Cove vs Frontpoint
Comparing Cove and Frontpoint 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.
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Quick Answer
Cove beats Frontpoint for most users. It scores 8.7/10 vs 8.5/10 and very affordable monitoring. Choose Frontpoint if you need no long-term contract required.
Cove
WinnerBudget-friendly security with transparent pricing
Starting from
$19.99/mo
Frontpoint
Customizable DIY security with flexible monitoring options
Starting from
$4.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo | $4.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Monitoring | ||
| Professional Monitoring | ||
| Self Monitoring | ||
| Cellular Backup | ||
| Battery Backup | ||
| Cameras | ||
| Video Doorbell | ||
| Indoor Cameras | ||
| Outdoor Cameras | ||
| Features | ||
| Smart Home | Limited | Alexa/Google/Z-Wave |
| DIY Install | ||
| Contract Required | ||
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
Frontpoint
- No long-term contract required
- 30-day risk-free trial with free returns
- Z-Wave smart home compatibility
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Three-year limited equipment warranty
- Professional monitoring via Alarm.com
- Higher monitoring costs than some competitors
- Promotional pricing requires 36-month commitment
- 80% early termination fee if contracted
- Limited camera selection
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. Frontpoint offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($4.99/mo), while Cove ($19.99/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
Cove
Choose Cove if you prioritize very affordable monitoring, or value no long-term contracts.
Frontpoint
Choose Frontpoint if you prioritize no long-term contract required, or value 30-day risk-free trial with free returns.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Cove is our winner with a rating of 8.7/10 compared to Frontpoint's 8.5/10. Cove stands out for its very affordable monitoring and no long-term contracts. While Frontpoint is more affordable, Cove's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Frontpoint remains an excellent choice if no long-term contract required 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 Frontpoint?
Cove scores higher in our testing (8.7/10 vs 8.5/10). Cove excels at very affordable monitoring, while Frontpoint is better for no long-term contract required.
Which is cheaper, Cove or Frontpoint?
Frontpoint is more affordable at $4.99/mo vs $19.99/mo. Frontpoint offers 75% savings.
Cove vs Frontpoint: which should I choose?
Choose Cove if you prioritize very affordable monitoring. Choose Frontpoint if you need no long-term contract required. Both are solid home security options.
What's the main difference between Cove and Frontpoint?
The main difference is Cove offers budget-friendly security with transparent pricing, while Frontpoint focuses on customizable diy security with flexible monitoring options.