Abode vs Amcrest Cameras

Security cameras are the essential backbone of any security system, allowing you to effortlessly monitor your property. If you're looking for upgraded home security, you'll have various options. Abode and Amcrest offer excellent security camera options.

Abode is a DIY home security company launched by an ex-ADT executive; Abode offers a variety of features and smart home security, too.

Amcrest is another modern security provider that specializes in advanced equipment, plus simple home accessories, including baby monitors. Let's break down what each provider has to offer.

Abode vs Amcrest: What do they have in common?

• Mobile app: Each provider offers a mobile app with similar functionality; you can arm/disarm your security system and view a live feed to help you keep your home safe.
• Video doorbells: Some of the most popular offerings include doorbell cameras.
• Night vision: You can keep your home safe at night with color night vision cameras.
• Flexibility: You have control over flexibility and can choose not to have any contracts or monthly fees.
• Smart locks: Since Amcrest recently released keyless entry locks, you can now enjoy smart locks provided by both companies. Smart locks prevent you from getting locked out and keep your home more secure.
• Voice control: Thanks to Amazon Alexa, you can control your system with voice commands.
• Environmental sensors: Abode and Amcrest offer environmental sensors.
• Pricing: You can get most of what you need for under $300.

Abode vs Amcrest: What are the differences?

• HD resolution: Abode offers high-quality 1080p HD camera resolution, but Amcrest offers 4k resolution. 4K is the best in the business.
• Professional installation: Abode offers pro installation; Amcrest doesn't.
• Larger setups: Amcrest offers larger NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems that you can use to monitor businesses or large homes.
• Professional monitoring: Abode offers optional professional monitoring; with Amcrest, you'll need to self-monitor.
• Occupancy sensors: Abode offers occupancy sensors; Amcrest doesn't.
• Baby monitors: Amcrest offers more nanny cams/baby monitors.
• Multi-sensors: Abode has more advanced sensors that are excellent for smart home and security purposes, including a sensor that can detect light, humidity, temperature, and motion.
• Two-way talk: Some Amcrest cameras don't offer two-way talk. Abode devices do.

Abode: What you need to know

Abode is an affordable smart home security provider known for offering impressive Z-wave compatibility, including Apple Homekit, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and more. Abode offers additional extras, environmental sensors, and professional monitoring. They have an excellent app available on iPhone and Android and have recently launched outdoor cameras.

Installation

You could install your Abode system by yourself, and you'll have everything you need. You can complete setup in around 30 minutes, but if you need a wired system, you may want to use the professional installation service. The cost varies by area.

Equipment

Abode has several straightforward package deals, but individual items are available too, including:

• Gateway control panel (or Iota control panel for an extra $30)
• Wide-angle motion camera
• Abode indoor cameras
• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Keypad
• Glassbreak sensors
• Carbon monoxide sensors
• Indoor and outdoor sirens
• Water leak detectors
• Power switch
• Occupancy sensor
• Temperature/light sensor
• Smoke alarm has

Home automation

Abode has a lot to offer in this area, including smart smoke detectors, occupancy detectors, temperature sensors, etc. But they also offer great third-party integrations, including Google Assistant, Alexa, and others.

Costs

• Equipment cost: You'll pay less than $250 for the most popular kit, the Abode Iota.
• Monthly costs: If you're self-monitoring, you won't need to pay monthly fees unless you're subscribing to a cellular backup plan for $8 or monitoring for $20.

Nerd pros

• Flexibility: You'll have flexibility when designing your security system, from selecting what you want to choosing professional monitoring, etc.
• Camera quality: 1080p HD quality isn't the best in the industry, but it's good enough, especially at a low price.
• Price: This is a great option if you're looking for a full security system without commitments, the equipment is competitively priced, and you're not forced into any long-term contracts.

Nerd cons

• Online reviews: Some of the online reviews for the Abode app are a bit disappointing.
• Variety: DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR systems aren't offered by Abode.

Amcrest: What you need to know

Amcrest is an excellent camera provider, offering smart doorbells and cameras powered via ethernet or Wi-Fi. Amcrest additionally offers full NVR systems for larger setups. Let's break down what Amcrest offers.

Installation

Because Amcrest offers a variety of equipment, it's difficult to define Amcrest's installation process. The Wi-Fi cameras are easiest, but the ethernet versions require more drilling, and DVR and NVR systems can be hard to install. Unfortunately, Amcrest doesn't offer any professional installation. You'll need your own contractor.

Equipment 

Amcrest offers various cameras that are incorporated into a security system, from baby monitors to outdoor cameras, including:

• Motion sensor cameras
• Video doorbells
• Floodlight cams
• Nanny cams
• IP cameras

Amcrest cameras have the best resolution with a wide field of view. But some of the older models lack basic features such as two-way talk.

Home automation

Unfortunately, there isn't much third-party automation offered, but you can use Amazon Alexa, and they recently launched smart locks.

Costs

Amcrest offers a huge variety, from nanny cams to NVR systems. Basic home security cameras usually come in at under $200, but a full NVR system can be over $3000. If you're a domestic user, you won't usually spend over $300, and you can receive a continuous recording, motion-activated clips, and more for just $6 per month.

Nerd pros

• Customization: You can adjust your camera's frame rate, motion sensitivity, and motion zones from the app.
• No subscriptions: You can purchase the system without a monthly subscription; additional fees aren't required.

Nerd cons

• Limited integration: Amcrest doesn't provide many third-party smart devices, such as thermostats or light bulbs.
• More complex install: Some installations can be difficult, especially wired installations. If you're not great at DIY, you may want your own tradesperson.
• No professional monitoring: You'll need to be comfortable keeping an eye on your system as there is no monitoring beyond basic push notifications.

Abode or Amcrest?

Abode is an affordable provider of great home security and smart home equipment; you can build a reliable smart home ecosystem with Abode. Abode can offer you a complete home security system with IFTTT (If This Then That) compatibility.

Amcrest is another great provider, but they offer a slightly different product, predominantly focusing on NVR systems and alarm systems. Suppose you're looking at just camera quality. In that case, Amcrest offers the highest quality resolution, but if you're looking for an all-in-one system with advanced motion detection and IFTTT compatibility, not to mention professional monitoring, then Abode is the best choice.