We compared these wireless home security options side-by-side. Find out which one gets our experts\u2019 pick.<\/p>\n
These key takeaways should give you a taste of what\u2019s to come. But there\u2019s much<\/em> more to the story. So read on to find out the differences and similarities between SimpliSafe and Abode.<\/p>\n Now let\u2019s dig a little deeper to look at the individual categories to see how SimpliSafe and Abode compare.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe comes from Ivy League bloodline. The company was founded in the mid-2000\u2019s at Harvard. A couple of students were sick and tired of seeing their dorm rooms burglarized, so they set out to create a simple DIY security system for renters. Fast forward to today, and hundreds of thousands of customers later, and SimpliSafe still delivers ultra-simple, affordable, no-contract home security for renters and homeowners alike.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Abode is the brainchild of a former ADT exec. So even though it\u2019s a new company (founded in 2015\/2016 from a Kickstarter campaign), it\u2019s safe to say that Abode knows home security. Recently, in 2018, the Italian tech company Nice invested heavily in Abode. This infusion of capital will certainly help Abode dig deep roots in today\u2019s US market, as well as expand into foreign markets in the coming years. Overall, the company is young and thriving.<\/p>\n Age and Influence Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/p>\n SimpliSafe has 10+ years on Abode. And experience matters. The SimpliSafe brand continues to build traction in the industry, whereas Abode still has to pay their dues, if you will. Their time will come, but for now \u2018Age and Influence\u2019 goes to SimpliSafe.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>As the name suggests, SimpliSafe doesn\u2019t do complicated. The system is easy to setup and easy to use. Customers get everything needed to secure their home, along with a few added bonuses.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe\u2019s standout features and tech include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Abode also offers wireless DIY home security that is highly-customizable. The company delivers basic-to-complete home security and plenty of add-ons to customize your system. The main difference between SimpliSafe and Abode is in home automation. Abode offers plenty of smart home automation options and upgrades, while SimpliSafe offers none.<\/p>\n Abode standout features and tech include:<\/strong><\/p>\n The two systems are similar when it comes to fancy features and on-the-go control. But Abode customers will enjoy plenty of home automation options \u2014 a luxury that SimpliSafe customers must go without. Hopefully SimpliSafe will consider offering smart home features and\/or third-party integrations. After all, it\u2019s the 21st century, and people want their smart gadgets.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe offers 24\/7 professional monitoring. This service is optional, meaning you can choose to \u2018self-monitor\u2019 and forego the monthly monitoring fee. However, if you want SimpliSafe\u2019s monitoring center to keep a hawk-eye on your home, then you can choose between two monitoring plans. The \u2018Standard\u2019 plan costs $14.99\/mo. for basic home security. And the \u2018Interactive\u2019 plan costs $24.99 and gives you home security, special alerts, and remote control. Both options are no-contract but require an upfront equipment cost of $229.96.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Similar to SimpliSafe, Abode customers can self-monitor and save. But Abode also offers three day monitoring ($8) or seven day monitoring ($15). This nifty on-demand feature allows you to sign-up for temporary monitoring when you leave town on vacation or business. The Abode \u2018Connect\u2019 plan costs $8\/mo. and includes timeline and media storage, mobile access for self-monitoring, and loads of smart home integrations. The upper-tier \u2018Secure\u2019 plan costs $20\/mo and gives you everything in the Connect plan, plus professional monitoring. At $230, the upfront equipment cost is similar to SimpliSafe, and there are no contracts. Abode is certainly more flexible when it comes to monthly monitoring choices.<\/p>\n Both companies offer around-the-clock professional monitoring. And both companies allow you to skip the monthly subscription fee and self-monitor your system. You have options. But Abode takes the slight edge here, as it\u2019s cheaper and includes home automation. You might even luck out and find a 50% off Abode deal.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe home security systems are 100% wireless and cellular. This means they intercept signals from local cell towers, making your connection faster and more reliable than landline-based systems. The best home security systems offer cellular-based connections, and we\u2019d expect nothing less from SimpliSafe.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Much like its competitor, Abode sells only cellular home security systems stacked with the latest wireless technologies. If you sign-up with professional monitoring, you can rest assured an emergency dispatcher will contact you within seconds of your alarm going off. Fast response times keep you and your family safe and sound.<\/p>\n Whether you choose SimpliSafe or Abode, you\u2019ll enjoy fast, reliable connections and quick response times. You really can\u2019t go wrong here.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>The lowest-tier package includes 1 base station, 1 wireless keypad, 1 motion sensor, and 1 entry sensor. You likely have more than one entry point into your home, so you\u2019ll want to purchase additional door and window sensors for only $15 each. And remember, this is just the base package. You can purchase upgrade packages and loads of add-on gear to transform your house into the safest home on the block. For instance, you can purchase the award-winning indoor SimpliCam to get 24\/7 HD video, intrusion and motion alerts for $99.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Abode offers two starter kits: the Smart Security Kit and the iota Kit. The Smart kit comes with the Gateway hub, motion sensor, key fob, and mini door sensor. The iota Kit is their \u2018all-in-one\u2019 home security system that includes everything in the base kit, plus an HD camera that boasts features like motion detection and two-way voice. The iota kit also lets you connect up to 160 smart devices, allowing you to build out a complete smart home ecosystem.<\/p>\n This is a close one, but SimpliSafe takes the edge for straightforward pricing and easy-to-understand packages. Both companies offer just a couple of starter kits, with the understanding that users are to customize their own security systems. And again, if you\u2019re looking for home automation, then Abode is the better system of the two.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>If you\u2019re like most people, you want quality security equipment to protect your home and family for years to come. You\u2019re in good hands. SimpliSafe makes their own equipment and products. Cutting out the middleman results in affordable products and allows the company to keep an eye on quality control. While the gear isn\u2019t perfect, SimpliSafe customers are typically delighted by the equipment quality. Expect well-designed equipment that adds a modern touch to your home.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Unlike SimpliSafe, Abode doesn\u2019t make their own proprietary products. This too has its advantages. For instance, Abode products are Z-Wave and Zigbee Pro device compatible, making it easy to switch monitoring providers. Transferring service is a tall task for SimpliSafe customers who are saddled with proprietary products. With Abode, you can expect sleek equipment with a black and white color scheme.<\/p>\n Both SimpliSafe and Abode sell equipment that\u2019s dressed to impress. From the hub stations to the cameras \u2014 and everything in-between \u2014 the equipment is designed with form and function in mind.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Smart home automation is the Achilles heal of SimpliSafe. The company simply doesn\u2019t offer it in their lineup of features and tech. And it\u2019s too bad, as today\u2019s consumers expect at least the option<\/em> of hooking up smart devices. Alas, SimpliSafe systems stop at voice control. This is by design, of course, as SimpliSafe doesn\u2019t want to overwhelm users with advanced functions. But this hard-line stance will only hurt the company in the long run.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Abode truly shines when it comes to smart home automation. And it\u2019s all centered around CUE, the proprietary Abode smart home platform. With CUE, users can set custom rules, program complex actions and create scenes to fit their tastes. We\u2019re talking smart lighting, smart locks, garage door openers, thermostats, and the list goes on. CUE comes with all Abode systems. And as mentioned, Abode equipment is compatible with Z-Wave and Zigbee smart home features. This means the sky\u2019s the limit with your smart home ecosystem.<\/p>\n Abode takes this category by a landslide. SimpliSafe needs to add smart home options if they want to stay competitive in the digital age. But it\u2019s not like they\u2019re hurting for customers. SimpliSafe continues to grow as a leader in lean home security without all the ostensibly burdensome tech.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe customers are up-and-running faster than fast. You don\u2019t need any tools, and you won\u2019t be drilling into your walls. Simply plug in the base station, mount the sensors, follow a couple quick setup cues, and voila!<\/em> Welcome to simple and fast home security. SimpliSafe is ahead of the game when it comes to DIY installation.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Much like SimpliSafe, Abode customers set up their own systems DIY style. The company pre-programs the equipment so that it\u2019s ready to protect your home straight out-of-the-box. Plug it in and enjoy home protection without ever breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n The SimpliSafe brand is built around easy installation (it says it right there in the name!). But the truth is, both SimpliSafe and Abode offer super-fast and easy DIY installation. So you can\u2019t go wrong with either one.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014<\/strong> For the most part, users are happy with SimpliSafe and the service they deliver. The company holds an impressive A+ BBB rating. And while some customers complain of excessively long wait times on the phone, the overwhelming majority have nothing but great things to say about SimpliSafe customer service. Head to SimpliSafe\u2019s \u2018Help Center\u2019 as a first step. There you\u2019ll find 80+ FAQ\u2019s and easy-to-digest answers. If you can\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for, just give them a ring!<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Abode customers have several ways to get help. They can hop on the company\u2019s website and dig into self-serve resources, or even contact service reps via phone or email. The staff is friendly and highly-trained in all of Abode\u2019s offerings, so you\u2019re sure to get the help you need.<\/p>\n Both SimpliSafe and Abode offer extensive customer service resources. Whether it\u2019s through email, phone, or video \u2014 you\u2019re sure to find answers to all<\/em> of your burning questions.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>SimpliSafe home security systems are no-contract, month-to-month, cancel anytime you want. You\u2019ll have to pay the upfront equipment fee \u2014 an affordable $229.96 \u2014 at which point you own the equipment outright. Then, if you choose a monitoring plan, you will pay as you go, and can leave the contract whenever you wish. Finally, SimpliSafe offers a fairly generous 60-day money-back guarantee.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Just like SimpliSafe, Abode doesn\u2019t lock you into a long-term contract. But just like SimpliSafe, you will have to pay the upfront equipment fee. This costs anywhere from $159 to $299 depending on your system (we\u2019ll dig into cost and value in the next section). Also, Abode offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which doesn\u2019t compete with SimpliSafe\u2019s 60-day guarantee.<\/p>\n Neither SimpliSafe nor Abode require contracts. Both are month-to-month, cancel anytime services. But one aspect of \u2018Contracts\u2019 is ease-of-return. You have to ask yourself, does the company make it easy to return equipment to get my money back? SimpliSafe\u2019s return policy, or money-back guarantee, is twice as nice as Abodes.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe \u2014 <\/strong>Companies like SimpliSafe are taking the home security industry by storm. And it\u2019s no wonder. With reasonable upfront equipment fees ($229.96) and affordable 24\/7 professional monitoring ($14.99-$24.99 monthly), you just can\u2019t beat it. Unfortunately, SimpliSafe doesn\u2019t offer home automation or outdoor video. If they could pack these two features into their current prices, there would be no stopping SimpliSafe. All in all, SimpliSafe offers basic-to-advanced home protection at rock-bottom prices. And remember, there\u2019s no long-term contracts to weigh you down. The value is easy to see.<\/p>\n Abode \u2014 <\/strong>Just like SimpliSafe, Abode is one of those 21st brands that is disrupting the home security market\u2026 in a good way. Their no-contract, highly-customizable base packages are super affordable. The Smart Security Kit starts at just $159 for basic home protection, and the iota Kit starts at just $199 for more advanced features. Then, the monthly monitoring fees top out at just $20! Abode customers also have the option to outfit their home with up to 160 smart devices, a luxury that SimpliSafe customers don\u2019t get. Without a doubt, Abode is worth the money and then some.<\/p>\n This was another tough category to judge. Both of these wireless home security systems deliver no-contract, easy DIY setup, and low monthly monitoring fees. But Abode customers will enjoy more flexible monitoring option menu, and<\/em> they\u2019ll have access to home automation features by the bucket-loads. With that said, SimpliSafe is a tried-and-true brand that will protect your home and family for less than $1 per day. So both systems are winners in our book.<\/p>\n So there it is! A detailed comparison of SimpliSafe vs Abode. By now you should have a solid grasp of what these companies bring to the table. Of course, there can only be one winner. So see below for an at-a-glance rundown of the category winners.<\/p>\n SimpliSafe and Abode are neck-and-neck in most categories. SimpliSafe truly excels when it comes to market influence and ease of installation, but Abode takes the crown for categories like home automation and monitoring options.<\/p>\n Either way, you\u2019re going to get super-easy DIY installation on highly-customizable home security kits. The price difference is almost negligible. And for the value both systems deliver, you really can\u2019t go wrong with either one.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SimpliSafe vs Abode Comparison Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Key Differences: SimpliSafe vs Abode<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Key Similarities: SimpliSafe vs Abode<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Home Security Categories We Compare:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Age and Influence<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Features and Technology<\/h2>\n
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Features and Tech Category Winner: Abode<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Monitoring Options<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Monitoring Options Category Winner: Abode<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Emergency Connections \/ Response Times<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Emergency Connections Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Equipment Included<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Equipment Included Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Equipment Quality<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Home Automation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Home Automation Category Winner: Abode<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ease of Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Ease of Installation Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Customer Service<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Category Winner: Tie<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Contracts<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Category Winner: SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Cost and Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Category Winner: Abode<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Overall Winner – SimpliSafe<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n