The Best Motion Detectors To Prevent Any Threats From Slipping By You
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A motion detector is an integral part of any home security system and an excellent standalone peripheral for adding peace-of-mind to your property. To look at one, you may think it’s just another surveillance sensor with an extremely basic appearance and not much in the way of features, but most motion sensors typically offer far more than meets the eye.
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Motion detectors paired with floodlights are ideal for providing added security and safety to the outside of a home. They tend to have longer ranges, with the two light options on our list varying between 30 and 70 feet. Light-up motion detectors provide safety for homeowners who want to be able to see their driveway, steps, and front porch when arriving home at night. They also provide a security feature. Motion sensors will turn on lights when an intruder is lurking around your home, with the light not only scaring off the unwanted guest but also alerting you that someone is near your home, giving you the opportunity to call the police if necessary.
Indoor motion sensors that use chimes can also alert home or business owners when an intruder has entered the home, but that’s not all they’re good for. If you have a small business, audio motion sensors can provide an alert when a person enters the building. Audio motion sensors are also a helpful aid in keeping elderly relatives and children safe.
The loud chime can alert users that their loved one is up in the middle of the night when you otherwise aren’t watching them. The chimes can also tell users if a child is near a door they shouldn’t be accessing, or in a room that could be dangerous, like a home gym with heavy weights. Oddly enough, we’ve even used a motion detector to act as the perfect cat deterrent.
Motion sensors are one of the first steps in a home security system and a must-have for homeowners who want to keep their property and their loved ones safe.
What the Experts Have to Say
Motion detection is an integral part of any home security system, to the point where you’ll often find motion-sensing tech built into other common surveillance peripherals like smart security cameras, video doorbells and spotlights. Vivint, a renowned security brand offering products and services for homes and businesses, is a foremost authority on all things peace-of-mind for your property, and we had the opportunity to discuss motion detection with the company.
When asked what features of motion detectors most property owners may not know about, a Vivint spokesperson was able to shed some light on some of the cutting-edge analyzation that occurs when a subject enters your Vivint device’s field of view.
“Security systems can do more than sense simple movement and detect intruders. For example, Vivint’s Doorbell Camera Pro uses computer vision and AI to intelligently detect packages and actively help protect them. Simply set up a detection zone via your Vivint camera settings and when a delivery person approaches the front door, Doorbell Camera Pro will notify you of the package delivery…”
One of Vivint’s core motion detection tools is a feature called Smart Deter that is built into several of the company’s surveillance products.
“Once enabled, Smart Deter will warn individuals with a red LED ring and warning tone if they attempt to remove your package. This feature not only captures movement within your set detection zones, it’s also smart enough to differentiate between people and passing cars or animals so you won’t receive notifications on your phone every time an animal crosses your yard or a car drives by your house.”
So as you can see, motion detection-tech is far more advanced than just an alarm going off whenever a subject crosses your sensor or camera’s focus areas.
BEST OVERALL
SimpliSafe Motion Sensor
$29 at Home Depot
$29 at Best Buy
Best For: Adding extra peace-of-mind to your SimpliSafe home security system.
Why We Chose It: The SimpliSafe Motion Detector offers incredible proximity monitoring, and is an excellent addition to a SimpliSafe security kit.
Read More: Ring vs. Simplisafe
Key specs:
90-degree field of view
Pre-installed battery
Detects motion up to 30 feet away
SimpliSafe is one of the most recognizable names in DIY home security, and the SimpliSafe Motion Sensor is another excellent product from the reputable brand.
A quick peel-and-stick operation for indoor settings, the battery-powered motion module can detect activity up to 30 feet away, encompassing a 90-degree field of vision. We also love the inclusion of a heat signature scanner that will only send you an alert when the thermal emission of a human being is detected, meaning no more unnecessary pings when your cat or dog crosses the sensor field.
Pros
Quick installation
Customizable motion ranges from 15 up to 45 feet
Cons
For indoor use only
Requires Simplisafe subscription
RUNNER-UP
Wyze Home Security System Motion Sensor
Buy Now On Amazon
$9 at wyze
Best For: Those of us looking to add an inexpensive but reliable motion detector to our home security system.
Why We Chose It: With its many in-app customizations and up to 25 feet of proximity monitoring, the Wyze Home Security System Motion Sensor is a great addition to any Wyze system.
Full Review: Wyze Cam V3 Review
Key specs:
Detects motion up to 25 feet away
120-degree field of view
Sold individually or as a three-pack
An excellent add-on to the Wyze Home Security System Core Kit, this stick-and-peel motion sensor can detect motion up to 25 feet away and within a 120-degree field of view.
Once added to your Wyze companion app, you’ll be able to adjust motion sensitivity settings in a pinch. And similar to the SimpliSafe sensor, the Wyze Home Security System Motion Sensor won’t ping you when your pet crosses the sensor’s detection zone.
Wyze Motion Sensors can also be purchased individually (as in the case of this entry) or as a three-pack. Much like the other smart home gadgets in its portfolio, we love the minimal cost and extraordinary value it offers.
Pros
Quick and easy installation
Customizable motion sensitivity
Pet-free detection
Inexpensive
Cons
Requires a Wyze security system
MOST RELIABLE
Ring Alarm Motion Detector
Buy Now On Amazon
$30 at best buy
Best For: Ring users that want to add even more automations with their existing Ring security cameras.
Why We Chose It: The ability to adjust its sensitivity, paired with automations with other Ring products, make it reliable at catching all the action.
Read More: Ring Alarm Pro Is A Truly Ridiculous Amount of Home Security for Just $300
Key Specs:
250-foot range
Runs off two AA-batteries
Easy installation on flat walls and corners
The Ring Alarm Motion Detector is the most reliable motion sensor we’ve tested, partly because of the ability to adjust its sensitivity and pairing with Ring’s vast home security ecosystem. Automations really helped us to get the most use out of it, by automatically setting all outdoor Ring cameras to record the moment it sensed motion.
We were also surprised that it ignored motion from critters outside when we set it to the lowest sensitivity level, while still detecting people and cars pulling up to our driveways. While it did a great job monitoring the outside, we also found it useful indoors in places we wouldn’t typically install cameras — like the bathroom. The only downside is that you’ll need to invest into buying a Ring Alarm Base Station in order to use it.
Oddly enough, SPY’s own tech editor, John Velasco, found a unique way of repurposing the Ring Alarm Motion Detector to act as a cat deterrent. You’d expect motion detectors to thwart would-be intruders, but he used it to train his cat to stop drinking dirty water from the kitchen sink.
“It drove me nuts when I found my cat in the sink drinking the dirty water that was there,” said Velasco. “So, I ended up installing a motion sensor on a nearby cabinet to play a tone whenever it was triggered by the cat and I would come running down to catch him. With some training, he eventually associated the sound of the motion detector with my actions, so he stopped getting into the kitchen sink.”
Pros
Sensitivity adjustment
Reliable at eliminating false alerts
Added utility with automations
Cons
Requires a Ring Alarm Base Station
BEST FOR Z-WAVE SYSTEMS
Ecolink Z-Wave PIR Motion Detector
Buy Now On Amazon
$47 at sears
Best For: Home security systems built upon a Z-Wave network.
Why We Chose It: Long-lasting batteries and seamless integration with various Z-Wave systems make the Ecolink Motion Detector a no-brainer.
Read More: The Best Home Security Cameras of 2023
Key specs:
Compatible with SmartThings, Vera Plus, and many other Z-Wave platforms
Can ignore pets up to 55 pounds
Includes automation and security modes
Designed specifically for integration into existing Z-Wave security systems, this indoor motion detector by Ecolink sets up in just minutes, ignores pets up to 55 pounds, and can be operated in two distinct modes — automation (for triggering things like smart lights) and security (for sending you alerts when motion is detected).
The batteries have a life expectancy for up to five years — thanks in part to Ecolink’s 20 years of research and development of low-powered sensors.
Pros
Can be integrated with a number of Z-Wave platforms
Long-lasting battery
110-degree field of view
Cons
Can’t connect to Wi-Fi
BEST FOR OUTDOORS
1 by One Home Security Alert System
Buy Now On Amazon
$33 at Sears
Best For: Homes or businesses that require some degree of outdoor proximity monitoring.
Why We Chose It: The 1 by One Alert System can monitor your property for people, vehicles and certain animals.
Read More: The Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras
Key specs:
Sensors will operate up to 1,000 feet from receiving unit
Maximum range of 24 feet
Choose from three different alert options
This all-seasons outdoor kit from 1 by One includes two motion sensors and a receiving unit that you keep inside your home. The receiver allows each sensor to operate up to 1,000 feet away, and each sensor can detect people, vehicles, and bigger animals up to 24 feet away. When a subject of note is detected, the sensor communicates with the receiver, issuing an audible chime that you’ll hear inside your home.
You can choose between three different alert types (sound, LED flashing, sound/LED flashing), select from up to 36 different chime sounds, and adjust the volume of each chime. While this is a self-contained system that doesn’t feature a companion app or integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, the long-range reliability of the 1 by One Home Security Alert System is a great way to get motion detection outdoors.
And speaking of the outdoors, it’s good to know that motion detection isn’t confined to the areas inside your home or business. In fact, you’ll be able to find a number of surveillance products that are designed to monitor and protect the world outside your doors and windows. Here’s what our Vivint contact had to say about two of the company’s surveillance devices that are designed for outdoor-specific detection:
“Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro and Spotlight Pro work together to provide even more protection – when Outdoor Camera Pro is in deter mode and senses someone lurking in your yard, Spotlight Pro is activated and shines a spotlight on them and will follow them around your property until they leave your set detection zone… Moreover, Smart Deter on these devices, enhanced by a computer vision chip, keeps a vigilant eye on the specified detection zone, alerting potential intruders with an audible sound and an illuminated LED ring if they stay too long on your property.”
Pros
All-seasons system with customizable chimes
Easy installation
Inexpensive
Cons
Only issues alerts by sound and light from receiving unit (no companion app or voice assistant integration)
BEST MOTION-SENSING SPOTLIGHT
GE Enbrighten Motion Sensor
Buy Now On Amazon
$11 at Enbrighten
Best For: Adding some extra illumination to your home in the dead of night.
Why We Chose It: The GE Enbrighten will turn itself off after 90 seconds of not detecting any motion.
Read More: The Best Night Lights
Key specs:
Detects motion up to 25 feet
90 second timeout
Plug-and-play operation
Need an extra bit of light when you stumble out of bed at night? The GE Enbrighten Motion Sensor is the perfect midnight companion for your hallway, bathroom or bedroom.
A flick of the switch lets you choose between Motion-Activated and Motion-Boost modes. For the former, the nightlight detects motions up to 25 feet away and turns off after 90 seconds of motionless activity. With Motion-Boost, the nightlight drops to three lumens at dusk but brightens whenever motion is detected during the night. When the sun rises, the Enbrighten automatically shuts off.
Pros
Inexpensive
Two motion detection settings
Cool design
Cons
Typically takes up two outlet spaces
Soft white is the only lighting color
No security system integrations
BEST MOTION DETECTOR AND FLOODLIGHT COMBO
eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro
Buy Now On Amazon
$300 at best buy
Best For: Full 360-degree pan and tilt functionality, in addition to motion detection.
Why We Chose It: The eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro delivers stunning 2K resolution and up to 3,000 lumens from its floodlights.
Key specs:
Up to 3,000 lumens
360-degree pan and tilt coverage
Includes AI tracking
When it comes to locking down your property, the eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro offers a number of intuitive features for keeping things safe. Capable of 360-degree pan and tilt coverage, the onboard camera captures all subjects in crystal-clear 2K resolution.
If most of your troubles occur at night, the attached 3,000-lumen floodlighting array is automatically cued when motion is detected, allowing for full-color recordings even at the midnight hour. Once you add in AI-tracking, which automatically locks onto a subject and tracks them, it becomes clear why this formidable security product costs such a pretty penny.
Pros
Delivers up to 2K resolution
Bright spotlighting
Takes full-color recordings at night
Cons
Expensive
Requires a hardwired connection
BEST MOTION DETECTOR AND CAMERA COMBO
Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
Buy Now On Amazon
$75 at walmart
Best For: Adding surveillance and motion detection to your property, along with tried and true voice assistant integrations.
Why We Chose It: When it comes to home security, Arlo is one of the best names in the business, and the Essential Spotlight Camera is built to last and offers breathtaking footage.
Read More: The Best Video Doorbells
Key specs:
130-degree field of view
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Up to six months of battery life
Delivering 1080p recordings and live views, along with a 130-degree viewing angle, the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera can be easily integrated with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit (requires Arlo Base Station), and Samsung SmartThings for instant security alerts when you need them most. Plus, with wire-free installation (battery is rated for up to six months of usage before a recharge), you’ll have the Spotlight ready to use in no time.
This security camera can be installed quickly, is completely weatherproof, and even comes with a motion-triggered siren and two-way talk for deterring would-be intruders. SPY’s own tech editor, John Velasco, loves the value and reliability of the Arlo Essential Camera. “The motion detection has been spot on, but I like how Arlo Secure adds a higher degree of intelligence with those motions,” said Velasco. Arlo Secure is the company’s paid subscription service for cloud storage, 24/7 professional monitoring, and more for $5 per month on a single camera. “Now, the camera is able to discern packages left at my front door or whenever a car pulls up to my drive away.”
Pros
Fast setup
Tons of great security features
Fantastic HD footage
Includes two-way chat
Cons
Battery may not last the full six months
A little expensive
How We Chose the Best Motion Detectors
While motion detectors are primarily built to tackle one job (tracking motion, of course), that doesn’t mean that all sensors are created equal. In fact, there are plenty of lackluster offerings out there, and at SPY.com, the last thing we want any of our readers to end up with is something that’s hard to use or simply doesn’t work. That being said, when selecting the motion detectors that entered this roundup, here are some of the essential criteria we adhered to in our vetting and testing process:
Maximum distance and field of view
Probably the most important feature of any motion detector is its maximum motion-tracking distance and field of view. Scanning our entries, you really won’t find any hardware that clocks in at less than 20 feet for proximity monitoring, or anything less than 80 degrees for field of view. While they’re not security cameras, it’s crucial that a motion detector can keep tabs on as much acreage as possible.
We also did our very best to highlight motion detectors that use onboard lighting and other tools to successfully track motion during both daylight and nighttime hours.
Customization
While motion detectors are somewhat limited when it comes to features, you should still be able to customize various features of the device. Now whether that’s adjusting motion sensitivity or toggling floodlights on and off, we think it’s important that users can have a say in just how effectively their motion detector performs.
And here’s the best part: If your motion detector allows for in-app customizations, chances are you’re working with a company that puts out firmware updates for its products. So if you ever end up running into a weird glitch down the line, chances are a quick patch will eradicate the bug.
Integration
Most motion detectors you purchase are going to require some kind of subscription from an umbrella security company (think Simplisafe or Ring) in order to function in the first place. But after you’re all signed up, we think it’s important that you get to connect and pair your motion detector to other networked ecosystems in your home. We’re talking about Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and other web-connected platforms.
After you’ve added your motion detector to these assistants, you’ll be able to receive alerts from smart speakers and displays, as well as whatever companion app your assistant uses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motion Detectors
How do motion detectors work?
A typical motion detector uses passive-infrared scanning (PIR), microwave scanning, or a combination of both sensor-types to map out an environment. In the case of PIR sensors, a motion detector will create an “ambient” reading of a particular area, with a second PIR sensor dedicated to detecting sudden, electromagnetic temperature anomalies in these readings. When an anomaly is discovered, the motion detector registers this disturbance of infrared lighting particles as movement.
With microwave scanning, microwaves are emitted from the motion detector. When these waves bounce off of walls, floors, furniture, and other objects, they eventually return to the detector itself, which gives the microwave sensor a reflection-rate readout of your detection zone. Now if something in the environment starts moving, its reflection rate will change, and your motion detector will register this discrepancy as movement.
Motion detectors are constantly evolving though, so in addition to traditional PIR and microwave-scanning models, you’ll also be able to find detectors that utilize sound and vibration waves, as well as tomographic sensors that broadcast a shared signal across multiple nodes. When the signal is disturbed, the interference is logged as motion.
What can set off a motion detector?
Primitive motion detectors could be triggered by pretty much anything in its field of view; from vehicles and wildlife to your pets roaming around the house. These days though, detectors are much more discerning, thanks to advancements in AI and other object-recognition tools. With these developments, you won’t receive an alert whenever the dog dashes by the scanner; with alerts reserved for things like people and deliveries.
How long do motion detectors work?
Generally speaking, motion detectors will last a pretty long time, with 15 to 20 years of performance not out of the ordinary. That being said though, like all things tech, the key to a long-lasting motion detector is routine maintenance. Every so often, it’s important to dust off your detectors, especially if they’re mounted up toward the ceiling. While traditional PIR scanners won’t necessarily be bogged down by dust particles, airborne debris can make it tougher for your detector to get completely accurate readings of your environment.
And if your motion detector is battery-powered, you’ll want to make sure you’re changing out (or recharging) the batteries every so often, too.
What is the range of a motion detector?
Most modern motion detectors have a detection range that typically maxes out at around 60 feet. It’s not uncommon for certain models to exceed this figure though, delivering readings from up to 80 feet away or more.
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1. Sengled LED Lights with Motion Sensor
No extra wiring required to install the Sengled LED Lights with Motion Sensor, which turns ordinary lights into motion sensor devices. The Sengled are activated when motion is detected within a 30-foot range, turning on bright LED lights that will stay active for 90 seconds. These motion detected light bulbs can help you with all of your lighting needs.
Pros: Waterproof and are offered in 2 packs and 4 packs.
Cons: The bulbs can only turn on when motion is detected, meaning you’ll still need traditional outdoor lights if you want to be able to keep a light on continuously.
Sengled LED Lights with Motion Sensor
2. Fosmon WaveLink Wireless Home Security
Choose from one of 52 chimes that will alert you when someone approaches your front door, a baby crawls into a room, and more with the Fosmon WaveLink Wireless Home Security. The Fosmon provides an audio alert with 52 ringtones to choose from and four-level volume control, perfect for front doors, home, offices or any area where you want to be alerted of people moving (think elderly relatives or young children wandering into rooms or near stairs that may be dangerous).
Pros: The Fosmon also has an LED light that will blink when someone enters the 16.5-foot zone, which enables the sensor to also be used by those with hearing impairments.
Cons: The Fonsom doesn’t require additional wiring, but it does run on batteries which must be changed at regular intervals.
Fosmon WaveLink Wireless Home Security
3. EATON Lighting180 Degree Replacement Motion Security Floodlight Sensor
Project light as far as 70 feet with the EATON Lighting180 Degree Replacement Motion Security Floodlight Sensor, which provides a large coverage area. Unlike the Sengled, the EATON uses integral photocell which disables the light from turning on during the day and wasting power.
Pros: Users can set preselected time delays, which can leave the light on for 4 or 12 minutes.
Cons: The EATON is the most complicated unit to install, requiring you to insert the light in a knockout hole and connect to pre-existing wiring.
EATON Lighting180 Degree Replacement Motion Security Floodlight Sensor
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