The 10 Best Door Alarm Sensors in 2021

How Does a Door Alarm Sensor Work?

Before we dive into how a wireless door alarm sensor works, let’s learn about what its function is. In simple words, door alarm sensors beep or make any other form of sound when someone has opened the door and thus inform you of their entrance. Now comes the question- how front door alarm sensors do that. There are different types of sensors that provide the same result in different ways.

The most common one among them is the contact sensor. It uses magnet, which controls a circuit, triggering an alarm. Now comes the second type. This type of door open sensor alarm uses a switch, which exerts the same result upon depressing. Based on the target function and use, there may be some more ways. However, these two mechanisms of function are the basic ones.

Check the Best Door Alarm Sensors in 2021

Based on the necessary security features, pricing, and other features of the top-reviewed door alarm sensors, we have come up with the 10 best door alarm sensors in 2021. Check out their features and why they stand out.

1. Nest Detect Sensor

Nest Detect Sensor has topped our list of best door alarm sensors. The sensor allows you to get an alert on your phone as well as sounding an alarm, which doubles the security. Depending on your placement of the sensor, the sensor will sense different things.

Key features:

• The box includes the Nest Detect, open-close magnet, the corner, screws, and extra adhesive.
• Double protection with sound from the sensor and notification alert on phone.
• Compatible with both iOS and Android phones that offer Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi of 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
• Runs on the Nest app.

Why it stands out:

If you are looking for extra security, you can easily trust the Nest detect sensor as the guard of home-entry. That is because the sensor offers double security- one with the alarm sound and the other with alerts on the phone. Also, no matter whether you are an Android-user or IOS-user, you can easily install and get benefited from the Nest app.

2. Ring Alarm Contact Sensor

As the name suggest, it is a sensor that alerts you when came in contact with. You can mount it on your door and window frames. Also, the size is much smaller now compared to its predecessors, offering more placement options. This sensor can be installed as an additional security device for the Ring security system for homes or apartments.

Key features:

• Comes in a pack of 2.
• Requires the Ring Alarm Base Station.
• Includes two 3V CR2032 batteries.
• Aesthetic looks of the second generation devices.
• Easy installation with no additional tools required.

Why it stands out:

One of the greatest advantages of the Ring contact alarm sensor is its small and compact size, which offers more placement options other than door and window frames. You can place it even at the openings of closets to get similar alerts. Also, when integrated with the home security system, the sensor can provide even a greater service.

3. X-Sense Door Alarm Sensor

X-Sense offers full automation security system for homes. The door alarm sensor is a part of that. The security system’s integrity has made it among the top security systems along with making the door alarm sensor one of the best ones. If you are looking for sensors that offer easy installation, it is a perfect choice for you.

Key features:

• Comes with both AC power and battery backup.
• Does not require additional subscription fees or contracts.
• 3-year battery life.
• Compact design.
• 105 dB loud alarm.

Why it stands out:

When it comes to door and window sensors, compact design is what everyone goes for, and it makes complete sense. From this perspective, the X-Sense door alarm sensor is a perfect-fit for you. Also, the sensor is pretty accurate and sensitive. Hence, you can rely on it as the guard of the entry to your home.

4. Cove Door Sensor

Cove is one of the top security system providers. Their door sensors are also top quality. That is not all. In terms of affordability, Cove door sensors will make the top of the list due to its price of $6 per unit. Being proved as a reliable security system, Cove door sensors ensure your safety to the highest level.

Key features:

• The door sensor tests itself once every hour to make sure ultimate safety of your home.
• Pre-programmed for compatibility with Cove’s Touch Screen Panel.
• Compact size, allowing more options for placement.
• Setup of specific names and rules for each sensor.
• Extra-long battery life.

Why it stands out:

If you are in a budget and looking for the best one possible within your budget range, the Cove door sensor will surely fit within your budget. Also, you can easily monitor all the sensors in your home from your phone. Furthermore, as you set specific names and according rules for each of the sensors, you can easily control them just the way you want.

5. Wyze Door Alarm Sensor

The WYZE SENSE door alarm sensors are popular for their small size. These sensors can sense contact and motion, offering dual sensitivity to ensure better safety of the premises. The open/close detection makes sure that you know every time your door is opened. It is even better a sensor, when integrated with the apartment security system.

Key features:

• The Wyze app shows the current status as well as the history of the sensors for 14 days.
• Allows users to set a specific time till when the sensor should not alarm them.
• Very compact in size, can easily be used with home utensils, like a container.
• Lets you keep track of the alarms set.
• 12-month battery life.
• Open/Close detection.

Why it stands out:

The Wyze door alarm sensor is among the cheapest ones, costing only $10 per unit. The sensor allows video recording, which makes sure that nothing goes unnoticed. Their impossibly small size increases mounting options.

6. ADT Door & Window Sensor

The ADT security system is among the top 5 ones. Their door and window sensors also made the list of the top 10. It comes with a number of smart home security packages, ensuring further security options for your home. The sensor alerts you immediately whenever a door or window is opened, making sure that you are never unarmed.

Key features:

• Offers 24/7 alarms through its mobile application.
• Battery-powered with built-in tamper notification.
• Can be mounted on door or window frames with either screws or double-sided tape.
• Different modes to set the alarm differently when needed.
• Quite cheap, being offered at below $15.

Why it stands out:

The ADT security system is one of the best ones worldwide. And this door and window sensor from ADT offers easy integration with the ADT security system. So if you have the same security system in your premises, you can go for the sensors as well without any hesitation. When combined with motion sensors and cameras, they do even better.

7. Samsung SmartThings

Samsung is one of the leading tech service provider across the world. The Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor is no different. As you can easily integrate it with your other Samsung devices and accounts, that makes it very special and easy to use.

Key features:

• Works within the range of up to 50-130 feet.
• Easy installation and simple set up with the SmartThings application.
• Instant alerts on your phone via the application.
• Can also be placed on different furniture at your home, ensuring safety inside the home, as well.
• Easy integration with other Samsung devices.

Why it stands out:

When integrated with other smart devices at your home, the Samsung SmartThings multipurpose sensor offers home automation. Hence, if you already have Samsung devices at your home, this sensor might be your go-to. You don’t need to install additional applications or accounts other than the SmartThings app and Samsung account.

8. iSmartAlarm Door Sensor

If you are looking for a contact door sensor, iSmartAlarm door sensors might be your go-to. It is a perfect choice as sensor for doors, windows, cabinets, etc. It offers compatibility with voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.

Key features:

• Comes in a pack of 2 sensors.
• Moveable and wireless.
• Provides instant notifications whenever the door or window is opened.
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.
• Requires 2 CR2 batteries.

Why it stands out:

The sensors can easily be removed, moved, and placed on any door or window. You can easily arm, disarm and monitor the security system from your smartphone. Also, as it supports voice assistant integration, you can control it over Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.

9. SABRE Contact Sensor

If you are looking for door alarms that are extremely loud, SABRE contact sensor is the perfect choice for you. You get a top-notch protection at the entrance points of your home at a very affordable price. With its loud sound, the Sabre contact sensor can make sure that no intrusion gets unnoticed.

Key features:

• Offers a loud alarm of 120 dB, alarming everyone within the 750-meter range.
• Battery-powered.
• Three adjustable modes make it user-friendly.
• Sensor mounts on either side of the alarm.
• Provides battery level update with a button for low battery testing.

Why it stands out:

The most outstanding advantage of the Sabre contact sensor is its loud alarm. When set in the mode, it can alarm anyone within the 750-meter range. However, if the sound level seems to noisy and harsh for you, you can select the ‘Chime’ mode. That will make things easy, while still ensuring top-notch security for your home.

10. Geeni Contact Sensor

The Geeni contact sensor is a Wi-Fi door sensor. If you need monitoring over kids who will sneak out when you don’t notice, this sensor might be the savior. Its aesthetic look gets noticed from the very beginning. It supports voice assistant.

Key features:

• Compatible with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.
• Powered by CR2 batteries, providing continuous operation for up to 2 years.
• No hub required- can be simply controlled by the Geeni app.
• 2-years battery life.
• Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Why it stands out:

The Geeni contact sensor alerts you right away when there is an unexpected entrance at the house or your pet has escaped. Also, it does not require any hub, lowering the maintenance issues. Furthermore, it works perfectly on your home Wi-Fi.

How to Choose the Right Door Alarm Sensor?

Like all other smart tools, door alarm sensors are found in a plenty of formats and types and functions. However, not all type will suit your home environment. Also, based on the function you want from the sensor, your preferences will differ. Here are some of the common factors that you need to consider when purchasing a door sensor.

• Cost: The pricing of the sensor matters. As there is a wide variety in sensor type, the pricing varies, as well. Single sensors can cost as little as $15-20 to as much as $100-120. However, the average price remains $20-30. Also, if the sensor is the part of a security system installation, it may come for free with the plan.
• Installation type : Installation usually involves two types- DIY and professional installation. If it requires professional installation, it may mean extra cost while ensuring proper installation. On the other hand, if it is DIY, you will need some tools along with the technical and mechanical skillset to do it yourself.
• Integration into the smart system: As a smart home owner, there will be other smart devices in your home along with the door sensors. And they should work in accordance. The ideal expectation for the door sensor alarm is to be able to communicate with other smart devices. Light switches and bulbs are a perfect example of the scenario. For example, when you open the door, it may turn on the smart lights. Or as you open the doors of your closet, it may turn on the small lights in the closet.
• Alerts: Door alarm sensors are all about alerting you. But how will it alert you and to which extent- that is a question. For regular sensors, they beep or make sounds when someone enters upon opening the door or the similar function takes place. However, the alarm sensors included in the best home security systems alert you through your laptop or smartphone, as well. When purchasing a door sensor, you should look for it.

Types of Door Alarm Sensor

• Surface-mount: It is the most common type of door alarm sensor. Here, a magnet is attached to the door or the framework, and a reed switch is attached to the opposite side.
• Overhead sensors: These are commonly found in garage doors, hence called garage door alarm sensors. Their function is quite similar to surface-mounted sensors. However, they require larger magnets as you will have to put the magnet and reed switch further apart for preventing false alarms.
• Rollerball: It is a type of door alarm sensor where you put the rollerball sensors in the recessed parts of the door frame. Upon closing the door, it causes the hinged edge to depress the ball of the sensor, which in turn closes the circuit to ring the alarm.
• Recessed sensors: If you want the sensors to remain invisible to visitors, you can use recessed sensors. They are placed within holes upon drilling inside doors or windows.

How to Install Door Alarm Sensor?

As mentioned before, door alarm sensors can either be installed by professionals or it can be DIY. For wired sensors, which requires connection to the electricity of your home, they may require professional installation. On the other hand, battery-powered sensors are wireless and you can install them yourself.

As all you need to know regarding installation is about the installation of battery-powered sensors, we will share the details as follow. The basic guideline in this regard is that the magnet and the reed switch need to be placed parallel to each other and close enough so that the magnet can close the circuit of the reed switch. Here is the complete instruction for DIY installation.

Step 1. Install batteries in the device as required.

Step 2. Find the perfect location for placement of the device.

Step 3. Now comes the most important step- mounting both sides of the sensor so that upon closing the door, the two of them are parallel as well as close together.

Step 4. Now that the installation part is done, you need to set up the arming and disarming behaviors of the device.

FAQs

1. Are door alarms effective?

Door alarms are very effective as security devices for your home. However, as burglars often know about it, they sometimes try to enter your home without tripping the alarm by shattering a window or sliding door. Hence, motion sensors and glass-breaking detectors along with door alarms are the most effective option.

2. How much does a door sensor cost?

It depends on the type of door sensor. Single sensors will cost a little while complex ones will cost more. On the other hand, if the door sensor alarm is part of a home automation system or security system, it may not cost a dime on its own. Generally, door sensors can cost you as little as $12-15 to as much as $270-280.

3. Where do you put a door sensor?

Although the name includes door, you don’t essentially have to put them on a door or window. Regardless, their placement should be on a flat, clean surface. Also, both parts of the sensor should have enough room to separate when you open the door and close when you close it. These shouldn’t bump into each other when you open or close the door, not should they cause any interference in the opening or closing of the door or window.

4. How do you change the battery in a door sensor?

The first thing you need to do before changing the batteries of your door sensor is to inform the monitoring company before doing so. This way, you won’t cause a false alarm. Now, open the device and know what type of battery it needs. Traditional home security systems use a single large 12V battery in the control panel. Now remove the current battery and put the newly purchased one instead.

If you cannot access or replace the batteries somehow, don’t hesitate to inform the security service provider company. Finally, as you are done with changing the batteries, test the system to check if it works as it should have. You are good to go now.

5. How do I remove old alarm door sensors?

As security alarm door sensors are part of the security system, you need to delete that specific zone from the panel first. For this, you will have to access the zone programming, locate the specific zone and then delete it from the system. Now, if you have installed a wired sensor, you will need to remove the wires. If the sensor is wireless, this step won’t apply. Now remove the sensor off the frame. If the sensor is mounted using screws, you will need to unmount it using screwdrivers. And if it is mounted using double-sided tapes, take off the magnet from the adhesive and peel off the tape.

Conclusion

When you manage to secure the entrance points of your home with the door and window sensors, the major part of your home’s security system is covered. Check the best door alarm sensors in 2021 from this list and find the best one for your home.