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Self-Installed, Professionally Monitored Security
Abode vs Cove
Find out why Abode is the perfect solution for your contract-free security needs
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Head-To-Head
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
Features and Services
Abode
Cove
monetization_on
Monthly Fee
For 24/7 professional monitoring service
$26.99 (Billed Monthly), $20.49 (When Billed Annually)
$22.99 (Basic), $32.99 (Plus)
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Self-Monitoring
Use your system without professional monitoring
$8.49/month or $79.99/year
nest_audio
Works With Apple HomeKit
Use with your favorite ecosystem
Included Free
nest_audio
Works With Alexa
Use with your favorite ecosystem
Included Free
Only With Plus Plan ($27.99/mo)
nest_audio
Works With Google Assistant
Use with your favorite ecosystem
Included Free
Only With Plus Plan ($27.99/mo)
videocam
Live Video
View live video from security cameras
Included Free
Only With Plus Plan ($27.99/mo) and in separate app
smartphone
App Access
Control & monitor your system from your phone
Included Free
Only With Paid Plan
speaker_group
Works With Smart Speakers
Bose and Sonos integrations
Included Free
Abode vs Cove: Which Budget-Friendly DIY Security System Wins?
Cove and Abode are both DIY-installed, 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.
The Bottom Line
Choose Abode if: You want smart home integration, HomeKit support, and powerful automations alongside your security system or if you are interested in self-monitoring your security system.
Choose Cove if: You want the absolute cheapest professional monitoring and don’t need smart home features.
Smart Home Integration: Abode Wins
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.
Automation: Abode Wins
Abode’s CUE automation engine lets you create complex rules connecting security events to smart devices. Cove has no built-in automation platform.
Camera & Video
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.
Our Verdict
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.