Great video, I just got Abode earlier this summer and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it works because I watched your videos of it beforehand. Another accessory that I like that you didn’t mention is the keypad that also has 2 programmable buttons on it in HomeKit. It’s not the loudest siren so I have an additional siren in our bedroom. I have used the geofence arm/disarm thru HomeKit and it works flawlessly. The integration into Home Assistant is great too. I’m glad you mentioned it works well wirelessly because currently mine is stuffed in my network closet but may consider putting it out in entrance so I can actually use the camera.
I started using Abode back in 2021. It was rock solid 2021. Then, sometime during the 2022/2023 timeframe, I had to occasionally (maybe once a month), the HomeKit integration would stop working (HomeKit shows "No Response"). Abode itself still works, just not the HomeKit integration. A simple reboot would solve the problem. However, Abode has fixed whatever issue there was. My Abode has been rock solid all year (2024). No reboots needed all year. Very stable. I pay for the subscription. I get a discount with my home insurance, so the subscription fee is reasonable for me.
Eric, this was a great video for me right now as I am considering an alarm for my home office, which is a separate building on my property and has employees use it plus some limited house access. The considerations over which features to use from Abode vs. just regular SmartHome features is particularly spot on as well as the idea for buttons to use on departure. I have been using some automations based on the last person leaving the house, but (1) only use this feature with the home asking if I want to run the automation each time and (2) see how this can become a nightmare for alarm arming. Please keep reading my mind and providing the relevant videos each week!
Thanks Dr. Cole! All the best with your new office security updates. For something with employee access, you might also consider Ubiquiti as you could use their system for cameras, internet, and security access. It's not a security system but they have nice systems for controlling employee access to businesses. It's a little more expensive than an Abode option though.
@ it works through HomeKit yes but it also works through abode. I have mine set up to arm and disarm, using the Geo fencing through the Abode app and I’ve never had an issue.
I have been on board the Abode train since 2019 and it’s been solid; especially since the major firmware update in 2020. I recommend Abode strictly for security and professional monitoring; nothing else. Just a quick note the Iota can use a 32gb SD card for local recording.
I bought a Aquara Pro something, camera. And it sux. It keeps going offline even though it's right next to the router. Earlier this week I bought two TP-Link 125 or whatever they're called. They cost almost half of the Aquara and have pretty much all the same features and more. And they still haven't gone offline, even though one is at the other side of the apartment. I also use them as an alarm system with motion sensors. Works great. Now I'm getting rid of the Aquara and getting more of the TP-Link cameras.
No one talks about whether or not you can use non-Abode sensors in HomeKit (e.g., Aqara, etc.) to trigger the Abode system. I’ve been using Eufy and Aqara as my HomeKit security system for years and it works great. However, I’ve been considering switching to Abode for a while just to have the native HomeKit integration. It would be a bummer if I need to buy a bunch of new sensors though.
Can you clarify... are Abode sensors (like door sensors or motion sensors) exposed to Apple Home like similar sensors from Eve or Aqara? Can we use them to trigger Apple Home automations? For example, can I use their sensors to turn on an entryway light when the front door is opened or the lights in a hallway when someone starts walking down it based solely on an Abode sensors (door on the front door, motion in the hallway) entirely within Apple Home or does that have to be done via Abode scripting?
Sean is exactly correct. They show up in Apple Home just as any other door sensor connected via the Abode hub which is acting as a "bridge". The glass break sensor appears as a motion sensor.
When I looked into it a few years ago you had to pay a subscription fee in order to use automations with abode sensors/events in HomeKit. I assume this is still the case?
That's correct. You do not need the subscription to use this with Apple Home. As I mention in the video, the notifications from Abode are probably something you'd turn off at that point, and you just can't do automations inside the Abode system
I bought abode complete system setup back when I lived in the bad side of my town and when we had three potential robberies it was definitely hit and miss. I truly hope it’s better because I still have it now that I live on a better side of my town. Ultimately it was my eve floodlight camera that stopped us from getting killed not abode!!!!!
But you’re right to use abode for the ecosystem sake just don’t use it as a standalone. I mean heck the keyfobs didn’t work and even the cable bricks died. Works better with my current router though.
I still think Ring is a decent option if you already have it installed and are used to using it. For new users they essentially require a subscription from what I understand and it's unlikely they will integrate with Apple Home, at least until Matter bridges the gap. For my home specifically, Ring was a solid option I moved to back in the day when Abode wasn't cutting it.
Great video, I just got Abode earlier this summer and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it works because I watched your videos of it beforehand. Another accessory that I like that you didn’t mention is the keypad that also has 2 programmable buttons on it in HomeKit. It’s not the loudest siren so I have an additional siren in our bedroom. I have used the geofence arm/disarm thru HomeKit and it works flawlessly. The integration into Home Assistant is great too. I’m glad you mentioned it works well wirelessly because currently mine is stuffed in my network closet but may consider putting it out in entrance so I can actually use the camera.
Great video, I just got Abode earlier this summer and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it works because I watched your videos of it beforehand. Another accessory that I like that you didn’t mention is the keypad that also has 2 programmable buttons on it in HomeKit. It’s not the loudest siren so I have an additional siren in our bedroom. I have used the geofence arm/disarm thru HomeKit and it works flawlessly. The integration into Home Assistant is great too. I’m glad you mentioned it works well wirelessly because currently mine is stuffed in my network closet but may consider putting it out in entrance so I can actually use the camera.
Thanks! I'm glad you are having luck with the geofencing and the key pad.
I started using Abode back in 2021. It was rock solid 2021. Then, sometime during the 2022/2023 timeframe, I had to occasionally (maybe once a month), the HomeKit integration would stop working (HomeKit shows "No Response"). Abode itself still works, just not the HomeKit integration. A simple reboot would solve the problem. However, Abode has fixed whatever issue there was. My Abode has been rock solid all year (2024). No reboots needed all year. Very stable. I pay for the subscription. I get a discount with my home insurance, so the subscription fee is reasonable for me.
Nice! Thanks for sharing here
Eric, this was a great video for me right now as I am considering an alarm for my home office, which is a separate building on my property and has employees use it plus some limited house access. The considerations over which features to use from Abode vs. just regular SmartHome features is particularly spot on as well as the idea for buttons to use on departure. I have been using some automations based on the last person leaving the house, but (1) only use this feature with the home asking if I want to run the automation each time and (2) see how this can become a nightmare for alarm arming.
Please keep reading my mind and providing the relevant videos each week!
Thanks Dr. Cole! All the best with your new office security updates. For something with employee access, you might also consider Ubiquiti as you could use their system for cameras, internet, and security access. It's not a security system but they have nice systems for controlling employee access to businesses. It's a little more expensive than an Abode option though.
@@EricWelander Fantastic. Thanks for the advice.
I’ve been using it for about five years and the Geo fencing option works very well. I’ve never had an issue with it.
Geofencing works only through the HomeKit?
@ it works through HomeKit yes but it also works through abode. I have mine set up to arm and disarm, using the Geo fencing through the Abode app and I’ve never had an issue.
I have been on board the Abode train since 2019 and it’s been solid; especially since the major firmware update in 2020. I recommend Abode strictly for security and professional monitoring; nothing else. Just a quick note the Iota can use a 32gb SD card for local recording.
I’ve had Abode in my home since 2016.
I bought a Aquara Pro something, camera. And it sux. It keeps going offline even though it's right next to the router.
Earlier this week I bought two TP-Link 125 or whatever they're called. They cost almost half of the Aquara and have pretty much all the same features and more. And they still haven't gone offline, even though one is at the other side of the apartment. I also use them as an alarm system with motion sensors. Works great. Now I'm getting rid of the Aquara and getting more of the TP-Link cameras.
No one talks about whether or not you can use non-Abode sensors in HomeKit (e.g., Aqara, etc.) to trigger the Abode system. I’ve been using Eufy and Aqara as my HomeKit security system for years and it works great. However, I’ve been considering switching to Abode for a while just to have the native HomeKit integration. It would be a bummer if I need to buy a bunch of new sensors though.
You cannot - has to be abode sensors
Hey Eric, can you add third party door and window sensors to the Abode set up such as Aqara or do they need to all be Abode?
I’m interested in that too
Can you clarify... are Abode sensors (like door sensors or motion sensors) exposed to Apple Home like similar sensors from Eve or Aqara? Can we use them to trigger Apple Home automations? For example, can I use their sensors to turn on an entryway light when the front door is opened or the lights in a hallway when someone starts walking down it based solely on an Abode sensors (door on the front door, motion in the hallway) entirely within Apple Home or does that have to be done via Abode scripting?
I ask because I'd hate to have to have 2 sets of sensors in place--Abode for security and something else for Apple Home automations.
Yes you can. I have the Smart Security System.
Sean is exactly correct. They show up in Apple Home just as any other door sensor connected via the Abode hub which is acting as a "bridge". The glass break sensor appears as a motion sensor.
When I looked into it a few years ago you had to pay a subscription fee in order to use automations with abode sensors/events in HomeKit. I assume this is still the case?
I don’t pay the subscription and it works for me with HomeKit. I have the abode door contact sensor triggering automations
That's correct. You do not need the subscription to use this with Apple Home. As I mention in the video, the notifications from Abode are probably something you'd turn off at that point, and you just can't do automations inside the Abode system
I bought abode complete system setup back when I lived in the bad side of my town and when we had three potential robberies it was definitely hit and miss. I truly hope it’s better because I still have it now that I live on a better side of my town. Ultimately it was my eve floodlight camera that stopped us from getting killed not abode!!!!!
But you’re right to use abode for the ecosystem sake just don’t use it as a standalone. I mean heck the keyfobs didn’t work and even the cable bricks died. Works better with my current router though.
What a story! Yeah I think Abode has gotten better since then
I’ll wait for the smart home 2.0 where AI is integrated into the security system.
Will this be replacing your Ring Security system or do you think Ring is still better?
I still think Ring is a decent option if you already have it installed and are used to using it. For new users they essentially require a subscription from what I understand and it's unlikely they will integrate with Apple Home, at least until Matter bridges the gap. For my home specifically, Ring was a solid option I moved to back in the day when Abode wasn't cutting it.
Great video, I just got Abode earlier this summer and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well it works because I watched your videos of it beforehand. Another accessory that I like that you didn’t mention is the keypad that also has 2 programmable buttons on it in HomeKit. It’s not the loudest siren so I have an additional siren in our bedroom. I have used the geofence arm/disarm thru HomeKit and it works flawlessly. The integration into Home Assistant is great too. I’m glad you mentioned it works well wirelessly because currently mine is stuffed in my network closet but may consider putting it out in entrance so I can actually use the camera.