Abode Home Security Review

Cathy Habas

For anyone new to the home security sphere, an Abode system represents an affordable and flexible option that allows you to discover your monitoring preferences. Start with the free self-monitoring plan or upgrade to the paid Standard and Pro plans for professional monitoring, which is available throughout the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec). With no monthly contracts, you can revert back to self-monitoring at any time. 

In terms of its equipment catalog, Abode doesn’t offer innovative technology, but rather a standard range of equipment that covers everything from motion detectors, video cameras, glass break sensors, water leak sensors, a panic button, indoor and outdoor sirens, and more. All of Abode’s equipment integrates with a wide range of home automation devices, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Z-Wave. 

Besides the plans and equipment, we also examined and reviewed other criteria of Abode’s systems, including contracts and pricing, availability, and customer service.

Pros

• Affordable
• No contracts
• Flexible monitoring

Cons

• Cancellation fee
• Limited refunds
• Short warranty (one year)

Abode Home Security

Affordable, self-monitoring home security system 

*Data effective 4/29/2020

Plans

Choose a self or professional monitoring plan or no plan at all

All Abode security systems include a free Basic Plan that allows you to receive push notifications, view live feeds, and integrate Abode with your home automation system.

Two paid, no-contract plans exist for Abode systems: the Standard Plan and the Pro Plan. With the Standard Plan, you self-monitor the system via mobile or email notifications, and you can add on-demand professional monitoring for a few days at a time (a feature unique to Abode and not offered by competitors). You can also set up automation, view a timeline of recorded events, store and download recorded video clips, and receive premium support.

Aside from professional monitoring, the main difference between the two plans is the cellular data backup offered by the Pro Plan. This allows the video feeds, integration, and automation to continue to work, despite an Internet outage. 

Abode’s plans are similar to SimpliSafe because both companies allow you to monitor the system for free or choose between two paid professional monitoring plans. However, SimpliSafe offers cellular data backup in both of its paid plans and only offers push notifications with its most expensive Interactive plan.

Who is each plan best for?

• Basic Plan – Best for those interested in trying out the system before committing
• Standard Plan – Best for those who want customization on a budget
• Pro Plan – Best for families seeking professional monitoring

Availability

Professional monitoring is available throughout the U.S. via Abode. Residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, can also purchase Abode’s Pro Plan for professional monitoring. This level of availability is comparable to Frontpoint and Vivint, which also serve the U.S. and Canada with the exception of Quebec.

Contract & Pricing

The Standard Plan costs $0.20/day and the Pro Plan costs $0.66/day. The Basic Plan, included with all Abode home security systems, is free of charge. Abode also touts its plans as “Totally Contract-Free,” since users can cancel the paid plans at any time and revert back to the free Basic Plan. However, there’s a $35 cancellation fee. A 30-day trial period also exists. 

However, Abode’s trial period and cancellation policies aren’t as generous as other no-contract home security providers. For example, Cove and SimpliSafe both offer 60-day money-back guarantees and no cancellation fees. On the other hand, Abode’s plans are less expensive than its closest competitor, SimpliSafe, which offers professional monitoring packages at $0.50/day and $0.83/day.

Create a custom package or choose from two starter bundles: the Smart Security Kit or the iota All-in-One Security Kit. The Smart Security Kit, for $229, includes the central Smart Gateway hub, a motion detector, a door or window sensor, and a key fob. The iota All-in-One Security Kit, for $299, features a Smart Gateway hub with a built-in security camera, built-in motion detector, and two-way voice capability. The iota kit also includes a door or window sensor and a key fob.

Customer Service

As of April 2020, Abode has a C rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for failure to respond to one customer’s complaint. With a 4.1-star rating on Trustpilot, most customers indicate they’ve had a positive experience with the company. A common complaint among the negative reviews is a long wait time for phone support. “Premium” customer support is offered as a perk for both paid plans, but it’s unclear what this entails.

Many of Abode’s competitors have A+ ratings with the BBB, including Frontpoint, SimpliSafe, and Ring, but this doesn’t always reflect the average customer’s satisfaction. In terms of customer reviews on Trustpilot, Frontpoint has 4.5 stars, SimpliSafe has 4 stars, and Ring has only 1.5 stars. 

Abode Security System vs. Other Providers

*Data as of 4/29/2020

Further Reading

• ADT vs. Brinks
• SimpliSafe vs. Ring
• Best Self-Monitored Home Security Systems
• Best Home Security Systems

FAQ

Is Ring compatible with Abode? 

No direct compatibility exists between Ring and Abode, but you can use IFTTT to connect these two systems.

How do you install the Abode security system?

The Abode security system was designed for simple DIY installation, but you can hire a pro to install it too, for an added cost. 

Does Abode work without an internet connection?

If you choose the Pro plan, yes. The Abode security system switches to cellular data if the Internet goes out.

About the Authors

Cathy Habas

Cathy Habas is a home writer for Reviews.com. Over the last six years, she's covered home security, home improvement, and landscaping for sites like Safety.com, Hunker, and more.

Recently Added

Frontpoint vs. Scout

ADT vs. Scout

SimpliSafe Security vs. Vivint Security