Abode Home Security Review

Abode’s simple security equipment and smart Iota security camera pack a wallop when it comes to smart home compatibility. As one of the only home security systems that works with Apple HomeKit, we’re hard-pressed to find a smart gadget Abode doesn’t play well with.

Abode offers two paid monthly plans—Standard ($6 per month) and Pro ($20 per month). They share these features:

• 10 days of video storage
• Push notifications
• Mobile app arming and disarming
• Unlimited cameras
• Person detection on cameras

There are even more perks in the Pro plan:

• Professional monitoring
• Cellular backup
• Homeowners insurance discounts with Branch
• Faster shipping 

If you want to skip the monthly bills, you can use Abode straight out of the box without professional monitoring for free.

An Abode system is ideal in these scenarios:

• You rent your home or apartment. Abode's Iota system doesn't get screwed into the wall.
• You have (or plan to have) many other smart home devices. Abode is compatible with around 160 devices.
• You use the Apple Homekit smart hub. Abode is one of the only security systems that works with Apple Homekit.
• You want to self-monitor your system. You won't get as many perks, but self-monitoring is an option.
• You want on-demand monitoring. Abode is one of the few home security brands to offer flexible, no-contract monitoring.

Abode won't lock you into a long-term contract. You can pay for the Standard or Pro plans on a monthly or yearly basis. 

You have 30 days from purchase to return the system for a refund. Abode doesn't pay for shipping costs on returned items and doesn't process returns on equipment purchased through third-party sellers.

If you cancel a plan when returning your system, a $35 fee is taken from your full refund. Although we prefer to see no cancellation fees, this is a relatively small amount to pay compared to other brands' cancellation policies.

Abode equipment comes with a one-year warranty. 

To get started with Abode, you'll need to choose a base station or hub. The hub is the brain of the security system, connecting all of the equipment together for automations and notifications. It also functions as a siren.

Abode has two hubs:

• Gen 2 Gateway
• Iota 

The Iota is more sophisticated because it includes a camera, motion sensor, and speaker.

Because a hub is pretty useless without some sort of motion or entry sensor, they're sold as a bundle. The most basic Gen 2 Gateway package—the Smart Security Kit—costs about $250 while the basic Iota All-in-One Kit costs about $330.

Prices like these land right between a budget pick like Ring and higher-end brands like Frontpoint.

You can choose from several other equipment bundles or build on the basic packages by adding a la carte devices like a glass break sensor, panic button, or additional cameras. See a full list of options and prices on our Abode equipment compatibility page.

Abode’s setup is pretty standard for a DIY-install system—connect the system to your home Wi-Fi, then pair the sensors and other accessories. Each kit comes with a simple pairing guide to help you connect all the devices.

The multifunctional Iota cuts down on extra equipment and setup time because it has both a built-in camera and motion detector.

In fact, the only sensor that comes with the Iota starter kit is a mini door/window sensor. Just apply the sticky backing to each component, then place it on the door or window of your choice.

The Smart Security Kit also comes ready for installation, and it has only one extra device (a motion detector) to install compared to the Iota kit. Once you set up the Abode Gateway hub, the other devices pair quickly and start working almost instantly.

We had a chance to test the Iota All-in-One Kit. It comes with the essential ingredients to guard your home, including a tiny, easy-to-install contact sensor and a key fob for remotely arming and disarming your system.

The Iota itself is a 4-in-1 device. On top of a built-in motion sensor, this sleek control center also has a camera, two-way speaker, and a siren.

The Abode Iota kit we used was so easy to install that we did it while watching TV and didn’t miss a thing (in the installation or the show). Abode’s online portal did most of the work for us. We just needed the equipment and the code included in the box.

The Iota’s camera can shoot in 720p or 1080p and looks good on most settings. The night vision is decent too. We were able to watch Toki the cat wander around at night from where we set the camera. He even set off the motion sensor in the dark from where he was standing.

Here are screenshots from one of our other testers. The image on the left shows the live footage preview, which is grainier than the true live stream shown at right. 

Abode’s two-way speaker needs improvement, though. The sound quality is muddy and creates feedback if the microphone is too loud, so expect to finetune the settings once you install the system.

Whether you go with the Gen 2 Gateway or Iota, you can monitor and control your system directly through the Abode mobile app. From here, you can arm and disarm the system and watch live video feed.

During our initial tests, we experienced limited abilities when it came to adjusting settings or creating automations. But since we last gave Abode a test run, the company has completely revamped and updated the Abode app.

Here are a few of the things we like about Abode's app upgrade:

• Native integration for iOS and Android for easy use across different devices (phone, tablet, etc.)
• Streamlined customer interface
• Customized quick actions screen
• In-app panic alarms
• Account controls to update passwords and other settings
• Timeline filtering by sensor, camera, or other device

If you subscribe to the Standard or Pro plan, you can use the Abode app, the CUE platform, or the IFTTT platform to program custom automations into your system. Automations are cause-and-effect commands that tell Abode what to do and when to do it, simplifying your daily routine. Set Abode to disarm when you get home, turn on lights when you’re gone, or capture video clips when the door opens.

The more components you add to your system, the more creative you can get with your automations. You can sync your Nest thermostat, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, and other smart home devices with your Abode to create an entire automated home routine that runs on its own.

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The instructions included in the Abode box are minimal, but we were able to find plenty of help and resources online when questions came up. The extensive article database is a useful resource for Abode members. We found everything we needed from this archive during our tests. The database is searchable, so it’s easy to find the answer without ever picking up the phone.

If you do have questions, email, chat, and phone support are available.

We had some questions about camera specs and cancellation fees and used the phone and chat lines. We found all reps to be friendly and prompt. In fact, we were surprised we didn't have to wait on hold to speak to someone, which meant it was actually faster to call than to use the chat box.

The price, size, and features make Abode fitting for renters, college students, or anyone in a small home who wants smart home control as well as security.

Neither Abode starter kit comes with a ton of sensors, so you’ll need to purchase extras if you live in a larger space. Abode isn’t perfect (especially its two-way audio quality). But you get a reliable home security system and an unbeatable headstart for growing your smart home network.

Contributing writers: Rebecca Edwards and Cathy Habas

For our Abode security review, we took the Iota home to learn more about it firsthand. A few of our tests included setting up “CUE” and Quick Actions automation and triggering the alarm through the sensors and camera. We also watched Toki in the living room all day through the live feed while we were in the office.

We didn’t test the Abode Smart Security kit this time, so we based this review on commonalities between the two systems. Both use an app for monitoring and have similar equipment. We also researched customer reviews, Abode’s support site, and other professional reviews.

To learn more about how we test systems and set standards at SafeWise, read our full methodology.

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