How many households have alarm systems today?

As many as 21 million households in the US use a security alarm system to protect themselves from burglary, home invasions and other crimes. With almost four million burglaries each year, it's important to have round-the-clock monitoring and an immediate emergency response if someone tries to break in.

Is it expensive to have an alarm system?

It doesn't have to be. There are two costs associated with all alarm systems: the equipment and the monitoring service itself. Some companies give you the equipment at no charge as part of your plan, but the monthly fees are often higher to account for the free gear. Other services may require you to pay for your equipment upfront, but your monthly charge will be lower than the competition. Most alarm systems have monthly fees ranging from the low $30s to the upper $50s.

Do I need to have my system installed by a technician?

In the past, alarm systems were 100% wired - and yes, they had to be installed by a professional. While there are still a handful of companies that use these types of systems (including a landline to monitor them), most services today use totally wireless technology. In fact, many alarm systems have equipment that you can install yourself in just a few minutes.

What types of equipment should I consider including in my alarm system?

The most basic systems include a few door contact sensors and that's about it. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to include wireless motion sensors for the interior or exterior of your home, fire and carbon monoxide detectors, flood sensors or even a panic pendant. The most advanced alarm systems give you options for video recording as well.

Do I have to sign a lengthy contract?

You might. If you got your equipment at no cost, chances are you'll be signing a contract of at least three years (ouch). If that doesn't appeal to you, consider an alarm system company where you purchase your equipment outright: they're less likely to require you to sign a contract to use their monitoring service.

If I move, can my alarm system come with me?

You can rest assured that your alarm system provider wants to keep your business, and they'll make it as easy as possible if you move. Whether that includes setting up monitoring at your new address or even doing a full install, they will help you get it done. The easiest systems to move are the ones with do-it-yourself installation: move the equipment when you go, and don't forget to update the alarm company with your location.

Will having an alarm system save me money on my homeowner's insurance?

Almost certainly. Savings typically range from 2-10%, depending on the type of alarm system you have and your insurer.

What if I install my system and it doesn't work the way I expected? Can I get a refund?

Many of today's popular alarm systems come with a 30-day risk-free trial. However, some companies have hefty fees for cancelling a contract prior to the end date, so you'll want to read all of the fine print before you commit to a provider.

Abode Review for September 2026 | Best Alarm System Companies

Item: Abode Review
Rating: 2
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, September 5th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Alarm System Company Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems? Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Abode

Security kits from $159.99 to $800
Monitoring from $69.99 to $149 per year
Buy equipment upfront or get monthly financing
30-day risk-free trial
1-year device warranties
No contract required

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Abode website

Abode, founded by a former ADT executive and located in San Francisco, specializes in alarm systems with a strong emphasis on smart home integration. This means you can expect to connect a variety of devices, even those from other smart home brands, to your new alarm system. You can choose to create an alarm system from scratch at Abode or select one of Abode's pre-configured kits. The company assures straightforward installation and compatibility with external systems, aiming to deliver both security and convenience.

Home security quiz might need an update

Abode aims to simplify the process of building an alarm system. By clicking the "build a system" button, you are directed to a quiz. This quiz goes over your preferences regarding cameras, property type, number of doors and windows, desired smart home integrations like Alexa or Google, and your interest in 24/7 monitoring. Our custom build included enough sensors for doors, glass-break sensors for some windows, two motion sensor cameras, and two video recording cameras. However, despite answering the quiz questions with accurate numbers, we needed to add additional sensors to our total to cover the entire home.

Three pre-built kits

For those who prefer not to customize each component, Abode offers three fully equipped kits to kickstart their security setup:

IOTA Package: Includes an IOTA camera/motion sensor, a mini door/window sensor, and a key fob, priced between $379.99 and $800, depending on kit upgrades.
Smart Security Kit: Comes with a Smart Security Hub, a mini door/window sensor, a motion sensor, and a key fob, with prices ranging from $279 to $740 for upgraded kits.
Abode Security Kit: Contains an Abode security hub, one mini door/window sensor, and a key fob, priced between $159.99 and $540, with upgrade options available.

Get pro monitoring for $69.99 to $149 per year

Abode offers monitoring services on an annual basis, with the standard plan priced at $69.99 per year and the pro subscription at $149 per year. There is also a self-monitoring option, providing only live video footage for self-review. Pro monitoring includes features like dispatching police in case of a break-in, sending appropriate assistance for fire and medical emergencies, and offering coverage without contracts, providing professional monitoring on your terms.

Some connectivity issues

Abode allows returns within 30 days and offers a standard 1-year warranty on all devices. However, customer feedback and their BBB rating paint a mixed picture. While recent reviews commend Abode's customer service, many complain about device quality. Numerous reviews from 2023 onwards mention connectivity issues and cameras frequently going offline, posing significant challenges for an alarm system. This is a massive drawback for a quality alarm system, since there's potential for the actual alarm to be offline when an emergency occurs.

You may want something more reliable

Despite Abode's innovative quiz and reasonable return policy, it often requires more adjustments than expected and suffers from connectivity issues post-installation. These issues raise concerns about the reliability of this Wi-Fi-based system and how helpful the alarm will be in an actual emergency. Until improvements are made, opting for a higher-ranked alarm system provider may provide a more dependable experience. This way, your system remains online when you need it.

On the Abode website

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Whether you rent or own your home, security is a top priority. With the costs of living and the need to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself, finding the right security solution is an important balancing act of top-notch service with value. Among the many ways out there to protect your home, alarm systems are gaining popularity for their reliability and effectiveness.

If budget is a concern, alarm systems provide a range of options that let you control your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you choose to skip professional monitoring or plan to add components later, alarm systems make these adjustments straightforward.

Why worry about the security of your home or buying low-tech locks and keys when you can choose an alarm system that offers both simplicity and robust protection? When choosing an alarm system, your first decision is whether you want to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds sent right to your smartphone or opt for 24/7 professional monitoring.

While professional monitoring adds extra costs, many find peace of mind knowing that their home is watched around the clock and that these services can trigger the alarm and even call law enforcement for you in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can save money by choosing to monitor the system yourself and keeping a close eye on alerts and notifications.

Next, think about the equipment you need for your alarm system. At a minimum, you'll likely need door sensors for all first-floor entry points and a panel or touchscreen hub for arming and disarming the system. Other popular components include indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, and sensors for smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide.

Some companies allow you to purchase equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed. Keep in mind that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but you have the freedom to choose what works best for you.

Now that you have an idea of what you want in an alarm system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some important factors to consider:

Value. What do you get for your money? Does the company provide good service for the equipment you install? Are the components high-quality and durable?
Contracts. Will you need to sign a contract? Sometimes the cost of the equipment is included in the monitoring fee, which could lock you into a long-term commitment. If you don't want this, you may need to look at different options.
Satisfaction guarantee. What if you're not happy with your system? Can you get your money back? Does the provider offer a trial period or satisfaction guarantee?
Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for alarm systems that are easy to operate and responsive when there's an alert. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau can provide valuable insights into the system's reliability and the company's customer service.

To help you simplify your security, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best alarm systems available today. We hope this information helps you find the best solution to protect your home and loved ones at a price you can afford. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home, family, and belongings are safe, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.

Abode Review: Alarm System Companies

2026 Alarm System Company Reviews

Abode

Where Can You Find the Best Alarm Systems?

Alarm System Company FAQ