Saturday, December 14th
2024 Wireless Security System Reviews
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
Abode is based in San Francisco and was founded by a former ADT executive. The company offers wireless home security systems that focus heavily on smart home integrations. This allows you to connect various devices, even those bought from other smart-home brands. You can either build your own security system from scratch or choose from Abode's pre-made kits. The company promises easy installation and compatibility with outside systems, to provide both security and convenience for your household.
Abode has a home security quiz
Abode claims to simplify the process of building your home security system. By clicking the "build a system" button, you'll be taken to a quiz that asks if you want cameras, the type of property you have, and the number of doors and windows in your residence. You'll also be asked about smart-home integrations you might be interested in, like Alexa or Google, and if you're considering 24/7 monitoring. For our custom build, the cart included enough sensors for all our doors, glass-break sensors for less than half of our windows, two motion sensor cameras, and two video recording cameras. However, we needed more sensors to cover all our windows, which was odd given that we had specified the exact number of windows in the quiz.
Three pre-built kits
If you prefer not to customize each component, Abode offers three fully equipped kits to get you started:
- IOTA Package: This bundle includes an IOTA camera/motion sensor, a mini door and window sensor, and a key fob, priced between $379.99 and $800, depending on the number of pieces in the upgraded kits.
- Smart Security Kit: This package 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: This kit includes an Abode security hub, one mini door and window sensor, and a key fob, priced between $159.99 and $540, with options for upgrades.
Monitoring for $69.99 to $149 per year
If you'd like to add monitoring to your system, Abode charges monitoring fees on an annual basis. The standard plan costs $69.99 per year, while the pro subscription is $149 per year. There's also a self-monitoring option, but it only includes live video footage that you must review yourself.
Wireless system is often offline
Abode allows you to return your purchase within 30 days if you're not satisfied, and all devices come with a standard 1-year warranty. However, their reputation doesn't fully reflect this promise. The company currently holds a "C-'' rating from the Better Business Bureau, and customer feedback is mixed. While recent reviews are more positive, praising Abode's customer service, there are many complaints about the quality of the parts. Customers complain that devices in the Abode systems break within a matter of months. Numerous reviews from 2023 onwards also mention connectivity issues and cameras not staying online, which is a significant problem for a wireless home security system.
Pick a system that's reliably online
While Abode's quiz is a cool way to start building your security system, it isn't foolproof and often leads to more adjustments than a quiz-based system should. Plus with a range of connectivity issues once the system is installed, this Wi-Fi based system has some red flags. Despite having a decent return policy, Abode has too many issues to be a standout option. Until improvements are made, you're likely to have a better experience with a higher-ranked wireless home security provider so you get a system that actually stays online.
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The 10 Best Wireless Security Systems
Where Can You Find the Best Wireless Home Security Systems?
Whether you're a renter or homeowner, there's a universal concern everyone has: security. Living in an apartment or home is expensive, and you want to protect your residence, your belongings, and yourself. Among the numerous security options available, wireless security systems are becoming increasingly popular.
Why pay for complex wired installations and long-term service contracts when you can opt for a wireless system that offers flexibility and convenience? These systems provide robust security without the hassle, and when you move, you can easily take the system with you and set it up at your new place.
Wireless Security System FAQ
Continued from above...
The first decision to make when selecting a wireless security system is whether you prefer to monitor your home yourself using apps and camera feeds or if you want 24/7 professional monitoring. Professional monitoring usually involves extra costs, but many people find comfort in knowing that their home is being watched around the clock. If you prefer to save money, you can choose to monitor the system on your own.
Next, consider what equipment you need for your wireless home security setup. At the very least, you'll likely require 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 pieces of equipment individually, while others offer packages with the option to add extra components as needed.
If you're mindful of your budget, a wireless home security system gives you control over your spending. You can decide how much to invest and what features to include. If you opt out of professional monitoring or plan to add more components later, wireless systems make these adjustments easy. Remember that adding advanced features like video cameras with storage may increase your monthly costs, but it's entirely your decision.
Now that you have a general idea of what you want in a wireless home security system, how do you choose the right provider? Here are some 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?
- 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?
- Reputation. What do other homeowners say about their experience? Look for wireless home security systems that are easy to install or are particularly responsive when there's an alert or event. Customer reviews and ratings from the Better Business Bureau will be helpful to guide you.
To help you protect your home and loved ones, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the most popular wireless home security systems available today. We're confident that this information will help you choose the best coverage at a price you can afford, allowing you to enjoy peace and security in your home. That way you can get back to enjoying your activities outside and at home with the confidence that your home, loved ones, pets, and possessions are protected.
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