A full security system may be the peace of mind you and your loved ones need.
Compare Door and Window Sensors: Our 15 Picks
Our take
The Nest Detect is designed to easily stick to walls and doors to always know when they’re opened. The alarm includes a motion sensor that detects movement within 16 feet in any room. With this door and window sensor, the alarm will always sound when someone opens a door or window.
Stand-out features include
- Includes Nest Quiet Open to quietly open a door without the alarm going off
- Enable ‘Dog Pass’ to keep your home secure, but allowing your dog to move around without triggering the alarm
- Includes a built-in Pathlight to see clearly in the dark when you walk past a Nest Detect
Our take
This door sensor mounts to both window frames and doors with easy mounting. Connect the sensor to the Ring Alarm Security and automatically receive mobile alerts when doors or windows are opened in your home – even when you’re away.
Stand-out features include
- Automatically alarms when the door sensor detects motion or is meddled with
- Sends mobile notifications when doors or windows are opened using Ring’s app
- Connects to a Z-wave wireless connection portal to create a seamless, smart security system
Our take
This window sensor includes multiple installation options to a variety of doors and window frames. The sensors connect to other home security monitoring tools and home automation equipment to create a smart security system. ADT helps provide extra peace of mind by sending automated mobile notifications when suspicious activity is detected.
Stand-out features include
- Automatically receive mobile notifications if a door or window is opened while your security system is enabled
- Ability to activate connected security cameras to quickly see who alarmed your window or door sensor when you’re away using the ADT Pulse® mobile app
- Get peace of mind with 24/7 ADT professional monitoring services to watch over your home
Our take
This door alarm is easy to install by using the double-sided tape to mount to any door or window indoors. The built-in, loud alarm is an affordable option to automatically sound when doors and windows are open to deter intruders or keep children out of harm’s way.
Stand-out features include
- Includes a loud 120-decibel alarm that sounds when the door sensor detects a door or window is opened
- Built-in low-battery light to indicate when the door sensor batteries need to be changed
- On and off switch settings to disable the door alarm as needed
Our take
Vivint Door and Window Sensors are professionally installed to work with your Vivint home security system and smart home equipment. Their sensors are professionally monitored 24/7 to alert you if someone’s entering or leaving your home. It can be installed on doors, windows and cabinets. This Vivint sensor is battery-powered and has a sensor range of 350 feet.
Stand-out features include
- 350-foot sensor range
- Battery-powered sensor that works with Vivint home security system
- Professionally installed
Compare Door and Window Sensors
Nest Detect SensorPrice$39.99Range16 feetInstallationDIY or professionalRequires security systemYesMonitoredDIY or professional
Ring Alarm Contact SensorPrice$29.99Range250 feetInstallationDIY or professionalRequires security systemYesMonitoredDIY or professional
ADT Door & Window SensorPriceN/ARange350 feetInstallationProfessionalRequires security systemYesMonitoredProfessional
Noopel Door Window AlarmPrice$15.99RangeN/AInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
Vivint Door and Window SensorPriceN/ARange350 feetInstallationProfessionalRequires security systemYesMonitoredProfessional
Eve Door & Window Wireless SensorPrice$39.95RangeN/AInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
Aeotec Recessed Door SensorPrice$119.99Range492 feetInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
Fosmon Wireless Door Entry AlertPrice$20.99Range500 feetInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
SimpliSafe Entry SensorPrice$14.99Range700-800 feetInstallationDIY or professionalRequires security systemYesMonitoredDIY or professional
Alder Door and Window SensorPriceN/ARangeN/AInstallationDIYRequires security systemYesMonitoredYes
GE Security Door & Window AlarmPrice$19.75RangeN/AInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
Ecolink Door & Window SensorPrice$28.95RangeN/AInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
Frontpoint Door and Window SensorPrice$19.99Range150 feetInstallationDIYRequires security systemYesMonitoredYes
Secrui Door Chime SensorPrice$32.99Range500 feetInstallationDIYRequires security systemNoMonitoredDIY
Link Interactive Door and Window SensorPriceN/ARangeN/AInstallationProfessionalRequires security systemYesMonitoredProfessional
What are the Different Types of Door or Window Sensors?
There a variety of window and door sensor options available. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best sensors for your doors and windows.
- Surface contact sensors are the most affordable door sensor options. The sensors are installed using magnets on the surface of the door and the door.
- Recessed contact sensors are installed inside the frames and inside the door or window, making them less visible to intruders.
- Vanishing sensors are very thin and virtually undetectable door sensors. They’re designed to blend into your home’s décor to be less noticeable.
- Vented window sensors use two magnets to open any armed window may remain open a few inches for fresh air. If the window is opened any further, the alarm is triggered.
The Benefits of Door and Window Sensors
In addition to a reliable lock system, door and window sensors are the perfect DIY home security measure. These small, but mighty alarms alert entry and potential danger to your home and family without heavy lifting and headaches. Here are a few other door alarm benefits to expect:
- Better security – With a door or window sensor attached to each window and door, you’ll have peace of mind knowing when doors are opened with a loud alarm or automated mobile notifications.
- Child protection – When attaching door sensors to the right doors and cabinets, you’ll automatically be alerted when your child or loved one has opened the door. This added home protection throughout the home keeps your child out of harm’s way.
- Deter danger – Chances are, once intruders hear an alarm sounding after opening a door, they’ll think twice about moving further. With smart door sensors, you’ll have peace of mind while knowing when your door is opened – even when you’re away.
As with any security feature, every household is different. There are different needs to ensure optimal protection from door and window sensors. Start by shopping Amazon’s best selling door and window sensors. You’ll have a variety of features and designs to choose from to best fit your home.
Door and Window Sensor FAQs
A door sensor can be defined simply as a motion detection for your doors and windows. Door sensors use a reed switch and magnet as a sensor. One end attaches to the door frame while the other end attaches to the door itself. As long as these two pieces are less than two inches apart, the alarm won’t sound. Once the door or window is open – the circuit is open and the alarm sounds.
Most door alarms come with a self-adhesive sturdy, stick pads or tape. Simply attach one piece to the window or door and the other to the back of the door alarm. Stick the two sticky pieces together for the alarm to stay attached to the door or window without worry. Some door alarms include smart technology and should be connected to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a Z-wave smart hub to enable features such as push notifications or full control of your home’s smart security system.
Most door sensors are fairly inexpensive. The average door sensor ranges from $15, while the best of the best can cost upwards of $50. If you’re looking for basic DIY security, cheap door alarms may work just fine. But if you’re looking for more features including smartphone notifications or connectivity to monitored systems, you’ll pay slightly more. Most door sensors come in sets of two or more to add multiple door sensors for a better value.
