Cove Security is suitable for users prioritizing affordability and ease of use with professional monitoring, while ADT Self Setup is better for those who want self-monitoring, extensive smart home integration, and customizable security settings despite the higher cost and potential monitoring responsiveness issues.
| Attribute | Cove Security | ADT Self Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Professional monitoring cost | Basic: $17.99/month, Plus: $27.99/month | Secure Monitoring (no video): $24.99/month, Complete Monitoring (with video): $39.99/month, Other sources mention $20/month and $24.99 - $39.99/month. |
| Equipment cost | Basic system starts around $150, most items under $120 (except Alarm Panel at $150) | Build Your Own system: Starting at $269 (base station and one sensor), Premade packages: Range from $349 to $1,573 (MSRP, often discounted), Individual sensors: Door/window sensors cost $14.99 each, motion sensors sell for $24.99 each, and flood and temperature sensors retail for $34.99 each. |
| Contract length | No-contract options available, 3-year contract option to finance equipment | No long-term contracts required, Month-to-month options are available. |
| Self-monitoring option | Not available; professional monitoring required | Yes, available with full app access, You are responsible for contacting emergency services. |
| Mobile app features | Arm/disarm system, manage users, check system status, receive notifications (Cove Plus plan only) | ADT+ app for Android and iOS, Arming/disarming, viewing sensor data, live video feed from cameras, control smart home devices, customize alerts, create automation rules. |
| Smart home integration | Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant (Cove Plus plan) | Integrates with Google Nest products, Works with Z-Wave devices, Compatible with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT. |
| Installation difficulty | DIY installation, simple setup process | Easy DIY installation, No tools required. |
| Equipment warranty | Cove Basic: one-year, Cove Plus: lifetime | 6-month guarantee, One-year warranty, Limited warranty, with options to extend. |
| Cellular backup | Included in all systems | Available with professional monitoring, Requires a subscription. |
| Battery backup | Cove Hub: 24-hour, Alarm panel: ~4 hours | 24-hour battery backup for the Smart Home Hub. |
| Entry delay options | Not available | Adjustable entry delay time (30-240 seconds), Default setting is 30 seconds. |
| Customization options | " la carte system customization" | Build your own system or choose pre-packaged bundles, Add additional sensors and devices, Customize alerts and automation rules. |