ADT is the biggest name in home security — over 6 million customers and 150+ years of brand history. Cove launched in 2018 with one pitch: professional monitoring at the lowest possible price, no contract. These two systems target very different buyers, and the 3-year cost gap is significant.
Here is the full breakdown for 2026, including current plan pricing, equipment costs, and the third option worth considering.
Quick Comparison: ADT vs Cove 2026
| Feature | ADT Traditional | ADT+ (Self Setup) | Cove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $28.99–$59.99 | $24.99 | $14.99–$27.99 |
| Equipment | $0 down (36-mo finance) | $199–$449 | Free with plan |
| Contract | 36 months | None | None |
| Installation | Professional | DIY | DIY |
| Free Self-Monitor | No | No | No |
| Cameras | ADT-branded (Google Nest) | Google Nest lineup | None |
| HomeKit | No | No | No |
| Smart Home | Z-Wave, Alexa, Google | Google Home only | Z-Wave, Alexa, Google |
| Cellular Backup | Yes | Yes | All plans |
Monitoring Plans
| Tier | ADT Traditional | ADT+ | Cove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $28.99/mo (Secure) | $24.99/mo | $14.99/mo (Basic) |
| Mid | $42.99/mo (Smart) | — | $27.99/mo (Plus) |
| Top | $59.99/mo (Complete) | — | — |
ADT’s cheapest monitored plan ($28.99/mo) costs nearly double Cove’s entry ($14.99/mo). The ADT Complete tier at $59.99/mo is 4x Cove Basic. That gap compounds fast over a multi-year commitment.
3-Year Total Cost Comparison
| Scenario | ADT Traditional | ADT+ Self Setup | Cove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Plan | $0 + $1,044 = $1,044* | $249 + $900 = $1,149 | $0 + $540 = $540 |
| Mid Plan | $0 + $1,548 = $1,548* | — | $0 + $1,008 = $1,008 |
| Top Plan | $0 + $2,160 = $2,160* | — | — |
*ADT Traditional requires a 36-month contract. Equipment is “free” but built into the commitment. Early termination fees apply (75% of remaining contract value). Cove has no contract — cancel any month.
The entry-level gap: ADT at $1,044–$1,149 vs Cove at $540. That is $500–$600 saved with Cove over 3 years.
Where ADT Wins
- Cameras: ADT offers a full camera ecosystem (Google Nest hardware). Cove sells zero cameras.
- Professional installation: ADT sends a tech to your house. Matters if you want someone else to drill holes and run wires.
- Brand recognition: ADT yard signs are the most recognized deterrent in the industry. Burglars know the name.
- Video verification: ADT’s top plan includes video-confirmed alarm dispatch, which gets faster police response.
Where Cove Wins
- Price: $500–$1,100 cheaper than ADT over 3 years depending on plan tier.
- No contract: Cancel anytime vs ADT’s 36-month lock-in with termination fees.
- Free equipment: Cove includes equipment free with plan selection. ADT finances it.
- Cellular on all plans: Even Cove’s cheapest $14.99 plan includes cellular backup.
- Z-Wave support: Cove supports Z-Wave devices. ADT+ (self-setup) is locked to Google Home only.
The Catch With Both
Neither ADT nor Cove offers a free self-monitoring tier. You pay monthly from day one or the system doesn’t work. Neither supports Apple HomeKit. And Cove’s lack of cameras is a real gap in 2026 — video evidence matters for insurance claims and police reports.
The Third Option: Abode
Abode starts at $0/month with a free self-monitoring tier. The gateway works as a smart home hub (Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit, Alexa, Google). Optional pro monitoring at $6/month is cheaper than both ADT and Cove. Over 3 years with the $6/mo Connect plan: $200 kit + $216 monitoring = $416 total.
That undercuts Cove by $124 and ADT by $628+, while adding HomeKit support and smart home hub features neither competitor offers.
Read more: Abode vs Cove | Abode vs ADT
Verdict
Pick ADT if: You want professional installation, cameras included, and the brand-name yard sign. Be ready to pay 2–4x more and sign a 3-year contract.
Pick Cove if: Budget is the top priority, you only need sensors and monitoring, and you want zero commitment. Add third-party cameras separately.
Pick Abode if: You want the lowest total cost, a free tier, HomeKit support, and a real smart home hub. It fills every gap both ADT and Cove leave open.
With over 20 years of experience evaluating home security technologies, Andrew is a trusted home security expert. He specializes in DIY home security systems, indoor and outdoor security cameras, doorbell cameras, and safety software such as password managers. Andrew uses in-depth research to provide accurate and actionable insights. His work helps you make better decisions to protect your home.
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