Similarities aside, Frontpoint is like a grown-up version of Cove. Everything Cove can do, Frontpoint can do better, Frontpoint has more cameras, better smart home support, and more equipment options. The biggest difference is that Cove is more affordable. Here’s a look at how Cove and Frontpoint compare: Cove’s Basic plan doesn’t give you access to Cove’s mobile app, and it doesn’t have smart home support. You can’t pair your alarm system with Alexa or Google unless you have Cove’s Plus plan. Frontpoint will let you finance your equipment over the length of 6, 12, or 36 months. With financing, Frontpoint’s security system starts as low as $10. But watch out because you may have to pay interest depending on your specific agreement. Cove offers a 36-month financing deal where you can get up to $415 worth of equipment at no up-front cost. But you have to pay an additional $10 per month for the whole three-year period. After 36 months, Cove forgives the rest of the equipment credit (about $55 at that point). If you cancel your Cove service before the 36 months are off, you have to pay off the remainder of your equipment balance. Cove’s financing option also isn’t available to all property types. (You can’t get it if you live in an apartment.)1 But both Frontpoint and Cove have indoor and outdoor cameras that will cover your basics. Frontpoint has a couple more camera options than Cove does, including a Premium Indoor Camera. Frontpoint cameras are actually manufactured by Alarm.com, but it’s still hard to say for sure exactly which versions Frontpoint uses. With Frontpoint, you can use Alexa or Google to arm your Frontpoint security system, turn on your smart lights, and turn down your thermostat. Frontpoint offers smart light bulbs, a smart lock, and a smart plug you can control with your voice. Cove doesn’t have any of its own smart devices, and it doesn’t work with smart devices from other brands like Philips Hue or Schlage. Cove offers a small selection of sensors, cameras, and detectors. You can use Alexa or Google to arm your Cove security system or ask about its status, but you can’t do much else. If you have a problem with either security system, you can probably find the answers to most of your questions in the company’s online support center. Cove has a Knowledge Base, and Frontpoint has a support hub. If you do need to contact them, then both Cove and Frontpoint have support reps available through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone.
Frontpoint customer service number: 877-602-5276 Cove customer service number: 855-268-3669
Price Equipment Home automation Cameras Customer service
We’ve been covering Frontpoint and Cove security systems for about three years. We’ve tested Frontpoint and Cove security systems and talked to representatives from both companies to make an accurate assessment of the pros and cons of each.
