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.
Related ADT and Cove Alternatives
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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