The advancement of turning homes into smart homes has undoubtedly made things No products found. Vs Simplisafe: Which One You Should Buy? easier but while enjoying these facilities, you also need to take care of the security of your house. Smart technologies have a solution to security problems and there are numerous companies providing security systems. SimpliSafe and abode are two of the most popular smart home security brands available. But which of these is best for you? Well, you don’t have to think much. In this article, we have covered all the major aspects regarding abode vs SimpliSafe and given a thorough comparison to help you decide the one as per your need.
Our Verdict
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Both SimpliSafe and abode have their own benefits and disadvantages. But in our comparison, abode stands ahead of SimpliSafe in terms of better features and value for money. Abode offers the basic required features free of cost while Simplisafe has the drawback of a paid subscriptions for the add-on features. Thus, the No products found. appears to be more user-friendly and cost-friendly. Furthermore, Abode is pretty much advanced with high tech-sensor integration and more structured subscription plans. On the other hand, Simplisafe is in the market for quite a long time customers love its quality but because of its high price subscription plan, they hold back. While the subscription plans are not expensive as Abode but even for the basic functionality like to check your home from your phone you need to subscribe to the premium plan.
SimpliSafe Vs Abode: Comparison Chart
Specifications | Simpliesafe | Abode |
---|---|---|
Connection to hub | Wireless | Ethernet |
Hub Siren | Yes | Yes |
Battery Backup | Yes | Yes |
Additional Siren | Yes | Yes |
Speakers | Yes | No |
Keypad | Extra, Wireless | Extra, Wireless |
Multiple Keypads | Yes | Yes |
Disarm | App, keychain remote, keypad | App, key fob, keypad |
Key Fob | Yes | No |
Subscription | Standard Interactive | Basic Connect Connect + Secure |
Remote Monitoring | Paid | Free |
Cellular Backup | Yes | Yes |
Google Assistant, IFTTT, Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes |
Other Smart Home Systems | Compatible with Apple Watch, Nest Thermostat, August Smart Lock | Compatible with ecobee, LIFX, Hue, Nest, Linear, First Alerts, Z-Wave, and Zigbee devices |
Color | Black/White | Black/White |
Price | Check Price | No products found. |
Differences
1. Internet Connection
The purpose of the hub in both the security systems is served by a base that connects to all the sensors throughout your home. Besides, the base it also holds the keypad and the alarm. Thus, it is one of the important aspects of your security system.
You need to connect your abode system to your Wi-Fi router with the help of an Ethernet port. This requires it to be placed near your Wi-Fi system thus limiting the convenience of installing it anywhere. On the contrary, Simplisafe has no such requirement and its connections are completely wireless. Thus, you can place it anywhere you require without restrictions. So, there is a plus point in the SimpliSafe system as compared to the abode.
2. Technical Aspects
Wireless communication is the primaryly important for your smart security to work in a coordinated manner with the rest of your house and all the smart devices that you have own since the smart security is made of sensors.
The abode system depends on abode RF long range for the sensors. This makes No products found. capable of integrating with many other smart home networks as besides being energy-efficient and reliable, this system also supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, and IP-Enabled devices and services.
3. Motion-Sensing Technology
Almost all the smart securities come with a motion-sensing technology and same is the case of the SimpliSafe and abode systems as well. The Simplisafe motion sensing system is a basic of comprising of main-stream sensors.
However, Abode system is more advanced in this technology as they have built-in cameras on their sensors. Abode system has wireless communication between its sensors and the main gateway. Thus, you can place the cameras anywhere you feel like and thus be informed of any type of movement that takes place anywhere in your house. The cameras also have a built-in flash that enables it to take clear pictures even during the night. Thus, it ensures night-time security as well.
4. Sensors
Sensors are the most important part of any smart security system. There are a wide variety of sensors in each of these systems which are given below:
a) Abode Sensors:
Motion Sensors:These sensors detect motion and all sorts of movement around them and send you alerts in case of any such activity.
Door/Window sensors:These sensors act as your guard as they guard the main entrances that are the doors and the windows of your place. With these, you can check whether a door or window at your place is opened or closed.
Glass break and Vibration sensors:With abode guarding you, you don’t need to worry about a burglar cracking or breaking your window. These glass break sensors can detect a broken window and even if an attempt to crack it is made. In case of any such activity, you will immediately get notified and the alarms will get activated. Through various settings, you can add features like turning on/off lights and loud alarms to scare away the thief.
Acoustic Glass Break sensors:These sensors can detect the sound of any breaking glass and set up alarms and notifications.
Slim Strip Sensors:These sensors are also for guarding your entrances. These lie flat on your door frame or window sill and notify you if a door or window in your house in opened or closed.
Smoke alarms:These sensors detect smoke and temperature and turn on fire-alarms in case of any emergency.
Water Leaks:You don’t want a leaking tap or shower go undetected for days or your water tank getting filled and overflowing. These water leak detectors can alert you about any sort of leakage occurring around. So, there is no chance of water getting wasted or a defect going unnoticed.
b) SimpliSafe Sensors
SimpliSafe also has its range of sensors. Though the sensors in the SimpliSafe system are less advanced and thus have lesser functionalities, they are helpful in their own way. SimpliSafe sensors are as follows:
- Entry Sensors
- Glass break sensors
- Carbon Monoxide detectors
- Smoke detectors
- Water sensors
- Temperature sensors
5. Additional Sirens
Add-on-sirens are available with both the abode and Simplisafe security system. Where the SimpliSafe system gives the same siren for all types of use, the abode offers two different ones for outdoor and indoor ones.
No products found. indoor siren is a normal siren that activates when an alarm is triggered. This can also be customized using the app. These sirens are also easy to set up as you just need to plug them into an AC outlet where they are required.The outdoor sirens are almost the same as the indoor ones. Only that they are water-proof and also UV resistant. Like the indoor sirens, they can also be customized and also have tamper protection.
6. Remote Panic Button
The remote panic button fetches assistance from the authorities at the company in case of an emergency. With the help of a remote panic button, you can discreetly activate an alarm and also contact the monitoring center if required.
This feature is present in the SimpliSafe system only and if you need one for your abode system, you need to have it added separately by contacting the abode authorities.
7. Battery-Life
You can keep aside worrying about the security of your home even when there is a power cut at your place. The security systems run on battery as well. However, they differ significantly in their battery’s back-up. In case of a power cut, a SimpliSafe system can guard your home for 24 hours while an abode system will serve you only for 10 hours in absence of power. This is one area where SimpliSafe leaves behind the abode system.
8. Video-Monitoring
This allows you to better monitor your house and get informed of the activities going on around. Both SimpliSafe and abode offer the facility of video monitoring but still differ in certain aspects.
The Simplisafe does this through an indoor 1080p streaming camera that connects to your network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Abode system gives you access to live streaming videos. These videos are uploaded on the timeline in case an alarm is activated and you are also notified for the same. You can customize your system for when you want the live video to be uploaded. There are also integrated LEDs that let you have night-time visibility as well.
The SimpliSafe system provides similar features through its own 1080p camera but you have to pay for the features that you get for free in abode system.
9. Number Of Devices
The Simplisafe system can interface with 100 devices while the abode does the same with 155 devices. This again is a point where abode ranks above SimpliSafe as a security system.
10. Smart Home Integration
No products found. is yet again better in its compatibility with most of the major smart home systems. It is compatible with any of the Z Wave and Zigbee devices, specially ecobee, LIFX, Hue, Nest, Linear, and first alerts. It can integrate with IFTTT and thus enable you to program your abode security system to trigger into other smart home functionalities.On the other hand, SimpliSafe is far behind in its range of integration as it has only Wi-Fi capabilities. However, SimpliSafe serves all the basic necessities in spite of its limited integration.
11. Subscription
The subscription plans of these smart security systems provide additional with monthly charges.
a) Abode
It offers three subscription plans namely Basic, Connect and Connect+ Secure.
Basic- This subscription plan is for free and has all the basic features that you’ll require for your security. Plus, if you are on a vacation or on a trip, you can ask for monitoring of your house at a minimal rate for 3 days and 7 days. This free plan gives you 3 days of timeline and media storage with the ability to connect up to 155 devices to your network, unlimited user accounts, support for up to 100 Automations, support for IFTTT, and support via email and the support site.
Connect – The connect subscription plan comes with a little higher cost per month. This plan gives you all the features of the basic plan and besides 3G cellular backup, 14 days of timeline and media storage. You can also get customer service over your phone.
Connect + Secure – This subscription plan has the most advanced features with a cost of $30 per month. Along with all the features provided by the Basic and Connect, Secure + Connect provides 24/7 professional monitoring with access to premium support and 90 days of timeline and media storage.
b) SimpliSafe
It also offers two subscription plans of it’s own namely Standard and Interactive.
Standard – This is a minimal cost standard subscription plan which offers 24/7 Live Alarm Monitoring, cellular backup, and Environmental Monitoring.
Interactive – Interactive subscription plan is a slightly costly plan that allows you to control your security system using your smart phone. This plan gives you alerts on phone, discreet secret alerts, notify you when a sensor activates, video alarm verifications and unlimited camera recordings with storage for up to 30 days and it also unlocks some of the smart home integrations of the SimpliSafe system.
12. Customer Support Features
Simplisafe customer services are available 24/7 for all the users and that too free of cost. On the other hand, if you want to take advantage of the customer service of the abode system, you will need to subscribe to the basic plan of the abode system that costs $10 per month.13. Android App Rating
This is another point that makes us think that abode system is better than the SimpliSafe one. The abode app has higher ratings on the play store than the SimpliSafe app.
Similarities
1. DIY Installation
Both No products found. and SimpliSafe security systems give DIY installation. This makes these security systems easy to install without the help of an external authority. These systems are easy to install. Besides the written simple instructions, both companies offer extensive online support and resources to help you with the installation process.
2. Flexible Contracts
With abode or the Simplisafe systems at your service, you don’t need to worry about long-term contracts as both these systems offer flexible contracts which you can cancel after a period of one month without any extra charges. You will stop getting charged whenever you cancel your monthly contract.
3. All-time Monitoring
The best thing your security system does for you is to monitor your house every moment without a break. It’s simply a relief to be aware that your house is not unguarded even when there is no one at the house. Both abode and SimpliSafe systems offer 24/7 monitoring system and alert you in any case of any suspectable act. In case they can’t reach you or you fail to respond, they will alert the security authorities. However, to avail this property in any of the systems, you need to pay monthly subscription charges.
4. Battery Backup
In case of a power cut at your house or in any emergency situation, you don’t need to worry about the failure of your security system. Both abode and SimpliSafe run on battery as well and give good battery backups. However, they differ in the time range for which they operate without power.
5. Siren
The hub of both SimpliSafe and abode have built-in sirens that produce prominent sounds in case of any suspectable activity. If your property is too large, you can also opt for additional sirens that work in coordination with each other to spread the alert message throughout your house.
6.Wireless Multiple Keypads
The security systems come with one keypad but in case you feel that you need more keypads for different regions in your house, both abode and SimpliSafe offer you the option of additional keypads.
The No products found. wireless keypad uses abodeRF technology to coordinate with your system’s hub and supports 40 PIN codes. These have an impressive battery life of 4 years and you can also see the usage of these keypads using your phone.
The SimpliSafe system uses AA batteries in the extra keypads. Thus, though they offer much less battery life of 8 years as compared to that of abode, you can easily replace their batteries when the need arises. These keypads have automatic backlit feature for your convenience.
7. Key Fobs
Key Fobs are simple remotes attached to the keys of the security system. These enable you to change the mode of your security system and you can easily arm or disarm your system. Both these systems give you the option to control your home security through key fobs as well besides your smartphone.
8. Voice Assistance
Voice assistance is another user-friendly feature offered by both abode and SimpliSafe system. Both these systems are compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Voice Control.
Features Of SimpliSafe
- 24/7 monitoring
- DIY Installation
- Customer services
- Access Control
- Voice Assistance
- Key Fobs
- Battery Backup of 24 hours
- Interface with 100 devices simultaneously
- Motion Sensing
- Multiple Keypads
- Paid cellular backup
- Visual verification
Subscription plans:
You can take advantage of all the basic functionalities of the SimpliSafe security free of cost but there are some advanced features that you can enjoy only after paying a monthly cost for the monthly subscription plans offered by SimpliSafe. SimpliSafe offers two subscription plans namely Standard and Interactive.
Standard Plan:
- Smartphone control
- 24/7 live Alarm monitoring
- Cellular backup
- Environmental Monitoring
Interactive Plan:
- Smartphone control
- Emergency alerts
- Video alarm verifications
- Unlimited camera recordings for up to 30 days
- Some special smart home integrations
- DIY installation
- Monthly contracts
- Low cost
- Easy to use
- Wireless system
- Equipment purchase
- No smash and crash protection
- No home automation
- No outdoor cameras
Features Of Abode
No products found.
- 24/7 monitoring
- DIY Installation
- Customer services
- Access Control
- Voice Assistance
- Key Fobs
- Battery Backup of 10 hours
- Interface with 155 devices simultaneously
- Motion Sensing
- Multiple Keypads
- Paid cellular backup
- Visual verifications
- Environmental Protection
- Unlimited user accounts
Subscription plans:
Though No products found. offers all the major services free of cost, there are three paid subscription plans offered by abode that let you get the most of your system. The three Abode subscription plans and their key points are mentioned below:
Basic:
- Free of cost.
- Included in the starter kit.
- Enables operation through the Abode smartphone app.
- Can connect to 155 smart devices.
- Up to a 100 home automatiosn are possible
- Media and timeline storage for up to 3 days.
- You can create unlimited user accounts
- Channel access
- Customer Services
- On-demand professional monitoring at $8 for 3 days or $15 for 7 days.
Connect:
- Costs $8 per month
- Increases reliability through cellular backup
- Can connect to 155 devices
- Up to home automation are possible
- Media and timeline storage up to 14 days
- Unlimited user accounts
- Access to IFTTT channel
- 4G cellular backup
- Customer support
- On-demand professional monitoring at $8 for 3 months and $15 for 7 days
Connect + Secure
- Can connect to 155 devices
- Up to 100 home automation are possible
- Media and timeline storage of 90 days
- Unlimited user accounts
- IFTTT channel access
- Premium customer service
- 4G cellular backup
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Monthly contracts
- Self monitoring
- DIY installation
- Smart integrations
- Paid customer service
- mediocre app
- professional monitoring not free
What Do You Get with Abode?
When you buy the Abode starter kit for your home security, you get
- A main Gateway or hub that is the heart of your security system. All your sensors and all the devices linked to your security will coordinate through this gateway.
- One motion sensor, that is designed to detect motion and movement in a specifies range of area. This sensor links to your hub and sends you notifications and activates alarms in case it detects any unusual activity.
- A remote key fob to handle your system efficiently.
- A mini door contact that serves your door guard and thus secures the most important and the most vulnerable entrance of your house.
Besides these, you can make your security system better by purchasing additional cameras, thermostats, smart locks, sirens, glass break sensors and many other types of sensors. These devices will cost you a bit but the services they offer will indefinitely make up for the money you will have to spend.
What Do You Get with SimpliSafe?
SimpliSafe starter pack is also known as the Foundation.
When you buy the Foundation starter pack for your home security, you get
- A base station that serves a similar purpose as the hub in the Abode system. It again is the heart of your security without which the purpose of the SimpliSafe system can’t be fulfilled.
- An entry sensor which guards the entrance of your house where you install it. It can detect opening and closing of an entrance and notifies you for the same. You can change the settings if you want alarms in case of any activity around the entry.
- A keypad that helps you manage and coordinate the security of your property.
FAQs:
1. Is a computer or a wireless internet connection required to use the SimpliSafe system?
No. all the requirements to set-up the SimpliSafe system is included in the kit. A PC will however help you access additional features or setting but that’s nit necessary. You just need to plug in the keychain remote into the USB port of the computer.
2. What are the components of SimpliSafe Security system?
The major components of the systems are- Base station, Keypad, Keychain Remote, Motion sensor, Entry Sensor, Panic Button.
4. What is the range of SimpliSafe wireless sensors?
The wireless sensors of the SimpliSafe Security System offer a range of about 300 feet to 400 feet in direct line of sight.
5. How does abode professional monitoring work?
When professional monitoring is availed, your house is monitored 24/7 and in case of any unusual activity, the company’s authorities are contacted. In case of an emergency, you will be asked if you need the authority’s help. In case you fail to respond, the authorities will be dispatched to your place.
6. Can the cellular backup be used as a primary connection?
No, the cellular connection of the systems is available for backup use only.
7. Can I change my abode subscription plan?
Yes, you can easily toggle between the various subscription plans using the abode application on your smartphone.
8. Can I get the refund for the unused moth if I have an annual plan?
No, you don’t get any refund for the annual plans if you don’t use for a few months. You will have to use your annual subscription for 12 months.
Bottom Line
Simplisafe and No products found. are both good security systems but our vote goes with the abode for its better features and more value for money. You should also glance at how nest secure is in comparison to abodeSimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System - Editor's Choice
Summary
You can take advantage of all the basic functionalities of the SimpliSafe security free of cost . The Simplisafe does this through an indoor 1080p streaming camera that connects to your network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Abode system gives you access to live streaming videos.
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