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 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.

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.

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.