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A professional grade, DIY home security system.
Updated June 10, 2022
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Abode is the new kid on the block, but they’ve certainly landed with a splash. Their DIY security systems offer basic-to-advanced home protection. The products integrate seamlessly into smart home automation platforms. And the list of add-ons is endless. No long-term contracts are required, and the prices are surprisingly affordable. But if you want total home protection, be ready to shell out a pretty penny for upgrades. See what our experts say in our Abode review.
The best features of this system
Insider Tips: Abode Security doesn’t have any long-term contracts nor do they require any monthly fees to use their equipment, just a one-time purchase of one of their home security kits. They also offer on-demand professional monitoring with a 4G cellular backup option, so you don’t have to worry about losing your service if your Wi-Fi goes out.
Abode sells their equipment in bundles that range from $199 to $329; however, check for their current sales and you could get them cheaper. Their optional on-demand monitoring plans range from $8 to $20 per month, depending on the options you choose. They also have a 30-day return policy, fast shipping, and a long term warranty.
Abode offers 2 primary home security packages; the Smart Security Kit and the iota All-In-One Security Kit. Abode offers some of the most flexible home security options on the market. This makes Abode perfect for a wide range of needs. And, if your needs change at any time, you can always add equipment as needed.
With Abode, you purchase one of the home security kits up-front. There are no contracts and monthly monitoring is not required. Monitoring is available as an option, but not necessary to operate the system.
All home security systems come with fast shipping and a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Plus, the equipment has an unlimited warranty while users are signed up with the annual Secure plan.
Check out the most popular home security equipment bundles from Abode below to find the best option for your home or apartment.
| Abode Package | Smart Security Kit Price | iota All-In-One Kit Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $199 | $229 |
| Connect | $239 | $269 |
| Secure | $299 | $329 |
The Smart Security Kit includes everything that you need to secure and monitor your home or apartment. The heart of the system is called the Gateway and it is the central hub that connects all of the rest of the devices. The Gateway supports a variety of third-party integrations. So, if you want a greater deal of security or home automation, you can add optional accessories and sensors to this alarm system at any time. The Smart Security Kit starts at $199 and includes the following equipment:
The iota All-In-One Security Kit is the newest system from Abode and is a great all-in-one security solution for those who are looking for a complete security offering for their home. The iota All-In-One Security Kit includes the following equipment:
Abode offers a variety of optional equipment at an affordable cost. You can add these hardware accessories to your system at any time. You can upgrade your system by connecting thermostats, locks, lights, garage door openers and more. These components allow for a great deal of home automation capabilities. You simply connect the equipment to your app and then control the components as you need.
| Abode Equipment | Equipment Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Break Sensor | Sensor | $36 |
| Door/Window Sensors | Sensor | $25 |
| Acoustic Glass Break Sensor | Sensor | $59 |
| Mini Door Sensor | Sensor | $30 |
| Recessed Door Sensor | Sensor | $40 |
| Slim Strip Sensor | Sensor | $35 |
| Indoor Motion Sensor | Sensor | $54 |
| Automation/Occupancy Sensor | Sensor | $59 |
| Temperature, Humidity, & Light Sensor | Sensor | $49 |
| Water Leak Sensor | Sensor | $49 |
| Motion Sensor with Camera | Camera | $115 |
| Indoor Wireless Streaming Camera | Camera | $149 |
| Outdoor Smart Camera | Camera | $229 |
| Remote Key Fob | Remote | $24 |
| System Status Indicator | Control | $36 |
| Wireless Keypad | Control | $79 |
| Home Automation Power Outlet | Automation | $49 |
| Indoor Siren | Siren | $59 |
| Outdoor Siren | Siren | $74 |
| Smoke Alarm Monitor | Smoke Alarm | $54 |
Abode is quite different than most of its competitors in that there are not any monthly fees required to use the system. However, the company does offer three different monthly monitoring plans for customers who want professional 24/7 monitoring. You do not have to sign a contract to get a monitoring plan. You can cancel or change plans at any time. This range of versatility makes Abode’s system perfect for all budgets.
| Abode Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | $0 |
| Connect | $8 | $80 |
| Connect + Secure | $20 | $200 |
This plan is included with every starter kit sold by Abode. It is free and allows you to gain access to your alarm system at any time via a smartphone or internet-based app. The app allows you to monitor and secure your home. It also has home automation capabilities when paired with smart devices. You can customize alerts to notify you when your door is opened or close, a motion is detected and more.
Here are some of the other features of the Basic plan by Abode:
This monitoring plan is perfect for customers that want increased reliability through a cellular backup. It costs $8 per month and includes:
The Connect + Secure Plan is Abode’s most comprehensive and feature-rich monitoring plan. It costs $20 a month and comes with professional monitoring and cellular backup. It features:
50% off on the annual Connect or Secure Plan for the first year when bundled with the Smart Security Kit. You can also visit our Abode deals page to find more discounts and savings.
| Basic | Connect | Connect + Secure |
|---|---|---|
| 8/mo | 20/mo | /mo |
| + $199 Upfront Costs* | + $199 Upfront Costs* | + $199 Upfront Costs* |
| View Packages | View Packages | View Packages |
| Services | Services | Services |
| 3-Days Timeline and Media Storage | 14-Days of Timeline and Media Storage | 90-Days of Timeline and Media Storage |
| Connect Up To 160 Devices | Connect Up To 160 Devices | Connect Up To 160 Devices |
| Unlimited User Accounts | Unlimited User Accounts | Unlimited User Accounts |
| Create Up To 100 Automations | Create Up To 100 Automations | Create Up To 100 Automations |
| IFTTT Channel Access | IFTTT Channel Access | IFTTT Channel Access |
| Customer Support Via Phone, Email & Support Site | Customer Support Via Phone, Email & Support Site | Premium Customer Phone Support |
| 4G Cellular Backup | 4G Cellular Backup | |
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | ||
| Equipment | Equipment | Equipment |
| 1-Gateway | 1-Gateway | 1-Gateway |
| 1-Motion Sensor | 1-Motion Sensor | 1-Motion Sensor |
| 1-Mini Door Contact | 1-Mini Door Contact | 1-Mini Door Contact |
| 1-Remote Key Fob | 1-Remote Key Fob | 1-Remote Key Fob |
| 1-Secured by Abode Sticker | 1-Secured by Abode Sticker | 1-Secured by Abode Sticker |
| Options | Options | Options |
| On-Demand Professional Monitoring | On-Demand Professional Monitoring | iota Security Kit |
| iota Security Kit | iota Security Kit | |
Abode Security first introduced their products to the home security industry about three years ago. And within that time they have built a positive reputation for themselves mainly due to their simple 15-minute installation process, low-cost products with no long-term contracts and no required monthly fees. In addition, their products are compatible with a wide variety of third-party devices and can be voice controlled using Alexa or Google Assistant. They also offer a 30-day return policy, fast shipping, and a long term warranty on their equipment. Check out the full review of Abode here.
MOBILE ALERTS |
Abode will send you alerts based on the notifications you customize. |
24/7 MONITORING |
Abode has unique monitoring options that allow you to choose on-demand monitoring or take advantage of their 24/7 professional monitoring services. They also offer a 4G cellular backup system at an additional monthly charge depending on the package you choose. |
WIRELESS EQUIPMENT |
Abode's equipment is 100% wireless so you never have to worry about losing your service if the lines are cut. |
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS |
Abode doesn't include surveillance cameras with their packages; however, there are a variety of them available as add-on items. |
DIY INSTALLATION |
The Abode Security systems are all DIY installations which means they are portable. They are also very easy to setup. |
SMART HOME OPTIONS |
Abode Security systems also offer home automation features with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Abode RF connectivity. They also include voice control options using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. |
DISASTER PROTECTION |
This system has a full range of disaster protections available for purchase which include smoke alarms, and temperature and water leak sensors. |
REMOTE CONTROL |
A remote key fob is included with the Abode packages. These can be used to remotely arm/disarm your security system, and more. |
As Managing Editor for SafeHome.org, Rob Gabriele has written and edited over 1,000 articles in home security. His expertise is in smart home automation and home protection with thousands of hours of testing and research under his belt. Formerly a reporter and producer for the USAToday network, Rob has been a writer and editor for over 10 years. He holds a Master’s of Science with an emphasis on writing from the University of Montana, and he currently lives in the Reno/Tahoe area of Nevada.
