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Abode (not to be confused with the Adobe line of creative software) is a solid home security system for those of you who want no contracts and a low professional monitoring fee.
Their all-in-one Iota system is easy to install, and there’s a wide range of equipment to choose from. So why isn’t Abode as widely talked about as its competitors? Our experts dive in to find out.
View Abode on Amazon | Visit Abode’s Website
Abode
Pros
- 30-day returns
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home
- Self-installation
- No contracts
Cons
- Little customer feedback online
- Limited customer support
- Complaints of camera footage being low resolution
- No outdoor security cameras
- Only six to seven hours battery backup
- No two-way voice
Alternatives To Abode
Don’t like the score you’re seeing? Our home security experts have reviewed over a dozen home security providers, and in our best home security systems showdown, you can see our top three and category winners for this year.
Key Features
- Two monitoring stations, so if it goes down (e.g., due to a natural disaster), another is there as a backup
- Broadband (internet) monitoring for all plans with cellular as a backup
- Customer service options: phone, email, live chat, FAQs
- Phone and email support for paid monitoring users only
- BBB rating: A+
- Not accredited from the BBB, which is rare since most competitors are. There’s most likely one of two reasons for this:
- Abode has not sought out accreditation, or
- Abode does not meet BBB standards
- Not accredited from the BBB, which is rare since most competitors are. There’s most likely one of two reasons for this:
- Crash & Smash Protection: if an intruder destroys the gateway, the distress signal still goes through
- Abode security app lets you monitor your system while away
- Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible (typically systems are compatible with one or the other)
- One-year warranty
Battery Backup
If the power goes out in your home, battery backup will keep your Abode system on and your home protected. Abode has only a six to seven hour battery backup, which is much shorter than the standard 24 hours in home security.
Abode sends a notification when there’s a power outage to alert you that backup battery is in use. It also notifies you when the battery starts going low and when power returns. The backup battery is rechargeable, so once power is restored, the battery will recharge back to 24 hours, so it’s ready for any future needs.
The entire system will continue to work during a power outage unless the equipment requires a high-speed internet connection or AC power (e.g., cameras and the power switch). Door/window sensors, motion sensors, etc., don’t require a high-speed internet connection, so they’ll work with battery backup and you’ll be informed of any triggers to these devices. The built-in camera in the Iota will not work during a power outage to conserve the battery.
App Features
Below are functions you can control within the Abode home security app. Please know that to use some of the features, you must have certain equipment. For example, you cannot view camera footage unless you have cameras in place that are compatible with your security system.
System
- Arm/disarm entire system
- View detailed event history and alerts
- Geofencing, which automatically adjusts your security and automation equipment after you’ve left a set radius of your home or “geo-fence”
Smart/Remote Controls
- Create programs/schedules
Cameras
- View live stream
- View recorded video
Not Supported By App
- Arm/disarm by sensor
- Lock/unlock doors
- Video doorbell camera
- Updated weather forecast
- Control thermostat
- Control and schedule lights
- Open/close garage door
Pricing
- Starter Kit (Gateway, mini door/window sensor, keyfob and motion sensor): $249.00
Additional Equipment
Home Security:
- Door/Window Sensor Check Amazon for availability | Mini Door/Window Sensor $24.99
- Recessed Door Sensor $34.99 | Keypad $79.99
- Glass Break Sensor $34.99 | Acoustic Glass Break Sensor $49.99
- Indoor Siren $59.99 | Outdoor Siren W/ Strobe $79.99
Life Safety:
- Water Leak Sensor $49.99 | Occupancy Sensor Check Amazon for availability
- Temperature, Humidity, Light Sensor Check Amazon for availability | Smoke Alarm Monitor $39.99
Abode offers more equipment on its website that you can view. We suggest checking Amazon prices before purchasing on the website because they are often lower than MSRP pricing.
Monitoring Plans
- Planless: Free self-monitoring, view live video, get push notifications
- Standard: $6/month or $60/year for self-monitoring and home automation
- Pro: $20/month or $200/year for professional monitoring, cellular backup and more
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
User Reviews
Positive Reviews
I currently have Abode installed in my home and previously had Simplisafe. I prefer the Abode system by far! Both are equally easy to install but I like the advantage of using the Abode app to put my system in “away/home/standby”” mode by remote because I often forget to arm my system before leaving the house. You can do so on Simplisafe only if you pay the monitoring fee. Abode also has the unique system of taking a photo of the inside of my home with the motion sensor as soon as an alarm is activated and emailing me/notifying me right away. This is advantageous because I can look quickly to see if it is in fact an intruder or just my partner or kids coming home and forgetting to turn off the alarm. Again, Simplisafe offers this service if you buy the camera and pay the monthly monitoring fee. This is not required on Abode’s system. – goirish1996, CNET 2017
Once installed very easy to use and monitor. One of the glass breakage units goes offline at times thus could be defective. Removing it and reinstalling helps. Setup could provide more details on grouping devices under custom group names. I had to go online several times and watch videos to complete grouping devices. – Robert C., Trust Pilot 7/5/2019
Negative Reviews
Maybe I just have bad luck but I’ve had the misfortune of dealing with several defective abode products. The first gateway unit I received (as part of the Starter Kit) was defective. Positive marks to their support staff for trying to help me get it working, but in the end they agreed it wasn’t going to work and shipped me a new gateway. That one worked for about two weeks and then it died. Meanwhile they had to send me a new door sensor to replace one that was defective straight out of the box. There is nothing unusual about my installation environment. Again, good support and response, but the abode products seem to suffer from poor quality control. – ASMongrel, CNET January 2019
System didn’t work and App blows, charged restocking fee and return postage for faulty equipment is unacceptable in today’s market. – Doug P., Trust Pilot 2/28/2019
Z-Wave & Zigbee Compatability
You can connect Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible equipment to your Abode system, so you can sync it all together.
Below is a list of some brands that can sync with your Abode system. You can view a full list of equipment here. Please note that not all equipment from the brands listed below can sync with Abode.
- Aeon
- Enerwave
- First Alert
- GE
- Kwikset (like this door lock)
- Leviton
- Philips (like these light bulbs)
- Schlage (like this door lock)
Abode vs Other Companies
See the key differences between Abode and other leading home security companies.
Abode vs SimpliSafe
- SimpliSafe has six monitoring stations and uses cellular monitoring with broadband as backup, while Abode has two monitoring stations and uses broadband with cellular as a backup.
- SimpliSafe’s panel has 24 hour battery backup; Abode’s is only six to seven hours.
- Abode is compatible with Z-Wave and Zigbee; SimpliSafe is not.
Abode vs Ring Alarm
- Abode offers two cameras, meanwhile, Ring has multiple cameras for indoor and outdoor use.
- Ring has 24 hour battery backup; Abode’s is only six to seven hours.
- Ring’s professional monitoring and equipment prices are more affordable than Abode’s.
About Abode & Its History
Abode was founded in 2014 by Cristopher Carney, a former ADT executive, and a few others with energy, security and tech expertise. In 2018, Nice S.p.A., an Italian tech company, purchased the majority stake of Abode.
How Does Abode Compare Against Other Companies?
View Abode on Amazon | Visit Abode’s Website
Abode is a decent security system, but there are others with less expensive equipment and more customer feedback. Our experts have found that several competitors have stronger reputations and offer longer battery backups and warranties. You can read about them in our home security systems reviews.
Do you think Abode is worthy of being your security system?
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