Abode launches $50 outdoor and $35 garage sensors with no subscription required

Abode, a company known for its compatibility with third-party smart devices, has introduced two new types of security sensors. The Outdoor Contact Sensor costs $50, while the Garage Tilt Sensor is priced at $35. Both are available now and work with Abode hubs, including the Smart Security Kit starting at $120.

The Outdoor Contact Sensor operates similarly to standard indoor door and window models. It consists of two parts: one attaches to a door or window, the other to its frame. When the parts are separated, the system can send a warning, sound an alarm, or trigger another action. The housing carries an IP66 rating, meaning it is fully dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets. This allows outdoor use — adhesive strips included in the box let you mount it on a gate, shed door, or property entrance. Its detection range is wider than that of indoor models to accommodate the irregular shapes of exterior gates.

The garage version is more intriguing. It is a single-piece device with a battery rated for up to 10 years of service. The sensor measures orientation and triggers when a garage door or similar object changes position. According to an editor who has tested numerous smart garage systems, this is one of the few sensors capable of replacing them as part of a larger security setup.

Both new sensors include anti-tamper technology: if someone attempts to remove them, the owner receives an alert. The operating range is up to 500 feet from an Abode hub. Most platform features remain free, so no subscription is needed to use the new add-ons.

The arrival of such multi-purpose sensors reflects a broader trend in the security market this year. For instance, Aqara's P100 sensor can detect open and closed states, tilting, vibration, tampering, and more without additional components. It also supports Matter and can connect to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa for some tasks, making it more capable than Abode's offerings. Yet the fact that similar technology is emerging in different form factors points to growing demand for flexible security solutions.