Best Motion Sensors Guide & Reviews of 2021

No security system is complete without a proper motion sensor. Luckily for owners, these ones can be adds-on. There are different types of detectors for protection. Some of them are good for inside the home and others outside. In this guide and reviews, let’s explore the options to decide on the best motion sensor for 2021.

Emily Brooks - Editorial Staff

Updated: March 2, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

To create this guide and reviews, we had to follow a certain structure. The first thing we had to do, then was looking for the best devices in the market. After this, it was crucial for us to try each piece of equipment to see how they did in real life. The last step was to choose the metrics to gauge each device. We chose an average value system with a 0-10 for each of the 5 metrics:

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

We used the products to protect our homes as if we were true clients. Plus, we carried out an online research to gather as much data as possible. And we took into account comments and reviews, of course, to gauge user experience. Finally, we have each motion sensor a ranking, from 1 to 10.

1. ADT Sensor: Famous Security for Years

Total Score 9.2/10

ADT-main
ADT Mobile
ADT Pulse System
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease Of Use8.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$99

Visit Website
BBB Rating A
Best for Those Who Like It Classic

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

No

ADT is a classic in the safety field. These smart motion sensors will work under any condition. It does not matter if the air is humid or too hot or cold. The only thing is that the lighting and video alarm need to be indoors.

Pros:

  • Wide coverage
  • Pet-friendly
  • Custom Alerts
  • Almost no false positives
  • 35x40’ protection
  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Automatic alerts

Cons:

  • Slow response
  • Expensive
  • No DIY is possible

Another positive thing comes for the pet owners. At times, motion sensors are too sensitive and trigger because of dogs or cats. But now, buyers can set the detectors based on the size of the pet.


2. Kangaroo Sensor: Everything Included

Total Score 9.0/10

Kangaroo Main
Kangaroo Pack
Kangaroo Sticker
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.5/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$8.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating B+
Best for Those Who Like It Simple

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Kangaroo’s system is very easy to use. People just need to own a phone and have WiFi. With those two elements, they can connect the motion sensor and start monitoring what is happening around. Plus, it’s very easy to set up custom alerts.

Pros:

  • Customized plan
  • Simple setup
  • Very affordable
  • Pet approved
  • User-friendly app
  • Wireless
  • Adaptable for small places

Cons:

  • Expensive to add more devices
  • Not so good for business
  • Too sensitive at times

Another feature that makes it different is the protection of pets. Cats and dogs use to roam around and trigger false alarms many times. So, pet owners can set up the app with this feature from the beginning to prevent this from happening.


3. Canary Sensor: Feel Safe Even When Alone

Total Score 8.9/10

Canary Main
Canary Features
Canary Knows
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score7.5/10

Starting Price

$85

Visit Website
Best for Self-Starters

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This motion sensor works in a very original way. It does not need wires or even WiFi. Instead, it connects to the owners’ phone using an app. Canary is able to monitor doors’ movements, temperature, and other features.

Pros:

  • Covers rooms and doorways
  • Does not use connections
  • Very safe motion sensor
  • Deep granular data
  • 12-month battery life
  • Very useful visitor cards
  • Extended warranty

Cons:

  • Mandatory monthly fee
  • Fragile device
  • Does not have a strong policy

The Canary System uses original visitor cards. These are security motion detectors that allow people who enter the house or room to be safe within the place. And not to trigger the alarms with their presence. They are very cheap and effective.


4. SimpliSafe: Full Coverage

Total Score 8.9/10

SimpliSafe Home Security Systems-simplisafe
Self Monitored SimpliSafe Detection
SimpliSafe Build My System
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10

Starting Price

$29.90

Visit Website
BBB Rating A-
Best for Top-Notch Quality

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Simplisafe is another provider in the field of security and motion sensors. Those who have its system can add as many lighting sensors as they want. Some features include a 30 feet range for any room inside the house. And a field of vision of 90°.

Pros:

  • Smart pet protection
  • Great field of vision
  • Adjustable angle
  • Away mode available
  • Affordable
  • Tech support
  • Maximum room space

Cons:

  • Difficult to order
  • Slow response
  • No detection for heat

As people can place it on a shelf, the wall, or a corner, they can make the most out of the space there is within the house. And those who travel can have even more security by activating the away mode.


5. Ring System: Sound, Light, Action

Total Score 8.9/10

Ring Review
No Contract Cove Monitoring
No Contract Ring Alarm Protection
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10

Starting Price

$29.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating A-
Best for Capturing Wide Videos

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This is a famous brand that provides home security systems for families. Among those devices, there are motion sensors that detect heat and movement. They include ample specs to capture every image, such as a 90° angle.

Pros:

  • Instant mobile alerts
  • Compatible with any iOS or Android
  • No tools required
  • 3 years of battery
  • Does not confuse pets with people
  • Wall or corner mount for the alarm

Cons:

  • Smart chimes are a bit faint
  • Slow to charge video
  • Requires the Ring base station

On the grey side, those who don’t own a Ring base station will not be able to use this motion sensor. But the mounting process is basic and simple. So, any person (man or woman) can do it even without any tools.


6. First Alert PIR725 Activated Light Socket: Illuminate your Rooms

Total Score 8.8/10

First Alert Main
First Alert Sensors
First Alert Community
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$17.63

BBB Rating B
Best for Those Who Don’t Like the Dark

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

First Alert’s device main feature is that it lights on when entering a room. This way, the owner does not have to do anything with the motion sensor. It has a 12 feet radius, so it covers any type of room or garage.

Pros:

  • Great radius
  • Hands-free
  • 3 year limited warranty
  • Up to 100 watts
  • Automatic light operation
  • Works day and night

Cons:

  • Only for indoors
  • Needs to mount 8 feet above the floor
  • Only stays on for 4 min

All in all, this alarm light was designed to detect movement with ease. It is a great option for dark places such as attics or garages. Because of it, people will not have to stumble looking for the lighting switch to see around them.


7. Fosmon: Portable Security

Total Score 8.7/10

Fosmon Main
Fosmon Home Security
Fosmon Products
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10

Starting Price

$24.99

BBB Rating A-
Best for Those Who Want to Move the Sensor

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Fosmon’s special design is for door entry. Such a thing means that owners can place it within or outside the house for better protection. These motion sensors can also connect with wireless doorbells if needed.

Pros:

  • 16.5ft/5m to 110 degrees
  • 500 feet operating range
  • Custom smart bell
  • LED light flashes immediately
  • It can be paired with 10 transmitters
  • Portable
  • 52 ringtones to choose

Cons:

  • In-wall setup
  • It’s a bit fickle
  • No customer support 24/7

The lights are a nice add-on to the device. So, they are good products to protect the attic, garage, or other dark places. The motion sensor can connect with a portable receiver to get an alert if some person enters the room or home.


8. Ecolink: Convenient and Lightweight

Total Score 8.7/10

Ecolink Main
Ecolink Professional
Ecolink About
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$19.95

BBB Rating B+
Best for Lowkey Customers

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

These motion sensors have premium materials to detect burglars inside the house in the blink of an eye. It has two modes: the automation and the security mode. Each one of them sends different alerts and sirens to the owner.

Pros:

  • Smart device
  • 5-year battery
  • Ready to use
  • Premium materials
  • Much cheaper than the competition
  • Triggers cue lights
  • Great corner mounts

Cons:

  • Still, it recognizes pets
  • False positives take place
  • Not a great warranty

On the negative side, their warranty is limited and only for one year. So, those who have an issue after 12 months will have to pay or buy a new one. But the battery is long-lasting, with more than 5 years to live without recharging


9. LITOM Solar Lights: Saving the Planet and the House

Total Score 8.7/10

Litom Main
Litom Best Seller
Litom Features
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.0/10
  • Trust Score9.5/10

Starting Price

$17.99

BBB Rating A-
Best for Eco-Friendly People

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

The Litom motion sensor tries to take care of the planet. Their experts created and designed the devices to work with solar light. During the day, the siren and the LEDs charge. And they work with that solar power during the rest of the time.

Pros:

  • Easy-to-Install
  • Works outdoors
  • Adds-on for a cheap price
  • Friendly with the environment
  • Bright and light
  • 800-square feet coverage
  • 3 modes

Cons:

  • Does not work if there is no sun
  • Only PIR sensors
  • Slow shipment

As soon as a person enters the room, the product will illuminate the place at 50%. In terms of reach, it has a range of 200 square feet and up to 4 lights that turn on at the same time. And if solar power runs out, these motion sensors can still be plugged into electric power.


10. Guardline: Keep Each Room Surveilled

Total Score 8.3/10

Guardline Main
Motion Sensor Guardline
Guardline Motion Sensor
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score7.5/10

Starting Price

$250

BBB Rating B+
Best for Those Who Want Alerts

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

No

This motion sensor is part of a larger system made for security. With 2 years of warranty, anyone who buys this product can be sure that it will last for a long time. In terms of the sensor, it is a plug-and-play very easy to setup.

Pros:

  • Can be expanded
  • 12-volt relay
  • 4 different zones of use
  • Installs in minutes
  • Many chimes and volumes
  • Alkaline battery
  • Corded-electric as well

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Needs a bigger system
  • Sounds are low

Another nice point is that Guardline’s security motion sensor can link to many chimes. So, owners can know which room or place of the house is in danger by listening to a sound. Extra receivers as add-ons are also very cheap for comprehensive safety.


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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Editorial Staff

As a journalist, Emily draws on her rich experience in home safety and seeks to research more on the topic. She is truly passionate about her interests. Emily is knowledgeable about security systems due to the in-depth studies that she has conducted for Securing Home.


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