Disclosure: FMB Home Picks is committed to delivering independent advice and reviews on home products and services. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Learn moreContact us.
We’ll review Abode’s pricing, equipment and service levels as we continue to look for the best home security systems in the UK.
Abode offers complete, intelligent home security systems that will fit seamlessly into any modern home which are simple enough to install on your own. Homeowners can choose to self-monitor their Abode home security system, purchase on-demand 24/7 home monitoring without obligation, or subscribe to one of two monthly monitoring plans.
You can build your Abode system from one of its two Smart Hubs, adding a range of 1080p cameras, sensors and other accessories. Its many partnerships and integrations mean you can add-on products from other brands, and integrate them with most smart home environments.
Our home tech experts have carefully assessed all of Abode’s home security offering, from its features to its prices and subscription options, and compared it to competitors so you can decide whether it’s the right brand for you.
Rating: ★★★
Abode is one of the newer systems on the market, but it’s certainly earned its place among the best home security systems in the UK. Nearly universally compatible hardware (not to mention its pleasing modern aesthetics) makes Abode the perfect solution for smart homes, no matter what operating system you use. Its devices are all easy to install and use, and you can customise systems to your needs.
The real standout of the Abode home security system is that it includes both Zigbee and Z-Wave, which enables the system to connect to up to 160 smart devices. While Abode has its own branded sensors and cameras, it also works with Nest, Philips Hue, Sonos and voice commands from Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. There are more than 100 CUE automations available, including using the app to arm the system whenever the phones are outside the geo-fenced zone around your home. The app will also inform you if you’ve left a window open when you arm the system.
On the downside, it’s pricier than some of the solutions on the market, so not necessarily the best choice if you are on a tight budget. That said, it’s a good option if you are looking for flexible smart home protection as you can purchase on-demand guarding.
Abode also has a poor Trustpilot score, and many customers complain about the durability of its products and the lack of customer support, which is why the company has not made it to our roundup of the best home security systems on the market.
Abode offers 3 scalable home security systems, starting with the entry-level Abode Security Kit.
The Abode Security Kit includes a base station called the Gateway, a mini sensor for doors and windows, and a key fob to arm and disarm your system. The Abode companion app and the free plan are included. At the minimum free plan level, you’ll be alerted when motion is detected in your home or when a door or window is opened.
The Gateway device forms the hub of the service. It’s equipped with an internal 93db siren and can be connected to up to 160 devices. The Gateway device is roughly 200mm tall, comes with AES-256 Bit Encryption and can be plugged into a standard 230V UK plug socket.
The Smart Security Kit includes a Gateway, a motion sensor, a key fob and a mini door and window sensor.
You can also choose to build a system around the more sophisticated iota All-In-One hub, which is not only more compact but contains a built-in motion sensor, 93dB siren, high-definition camera and 2-way audio. It also comes equipped with a micro SD card slot so that videos can be recorded and stored on an SD card rather than the cloud.
Both base stations plug into the mains but also have a ten-hour battery and cellular chip, so messages can be sent without wifi connectivity. On top of these, you can add a range of cameras and sensors to customise your package to your household’s size and needs.
You can integrate both base stations with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Nest, Phillips Hue lightbulbs, LIFX, Yale, Z-wave, First Alert, IFTTT, ecobee and more.
For professional monitoring, you’ll have to opt for Abode’s Pro Plan, which also gives you access to rich notifications, cellular backup and AI Vision Smart Video.
Abode has one camera on offer, the Abode Cam 2, which shoots in 1080p HD. The camera’s field of vision is 127 degrees and it has full colour night vision. There is also 2-way audio, which enables homeowners to speak to unexpected visitors or intruders if you spot them via the Abode system.
Footage can be uploaded to the cloud, where it will remain for 3 to 90 days, depending on which package you’ve chosen. Or, you can use the SD card capabilities if you have an iota hub.
Abode’s video doorbell is 2-way audio enabled and has person detection as well as full colour night vision. It’s battery-powered and connects to Wi-Fi, so it’s fully wireless and easy to install.
Abode offers a range of add-on products to customise your package, including door and window sensors, glass break sensors, motion sensors, an outdoor siren and an access control panel.
The Abode home security system is more affordable than many traditional security brands, including Verisure and ADT, which both require professional installation and monitoring. The DIY package is simple to install and can secure your home at half the cost of the traditional system. However, there are cheaper DIY brands on the market.
The closest rivals to Abode include SimpliSafe and Ring, which both offer DIY installation and the option of 24/7 monitoring as well.
The pricing and devices differ, and neither offers as many smart home integrations as Abode’s home security solution. SimpliSafe offers more flexible pricing but isn’t compatible with Apple HomeKit or several leading voice commands. Ring is much cheaper but with fewer devices and monitoring options.
In terms of customer reviews, Abode significantly underperforms compared the likes of SimpliSafe or Verisure.
The Abode home security system isn’t the cheapest home security system on the market, but its rich features and smart device connectivity makes it among the best home security systems in the UK.
Here’s how it compares to its competitors:
| Home security system brand | Cheapest package cost (excluding installation and subscription costs) |
|---|---|
| Abode | From 119.99 for a 3-piece package |
| Ring | From £219.99 for a 5-piece package |
| Verisure | Prices on quotation |
| SimpliSafe | From £284.96 for a 4-piece package |
| Swann | From £179.99 for a 2-piece package |
| Blink | From £108.74 for a 2-piece package |
| Yale | From £219.98 for a 5-piece package |
| Tapo | From £84.99 for a 2-piece package |
As of February 2026, Abode has a low Trustpilot rating of 2.7 stars out of 5. The company does have 55 per cent of 5-star reviews, but overall, opinions are very polarised. Most reviews aren’t recent, but complaints tend to be around the durability of the products, and difficulties installing them, as well as poor customer support.
“We brought a 3 piece Suite from this Company We travelled down to Farnham to view the Suite Jay had been texting me with answers to any questions I asked and was just as helpful when we visited. We could have had a delivery within a very few days We agreed to have a delivery today We are very pleased with the reasonable cost I would recommend this company thank you”
“Worst security camera system on the market, in my opinion. I would not recommend this product or company to anyone that wishes to have any peace of mind or feel safe living in their home. We have had nothing but issues with all the cameras and their additional paid service for video recording has never worked despite numerous cases raised with their support.
You get what you pay for with this product. There is a reason it’s so cheap.”
Considering Abode’s versatility of add-on devices to their Smart Security and iota Kits, their home security system is one of the most flexible and customisable on the market. This packages and DIY method for creating an individual set-up, including affordable cameras, sensors and accessories, as well as it’s smart home compatibility, makes it an attractive option for many homes.
That said, the price point may put off more budget-conscious households, and we struggle to look past the many recent negative reviews surrounding the durability of the system.
Rating: ★★★
Our experts have conducted hours of research to compile a list of the best security systems. There are many options on the market and they all have their pros and cons. However, our list includes some of the best security systems to consider for every need. Whether you are looking for a security system on a budget, easy installation, or a customisable package, one of the security systems above will surely be an excellent choice.
A home security system is an investment in your protection. After all, the best home security system aims to keep your family and property safe and protected from burglary, fire, home intrusion, and flood, among other threats.
We considered the following factors:
For more information, read our article on how we review home security systems.
