Home safety systems: Cove Security vs. Blue by ADT

Quick Verdict

Cove Security is a good option for users prioritizing ease of use, transparent pricing, and rapid emergency response. Blue by ADT may be more suitable for users seeking broader smart home integration and are comfortable with DIY installation.

Cove Security offers faster emergency response times with RapidSOS integration, while Blue by ADT focuses on contacting users before authorities.
Cove Security provides a longer equipment warranty with its Cove Plus plan, whereas Blue by ADT offers a shorter warranty period.
Blue by ADT has broader smart home integration capabilities with Z-Wave and IFTTT, while Cove Security's smart home integration is more limited.
Cove Security emphasizes transparent pricing and no long-term contracts, while Blue by ADT has some customer complaints about contract issues.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Cove Security	Blue by ADT
Professional Monitoring Cost	Basic: $17.99/month, Plus: $27.99/month	$19.99 per month
Equipment Cost	Alarm Panel: $150 (prices vary, sales and discounts available)	Equipment can be purchased upfront for around $300+. Starter packages range from $230 to $300. Individual door and window sensors are $15, and motion sensors are $25. Basic system with base, keypad, and app is around $109.19. Cameras are around $200 each.
Contract Length	No long-term contracts, cancel anytime without penalties	No long-term contract for self-monitoring plans. However, some customers have complained about being locked into 3-5 year contracts.
Mobile App Features	Remote arming/disarming (Stay, Away, Night modes), notifications, bypass sensor options, user management, system status checks. Cove Connect app available only with Cove Plus plan. Connects via internet and cellular network.	Arm and disarm the system remotely, stream live video, record video, take snapshots, download and playback saved media, check system status, control smart home devices, manage settings, set up custom alerts, view event history, set up custom rules, crime map.
Smart Home Integration	Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant; limited smart home compatibility compared to other systems	Works with Z-Wave devices, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, integrates with IFTTT applets.
Installation Options	DIY installation with on-screen instructions; Professional installation via HelloTech starting at $129	DIY
Equipment Warranty	Cove Basic: one-year warranty, Cove Plus: lifetime warranty	90-day warranty. ADT offers a 12-month warranty to repair or replace defective equipment.
Cellular Backup	Included in all systems	Included with professional monitoring. A cellular backup bridge can provide cellular backup during internet outages.
Battery Backup Duration	24-hour battery backup	The Smart Hub has a 24-hour battery backup.
Types of Sensors Offered	Door/window sensors, motion sensors, smoke detectors, CO detectors, flood sensors, medical alert buttons	Door/window sensors, motion sensors, fire sensors, flood sensors, temperature sensors.
Emergency Response Time	Uses RapidSOS, claims 10x faster response times than competitors, some reviews mention average response times of 30 seconds	With professional monitoring, the response center will attempt to contact you and specified contacts before contacting authorities.
Customer Support Availability	Phone, chat, and email	Contact Onboarding Specialists at 877-464-7437.

Overall Comparison

Cove Security: Monitoring from $17.99/month, RapidSOS integration. Blue by ADT: Monitoring from $19.99/month, Z-Wave integration.

Pros and Cons

Cove Security

Pros:

Easy DIY installation
No long-term contracts
Cellular backup included
RapidSOS for faster emergency response
Responsive customer support
60-day money-back guarantee
Transparent pricing

Cons:

Mobile app only available with Cove Plus plan
Limited smart home compatibility
Professional installation incurs an additional fee

Blue by ADT

Pros:

Straightforward installation with mobile app guidance
Cellular backup ensures communication during outages
Integration with Z-Wave, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
Adjustable motion sensor sensitivity
Month-to-month contracts available with upfront equipment purchase

Cons:

Some customers report being locked into long-term contracts
Alarm monitoring center may not be as responsive as expected
No support for Apple HomeKit
Potential for unexpected charges if contract details are not carefully reviewed

User Experiences and Feedback

Cove Security

What Users Love

Easy, quick, and hassle-free DIY installation (often less than 30 minutes)
System remains functional during internet outages due to cellular backup
Friendly, responsive, and eager to please customer support
Motion sensors designed to avoid false alarms from small pets
Door sensors have a 300-foot wireless range and a five-year battery life

Common Complaints

Limited execution of the 'Recipe' function in the app (actions restricted to notifications)

Value Perception

Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

User Recommendations

Some experienced 30-second response times on average.

Blue by ADT

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Installation is generally straightforward, with the mobile app guiding you through the process.
Cellular backup ensures the system continues to communicate with ADT during power outages or network loss.
Some reviews mention that the alarm monitoring center may not be as responsive as expected.
Blue by ADT doesn't support Apple's HomeKit.
The system integrates with Z-Wave devices, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
Motion sensors are quick to sound the alarm. Sensitivity can be adjusted in the app.
The monitoring center will try to call you or a contact before contacting the authorities.
It is important to ask about contract details and read them carefully to avoid unexpected charges.
The hub has a 24-hour battery backup.
Month-to-month contracts are available if you purchase at least $300 worth of equipment upfront.
Canceling before the end of a contract may result in early termination fees.