Glass Break Sensors and Detectors Guide & Reviews

Having a device that can contact the police in case someone breaks in is almost compulsory with the high levels of crime that there are in 2021. Though there are many products to help with this, some are more helpful than others. Check out which are the best glass break sensors to keep burglars away.

Brad Smith - Editorial Staff

Updated: March 3, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

To be able to write this guide, we had to gather info from many sources. First, we read reviews and descriptions to figure out which ones were more likely to be the top ones. We tried them with the help of specialists. And we consulted previous users and the companies themselves. In this way, we measured up each glass break sensor and gave it a mark between 0 and 10 for each of these 5 categories. We averaged them and ranked them accordingly.

  • 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)

All our work is based on hands-on experience and the opinion of experts. Among others, our team is made up of former policemen, detectives, and crime specialists. This means that they have real-life experience of what works and what does not. Also, we checked what previous users thought about each item to see how they performed.

1. Vivint: There’s No Other Like It

Total Score 9.5/10

Vivint Main
No Contract Vivint Control
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.5/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A+
Best for Advanced Approach

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This glass break sensor has some unique features that help prevent common problems. One of them is the tampering alert. If someone tries to break or deactivate the product, it will send an alert to the owner’s phone. In this way, one can prevent possible break-ins or stop them as they are taking place.

Pros:

  • Avoid false alarms
  • Two stages
  • Easy to use
  • Customizable sensitivity
  • Hard to tamper with
  • Simple design
  • User-friendly

Cons:

  • Wireless glass break sensor
  • No trial
  • Not the most durable materials

Some of the special functions that the glass break sensor offers include having an adjustable sensitivity. By just pressing one button, one can choose how detailed the device should be. In this way, one can avoid false alarms. It also has a two-stage system to detect when the glass breaks and shatters.


2. ADT: Great Monitoring

Total Score 9.4/10

ADT Main
ADT Package
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A
Best for Smart Houses

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

No

ADT is known for its great monitoring service. When the glass breaks triggering the device, the user receives an alert through the app. Also, it sends a message to the center. They check what is going on and notify the police, if necessary. For this to work, it is better if it is paired with the whole system, like the motion tracker and the camera.

Pros:

  • Long-range of 25 feet
  • Great mic
  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Efficient team
  • Well-developed app
  • Calls the authorities
  • Well-known

Cons:

  • No wires may be inconvenient
  • No trial period
  • A bit pricey

Not only does this device offer great communication, but also it detects if any entrance is broken within 25 feet. In this way, there is no need to place one item in every entrance. The item has sensitive mics that detect even muffled sounds. It is a wireless glass break sensor, so the setup process is simple.


3. Frontpoint: Adjust It All the Way

Total Score 9.3/10

FrontPoint Main
Frontpoint Monitoring Plan
FrontPoint Glass Break Sensor
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.5/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A
Best for Pattern Recognition

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This glass break sensor is part of a larger system. It is highly customizable. So, every user can decide which items to include. If one wants a shard detector, this one works together with the rest. It has a microphone that hears when the glass breaks. It recognizes the pattern. And if it is suspicious, it sends alerts to the police.

Pros:

  • Customizable system
  • Good integration
  • Pattern recognition
  • Alerts authorities
  • Covers wide areas
  • Good mic
  • Only one is enough

Cons:

  • No pro installation
  • Poor website
  • Slow customer support

The Frontpoint glass break sensor works with windows of all sizes. This means that it can also work with large doors. This is good in contrast with other brands. When they do not cover a wide area, the user may need to buy more devices than expected.


4. SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor: Affordable and Efficient

Total Score 9.2/10

SimpliSafe Main
SimpliSafe Build My System
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A+
Best For Budgets

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

No

The window detectors by this renowned brand have been tweaked with some innovative functions. For starters, they still work when the motion trackers are disabled. This means that one can walk around the house and still be safe from someone breaking in. It detects when any glass is broken within 20 feet. Also, as soon as it detects something, the team verifies it and sends the police.

Pros:

  • Independent from motion trackers
  • Special software
  • Small design
  • Accurate listening
  • Hardwired
  • Detects around 20 feet
  • Hard to break

Cons:

  • No pro setup available
  • It may take a week to receive it
  • Slow support

This product was designed to be small and hard to see. So that no one could try to break it or take it out. It also a specially made algorithm that makes the detection of broken glass more accurate. Plus, it is hardwired, and so it is more reliable. Even if there is a blackout or the WiFi stops working, the system will keep on working. On the administrative side, this company does not require contracts. And their whole package costs only 50 cents per day. So, those who are looking for something cheap and flexible may find the right partner here.


5. 2gig Glass Break Detector: Protect the Home and Keep It Cozy

Total Score 9.2/10

2GIG Main
2GIG
2GIG Glass Break
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A
Best for Small Homes

DIY instal

NO

Trial Period

No

This item stands out because of the many security measures the team took when creating it. It has a special design to avoid tampering so that it cannot be easily deactivated by intruders. Also, it supervised 24/7 to inform the user if there are any problems with the product, like glitches. The team also tracks if and when a window is broken. So, they can take the right measures fast.

Pros:

  • 24/7 supervision
  • Anti-tampering measures
  • Hardwired
  • Goes on walls or ceilings
  • 360° field of sensing
  • Has two text LED lights
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons:

  • Short-range of view
  • No trial period
  • Not good for large rooms

For maximum security, the device is mounted on the ceiling or wall. This means that it may take longer to install, but it will not be easy to break or for it to malfunction. It has a sensing angle of 360°, which means that it can track what happens with two windows at the same time. Yet, it can only sense up to 15 feet away, so more than one may be necessary to cover large rooms. Its two-stage detection helps to prevent false alarms and gives more peace of mind.


6. Honeywell Intellisense FG-730 Glass Break Detector: No Need to Get More

Total Score 9.0/10

Honeywell Home Main
Honeywell Alarm
Honeywell Glass Break
  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A
Best for Large Houses

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This wireless glass break sensor has a new type of tech developed by Honeywell. One the one hand, it has Dual Flex, which allows it to identify the initial impact that breaks the window and then when it shatters on the floor. On the other hand, it also has Audio Technology. This lets it perceive even the tiniest detail. This algorithm works together with a high-end mic to detect any noise within 30 feet of the detector. This is much more than the market standard.

Pros:

  • Above-average 30 feet sensing
  • Signal Filtering
  • Two-stage sensing
  • Dual Flex
  • Avoid false alarms
  • Increased hearing
  • High-end mic

Cons:

  • Slow customer care
  • Wireless glass break sensor
  • No pro setup option

The creators included Signal Filtering technology. It helps ignore sounds that may have triggered a normal alarm, but are something else entirely. In this way, false alerts are very rare and unlikely to happen. It is a wireless glass break sensor. So, while this may mean an easy setup, it does not have so many perks in the long term.


7. SABRE Wireless Glass Break & Vibration Detector Alarm: Your Neighbors Will Know Right Away

Total Score 9.0/10

Sabre Main
Sabre Glass Break Sensor
Sabre-Security
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10
BBB Rating A
Best For Families

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

If someone breaks in, everybody around will know it with this alarm. It has a 115-decibel sound, which means that everyone within 300 feet will hear it if the window is broken or tampered with. Plus, it comes with a red warning sign. This means that potential burglars will be discouraged from going in. This, of course, also works for large doors.

Pros:

  • Available in a two-pack
  • Super loud alarm
  • Notifies everyone in 300 feet radius
  • Anti-tampering measures
  • Works with large doors
  • Adjustable sensitivity
  • Smart battery indicator

Cons:

  • Wireless glass break sensor
  • No pro setup available
  • Materials are not the best

It gives users the possibility of adjusting the levels of sensitivity. So, if the day is windy or there is a strong storm, one can put it in the low setting. In this way, the alarm will not be triggered unnecessarily, causing false alarms. The product also comes with a battery light that blinks if it is running low. And it is possible to get updates with that just by pressing the right button.


8. Honeywell 5853

Total Score 9.0/10

Honeywell Home Main
Honeywell Alarm
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10
BBB Rating A
Best For Handy People

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This item by Honeywell performs very well under most conditions. It has a processor whose only function is to process sound data. This is thanks to its Application-Specific Integrated Circuit tech. In this way, it reviews the duration, frequency, and amplitude 50% faster than most other models. This, in turn, will reduce the number of false alarms that the device sends. And this is without reducing the efficiency of the item.

Pros:

  • Good range
  • Useful LED light
  • Dedicated processor
  • High-end tech
  • Fast review
  • Can be paired with other systems
  • Four sensitivity settings

Cons:

  • Uncommon batteries
  • Hard to pry open
  • Does not work independently

This product has a sensing range of 25 feet, which is quite good for market standards. What is more, it can go on any wall. This means that it can keep an eye on pretty much any window or door in the house without needing the help of other devices. Also, it has an LED light to notify the user if the device is having any technical problem. Its 10 years of battery life should give no problems.


9. Fortress Glass Break Sensor: Covers Pretty Much Anything

Total Score 8.8/10

Fortress Main
Fortress Security
Fortress Glass Break
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A
Best For Large Windows

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

Though this provider is not among the best-known ones, it offers some great products. This detector syncs wirelessly to the control base. So, if anyone tries to break into the house, it will send a message immediately to the user. Also, it has a great range of 50 square feet. Actually, it is one of the highest in the market. This means that it can keep an eye on pretty much any window and door or any regular room.

Pros:

  • Super long range
  • Covers a wide area
  • Perfect for large homes
  • No contract
  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • 3 years warranty
  • No commitments

Cons:

  • Some false alarms
  • Not compatible with some major systems
  • Hard installation

Fortress has some perks that make it worth considering as a provider. First of all, they require no contract or commitment. So, if one does not like the service for any reason, canceling it is very easy. The device also comes with a warranty of 3 years, in case it breaks or malfunctions. And the user can try it for 30 days and give it back if they want, thanks to the satisfaction guarantee.


10. EVA LOGIK Glass Break Sensor: Everyone Around Will Know

Total Score 8.6/10

Eva Main
Eva Pack
  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score9.0/10
BBB Rating A
Best For Crowded Areas

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

No

This product is perfect for those who fear break-ins. It has a 120 dB alarm that will trigger instantly in case anyone breaks a window or door. This means that practically everyone within 1000 feet, or 2 blocks, will know what is going on. And if anyone tampers with the window, the same will happen.

Pros:

  • 120 dB alarm
  • Built-in vibration sensor
  • Sensitivity settings
  • Warning LED
  • Battery indication
  • Super simple setup
  • 1-year warranty

Cons:

  • Not hardwired option
  • Batteries do not last long
  • No pro set up available

Its sensitivity settings help to prevent false alarms caused by storms or strong winds. It can be set to high or low. Also, it comes with a light to warn potential burglars not to come in. It blinks every 4 seconds so that everyone knows that the house is secured. This system is pretty simple to install thanks to its peel and stick nature. And to work, it only requires two AAA batteries.


Best Glass Break Sensors & Detectors Comparison Table of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

With so much info for so many models, it may be hard to decide which glass break sensors are the best ones for each need. So, here is a summary of what each item has to offer and how it fares against the others.

Provider Total Score Price BBB Rating DIY instal Trial Period Warranty Smart Mic Range Alarm Integration with Other Systems LED Sensitivity Settings Wireless Hardwired App
1. Vivint 9.5 $35 A+ No No No Yes 20 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
2. ADT 9.4 $35.99 A No No 6 months Yes 25 feet Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes
3. Frontpoint 9.3 Custom A Yes No 3 years Yes 20 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
4. SimpliSafe 9.2 $35 A+ No No No Yes 20 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
5. 2gig Glass Break 9.2 Custom A No No 1 year No 15 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
6. Honeywell Intellisense 9.0 $69.89 A Yes No 1 year Yes 30 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
7. SABRE 9.0 $11.44 A Yes No No No S/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
8. Honeywell 5853 9.0 $40.08 A Yes No 1 year Yes 25 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
9. Fortress 8.8 $34.99 A Yes No 3 years No 50 feet Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
10. EVA LOGIK 8.6 $23.99 A Yes No 1 year No S/A Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes

Important Features and Options: What to Look for in a Device

There are many things to look for when buying a brand new detector. These are the most important ones to bear in mind as they will mean the difference between a high-quality and a useless one.

Range: Review the Whole Room

Make sure that the device has a good range. In this way, it will not be necessary to install many of them. Most of these glass break sensors can detect broken shards up to 25 feet away from them. If one gets one of them with less capacity, more products will be necessary.

Monitored Security: An Extra Layer of Safety

When these glass break sensors work together with a security system, they become much more useful. In this way, they send alerts to the user’s phone when something triggers them. And with some plans, they may even notify the company.

Wireless vs. Hardwired: Depends on the Needs

A wireless glass break sensor usually much easier to install and remove. This comes at a price, though. It is possible to tamper with them, and they generally do not include many features. Hardwired ones are designed to be used for the long-term, and they are for more serious users.

Covered Range: See All-Around

Check if the items have a 360° range. If they do, the glass break sensors will be able to keep an eye on most doors and windows within a reasonable distance. This will mean that fewer devices are needed and, in turn, will mean more savings.

Home Security: Be Part of a Team

The ones that provide the most security are the items that work together with a system. This means that if there is something happening, it will work together with the cameras and the other detectors to create the complete report possible and notify the client.

Microphone with Microprocessor: Smart and Super Fast

These are smarter than regular mics. They review the type of sound that the shards made, including the volume, frequency, and time. So, it does not matter if the noise is muted; the device will still detect it.

Clear Indicators: Discourage Burglars

The perk of these items is that they should let everyone know that someone is breaking in. So, make sure to choose one that has a bright light, an alarm, or send mobile alerts. This will also come in handy if the battery runs low.

Sensitivity Settings: Avoid False Alarms

Most high-quality glass break detectors will have a setting to adjust how much it should detect. If this is not the case, it is likely that the product could be triggered by almost anything and send false alarms.

How to Buy a Glass Break Sensor

Making the final decision is tough. Here is a list of steps to help in the process of buying a glass break sensor. Go one by one until the decision of which is the best item for what one needs becomes clear.

Know What You Want from Your Break Sensors: Consider Needs and Uses

There are many options in the 2021 market, and each of them was designed for a different type of client. Some may have a summer house that they rent, so having the latest tech may not be very important for them. Others, though, may want them to protect their family. Review the situation and choose the best suited for that.

Identify Trustworthy Brands: They Are Not All the Same

Even though there are some good brands that are getting started and nobody knows, trusting them from the beginning is a risk that nobody wants to take. Especially when it comes to safety. Ask friends and family which brands they use to make sure to pick one that works. If one has had products from a company that worked before, that is good too.

Features: Which Ones and Why?

Every item has different features. And while some of them may sound cool, not everyone needs them. High-end users may want one that comes with the latest processor, and that is hardwired. Many others, on the other hand, may think it is enough with a wireless glass break sensor. Make a checklist of what is needed and pick accordingly.

Customers Reviews: Don’t Trip over the Same Rock

Some glass break detectors look very good on paper. But then comes the time to use them and they do not perform as they promised at all. The only way to prevent this is by checking out what previous users said about the product. If most reviews are positive, go ahead. It is most probably worth the money.

Prices: How Much Can One Spend?

Whether one is on a budget or looking for premium systems, there is a bit of everything for everyone in the market. The most expensive ones will come with many more features, but again, maybe the person who does not want to break the bank does not need to have the latest and greatest.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Glass Break Sensors Effective?

    Yes, they are effective. Glass break detectors are the best option for monitoring windows and protecting glass casings. They have a great sound detecting system. This system listens for sounds associated with this process. The sensor triggers when an object is hitting the window and the sound of shattering glass.

  • Where Do You Put a Glass Break Sensor?

    The detector should be installed in rooms that have windows or see-through patio doors. It can also be used as a secondary detection method for the first-level frames. The correct way to install it is within 10 feet of the windows or doors that need protection. The best place to mount it is on the ceiling. Make sure there are no big objects between the detector and the window or door being monitored. Whether the device is wireless or hardwired, together with its range, will also affect the decision of where to put it exactly.

  • Do I Need Entry Sensors on Every Window?

    Most systems come with more than one sensor. Ideally, these items should be put on every door and window in the house. However, some customers prefer to place them only in the lower levels of the home, to reduce costs.

  • What Is the Range of a Glass Break Sensor?

    They generally work within a range of 25 feet in every direction. This means that one single device can protect many windows in a single space at the same time. It’s important to make sure that there are no walls or doors blocking the sensor, however. Look for a device with a good range, so that only one single device can detect breaking glass in more than one room.

  • How Do Glass Break Sensors Work?

    There are two classes of products in the 2021 market — acoustic and shock. Although they work in different ways, they are both effective at protecting homes from intruders. Acoustic glass break sensors trigger when they “hear” the high-pitched sound of shattering glass. Shock or break devices, on the other hand, “feel” when someone or something hits a window. They need to be placed next to the surface they are protecting. Both acoustic and break devices are essential parts of a home security system. If they detect something, they contact the police.

  • Are Glass Break Sensors Necessary?

    Generally, yes, though it will depend on what each person needs. Customers who use break detectors are enhancing their family’s security. Break sensors are ideal for people who have pets. This is because cats and dogs may cause motion sensors to trigger false alarms and contact the police unnecessarily.

State of Affairs

With so many options in the market to call the police if someone tries to break-in, it should be easy to find which one suits the house best. Even though the levels of crime will keep on rising throughout all of 2021, now there are more and more options to stay safe and protect one’s privacy. And, more importantly, to keep the family safe.


Editorial Staff

Brad has worked as a sales manager in the security sector for 10 years. He is curious, attentive to details, and hard-working. He has dedicated several years to helping customers with their safety and protection. His background has helped Brad to write comprehensive security and life safety materials, which he has been writing for about 4 years. Brad has contributed work to The Washington Post, DailyJournal, Los Angeles Times, and many others.


Comments