Abode vs Ring Alarm: Which Home Security Provider Wins Our Comparison?

Abode and Ring Alarm are two options for DIY home security systems. Neither has long-term contracts, and both offer professional monitoring as an option. However, one of them is more established, has better pricing, more equipment options, and better technology. Decide which one is best for your home by reading our comparison.

Customer Service & Reputation

The BBB (Better Business Bureau) can be a reliable indicator of how a company handles consumer complaints. How do our two companies fare?

• Abode: C+ (not accredited)
• Ring: A+ (accredited)

Abode Complaints

Abode has complaints about its customer service being difficult to reach. I can attest to this as I’ve attempted to contact them a few times throughout my home security research, and responses took hours, even for the live chat. Abode also makes you upgrade plans for phone and email support.

We want to note that of the consumer feedback we saw online for Abode, many of them were positive, which was impressive.

Ring Complaints

Ring, which is owned by Amazon, has reports of excellent customer service. There are some complaints of live chat being slow but not nearly as slow as Abode in my experience.

Customer Service & Reputation Winner: Ring Alarm

Equipment

Below is a table of the types of security equipment offered by each company.

As you can see, Abode is missing a freeze sensor, range extender, smart lighting, and a CO alarm sensor. Meanwhile, Ring lacks a keychain remote, glass break sensor, temperature/humidity/light sensor, and a smart switch. However, Ring has numerous camera models to choose from for your indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell needs, while Abode has only one indoor and one outdoor camera.

Manufacturing

Both companies manufacture their own wireless equipment instead of licensing equipment from big-name companies. Ring’s equipment performs well, but there are complaints regarding difficulties getting everything connected initially. Abode has little feedback; from what we found, customers complain about equipment being glitchy and the siren being too quiet.

Both Abode and Ring have one-year warranties.

Like all companies, both Abode and Ring have complaints, but we feel Ring has equipment options that customers want. Cameras are commonly wanted in a home security system, and Ring offers more options for its consumers.

Equipment Winner: Ring Alarm

Technology

If home automation is important for your system, you have many options through both Abode and Ring.

Abode Compatibilities

• Z-Wave and Zigbee devices
• IFTTT
• Equipment from:
  • Aeon
  • Enerwave
  • First Alert
  • GE
  • Kwikset (like this door lock)
  • Leviton
  • Philips (like these light bulbs)
  • Schlage (like this door lock)
• View a full list of equipment here

Ring Compatibilities

• Z-Wave and Zigbee devices
• Amazon Alexa
• Google Assistant
• IFTTT
• Smart lock systems from Kevo, LockState, Kisi, and Lockitron
• Philips Hue lights

Battery Backup

If you lose power during a storm or from a burglar cutting wires, a battery backup will keep both systems running. Ring Alarm has a 24-hour battery backup, which is the standard, but Abode’s is only six to seven hours.

Cellular vs Broadband Monitoring

Did you know central monitoring stations receive your alarm’s distress signal one of three ways: via landline (phone), broadband (internet), or cellular connection? You can learn about each of these three methods in our central monitoring article.

Cellular monitoring is the most secure form of monitoring because there’s no concern about a burglar cutting your landline or broadband connection. Abode’s plans have broadband monitoring with the higher tiers offering cellular backup. Ring’s monitoring is broadband with cellular as a backup.

App Performance & Ratings

Below are the Apple App Store and Google Play Store ratings and number of reviews to give you an idea of what readers think of each company’s respective app.

• Abode
  • Android App 2.8/5.0 (>560 reviews)
  • iOS App 2.4/5.0 (68 reviews)
• Ring
  • Android App 3.8/5.0 (>73,000 reviews)
  • iOS App 4.4/5.0 (>107,000 reviews)

Abode App Complaints

• Draining the phone’s battery
• Crashing or freezing
• Few updates
• Delayed notifications
• Arm and disarm doesn’t work properly

Ring App Complaints

• Being unable to view notifications
• App not loading or slowly loading
• Delays with video capture
• Not receiving notifications
• App crashes

Both companies offer many smart home integration options, but Ring has a better battery backup, higher app ratings, and offers cellular backup for all plans.

Technology Winner: Ring Alarm

Value

To see how these two would compare in a real-world situation, let’s go over an example of a common configuration in a household with the equipment below:

• 3 or 4 door/window sensors
• 1 keypad
• 1 motion sensor

Neither company locks you into a contract, but let’s say you choose to keep your service for three years. Here’s an example of how much it would cost you through Abode and Ring.

Monitoring Stations

Abode and Ring have two monitoring stations each through Rapid Response. Monitoring stations are important, and they can experience natural disasters and power outages, just like our homes. If a monitoring company only has one station, your call may go unanswered if your system is triggered during this downtime.

In the end, Ring is less expensive than Abode for both equipment and monitoring.

Value Winner: Ring Alarm

Ease Of Use

Abode users complain about the limited functionality of its app. Meanwhile, we read consumer feedback complaining about issues they had while trying to set up their Ring system.

Personal Experience

I’ve personally installed a Ring Alarm system, and I ran into a small hiccup. I contacted support and got the help needed. Since then, it’s been smooth sailing. – Kimberly A., Safe Smart Living

Ring wins this category because it’s easy to use and has more functionality than an Abode system.

Ease Of Use Winner: Ring Alarm

The Final Verdict

Ring Alarm beats Abode in this comparison because of its lower prices, variety of equipment, customer satisfaction, and system functionality. Abode is still a sound security system, but it has higher prices and fewer capabilities.

Overall Winner: Ring Alarm

If you’d like to learn more about these companies, read our individual reviews on Abode and Ring, including pros, cons, key features, and customer testimonials. We also review more than a dozen companies in our best home security systems comparison.

Which company are you leaning towards?

Tagged With: Abode, Ring Home Security, VS