Abode Iota All-in-One Security Kit with Integrated Camera, Alarm, Key Fob, Motion & Door/Window Sensors - DIY Installation - Optional Professional Monitoring - Works with HomeKit, Alexa & Google Home

I've had this plus additional hardware for a year, and it's never been 100% functional. For many months the main issue was that anytime I streamed live video the Abode app would disable the mic on my Galaxy 10s. That meant that if my cameras were triggered and I needed to speak with police or the Abode monitoring team I was unable to use my phone. To regain the use of my phone mic I would have to restart the phone. A few weeks ago the above issue was resolved, but since then none of my five cameras record/report video when motion occurs. I can manually record when using live video feed from the dashboard on the Abode app but not when using the record button for each camera accessed via the "device" screen. I've been working with the Abode techs for many months and I'm quickly running out of patience. They seem like nice, sincere people and I wish them well however if the system can't be made to work properly I will have to switch to a competitor.

I purchased the Abode IOTA Security System since it was compatible with Apple Homekit (I have a highly automated home) and they offered professional monitoring services. The installation was simple and I use the system using my current WIFI network. I have presently have three door sensors and one fire alarm monitor and I will be soon installing 5 glass break monitors to go with the system. The system integrated very well with homekit and I was able to incorporate the various alarm states into my automations. The geofencing works well though if you are using multiple phones you must insure that every member of the family that has a phone goes ahead and creates a separate login and password for your Abode account. I have also tested the monitoring service by testing the smoke alarm and the response was extremely quick and all individuals who were listed to be notified in case of an alarm, were notified promptly. Technical support is via online chat or email only. Had to use them twice due to errors on my part, but the response was good. Email response was about an hour and chat response was within 5 minutes. All problems were resolved. I will try to write a follow up review in a few months after using the system for awhile, but as of now, so far so good.

I wish this had integration with HomeKit Secure Video like my Logitech doorbell/cameras do. Unfortunately, most of the configuring and viewing has to be done through the app itself, and of course they want you to pay monthly fees, which irks me to no end. If I had to do this again, I would find another product for my needs. That being said, if they add secure video, it'll be right as rain. The door/window sensors seem to be working well, and the automations through HomeKit are decent, so it definitely works. I just wish it was more "seemless" and I could review video footage, etc. through the Home app on my Apple devices.

This is one of few security systems that have integration with Apple's HomeKit (albeit very limited) without buying and configuring additional networking products. The hub makes ear-piercing chirps when notifying the user of security state changes (going from disarmed to Home or Away, for example) and this cannot be changed. You can only get rid of audible notifications, not change them. The Abode app where you manage your system is filled with ads that partially obscure functionality unless you pay them more on top of what you have paid for the hardware. My hub was beginning to fail, and so I upgraded by purchasing the Iota hub. However, Abode does not permit the customer to remove the old hub from their own network - the customer needs to submit a support ticket. Upon doing so, I was told that Abode was unable to accomodate this request for reasons ungiven, and with no estimated time frame for when I could have the newer (and fully functional) hub installed. My only other choice is to abandon my Abode account, make up a new email to create a new Abode account, and reset and re-add each individual security device individually. Edit: after a hostile and unhelpful customer service process, I have initiated a return of the product, and I am tossing my existing Abode system in the trash. Revising to 1 star

I upgraded my original ethernet Abode hub hidden away in the data closet to this latest stylish appliance. Its built in camera, sensors and WiFi support means you can place it in the best location in the house without an ethernet connection (after setting it up). The 24/7 video quality streaming quality is excellent with a non-distorted wide frame view and great night-time support. It supports ALL existing Abode sensors, with the added advantage that all of them are now available as devices or automation triggers in HomeKit (in addition to Abode’s native automation capabilities). Sensors run for 5 years or longer without needing to replace batteries. You can access the security functions and cameras directly within Apple’s Home app on mobile devices and Macs, including remotely, and control everything via Automations (including geofencing triggers), Siri, Shortcuts, and Widgets. Best available security platform for the HomeKit smart home. The only item missing from my wishlist — no support yet for HomeKit Secure Video, which means if you want secure cloud recording you will need to purchase a monitoring plan from Abode.

I'm an energy engineer and focus on home automation aspects of Abode more than other features. I was specifically interested in Abode because of the ability to provide security and home automation in one solution with a more affordable entry price. I finally decided to try it. Installation of both the standard gateway and iota gateway were similar to most other WiFi/IT electronics and devices. Several of the setup, monitoring, and security features seem to work, although I have not tested extensively. But, for my specific reasons of purchase, the product failed. I did significant research on Abode's forums and other websites about third-party device interoperability and communication protocols supported. Abode said it supported Zigbee and ZWave. It said it supported Kwikset locks of both varieties. It said it supported FirstAlert combo fire alarms/CO monitors. After trying multiple Kwikset locks and alarms, none work. Therefore, Abode's promise of integration should be carefully vetted for products that matter to you. For me, my primary uses failed and I am left with something I could have purchased for half the cost, or better yet, not purchased at all.

The system itself is rather simple but that is what you are buying it for. When you can get it to work it does function as advertised, mostly. Installation. Took me two days to get the system to work in any location other than directly plugged into a router. Would not connect at any other location, would not connect to wifi would not do anything. After the first day I put it back in the box as a waste of money. The second day figured I would try one last time, plugged it in to the same place it had been plugged into before and it suddenly connected and was online. No setting changes nothing was done to the unit so can't explain how or why it decided to work but it did. First day it was online the motion sensor went off for no apparent reason. It did record... nothing was there though. So a little work needs to be done to that system. Paid monitoring... don't bother. The only thing they apparently do is send you a text message saying the alarm went off. That first day I was on a plane and got the text after I arrived at my destination. No police were dispatched nothing else was done other than sending me a text so not sure the purpose of the monitoring or their function but then again it is cheap. Basically the app can do the same thing as the monitoring. Tech support. Here is their biggest failing. There is no number for you to call. There is only an e-mail to which they promise to respond within 20 minutes. Now think about that... an alarm company that responds in 20 minutes. I am also unclear who their tech support actually is. When I set up my account I signed up for 30 days of monitoring which included giving them my phone number and address but when I talked to the company via e-mail they tried asking for my phone number like they didn't have it. When I inquired as to why they wouldn't have that information already since I was signed up for their service the Tech Support person I was talking to (via e-mail) stopped responding. I know they have my number because I got the alarm alert via text. I also asked them to cancel my monitoring (twice) and never got a response to that either. Only saving grace with this system would be if they motion sensor recorded while in standby mode but it does not unless you actively go into the app and tell it to. So even as a stand alone camera it is not worth the money.

My friend’s apartment was broken into, and we live in the same building, so I started researching some security systems. Because I live in a small apartment, I didn't want (or really need) a massive system. I only have one door to get into my apartment, so I purchased iota so I could put the door/window sensor on the front door. Then, I pointed the camera directly at the door--since that’s what I care about capturing. I was able to set up the system in just a couple minutes, and once I had the whole thing running, I used their program, CUE, to create a rule I called, “Who’s there?” to take a short 10-second recording anytime the front door is open. Right now, the app just shows me a bunch of short clips of me walking into my own apartment, but it’s triggered every time without fail, and I like knowing that if I accidentally forget to lock the door and someone else walks in, I will get a notification on my phone and a short clip of whoever has just walked in. Plus, I really like that the system has two-way audio (which was fun to test with some friends!). This way, if someone ever gets into my apartment while I'm away, I can use the app the tell them I have them on camera and that I'm calling the police (which I hope I never have to do!).