Find out why Abode is the perfect solution for your contract-free security needs
Abode’s included features, the ability to self-monitor, and best-in-class video technology make it the clear choice for anyone comparing these two systems
Abode does its best to ensure the information in this table is accurate and up-to-date
Monthly Fee
For 24/7 professional monitoring service
Self-Monitoring
Use your system without professional monitoring
Works With Apple HomeKit
Use with your favorite ecosystem
Works With Alexa
Use with your favorite ecosystem
Works With Google Assistant
Use with your favorite ecosystem
Live Video
View live video from security cameras
App Access
Control & monitor your system from your phone
Works With Smart Speakers
Bose and Sonos integrations
Works With Smart Lights
For security and convenience
Cove and Abode are both DIY, no-contract home security systems aimed at budget-conscious homeowners. But while they compete on price, Abode offers significantly more smart home capability. Here’s the comparison.
Choose Abode if: You want smart home integration, HomeKit support, and powerful automations alongside your security system.
Choose Cove if: You want the absolute cheapest professional monitoring and don’t need smart home features.
Abode supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, Zigbee, WiFi, and IFTTT. Cove supports Alexa and Google — but with limited functionality. Cove does not support HomeKit, Z-Wave, or Zigbee.
If you have any smart home devices beyond basic voice assistants, Abode is the clear choice. Cove is a security-only system with minimal smart home capability.
Abode’s CUE automation engine lets you create complex rules connecting security events to smart devices. Cove has no built-in automation platform.
| Plan | Abode | Cove |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Monitoring | Free | Not available |
| Basic Monitoring | $8.49/mo | $17.99/mo |
| Full Monitoring | $26.99/mo | $27.99/mo |
Cove is slightly cheaper at the basic monitoring tier, but Abode offers free self-monitoring that Cove doesn’t — meaning you can use Abode’s full system without paying anything monthly. For self-monitored users, Abode saves you $216/year vs Cove’s cheapest plan.
Abode offers its own Cam 2 (indoor/outdoor, $35) and video doorbell. Cove doesn’t manufacture cameras — they resell third-party YI cameras with limited integration. Abode’s cameras integrate natively with the security system for unified alerts and automations.
Cove is a decent budget option if you only want basic professional monitoring. But Abode offers dramatically more capability — smart home integration, automations, free self-monitoring, better cameras, and HomeKit support. For the small price difference, Abode is the smarter investment.
