Among the many different security systems that you can find on the market nowadays, Abode surely stands out when it comes to overall quality. Namely, Abode security system has unique features that separate it from other security systems like Xfinitly or Brink.
The Abode security system offers three different bundles and packages that are equipped with high-quality components. This means that you can choose the exact package that suits your needs perfectly. First of all, there are two different choices that you go for the Smart Security Kit and the iota Security Kit.
Both of these two options allow you to choose exactly what type of security system you need. You can also add more equipment to already existing security system you chose and improve it if you like.
Abode Smart Security Kit at a Glance
With everything that Abode security system offers, we made this list of advantages and disadvantages to give you the best insight into the product.
Strengths
- Multiple flexible monitoring options
- Nice design of web and app dashboard
- Voice control feature equipped
- Easy installation
- Affordable monitoring fees
- Cellular monitoring
- Supports more than 200 devices
- Wireless system connectivity
- Mediocre gateway design (for the Smart Security Kit)
- Cameras do not have HD resolution (for the Smart Security Kit)
- Uneven sensor connectivity
Overall Rating
Abode is a good home security system, but, it’s not perfect yet although it becomes better. In that light, the overall rating of Abode is high since it allows you to choose the most suitable package for your home. Furthermore, Abode is equipped with high-quality features and it stands out on the market with its beautiful design and 3-day 7-day monitoring service.
Features and Highlights of Abode
As we already mentioned that Abode is full of great and convenient features, let’s dive a bit deeper. It is quite important for you to know that all of these features are directly contributing to the Abode’s overall performance and quality.
As we already mentioned, you can choose from two different starter kits, namely, the Smart Security Kit and the iota Security Kit. Let’s now have a closer look.
This is first starter pack that you might want to consider when it comes to Abode. Simply, this security kit has basic devices that you need in order to protect your home.
You can always opt to build your own system by adding other compatible devices that will perfectly fit your home.
Highlights
- No-contract 24/7 monitoring
- Easy installation – No tools – No wires
- Security notifications sent directly to your phone from Abode App
Now, the heart of the system is based in the gateway device which is able to communicate to every wireless device inside your home. The gateway device alerts you as soon as a trouble is detected, which allows you to act quickly.
Furthermore, you will get motion sensor and key fob in this package. Also, there is a mini door sensor which is easy to install. All these equipment are included in the package, but, you can always add more if you like.
Anyhow, let’s see which plan you can choose with the Smart Security Kit.
Basic Plan | Connect Plan | Secure Plan | |
---|---|---|---|
Media storage | 3 Days | 14 Days | 90 Days |
Unlimited Self-monitoring | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
24/7 Monitoring | Optional choice: ✦ 3 days for $8 ✦ 7 days for $15 | Optional choice: ✦ 3 days for $8 ✦ 7 days for $15 | Yes |
Cost | $0.00 | $10 per month or $96 per year | $30 per month or $240 per year |
Connect up to | 160 Devices | 160 Devices | 160 Devices |
App compatibility | Web, iOS, and Android | Web, iOS, and Android | Web, iOS, and Android |
Geofencing* | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
4G Cellular Backup** | Not equipped | ✔ | ✔ |
Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 2 year extended |
Customer Support | Email and Support via Site | Email, Support via Site, and Phone. | Email, Support via Site, and Premium Phone. |
For those who are not familiar to the Geofencing feature, that is actually a quite convenient thing to have when it comes to home security systems. Namely, Geofencing is used to let the home security system know if the home owner is inside the home or away.
And, by knowing that information, the system is able to control the lights, doors, locks, and basically anything that is under the home security system. Simply, the system will make adjustments if the home owner is out of the range of the fence.
If you live in a place where there is a risk of getting a power shutdown or an internet outage, then 4G Cellular Backup is the thing for you. Namely, this feature allows your alarm system to work perfectly even though there is no power or internet connection.
Both Connect Plan and Connect & Secure Plan are equipped with this feature which actually makes them better and more convenient in case an outage happens.
As we can see, the Smart Security Kit offers the variety of options when it comes to home security. This means that you can choose the most suitable one and even upgrade it with more equipment that you like.
Anyway, to get the Smart Security Kit you will have to pay $159 which actually isn’t that much at all. Also, by selecting the Basic Plan, you won’t have to spend any more money. But, if you want to get Connect Plan you will have to pay $40 more, and for the Secure Plan, the bonus amount is $100 more.
For better security and more features included, you can always choose the iota Security Kit. Namely, this is a newly developed security system that has some advantages and benefits compared to Smart Security System. This is actually an award winning home security system with powerful automation.
Highlights
- Built-in 1080 Camera for visual verification
- Tool-free setup – easy installation
- Notifications sent directly to you phone if alarm is triggered
- Ability to add multiple users to your account
So, what’s in the package here? Well, first of all, there is an iota device which captures video in HD. It is able to detect motion, and communicates with two-way voice feature. This is actually the brain of the system and it all comes from this device.
Next, there is a key fob which allows you to arm or disarm your system with just one press of a button. This is a compact device which is easy to keep and allows you to store it anywhere in the house.
Finally, there are mini door and window sensors which are easy to install and they detect every motion around doors and windows. If anyone is trying to enter your house without permission, you will know it and will be able to take action right away.
And, iota Security Kit also has the same Plans like Smart Security Kit, therefore, you will be able to choose and to customize your home security system the way you like. But, what is the difference between those two then?
Well, the first thing that separates them is the price. The Basic Plan for iota Security System is $199. Furthermore, the Connect Plan is $239, and the Secure Plan is $299. But, the main difference is that iota Security System has better automation and is equipped with HD 1080 Camera.
This high-quality streaming Camera will capture the video if the alarm is triggered, and it will directly send the video to your phone. This will allow you to act quickly and take action. If there is a need to contact the authorities, or take any other action, you can do it easily.
Now, there are two different starter kits when it comes to Abode, and therefore, the installation isn’t the same. However, the whole process comes down to following steps in the proper order that you can find in the instructions that is displayed in the Abode app.
This means that Abode security system actually really easy to install and it won’t take more than 30 minutes. Their team designed the Abode security system to be self-installable, which is a great thing for most of the people.
However, if you come across any problems about installation, you can always contact their customer service center and ask them about anything. They will politely and kindly explain to you how to install it properly.
And, this applies for every Security Kit that you choose and every Plan as well. For example, iota Security Kit Connect Plan is installed the same way as the Basic Plan, just with a bit more steps. The same goes if you choose to install Smart Security Kit, no matter the package.
When it comes to appearance and design, one thing is certain, you can hardly find a better home security system. First of all, the whole Abode app is beautifully designed and it really is easy to use. The main benefit of this particular design of the app is that you can easily slide through the options and settings as well.
Dashboard controls are also something that is worth mentioning here. Abode security system highlights the most important options and controls that you will use frequently and puts it on the dashboard where you can easily operate with them.
This actually is a great thing that separates Abode security system from the others on the market. And, besides that, Abode is also known for its convenient and easy-to-use controls.
- Mini Door and Window Sensor – Included in the package – $27
- Door and Window Sensor – $25
- Recessed Door and Window Sensor – $36
- Slim Strip Sensor – $40
- Vibration Glass Break Sensor – $30
- Acoustic Glass Break Sensor – $49
- Abode Cam – $112
- Wide Angle Motion Camera – $99
- Motion Sensor – $40
- Keypad – $69
- Key Fob – Included in the package – $20
- Water Leak Sensor – $49
- Smoke Alarm Monitor – $45
- Indoor Siren – $49
- Outdoor Siren – $56
With the newly developed and already improved Software of Abode, you will be able to easily control your home security system with your phone. This convenient feature is built into Abode app and it offers you to control the alarm state, door sensors, location of your phone, and basically everything.
In that light, Abode isn’t just a home security system, it is the foundation for your home as well. The CUE (Custom Engine) that is developed by Abode, will make automation easy and it will run flawlessly. You just need to follow a step-by-step installation click wizard on your phone and your home will basically work for you.
Who can benefit the most out of Abode
Well, Abode gives you the choice of adapting the home security system to your home. Unlike some other home security systems, Abode is highly compatible with lots of devices and it has a wide range of options that it offers.
From two Starter Packs, that each have three different Plans, we can easily conclude that Abode home security system can provide a good fit to almost anyone.
But, if we need to recommend to someone the Abode security system, that would be a person that doesn’t need a 24/7 monitoring, even though Abode offers it. Why? Well, Abode is, if not the only, home security system that offers you to choose and to adjust the amount of security that you want.
Simply speaking, you can choose the package that suits you the most, and improve it or adjust it to your home needs with the extra equipment. Basically, it is all up to you to decide.
Conclusion
In the light of everything we said above, it is safe to conclude that Abode is a good home security system for those that want to optimize it by their own liking. With the variety of packages and Plans that you can choose, it really is easy to customize this home security system to your needs.
All in all, Abode security system is more than a gadget, it includes easy to use software and no-contract plans to keep you under protection every day of the year.
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