What Works with Abode? Compatible Devices
Abode doesn't rank highly on our list of the best home security systems, but we like that it's compatible with a ton of equipment. With so many equipment options available, you can customize your Abode system with everything you want in a security system.
Let's dig into Abode's equipment and explore what smart home brands work with this little-known security system.
If you're looking for our thoughts on Abode as a whole, we recommend heading over to our Abode review to learn more about its monitoring plans, customer service, and how it compares to similar systems.
Abode-compatible devices
Base stations
One thing that sets Abode apart from other DIY security systems is that it offers two different base stations: the Gateway and the Iota.
| Base station |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $231.99 | $291.99 |
| Equipment in base starter kit | Gateway, Motion sensor, Mini door/window sensor, Key fob |
Iota, Mini door/window sensor, Key fob |
| Smart home compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant*, Z-Wave, Zigbee |
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant*, Z-Wave, Zigbee |
| Internet connection | Ethernet cable | Wi-Fi |
| Motion sensor | Included in starter kit | Built-in |
| Battery backup |
 Yes |
Yes |
| Built-in camera |
 No |
Yes |
| View on Abode | View on Abode |
Info current as of 06/03/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The Abode Gateway controls the system and connects it to the monitoring center, similar to what you see from competitors like SimpliSafe and Blue by ADT.
In contrast, the Abode Iota is an all-in-one system with a built-in security camera and motion sensor. These features mean it needs fewer sensors, making it ideal for small apartments. It still does everything the Gateway can do, but the higher price is worth it if you're already eyeing a security camera for your Abode system.
Both Abode base stations have a battery backup that keeps the system running and connected to the monitoring center for up to five hours during a power outage.
As far as we can tell, there isn't a way to buy Abode's base stations outside of a starter kit. But this isn't a problem since most folks will want a few sensors to go with their system. The starter kits include the basics of home security: a motion sensor and an entry sensor. There's also a key fob to help you quickly disarm your system when you come home from work.
Compare Abode sensors
Info current as of 06/03/2021. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
We like the different entry sensors' styles, with the recessed and slim models offering more attractive (or hidden) options than typical door and window sensors.
Aside from the standard motion sensor, Abode sells a Multi Sensor that also monitors light levels, temperature, and humidity—making it a great way to expand the system's smart home functionality.
The vibration glass break sensor is intriguing since most other brands rely on acoustic sensors to detect breaking glass. While the vibration sensor isn't as useful for monitoring multiple windows, it's a great addition to glass on or near doors, where an intruder might break a window for easy entry.
You can also buy a smoke alarm monitor that listens for the sounds of smoke detectors (it also works with carbon monoxide alarms). This handy sensor saves you from buying expensive, new smoke detectors that work with your Abode system.
Lastly, there's a water leak detector to help you spot leaky pipes before they turn into a house-damaging deluge.
Abode sells two siren models, including the only outdoor siren we've seen in a security system in the US. By putting a siren outdoors, you can alert neighbors to trouble and more easily discourage burglars from staying long enough to swipe your loot.
The key fob and keypad simplify how you arm and disarm your system, so you don't always need a smartphone app to control the system. The panic button can instantly activate the alarm and request help from the professional monitoring center in an emergency.
There's even a system status indicator that tells you at a glance if your system is actively looking for intruders. If you want to control lights or appliances, you can buy the smart plug, a handy smart device for every home.
Cameras
Abode doesn't offer many camera options. There isn't much that's remarkable about the motion camera compared to traditional (and cheaper) security cameras from Arlo and Ring. But the $30 Abode Cam 2 (available for preorder), is a worthy adversary to the Wyze Cam v3 and Blink Mini.
Abode recently updated the camera software of the Iota and Outdoor Smart Camera with person detection notifications. These allow you to react to uninvited guests while ignoring the neighborhood cat.
The Outdoor Smart Camera is another story entirely. We love that you can also use this unique outdoor camera as a video doorbell since it can connect to doorbell wiring. It doesn't have a doorbell button but instead uses a motion sensor to let you know when a visitor arrives. Even without a button, it probably won't stop folks from touching the camera.
Abode includes cloud video storage for its security cameras in its paid service plans:
- Standard ($6/mo.): 7-day video history
- Pro ($20/mo.): 30-day video history
Third-party smart home products that work with Abode
Abode works with a healthy collection of smart home products:
While you can manually control compatible devices with the Abode app, you need to subscribe to any of the company's paid plans for Abode's CUE automations to perform tasks automatically.You don't have to pay if you set up automations outside the Abode app using another service (like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT).
Amazon Alexa
You link your Abode system to Alexa using one of two skills: Abode Smart Home or Abode Home Security. You can control your Abode security system and smart home gear with Alexa voice controls, Echo smart speakers, Echo Show smart displays, and the Alexa app. Now you can check that you armed Abode from your comfy bed by asking Alexa.
Read our Alexa guide to learn more.
Apple HomeKit
Apple HomeKit compatibility gives you control over your Abode equipment using Siri voice commands or the Apple Home app.
Read our Apple HomeKit guide to learn more.
Ecobee
You can use your Abode system to control Ecobee smart thermostats.
Google Assistant
The Google Assistant smart home platform enables Abode voice commands, plus you can control the system with the Google Home app and Google smart speakers.
Read our Google Assistant guide to learn more.
If This Then That (IFTTT)
IFTTT is a service that allows you to set up conditional automations that control your Abode system and other IFTTT-connected devices.
It's a great way to link smart home products that are normally incompatible with each other. For example, this opens up the possibility of Abode working with smart devices like Wemo smart plugs and Honeywell thermostats.
Smart lighting
You can control LIFX and Philips Hue smart bulbs in the Abode app or integrate them directly into Abode CUE automations.
Z-Wave and Zigbee
Abode works with dozens of Z-Wave and Zigbee devices like sensors, smart bulbs, smart light switches, smart plugs, smart locks, and various security sensors.
While Abode should work with any compatible product using the same technology, you'll get better results by choosing a device from its official list of supported Z-Wave and Zigbee devices.
These are just a few of the popular options:
Abode compatible devices FAQ
Abode works with the following smart locks:
- August AUG-SL-CON-S03
- Danalock V3
- Various Kwikset smart locks that use Z-Wave (not Z-Wave Plus)
- Various Schlage smart door locks
- Yale B1L Lock Keypad Deadbolt
- Yale Keyfree Touchscreen Deadbolt
No, Abode is not compatible with Samsung SmartThings.
Yes, the Abode Outdoor Cam 2 can be used as a video doorbell.
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*Google Assistant, Google, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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