Abode Alarm Review

Abode is a DIY type of UK security system about freedom of choice. You can build your security system the way you like by pairing Abode with just about any smart device. As a bonus, Abode offers subscription options for its users that go beyond the proffers from other systems.

But nothing is perfect, and neither is Abode. Cameras are low quality, up-front investment is substantial and products lack customer support.

About

Abode cost

The equipment packages Abode provides range from £275.99 to £389.99, and all the additional equipment runs from £24.99 to £199.99. These prices are comparable to other top systems like SimpliSafe or Ring. One of the most pleasant features of the Abode security systems is that they are 100% upfront about their prices, unlike Verisure (a top competitor in the niche).

The cost of having an Abode system installed depends on the type of installation, the amount of equipment you order, and your location. The DIY installation will cost you nothing, while professional installation isn’t free of charge.

Comparison of the Abode packages monthly costs

Monthly fees range from £3.59 a month to £17.99, and Abode has four enjoyable monitoring plans at a great price. For less than $20 a month, you can get the nicest of the top-tier plan. The list of the lowest monitoring packages starts at almost £40 per month, so Abode’s fees feel like a steal.

The first, Basic package is for DIY monitoring and camera-less systems. There’s no one to help in the case of an emergency, but you will be getting push notifications cellular backup if the system detects movement.

Next one — the Intermediate plan can connect to your system up to two cameras, and more features are included:

• The unlimited number of users
• Email and customizable notifications
• The ability of viewing system events
• Home automation
• Geofencing
• 7-day storage

Users can have professional monitoring discounts on the insurance only on the top two tiers. But when using the Monitored Advanced, there will be an additional ability to add up to five cameras to your system and 30 days of video storage.

Users can have professional monitoring discounts on the insurance only on the top two tiers. But when using the Monitored Advanced, there will be an additional ability to add up to five cameras to your system and 30 days of video storage.

There’s also a subscription service from Ring called Ring Protect Pro. It includes exclusive features:

• Cloud video storage for cameras
• Cybersecurity features with eero Secure
• Professional monitoring
• Local video storage
• 24/7 backup internet
• Hands-free emergency helpline with Alexa Guard Plus

Pay as you go

And now the perfect option for those who don’t really want to pay monthly fees but feel the necessity for a little additional security now and then. Or maybe your home monitoring DIY, but you’d like to go on holiday. Abode is the only security system we’ve seen so far that offers you PAYS monitoring services (meaning: pay-as-you-go). With this kind of monitoring, you can get professional care for all the days you’ll be away. You can choose what bundle fits you. Options are a three-day bundle for £4 and a seven-day bundle for £6. You do not have to call anybody to this kind of security up. You have to select the days you’ll need professional monitoring from in the billing section of the Abode app or browser dashboard.

Features

Abode warranties and contracts

You can set up or uninstall this security system as you please, and unlike Verisure and ADT, Abode doesn’t need a contract.

The cost for the equipment is not getting folded into your monthly fees; instead, you need to pay upfront for the devices you’d like to have.

While other brands, like SimpliSafe, offer a three-year warranty or more, Abode equipment has a one-year warranty, which seems insufficient as security systems are expected to work for many years.

Abode fees and equipment

Abode offers two equipment packages. Both contain essential security equipment, but you can always add extra tools to fit your needs.

The only difference between the Smart Security Kit (£275.99) and the Smart Security Kit Plus (£389.99) is that the latter includes an additional Abode Cam.

An excellent tool is accessible on the Abode website. You can build your personal security system from scratch so you can get the equipment your flat needs. With the website guideline, the process took us less than five minutes.

Abode fees and equipment

Abode offers two equipment packages. Both contain essential security equipment, but you can always add extra tools to fit your needs.

The only difference between the Smart Security Kit (£275.99) and the Smart Security Kit Plus (£389.99) is that the latter includes an additional Abode Cam.

An excellent tool is accessible on the Abode website. You can build your personal security system from scratch so you can get the equipment your flat needs. With the website guideline, the process took us less than five minutes.

Coming soon. Abode iota

The Abode iota starter kit is a frequent preference in the US. According to the Abode website, this equipment package will soon be available in the UK as well. If interested, you can sign up for availability updates on their iota page.

You can also add more to the alarm system packages à la carte, including the following:

• Additional window and door sensors (£24.99)
• Outdoor siren (£69.99)
• Water leak detector (£59.99)
• Panic button (£29.99)
• Keypad (£89.99)
• Multi-sensor (£50.55)
• Glass break detector (£29.99)
• Abode cameras (£126.99 to £199.99)

We recommend adding a third-party camera to the Abode system with the IFTTT. Here’s the list of Abode best-fit cameras:

• Nest cameras
• Blink cameras
• Arlo cameras
• Wyze cameras

What’s in the package

The following items go with the Smart Security Kit:

• Gen 2 Gateway
• two mini door and window sensors
• one motion sensor
• one key fob
• Power cords
• Introduction booklet

Installing

Abode setup and installation

An accessible Abode installation makes the system a strong player in the UK market. You can stick the sensors to the doors, and the hub doesn’t need installing. You have the option to set it everywhere you want. No tools are required for the installation of the components. 

Due to the reviews, most users get even sizable equipment bundles set up in an hour. If you can not spare an hour, there’s also a professional installation option in your access.

The problems seem to start after the ending of the initial system installation. Many reports say that the security system didn’t contact the alarm receiving centre in an emergency. Other customers report that the gateway often needs a manual restart after eventually going offline. Is a system that doesn’t work right straightaway worthy?

Abode smart home compatibility and features

More exciting features are available when subscribing to the right plan. You’ll have smart home automation applied with the Intermediate, Monitored Intermediate, and Monitored Advanced subscription plans. 

For example, the smart system can close and open your garage door or turn your porch light on. The Abode alarm system will automatically run other smart devices as it is compatible with just about every type of them. In all probability, if it’s in your home, it works with the Abode. While Intermediate, Monitored Intermediate and Monitored Advanced subscription plans allow you to use all the smart home advantages, the Basic plan will let you connect devices to the system without them working together in the automated processes.

If you’re an Apple products fan, Abode is a nice choice. It’s a security system that can be compatible with Apple HomeKit and Abode has other options for you to try:

• Alexa
• Google Assistant
• Z-Wave
• ZigBee
• IFTTT

What is more accessible than managing your smart home system by phone? Definitely — voice commands. With Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple HomeKit, you can do the routine while lying in bed.

Using Z-Wave, ZigBee, and IFFT, you can create some harmony from all smart devices you are using. These options will connect the smart devices to your home security system. With the Abode app, you will be able to control smart lights, shut the garage door or arm your system without the need to switch to another app.

Contact

Abode customer service and support

For reaching out the Abode support, you can use the email or live chat support or give a call at +44 0330 6781104.

At first blush, due to the customer’s reviews, Abode’s service seems to be loved. But while ranging over the online reviews, we found many of the less inspiring reports, following which the customer service repeatedly promised assistance, and that was it.

We’ve tried to test them, and as a result — emailed questions were left without answers. Nobody answered our live-chat questions as well. And then, we got a promising notification that the answers to our questions would be emailed in 10 minutes. But we have never received that email.

And last but not least, eventually, you have to extra-pay for qualified support. Because it’s bundled with Abode’s top-tier monitoring package, only customers with Premium Support get noctidial priority help.

FAQ about the Abode