Best Motion Sensors of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
After the guide above, it’s important to give a summary of each feature. This will help to see how they differ and compare. In this way, clients can choose the best motion sensors for their needs.
| Provider | Total Score | Price | BBB Rating | DIY instal | Trial Period | Warranty | Custom App | Free or Paid Plans | Push Notifications | Batteries Included | Indoor or Outdoor | Number of Detectors | Protection of Pets | 1. ADT Sensor | 9.2 | $99 | A | No | No | 1 year | No | Paid | No | Yes | Indoor | 2 | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. Kangaroo Sensor | 9.0 | $8.99 | B+ | Yes | No | 1 year | Yes | Both | Yes | Yes | Both | 1 | Yes |
| 3. Canary | 8.9 | $85 | – | Yes | No | 1 year | Yes | Both | Yes | Yes, Lithium | Indoor | 1 | No |
| 4. SimpliSafe | 8.9 | $29.95 | A- | Yes | No | 1 year | No | Free | Yes | Yes | Indoor | 1 | Yes |
| 5. Ring System | 8.9 | $29.95 | A- | Yes | No | 2 years | No | Free | No | Yes | Indoor | 1 | No |
| 6. First Alert PIR725 | 8.8 | $17.63 | B | Yes | No | 3 years | No | Free | No | No | Indoor | 0 | No |
| 7. Fosmon | 8.7 | $24.99 | A- | Yes | No | 1 Year | No | Free | No | Yes, Alkaline | Indoor | 1 | No |
| 8. Ecolink | 8.7 | $19.95 | B+ | Yes | No | 1 year | No | Free | No | Yes | Indoor | 1 | Yes |
| 9. LITOM | 8.7 | $17.99 | A- | Yes | No | 2 years | No | Free | No | No, Solar Power | Both | 1 | No |
| 10. Guardline | 8.3 | $250 | B+ | No | No | 2 years | No | Free | No | Yes, Alkaline | Outdoor | 4 | No |
What Types of Sensors Exist?
Above, the text mentions motion sensors at all times. But are they all the same? Not really. There are many types of devices, and all of them have other specs. Let’s take a look at those in detail.
1. Passive infrared (PIR)
These look for body heat and movement. These products have certain parameters. Some of them are more sensitive than others. This means that certain cameras have spiders trigger the alarm while others are more effective.
2. Microwave
As its name shows, this type of motion sensors works with waves of sound. When the wave reaches a certain body or living thing, it goes back and starts the alarm. They are far more efficient than PIR. And because of this, they are more pricey.
3. Ultrasonic
Similar to the ones above, these motion sensors also work with waves. But these ones vibrate at a higher rate. And such a thing allows for more accuracy when the system is triggered.
4. Dual-Technology
The best option for avoiding false positives. A dual motion sensor combines a microwave and a heat detector. This way, maybe plants make the wave sound, but then the other device would detect no heat. This means that false positives almost never take place.
Indoor or Outdoor Motion Sensors?
Even though they might look the same, these 2 types of motion sensors have different specs. Below, let’s take a glance at some of these features and their pros and cons.
Indoor Motion Sensor
Forget about fumbling for keys or stumbling for the switch. With indoor motion sensors and lights, people can see their way. And can feel safe inside their own home. It is crucial, then, to avoid glitches and false positives.
Pros:
- Gives a feeling of security to the owner
- Protects all the house or each room
- Some also include lights
- Custom alerts each time there is a trigger
- They can link to timers
Cons:
- Might be fragile
- False positives are annoying
Outdoor Motion Sensor
Outdoor devices, instead, are meant for parks, yards, and even garages. The idea is to keep criminals away from one’s property. And to scare them off, so they do not want to enter the home.
Pros:
- Custom alerts and apps
- Resist water, snow, and wind
- Cannot be tampered
- Have a wider range
- Direct communication with the police
Cons:
- Pricier because they need to be waterproof to last
- Harder to mount
Positive and Negative Points of Devices
So, let’s examine what the main benefits of having the best motion sensor at home are. This can help those who are still doubting whether to buy one or not. Of course, benefits are much more than the negative points.
The Best Things
Save Money
It’s much cheaper to have security motion detectors than to hire personnel, for example. Guards have a wage and taxes to pay. Plus, they have to run risks that machines do not.
They Keep Away Criminals
Nobody wants to enter a house where the people inside calls the police. This type of device keeps burglars away for fear. And it lets everyone know that the home is protected.
Connection to the Police
Most of these brands have a direct connection with the police. As soon as the siren starts ringing, a patrol car will come to see what is going on.
Do Not Waste Energy
Many companies include long-lasting batteries. This means that owners will not have to spend money on electric power to keep them working.
Very Well- Built
These products should last for years to come. That is why they are made with durable materials with waterproof features for outdoors and indoors.
Cheap
None of the providers mentioned above cost a lot of money. Most of the equipment is affordable, and people can add more and more to the systems as they see fit.
Different Types
Microwave, PIR, Infrared… the list of motion sensors is endless. And all these types help solve many issues and attend to different needs.
Not-So-Good Things
Choose the Right Materials
Some of these security motion detectors work with different specs. For example, as stated above, there are devices with waves and others with infrared conditions. Yet, the microwave range does not penetrate metal and other materials. Those who plan to put the detector in place with metal should pick with care.
Do Not Work in Isolation
Motion sensors are nice, but many brands build them, so they don’t work alone. This means that owners would have to buy entire systems to add the detector and use an app, for example.
Too Sensitive at Times
It’s all very good until the motion sensor gets crazy, detecting birds, cats, or dogs. This means that annoying sirens would be ringing all day. The only way to prevent this is by setting up the device, so it does not perceive animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is the Best Outdoor Motion Sensor?
There is no definite answer to this question. It all comes down to what the owner needs. For example, some systems only include an app and a sensor, and they work great for some owners. Some others will need more complex and pricey motion sensors to keep their homes safe.
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Are Motion Sensors Harmful?
Not really. But there are some motion sensors that can be more problematic than others. For example, ultrasonic devices use waves to detect people moving and heat. And these might be an issue if the sensor is used for too long.
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Where Are Motion Sensors Used?
The best motion sensors are useful indoors and outdoors. Of course, all of them have different specs that help them to survive in adverse conditions. For example, outdoor products have protection against snow, rain, and dust. Also, they can help protect many types of spaces. Some samples are companies, houses, apartments, and even ships. Each place will have its own regulations and rules. For instance, apartments need permissions from owners. And also from other renters in the building.
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Do These Devices Deter Crime?
Yes, in most cases. In the first place, because criminals do not want to be seen. So, if they know there is a detector in the place they are going to break into, then they might stop and go to another place. In the other sense, as soon as these products see heat or movement, they will start making a very loud sound. This alerts the police and other security teams. And they help neighbors know something is going on.
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How Far Can They Detect?
It depends on the range of the motion sensor. Some of them cover only one room (some 20 feet). While others have a design to protect larger spaces, like a garage. So, they can detect movement up to 150 feet. So, if they are powerful or not depends on their design and range.
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Do These Type of Sensors Emit Radiation?
No, not at all. Depending on the type of motion sensor, some of them emit waves. But these do not have to do with radiation. Rather, they use waves like the ones of the sound to detect whether there is a living being inside the home.
Keep Away from Danger at All Times
To conclude, all the devices mentioned above are well-ranked. They will protect one’s home from the inside and outdoors as well. Of course, there are many factors to consider. The price is crucial, but some other specs like modes and waterproof features also matter. All of these will help clients choose the best motion sensor for their needs.
