smart home integrations |
| Standard | $21.99 | 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular connection |
| Core | $31.99 | Active Guard (indoor), video-verified alarms, cloud storage |
| Pro | $49.99 | Active Guard (outdoor, 8PM-6AM) |
| Pro Plus | $79.99 | Active Guard (outdoor, 24/7) |
The free plan is a real option if you’re on a tight budget. You get live streaming and notifications on your phone, so you can still monitor things yourself. You just won’t have professional monitoring dispatching police or fire for you.
The Core plan at $31.99 is the sweet spot for most people. It’s where you get Active Guard on your indoor cameras, video-verified alarms (the monitoring center gets a video clip when an alarm triggers), and cloud storage.
If you want agents actively watching your outdoor cameras, that’s the Pro or Pro Plus tier. It’s a premium, but it’s a genuinely different approach to home security. Most systems are reactive. Something trips the alarm, then help gets dispatched. Active Guard is proactive. An agent can spot someone suspicious on your property and intervene before a break-in even happens.
Cove Vs SimpliSafe Equipment Costs
Both companies let you build your own system a la carte. SimpliSafe also offers pre-built packages starting at $249.96 (The Foundation), which is nice if you don’t want to think about it.
| Device | Cove | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Hub/Base station | $150 | $129.99 |
| Keypad/Panel | $150 | $69.99 |
| Door sensor | $15 | $14.99 |
| Motion sensor | $50 | $34.99 |
| Glass break sensor | $50 | $39.99 |
| Smoke detector | $95 | $44.99 |
| CO detector | $95 | $69.99 (combo smoke + CO) |
| Indoor camera | $59.99 | $99 - $149.99 |
| Outdoor camera | $129.99 | $199.99 |
| Video doorbell | $99.99 | $169 |
| Flood sensor | $50 | $19.99 |
At full retail, SimpliSafe is cheaper on sensors and environmental detectors, while Cove is cheaper on cameras. But here’s what matters more: both companies run big sales basically all the time. I got Cove at 70% off (paid $250 total) and SimpliSafe at 50% off (paid $519 total). The discounts make a bigger difference than the retail pricing.
> > Cove Promo: 70% OFF + Free Indoor CameraThe Apps
Both apps work well. You can arm/disarm your system, view cameras, download video clips, change PIN codes, add users, and set up schedules. The basics are all there.
SimpliSafe’s app is a little more polished. The design is cleaner and some features are more intuitive to find. Cove’s app works fine and I could do everything I needed to, but the UI isn’t quite as refined. For what it’s worth, SimpliSafe’s app has near-perfect ratings on the App Store and Google Play, while Cove’s ratings are much lower.
The Cove app. Functional, just not as polished as SimpliSafe’s.
Both apps support Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, though you’ll need a paid monitoring plan to use that with either system. Neither system integrates with third-party smart home devices like lights or thermostats. SimpliSafe does offer a proprietary smart door lock, which is the only real home automation either system provides.
How They Handle Emergencies
Both systems dispatch police, fire, and medical 24/7 through their monitoring centers.
Cove uses RapidSOS technology, which routes emergency calls with additional data so the right service responds faster. If your smoke alarm goes off, the fire department is contacted. If someone breaks in, it goes to the police. Cove also has three monitoring centers across the U.S. for redundancy, plus that two-way voice through the panel.
SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring is run by Rapid Response using wireless and cellular platforms. If you’re on the Core plan or higher, video-verified alarms send a clip to the monitoring center when your system triggers, which can speed up response times. And of course, Active Guard takes it further by letting agents assess the situation through your cameras in real time.
If you’re on SimpliSafe’s free plan, you’re on your own for contacting authorities.
Smart Home And Home Automation
I’ll keep this short because there’s not much to say. Neither system is a smart home hub. If you want to control lights, thermostats, and locks all from one app, look at Vivint or ADT.
Cove has zero home automation. SimpliSafe has one proprietary smart door lock you can sync to the system. That’s it. Both work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands, but only for basic security functions like arming and disarming.
So Which One Should You Get?
After living with both, here’s how I see it.
Get Cove If You Want The Best Value
Pros
- Best Value. High Quality Equipment for the Price
- Touchscreen keypad panel
- Super easy DIY installation
- Two-way voice built into the panel for emergency communication
- Cameras record locally via SD card even without Wi-Fi
- Cameras can still be used if you cancel the service
- Add unlimited cameras without increasing monthly bill
- Renter-friendly, wireless sensors remove cleanly with no residue
Cons
- No home automation
- Connecting the cameras on install is frustrating
- No 24/7 video recording recording
- No power over Ethernet option for cameras
- Mobile app not quite as polished
Cove is the system I’d recommend for most people who just want solid security without overpaying. The upfront cost is about half the price of SimpliSafe (especially with their 70% off deals). The cameras aren’t proprietary, so you can keep using them if you ever cancel. The touchscreen keypad is better. And the monthly cost is basically the same as SimpliSafe’s comparable plan, with the added bonus of that $5/mo equipment credit.
The monitoring is reliable, the equipment gets the job done, and you’re not locked into anything. If you want core home security with cameras at the lowest possible price, check out Cove.
Get SimpliSafe If You Want Active Guard
Pros
- Active Guard live video monitoring is unique in the industry
- Easy DIY installation with refined setup process
- No contract, month-to-month service
- Free monitoring plan available with basic app control
- Cellular backup keeps monitoring active when Wi-Fi is down
Cons
- No touchscreen keypad (basic push-button style)
- Cameras are proprietary (stop working if you cancel)
- Limited smart home and home automation features
- No 24/7 continuous recording (clips only)
- Monthly cost has increased significantly (no longer the budget option)
- Can't use existing hardwired sensors
If Active Guard is something you want, SimpliSafe is the only game in town. Having monitoring agents actually watch your camera feeds and intervene before a break-in happens is a different level of security. It’s not cheap ($49-$80/mo for outdoor coverage), but nothing else in the DIY space offers anything like it.
SimpliSafe also wins if you want a free self-monitoring option, a bigger equipment selection, or a more polished app. The pre-built packages make it easier to buy a system without decision fatigue.
> > Cove Promo: 70% OFF + Free Indoor CameraThe Bottom Line
For my money, I lean towards Cove. Lower upfront cost, non-proprietary cameras, better keypad, and the same monthly price for core monitoring. But if Active Guard is a must-have or you want the free monitoring tier, SimpliSafe is the move.
Either way, you’re getting a capable DIY system with no contracts and professional monitoring. You’re not making a bad decision with either one.
Is Cove a good security system?
Yes. Cove is a solid DIY security system with 24/7 professional monitoring, a touchscreen keypad, and Eufy cameras that work independently of the Cove service. It's one of the best values in home security right now, especially with their frequent 70% off equipment sales.
How much does Cove security cost per month?
Cove has two plans. The Basic plan is $23.99/mo for security monitoring without camera access. The Plus plan is $33/mo and includes cameras, voice control, a lifetime warranty, and a $5/mo equipment credit. There's no free or self-monitoring option.
How much does SimpliSafe cost per month?
SimpliSafe ranges from free (self-monitoring with app access) to $79.99/mo for their Pro Plus plan with 24/7 Active Guard. The most popular plan is Core at $31.99/mo, which includes professional monitoring, Active Guard for indoor cameras, and cloud storage.
Can you self-monitor with Cove?
No. Cove requires a paid monitoring plan ($23.99/mo minimum) for the security system to function. However, if you cancel Cove, your Eufy cameras will still work through the free Eufy app. SimpliSafe does offer a free self-monitoring tier.
Are Cove cameras proprietary?
No. Cove's cameras are made by Eufy. If you cancel Cove monitoring, you can download the Eufy app and continue using the cameras for free. SimpliSafe's cameras are proprietary and require a SimpliSafe subscription to function.
What is SimpliSafe Active Guard?
Active Guard lets SimpliSafe's monitoring agents access live camera feeds during an alarm event. They can see what's happening, talk through the camera's two-way audio, and relay details to emergency services. The Core plan ($31.99/mo) covers indoor cameras, while outdoor coverage requires the Pro ($49.99/mo) or Pro Plus ($79.99/mo) plan.
Is Cove or SimpliSafe easier to install?
Both are easy DIY installs. SimpliSafe took me about two hours and Cove took about three. SimpliSafe's process was slightly smoother, but neither requires any tools or technical knowledge. Both also offer third-party professional installation for around $125-$129.
Do Cove and SimpliSafe work with Alexa and Google Home?
Yes, both systems work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands like arming and disarming. You'll need a paid monitoring plan with either system to use voice control features.
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