How many households have alarm systems today?

As many as 21 million households in the US use a security alarm system to protect themselves from burglary, home invasions and other crimes. With almost four million burglaries each year, it's important to have round-the-clock monitoring and an immediate emergency response if someone tries to break in.

Is it expensive to have an alarm system?

It doesn't have to be. There are two costs associated with all alarm systems: the equipment and the monitoring service itself. Some companies give you the equipment at no charge as part of your plan, but the monthly fees are often higher to account for the free gear. Other services may require you to pay for your equipment upfront, but your monthly charge will be lower than the competition. Most alarm systems have monthly fees ranging from the low $30s to the upper $50s.

Do I need to have my system installed by a technician?

In the past, alarm systems were 100% wired - and yes, they had to be installed by a professional. While there are still a handful of companies that use these types of systems (including a landline to monitor them), most services today use totally wireless technology. In fact, many alarm systems have equipment that you can install yourself in just a few minutes.

What types of equipment should I consider including in my alarm system?

The most basic systems include a few door contact sensors and that's about it. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to include wireless motion sensors for the interior or exterior of your home, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors or even a panic pendant. The most advanced alarm systems give you options for video recording as well.

Do I have to sign a lengthy contract?

You might. If you got your equipment at no cost, chances are you'll be signing a contract of at least three years (ouch). If that doesn't appeal to you, consider an alarm system company where you purchase your equipment outright: they're less likely to require you to sign a contract to use their monitoring service.

If I move, can my alarm system come with me?

You can rest assured that your alarm system provider wants to keep your business, and they'll make it as easy as possible if you move. Whether that includes setting up monitoring at your new address or even doing a full install, they will help you get it done. The easiest systems to move are the ones with do-it-yourself installation: move the equipment when you go, and don't forget to update the alarm company with your location.

Will having an alarm system save me money on my homeowner's insurance?

Almost certainly. Savings typically range from 2-10%, depending on the type of alarm system you have and your insurer.

What if I install my system and it doesn't work the way I expected? Can I get a refund?

Many of today's popular alarm systems come with a 30-day risk-free trial. However, some companies have hefty fees for cancelling a contract prior to the end date, so you'll want to read all of the fine print before you commit to a provider.

Cove Review for March 2026 | Best Alarm System Companies

Item: Cove Review
Rating: 4.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, March 13th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Alarm System Company Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems? Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

4.4

GREAT

Great

Cove

Alarm systems under $500
Monitoring from $18 to $27.99 per month
Quiz-based assistance for creating a bespoke system
Buy equipment upfront
High tech with smart integrations
Triple Touch Alarm Response
No contract required
60-day return policy
4.4-star average rating

GREAT

4.4

On the Cove website

Cove offers an affordable and reliable alarm system solution that's quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Despite being relatively new, Cove has already received praise, including recognition from US News and World Report. What sets Cove apart is its innovative approach to alarm response. When an alarm is triggered, you'll instantly receive a text notification, and the LiveAssist feature will attempt to reach you via your control panel. If you confirm an emergency, Cove will dispatch emergency services, minimizing false alarms and potential fees.

A custom alarm system built with Cove

Cove helps you get started with a personalized alarm system. By answering a few questions about your home and existing alarm system, if any, Cove will provide tailored recommendations. You'll have the flexibility to customize the setup to meet your specific needs, whether it's adding extra cameras for more coverage or omitting sensors for certain areas, without being limited to pre-packaged kits. If you have nothing pre-installed in your home, Cove will help you build your package from the ground up. This way, your system is designed specifically for your space, rather than being a generic solution. However, if you're a fan of a premade kit, you won't find any at this provider.

Monitoring from $18 per month

After putting together your system, you'll choose between two monitoring options: Cove Basic and Cove Plus. Both plans offer 24/7 monitoring of all alarms and environmental alerts through AT&T's 4G LTE network, for continuous protection. The Basic plan costs $18 per month and includes a one-year equipment warranty, while the Plus plan, priced at $27.99 per month, provides lifetime warranty coverage, a fixed rate, and monthly credits for new equipment purchases.

Reliable and helpful professionals

Cove offers a risk-free trial period of 60 days, allowing you to test the alarm system without financial obligation. If you're not fully satisfied, you can return the equipment, and Cove will cover the shipping costs. Despite being a newer company, Cove has built a solid reputation, earning a "B" rating from the Better Business Bureau with few complaints. All reviews currently on the BBB have 5-star ratings. Further, Cove's average rating on Trustpilot is 4.4 out of 5 stars with over 4,000 customers to back up the rating. Customers specifically praise Cove's support, setup, and reliable security equipment.

Built just for you

Cove's alarm systems provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for homeowners. With no contracts required, you can try out Cove's equipment and services without commitment. Customers appreciate Cove's alarm systems, making it a top choice for those seeking a hassle-free solution. With transparent pricing and a customer-centric approach, Cove is a compelling option for your alarm system needs. For this reason, Cove earns a solid rating in our review.

On the Cove website

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

If budget is a concern, alarm systems provide a range of options that let you control your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you choose to skip professional monitoring or plan to add components later, alarm systems make these adjustments straightforward.

Why worry about the security of your home or buying low-tech locks and keys when you can choose an alarm system that offers both simplicity and robust protection? When choosing an alarm system, your first decision is whether you want to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds sent right to your smartphone or opt for 24/7 professional monitoring.

While professional monitoring adds extra costs, many find peace of mind knowing that their home is watched around the clock and that these services can trigger the alarm and even call law enforcement for you in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can save money by choosing to monitor the system yourself and keeping a close eye on alerts and notifications.

Next, think about the equipment you need for your alarm system. At a minimum, you'll likely need door sensors for all first-floor entry points and a panel or touchscreen hub for arming and disarming the system. Other popular components include indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and sensors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide.

Some companies allow you to purchase equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed. Keep in mind that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but you have the freedom to choose what works best for you.

Now that you have an idea of what you want in an alarm system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some important factors to consider:

Value. What do you get for your money? Does the company provide good service for the equipment you install? Are the components high-quality and durable?
Contracts. Will you need to sign a contract? Sometimes the cost of the equipment is included in the monitoring fee, which could lock you into a long-term commitment. If you don't want this, you may need to look at different options.
Satisfaction guarantee. What if you're not happy with your system? Can you get your money back? Does the provider offer a trial period or satisfaction guarantee?
Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for alarm systems that are easy to operate and responsive when there's an alert. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau can provide valuable insights into the system's reliability and the company's customer service.

To help you simplify your security, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best alarm systems available today. We hope this information helps you find the best solution to protect your home and loved ones at a price you can afford. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home, family, and belongings are safe, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.

Cove Review: Alarm System Companies

2026 Alarm System Company Reviews

Cove

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Alarm System Company FAQ