Rather than restrict control to a physical hub hung on your wall, Abode puts control where you actually need it: in the palm of your hand. Abode’s security dashboard is accessible by any internet connected device and gives you enough information to take action from wherever you are. When Abode’s motion sensors are triggered, it snaps a photo to show you what triggered it. The smart key fob and its three buttons — away, standby/disarm, and home — allow you to disarm as you walk towards the front door. We found that a lot more convenient than racing inside to beat the alarm’s 30 second window, particularly if you have an armful of groceries or a baby on your hip. The SimpliSafe system requires a professional monitoring subscription to receive alerts. That’s because it relies on a cellular connection rather than internet, so someone needs to send you an SMS text. There’s no option to receive automatic in app alerts. This also means your DIY security system is essentially a local alarm — meaning if a burglar breaks in, your alarm will activate, but the police won’t be alerted. You’ll have to pay for one of the professional monitoring plans to save yourself the task of keeping a constant eye on the video feed. That said, SimpliSafe’s plans are still some of the most cost effective in the industry its most expensive plan is still $10 cheaper than Frontpoint’s least expensive.