Abode Cam 2 Review

Pros

• Low price point makes it a nice budget buy
• Easy to set up and install with flexible mounting options
• Advanced features like, live streaming, motion-triggered alerts, and smart home integration
• Crisp, high quality images

Cons

• Struggled with overexposure for daytime shots
• The full-screen view isn’t great on the non-paid plan
• Sound quality isn’t the best
• No audible siren

Quick Specs

• Dimensions: 1.97″ x 1.97″ x 1.97″
• Resolution: 1080p full HD at 30FPS
• Operating Temperature: -4ºF – 113ºF
• Field of View: 121° horizontal
• Weather Resistance: IP65-certified weatherproof housing
• Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker
• Power: 5V 2A DC USB 6 ft. cord
• Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: 2.4 GHz

Scoring

The new Abode Cam 2 indoor / outdoor camera is an ultra-light smart security camera with Wi-Fi connectivity, live-feed monitoring, and voice assistant integration.

While it doesn’t have as many features as a higher-end model, it’s perfect for small living spaces. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to install. Users can set up motion and person alerts, filter timeline events, and draw custom activity zones on their smartphones. 

Performance

10 SECOND SUMMARY:  Video and image quality are good, but not great. Even though the images are crisp and clear, their quality isn’t quite true to life. On the positive side, this pocket-sized camera is easy to use and has a low price point, offering good value for the money.

Video: Day vs. Night

The Abode Cam 2 home security camera has a field view of 121° horizontally, which allows it to capture large areas. If you install it in a corner of the room, you should be able to keep an eye on everything. 

First, we tested this cube-shaped camera in an indoor room with natural daylight. The video quality was decent, but not as good as that of higher-end models we’ve tested.

If the camera is facing windows without shades, you’ll get overexposure on the windows, causing everything else to look less than great.

Even when it’s dusk or cloudy outside, any significant level of light entering a window (see our photos) will create significant overexposure issues.

Despite these aspects, I was pleased with the performance at this price point.

The camera sensor is good enough to show crisp and clear images, but the visual quality isn’t quite true to life. Or true to what you’d get from higher-end cameras. However, you can clearly see those entering and leaving the room and distinguish between different types of activity.

Nighttime photos are similar in quality to those taken during the day. Any objects and persons are easy to spot even in nearly pitch-black conditions. Plus, you can use the Abode app to record video clips and take pictures in real-time if you notice anything suspicious. 

Fullscreen Issues

Note that the full-screen view is pretty wonky. When you select the fullscreen mode, it keeps the video widescreen, but locked into portrait mode. So it’s still not much better than without a full screen.

Notably, this is only the case with the free version.

If you pay extra for the cloud subscription and extra features it enables a proper fullscreen.

Audio

The Abode Cam 2 supports two-way communication. Unfortunately, the audio quality is not the best. Plus, this model doesn’t include an audible siren. 

Whether listening or talking through the speaker, the sound is highly garbled.

For the most part, you can still distinguish the background sound or what’s being said, but it’s far from ideal clarity.

Even so, it’s hard to complain too much given the price point for the camera. 

RELATED: If you’re looking for a security camera with good audio quality, I would recommend the Ring Indoor Camera or Blink XT2 Indoor / Outdoor Camera. 

The Abode App

The Abode App is available in English and Spanish and works on both iOS and Android devices.

Generally, it takes less than 30 minutes to install and connect it with the Abode Cam 2 or other Abode devices. 

Users have access to an interactive dashboard featuring automation shortcuts, recent timeline events, in-app panic buttons, and more.

You can set up custom notifications and modes, watch a live feed, review video footage, or add new devices directly from the app. 

Note: You’ll have to subscribe to Abode’s Standard or Pro Plans to view your clip history and receive motion/person detection alerts. But even without a subscription, you’ll still get live video feeds when any activity is detected. 

Abode Cam 2 Design

The Abode Cam 2 is one of the smallest, if not the smallest, home security cameras we’ve tested so far. Measuring less than 2″ per side, it’s perfect for a minimalist studio or small house. 

Its flexible mounting base allows you to install the camera wherever you want, indoors or outdoors. It is designed in such a way that you can use it as a standard mount or as an anchor for wall/drywall mounting.

What’s on the back?

The back of the camera has a wall hook and a USB port. You can choose to not use the mount and simply recess it into the back of the camera itself.

That’s a cool design, especially since you’re not dealing with a separate piece of plastic that needs to be manually attached.

The cord has a good length to it. In addition, it’s a flat cord, so it’s easy to store and also easy to run down walls or behind furniture in a fairly innocuous way.

Another notable feature is the waterproof housing, which allows you to place the camera outdoors without having to worry about physical damage or connectivity issues. 

Top Features

Some of the key features of the Abode Cam 2 security camera include:

• 24/7 Live video: can record footage around the clock for up to 10 consecutive days
• Custom activity zones: you can customize the areas that you want to focus on
• Motion and person detection: receive push notifications to your phone when motion is detected
• 2-Way audio: receive and transmit audio through your security camera 
• Multiple pairing: use the camera alone or pair it with other Abode cameras
• Smart home integration: connect your security camera to the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for increased convenience
• Compact design and flexible mounting options: install the Abode Cam 2 security camera pretty much anywhere in your home 
• App control: view the camera footage, customize your preferences, and set up notifications directly from the Abode app
• Low price point: the Abode Cam 2 is cheaper than most security cameras in its category

What’s in the box?

The Abode Cam 2 security camera comes with a basic set of parts and accessories, including:

• Abode Cam 2 camera
• A mounting kit
• Power cord
• Wall adapter

Setup & Usability

Personally, I was surprised by how easy and fast it was to set up the Abode Cam 2 security camera.

How long does it take? The entire process took only two minutes. 

It did take several minutes for the firmware to update, but as far as the steps that required my direct intervention, there really wasn’t too much beyond turning it on and following a few prompts on the phone. 

Many times, these installs can get bogged down in steps that don’t quite work if the camera has trouble integrating with your home Wi-Fi, smartphone, or both. We experienced none of those issues.

How easy is it to set up?

Simply follow these steps to set up the Abode Cam 2:

1. Unbox the camera and remove all packaging.
2. Use the AC wall adapter and USB cable to power it up. 
3. Open the Abode app and log into your account. 
4. Click Add Device and follow the instructions provided. 

How easy is it to install?

This pocket-sized camera can be installed in two ways:

• Free-standing: Place it upright on a flat surface
• With a mount: Use the built-in adjustable mount to install your camera on a wall or ceiling

In addition to the mounting kit, you may need a 1/16″ drill, a screwdriver, and a hammer to install the camera. 

How easy is it to use?

Using the Abode Cam 2 is pretty straightforward. Once you have connected it to the app, you can control it directly from your phone. 

Some customers complain about connectivity issues, but we didn’t experience any problems.

However, note that the Abode Cam 2 only works on Wi-Fi, so it may stop working during power outages. If that happens, you’ll receive a push notification.

While we were able to connect to the camera, we did experience issues with the motion capture. It seems our unit has a defective motion sensor (the Abode team did some troubleshooting for us). 

Does Abode require a subscription?

Abode does not require a subscription, but you’ll gain access to a larger number of features as a subscriber.

Currently, there are two options available:

Standard Plan 

• Designed for self-monitoring & users who only want video (no security system)
• Supports unlimited devices
• Offers access to live and recorded video
• Includes in-app panic alarms, app and email notifications, video storage for up to 10 days, person detection, and more
• Starts at $0.20 per day

Pro Plan

• Includes 24/7 professional monitoring from a U.S.-based center 
• Has all of the features included in the Standard Plan plus mobile backup and access to special deals
• Starts at $0.66 per day

Note that some of the features listed above, such as mobile backup, are only available with security kits. 

Abode Cam 2 Specifications

Should you buy the Abode Cam 2 Camera?

I would recommend the Abode Cam 2 to those looking for the following features in a security camera:

• No subscription fee: The Abode Cam 2 can be used as a standalone device and doesn’t require a subscription. However, subscribers have access to more advanced features, especially if the camera is used along with an Abode security system. 
• Compact design: If you’re looking for a pocket-sized camera that can be installed just about anywhere, you can’t go wrong with the Abode Cam 2. It’s so small that it fits into the palm of your hand. 
• Simple setup and usability: This compact security camera takes minutes to set up. The app is user-friendly, too. Plus, you may use the Abode Cam 2 with Alexa or Google Assistant. 
• Don’t mind paying for cloud storage: The Abode Cam 2 does not support SD memory cards and can only store video footage for up to 10 days. If you need more than that, you can sign up for Abode’s Standard or Pro Plans to have your videos stored in the cloud. 
• Good value: The Abode Cam 2 doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a high-end security camera, but it’s a good choice for small spaces. It’s durable, waterproof, and it works in low-light conditions. 

Click here to learn more about or to buy the Abode Cam 2.

ChangeLog

• August 30, 2021 – Clarified that the standard plan is also aimed at users who want self-monitoring or video monitoring. Abode requested this change, which we agreed to, as it is a fact-based clarification and does not infringe on our views of product performance.
• August 27, 2021 – Initial version of the page was published.