Don’t want to get locked into year-long contracts? Not sure if self-monitoring or professional monitoring is best for you? Reluctant to get nickeled-and-dimed with extra installation and set-up fees? Both Blue by ADT and Abode understand your desire to stay in control of your home security.
- Best for flexible monitoring
Our take on Blue by ADT:
Get trusted professional monitoring and an easy-to-install security system with Blue by ADT. Even better, your first month of monitoring is free. As a Blue by ADT customer, you have the option to choose a no-contract plan. By doing this, you can purchase the equipment and skip the professional monitoring. You can always go back and add professional monitoring to your system if you decide you need it later down the line.
Pros
- Standalone and whole-home security solutions
- Optional professional monitoring by ADT’s award-winning specialists
- Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
Cons
- No professional installation option
- No smart home equipment offered
- Cloud storage costs extra
Our take on Abode Home Security:
Abode offers plenty of features in your security equipment. It offers DIY smart security that gives you more than expected. Abode’s Iota Security hub has a built-in siren, HD camera, two-way audio, and can connect up to 160 smart devices. You’ll have to set up the system yourself, and Abode requires service, but it’s worth every penny.
★Recommended package: The Iota All-in-One Security Kit Elite is our favorite pick. We love the built-in hub features. Plus, you’ll still get the security essentials for $292. If you’re looking for an option with more cameras, we recommend the Smart Security Kit Complete for a solution that has two Abode Cam 2 cameras. This provider also offers price match. If you already have a quote from a different provider, make sure to send it to them to see if there’s an opportunity to save extra money.
Pros
- Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit
- Smart hub with built-in security with smart home features
- Camera that doubles as an indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camera
Cons
- Warranty only lasts one year
- Requires paid plan for service and most features
Compare Blue by ADT vs. Abode Home Security
Featuring the ability to hand-pick and self-install your equipment, as well as switch between self- and professional-monitoring as your requirements change, Blue by ADT and Abode offer an innovative new approach to home security. As the name implies, Blue by ADT is backed by ADT’s industry experience and reputation, whereas Abode is a relative newcomer that still comes in strong. They’re close competitors, but there’s a clear option for most consumers.
Winner: Blue by ADT
Ultimately, Blue by ADT edges out Abode in a few crucial ways. Namely, Blue by ADT’s prices remain far more budget-friendly than Abode’s, and the option to not pay any monthly fee if desired is also a winning feature. Abode also lacks a wide selection of security cameras, which may be a deal-breaker in and of itself. While Abode is on the right track in catering to people looking for nontraditional home security packages, Blue by ADT has it beat.
 Abode Security | ||
|---|---|---|
Monitoring starts at | $19.99/mo. | $19.80/mo. |
Min. Contract Length | No contract | No contract |
Trial Period | 30 days | 30 days |
Installation Type | DIY | DIY or Professional |
Guarantees | None | None |
Warranty | 1 year | 1 year (lifetime with professional monitoring) |
BBB Rating | A+ | C |
Safety Score | 8 | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue by ADT and Abode
Blue by ADT offers a doorbell camera package, 11-piece package, and a 15-piece package. Choose the doorbell camera package if front-door surveillance is priority, the 15-piece package if you desire an indoor camera, or the 11-piece package if you want a package based on motion and window sensors. Abode offers the Smart Security Kit and the Iota Kit. The main difference is that the Iota kit includes a central hub with a built-in camera and built-in motion sensor, whereas the Smart Security Kit does not include a camera and has a separate sensor.
Blue by ADT offers free self-monitoring or professional monitoring for $19.99 per month. Abode’s self-monitoring plan costs $6 per month and its professional monitoring costs $19.80 per month.
Professional monitoring is not required by either Blue by ADT or Abode. Both providers are ideal for people who want to try self-monitoring but who also know they may want professional monitoring in the future.
Both Blue by ADT and Abode represent good home security choices for renters thanks to no monthly contracts and DIY wireless installation. If your home security needs change, it’s easy to add more equipment or switch to or from professional monitoring with either provider.