Abode vs SimpliSafe
Last updated July 2026
Abode
DIY security built for the smart home enthusiast
Advantages
- Deep smart home protocol support: Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant
- On-demand professional monitoring: activate only when you travel
- Pay-as-you-go monitoring $10/mo for on-demand; $22/mo for continuous
- Cameras record locally as well as cloud
- Open API for advanced automation
Drawbacks
- Smaller equipment lineup than SimpliSafe
- Learning curve for full smart home features
- Newer, smaller installed base
SimpliSafe
The DIY home security default with a broad equipment lineup
Advantages
- Widest equipment lineup: entry sensors, motion, water, glass break, panic
- Professional monitoring plans $19.99-$29.99/mo
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Larger installed base means better long-term support and reviews
- Optional pro install available ($124)
Drawbacks
- No Z-Wave or Zigbee support
- HomeKit not supported natively
- Base station and keypad UX feels dated vs newer competitors
Abode and SimpliSafe both target DIY home security with self-installation and no contracts. Abode's advantage is deep smart home integration (Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit); SimpliSafe's advantage is broader equipment lineup and a larger installed base. Smart home enthusiasts often prefer Abode; mainstream users typically default to SimpliSafe.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Abode | SimpliSafe |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring Price | $10/mo on-demand; $22/mo Pro (continuous) | $19.99/mo Standard; $29.99/mo Pro (video verification) |
| Contract Required | None | None |
| Equipment Kits | $200-$400+ starter kits | $250-$500+ starter kits |
| Smart Home Protocols | Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant only (no Z-Wave/Zigbee/HomeKit) |
| Cellular Backup | Yes on Pro plan | Yes, included on paid monitoring |
| Automation Tools | Open API + IFTTT + native rule builder | Limited, basic app rules |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| App Experience | Strong app with automation and rule builder | Solid but less feature-rich than Abode's |
Too Close to Call
Choose Abode if you value smart home protocols (Z-Wave, HomeKit) and on-demand monitoring. Choose SimpliSafe for the broader equipment lineup and larger installed base.
Abode's on-demand monitoring is genuinely useful for travelers, pay $10/mo when you need it, cancel when you're home. It's also the only DIY system with real HomeKit support. SimpliSafe wins on equipment breadth and community: more accessories, more installer familiarity, more reviews. Most mainstream buyers should default to SimpliSafe; smart home enthusiasts should look at Abode first.