Abode Security Systems Comparison: Which Should You Pick?

We tested these cameras for a few days to see how they stand up to the competition.
Best for budgets
Abode Security Kit
Abode Security Kit
  • pro
    Affordable
  • pro
    Compatible with Alexa and Google
  • con
    Not compatible with HomeKit
Best for smart homes
Smart Security Kit
  • pro
    Mid-range
  • pro
    Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa and Google
  • con
    No Wi-Fi connectivity
Best for all-in-one security
iota All-In-One
  • con
    Most expensive
  • pro
    Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa and Google
  • pro
    Built-in camera and sensor
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Abode, one of our top home security picks, has three different systems to choose from: the Abode Security Kit, Smart Security Kit and the iota All-In-One. Which one is the right one for your home? Here’s a rundown of each system and how to choose.


Compare Abode systems

Product
Price
What's included
Compatibly
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Learn more
Read review
Best for budgets Security hub, door/window sensor, key fobAlexa, Google Home
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for smart homes Smart Security Hub, mini door/window sensor, key fobHomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Sonos
Icon No  LightNo
Best all-in-one security iota Hub (with camera and sensor), mini door/window sensor, key fobHomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Sonos
Icon Yes  LightYes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

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Price comparisons for Abode systems

Abode’s newest system is the Abode Security Kit. This budget-friendly option is under $140. That's cheap when you compare it to Abode’s other systems. The Smart Security Kit comes in at $330, while the iota All-In-One Security Kit is around $380.

Abode monitoring prices

Monitoring prices are the same no matter what system you pick.  Here's what to expect from the different monitoring plans.

Plan
Monthly cost
Video storage
Arm/disarm from app
CUE automations
Professional monitoring
Learn more
Live video only
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
10 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
10 days
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

What you get for the price

All of the Abode systems come with a hub, mini door/window sensor and a key fob. The difference in price comes from how the hubs function. 

The iota All-In-One is expensive for a reason. The hub comes with a built-in 1080p HD camera, 93db siren, motion sensor and two-way voice. It’s like a little security robot. It also works with just about any smart tech you could have around your home. It’s compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Sonos and more

The Smart Security Kit’s hub doesn’t have any built-in goodies, other than the 93db siren. It still works with all of your smart tech, though. No other security system on the market has the connectivity of the iota All-In-One and the Smart Security Kit hubs. 

The Abode Security Kit is the cheapest pick, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s basic. It doesn’t have the smart tech compatibility that the other two systems have. It’s only compatible with Alexa and Google. And it doesn’t have any extra built-in security stuff iota has, other than the siren.

Bell
No Wi-Fi

Be warned. The Smart Security Kit needs to be connected to your router with an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. This means that you’re limited on where you can put the hub.

How to choose the right Abode system

The box of the Abode Security Kit

Image: Abode

The Abode system you choose depends on your budget and how you’ll use it.

If you just want a basic system that can call for help when there are intruders and don’t want to spend much, the Abode Security System is your best bet. You can always add Abode cameras or extra sensors later if you decide to beef up your security.

The iota All-In-One and the Smart Security Kit are for folks that want to connect their smart tech with their security system to set up automations and have an array of tech on different platforms. For example, if you have a Sonos speaker, Apple HomeKit and Google TV, then these two systems are a better choice than their little brother. 

The iota All-In-One is for the home that not only needs smart home connectivity but also needs an indoor camera. The built-in camera is great for parents that want to keep tabs on their kiddos, seniors that want to stay connected with a caregiver, and pet owners that want to check in throughout the day.

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Disclaimers

Google, Google Nest Secure, [any other related Google Products] and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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