What Works with Abode? Compatible Devices

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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.

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Abode equipment

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
Equipment in base starter kit
Smart home compatibility Icon Tooltip  Dark
Internet connection
Motion sensor
Battery backup
Built-in camera
Learn more
Gateway,
Motion sensor,
Mini door/ window sensor,
Key fob
Amazon,
Apple,
Google,
Z-Wave,
Zigbee
Ethernet cable Included in starter kit
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Iota,
Mini door/ window sensor,
Key fob
Amazon,
Apple,
Google,
Z-Wave,
Zigbee
Wi-Fi Built-in
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes

Info current as of post date. 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.

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Battery backup

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.

Sensors

Abode's sensor selection is one of the most comprehensive we've seen on a DIY security system, thanks to its offering multiple entry, motion, and glass break sensors.

Compare Abode sensors

Sensor
Price
Abode mini door window sensorMini Door/ Window Sensor
Abode recessed door window sensorRecessed Door/ Window Sensor
Abode slim strip sensorSlim Strip Sensor
Abode motion sensorMotion Sensor
Abode multi sensorMulti Sensor
Sensor
Price
Abode vibration glass break sensorVibration Glass Break Sensor
Abode acoustic glass break sensorAcoustic Glass Break Sensor
Abode smoke alarm monitorSmoke Alarm Monitor
Abode water leak sensorWater Leak Sensor

Info current as of post date. 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.

Accessories

Accessories don't detect hazards like sensors do, but they can expand your system to do more than activate an alarm. These devices make you feel like a smart home mastermind since they simplify the system and add extra security layers to help you respond faster in an emergency.

Compare Abode accessories

Accessory
Price
Abode indoor sirenIndoor Siren
Abode outdoor sirenOutdoor Siren
Abode key fobKey Fob
Abode keypad 2Keypad 2
Accessory
Price
Abode panic buttonPanic Button
Abode smart home power switchSmart Home Power Switch
Abode color bulbColor Bulb (2 Pack)

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

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 color light bulb that you can use to set a mood or to enhance an alarm when your system spots an intruder. If you want to control lamps or appliances, you can buy the smart plug, a handy smart device for every home.

Cameras

Abode doesn't offer many camera options compared brands like Arlo and Ring. But the $60 Abode Cam 2 is a worthy adversary to cheaper security cameras like the Wyze Cam v3 and Blink Mini.

Compare Abode cameras

Camera
Price
Abode Cam 2Abode Cam 2

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

While the Iota also has a built-in camera, Abode no longer sells the Outdoor Smart Camera. 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 company recently announced a wireless video doorbell that will cost around $90, but it's unreleased as of this update.

Check out our full Abode Cam 2 review and our Abode Cameras Review for more information.

Checklist
Cloud video storage

Abode includes cloud video storage for its security cameras in its paid service plans:

  • Standard ($6/mo.): 10-day video history
  • Pro ($22/mo.): 10-day video history

Third-party smart home products that work with Abode

Abode works with a healthy collection of smart home products:

Notepad
About Abode’s CUE automation platform

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.

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.

Ecobee

You can use your Abode system to control Ecobee smart thermostats.

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 even more smart devices:

You can even use IFTTT to automatically make phone calls, send text messages, send emails, or log data into a Google sheet when your Abode alarm goes off. 

Abode doesn't automatically work with every device connected to the IFTTT platform. For example, you can't connect Abode to a Ring doorbell cam, even though Ring works with IFTTT. 

Smart lighting

You can control LIFX and Philips Hue smart light 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:

No, Abode is not compatible with Samsung SmartThings.

Not currently, but the company recently announced the Abode Wireless Video Doorbell. However, the product isn't available yet.

Abode UK customers have fewer bundles to choose from compared to US customers. Abode doesn't show the indoor siren in its UK shop, nor has it announced any plans to release the video doorbell in the UK.

On the other hand, Abode UK customers can still purchase the original Abode Cam or the Cam 2, whereas customers in the US can only get the Cam 2.

As far as third-party compatibility, the same equipment seems to work with either version of Abode.

Related articles on SafeWise


Disclaimers

*Google Assistant, Google, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

John Carlsen
Written by
John Carlsen
John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over a decade of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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