Abode vs Ring: Which security system is better?

Abode triumphs over Ring thanks to its comprehensive smart home integrations. This strength also helps Abode overcome its main weakness—a limited camera line.

Affordable pricing is the main reason to consider Ring vs. Abode, but you’ll have fewer sensors at your disposal and a less flexible monitoring contract.

Because Abode integrates with so many third-party devices and offers its own suite of automations, it’s the best choice for creating a smart home. The only catch? Automations aren’t available on Abode’s free plan.

Read our Abode review to learn more.

Abode may have fancier features, but Ring is more affordable. With $10/month professional monitoring, Ring is our budget pick no matter which home security system it squares up against. 

Read our Ring review to learn more.

Abode and Ring both cater to renters or anyone looking for a DIY security system. Their equipment is designed for easy installation and setup, but both companies offer a professional installation option in case you need extra help.

You can pair Z-Wave and Zigbee devices—like a smart lock from Yale or Schlage—with either brand’s base station or app for extra control. Abode and Ring also work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

You can self-monitor either smart home security system for free, but their pro-monitoring plans give access to all features, including video recording.

Both companies offer a one-year warranty and a 30-day refund period.

• Best cameras: Ring
• Best equipment selection: Abode
• Best pricing: Ring
• Best contract flexibility: Abode
• Best smart home integrations: Abode

Ring’s 15-camera line-up dominates over Abode’s three basic cameras. But it’s not just a numbers game—Ring consistently produces high-quality cameras that top our rankings.

• Ring Spotlight Cam: one of our top picks for best outdoor camera
• Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): one of our top picks for best doorbell camera
• Ring Stick-Up Camera: one of our top picks for best solar-powered camera and best wireless security camera

We’re also impressed by the Ring Floodlight Cam, which works as an all-in-one outdoor alarm system thanks to its built-in siren, motion detector, camera, and lights.

Abode’s cameras include the Iota, the Outdoor Smart Cam, and the Cam 2. The Iota is built into Abode’s security hub, which limits its placement to a tabletop. The Outdoor Smart Cam is a two-in-one video doorbell and outdoor surveillance camera. The indoor/outdoor Cam 2 offers Abode’s only advantage over Ring’s cameras: it’s exceptionally affordable at around $35.

But don’t get too bummed about Abode’s lackluster camera selection. You can integrate third-party cameras with the Abode system, giving you flexibility over features and pricing. These camera brands are known to work with Abode through the IFTTT platform:

• Arlo
• Blink
• Wyze

Despite their shared use of IFTTT, Ring doorbells and cameras do not work with Abode.

Abode offers a greater selection of home security equipment compared to Ring Alarm. Of the two brands, only Abode offers these home security accessories:

• Key fob
• Indoor siren
• Outdoor siren
• Glass break sensors (acoustic and vibration-sensing)
• Recessed door and window sensors
• Light, temperature, and humidity sensor

Ring’s sensor and siren selection may be limited, but its equipment is more affordable than Abode’s across nearly every category. Check out the comparison chart below to see the price difference between Ring and Abode equipment.

Ring is also kinder to your bank account in the long haul with monitoring and cloud storage plans that cost half as much as Abode’s.

You may end up paying more for professional installation if you go with Ring vs. Abode, since prices depend on the device being installed and range from $35 to $250. Abode’s professional installation service starts at $99 and tops out around $124. But remember, pro installation is completely optional for both home security systems.

Both Ring and Abode claim that they don’t lock customers into long-term contracts. That’s true to an extent: you don’t have to pay for a monthly plan to use either system’s basic functions. But we found some fine print in Ring Alarm’s policies that may cause you to fork over more money than you bargained for.

If you want your Ring Alarm home security system to be professionally monitored, you’re required to pay for a yearly plan. But they have a generous cancellation policy: you’ll get a prorated refund even if you subscribed to an annual plan. You just have to pay for your final month of service.

In contrast, Abode sells plans in 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day nuggets. We love that flexibility. It’s easy to cancel an Abode plan, but if you’re returning the system at the same time, you’re charged a $35 fee.

Abode’s major selling point is its integration with tons of smart home devices, including smart hubs like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Echo, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Bose Smart Home Family. Abode also communicates with devices through Z-Wave and Zigbee technology and easily links up to most IFTTT-friendly equipment.

Ring’s integrations overlap some with Abode’s, but it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit or a smart thermostat like Ecobee.

You can add up to 160 individual devices to your Abode system and up to 100 devices to your Ring system.

It’s a close race, but Abode wins against Ring.

• Abode: better flexibility in contracts, equipment options, and third-party compatibility
• Ring: superior cameras and pricing

Still undecided? Read our full Abode and Ring reviews to learn more.

To compare Abode vs. Ring, we looked at quantifiable information like their prices, product selection, and third-party integrations. We also used our industry knowledge to take a qualitative stance regarding cameras, policies, etc. When we needed clarification, we contacted each company’s customer service department.

Learn more about how we review products and services on our methodology page.

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• Ring Frequently Asked Questions
• Abode Frequently Asked Questions