Abode review

Abode ranks second because it works well with no plan at all and scales up to professional monitoring without a contract. The free tier includes the app, live camera video, push notifications and links to Apple HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home. The Standard plan at $8.49 a month adds a 30-day event timeline, AI alerts for people, packages and pets, and insurance discount eligibility, which suits people who want to watch their own home. The Pro plan at $26.99 a month, or $245.99 a year, adds 24/7 monitoring from a US-based center and 4G cellular backup. Abode also supports Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, which is rare among DIY alarms. The downside is that backup internet sits only on the top plan, and continuous video recording is a separate $9.99 monthly add-on. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

Renters and smart home users who want HomeKit, Alexa or Google Home control and monitoring only when they need it.

Price

Free plan; Standard self monitoring $8.49 per month or $79.99 per year; Pro professional monitoring $26.99 per month or $245.99 per year.

The Standard Plan ($79.99/year or $8.49/month) is ideal for self-monitoring.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Free tier with app control, live video and smart home integrations
• Pro plan with 24/7 monitoring from a US-based center
• 4G cellular backup on the Pro plan
• Works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Zigbee and Z-Wave
• AI detection of people, packages and pets on paid plans

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Useful without any subscription
• Strength: No contracts, with plan changes from the app
• Strength: Strong smart home compatibility, including HomeKit on Iota and Smart Security Kit hubs
• Weakness: Cellular backup is only on the $26.99 Pro plan
• Weakness: 24/7 video recording costs $9.99 per month extra
• Weakness: Free and Standard users get no remote alerts during internet outages

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes
• Professional monitoring: Pro plan, $26.99 per month
• Contract: None
• Insurance discount: Abode cites 5 to 30 percent from most insurers

Where it ranks

Abode is No. 2 in our Best Home Security Systems verdict.