Cove vs ADT
Comparing Cove and ADT requires looking beyond just equipment - monitoring quality, app experience, and customer service all matter. Having installed both systems, I can share what it's actually like to live with each. Cove scores 8.7/10 overall.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
Quick Answer
Cove beats ADT for most users. It scores 8.7/10 vs 8.4/10 and very affordable monitoring. Choose ADT if you need most trusted brand in security.
Cove
WinnerBudget-friendly security with transparent pricing
Starting from
$19.99/mo
ADT
Most trusted name with professional installation
Starting from
$24.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo | $24.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Monitoring | ||
| Professional Monitoring | ||
| Self Monitoring | ||
| Cellular Backup | ||
| Battery Backup | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Video Doorbell | ||
| Indoor Cameras | ||
| Outdoor Cameras | ||
| Features | ||
| Smart Home | Limited | Google/Z-Wave |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | 36 months | |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Cove
- Very affordable monitoring
- No long-term contracts
- Easy DIY installation
- Transparent pricing
- Lifetime equipment warranty
- InstaText rapid dispatch
- Limited camera options
- No outdoor cameras available
- Fewer smart home integrations
ADT
- Most trusted brand in security
- 6 professional monitoring centers
- Professional installation included
- Wide range of equipment options
- Google Home integration
- Theft protection guarantee
- Requires 3-year contract
- Higher monthly costs than DIY
- Early termination fees apply
Key Difference
The key difference: Cove offers diy install while ADT provides video doorbell. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Cove
Choose Cove if you prioritize very affordable monitoring, or value no long-term contracts.
ADT
Choose ADT if you prioritize most trusted brand in security, or value 6 professional monitoring centers.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Cove is our winner with a rating of 8.7/10 compared to ADT's 8.4/10. Cove stands out for its very affordable monitoring and no long-term contracts. Cove also offers better value at its price point. However, ADT remains an excellent choice if most trusted brand in security is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cove better than ADT?
Cove scores higher in our testing (8.7/10 vs 8.4/10). Cove excels at very affordable monitoring, while ADT is better for most trusted brand in security.
Which is cheaper, Cove or ADT?
Cove is more affordable at $19.99/mo vs $24.99/mo. Cove offers 20% savings.
Cove vs ADT: which should I choose?
Choose Cove if you prioritize very affordable monitoring. Choose ADT if you need most trusted brand in security. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between Cove and ADT?
The main difference is Cove offers budget-friendly security with transparent pricing, while ADT focuses on most trusted name with professional installation.