A full security system may be the peace of mind you and your loved ones need.
What is a Glass Break Sensor?
Glass break sensors actively listen for the breaking, cracking or shattering of glass around your home — such as windows and doors. Once the sensor detects the vibration of broken glass, it will sound a high-decibel alarm to alert you. Some glass break sensors that are professionally monitored will alert monitoring specialists to alert emergency responders to your home if the sensor is triggered.
Compare Glass Break Sensors: Our Top 10 Picks
Our take
The SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor is designed to work properly even when your motion detectors are disabled to keep your home secure while you move around freely. With SimpliSafe’s sensor, you can easily adjust the glass break sensor’s sensitivity to detect softer or louder sounds of glass breaking. It pairs with SimpliSafe’s fully monitored home security system for better home safety.
Stand-out features include
- Includes preset microphone sensitivity settings to detect glass-breaking sounds
- Detects broken glass within 20 feet
- Hardwired glass break sensor
- Uses a Detection Algorithm and Digital Signal Processing to identify the unique sound of broken glass
Our take
The Cove Glass Break Sensor alerts you the moment it senses the cracking or breaking of glass within 15 feet. The device features a lifetime warranty, and the battery offers a 5-year lifespan. Because the Cove Glass Break Sensor is wireless, it’s easy to install and relocate throughout your home. This sensor also performs power checkups every 60 minutes.
Stand-out features include
- Instant alerts of activity to your mobile
- Detects sound of broken glass of all fixtures within 15-foot radius
- Long wireless battery life
Our take
The Vivint Glass Break Detector is a two-stage glass break sensor that listens for the initial breaking of glass, then the shattering. It automatically triggers an alarm and sends an instant mobile alert. With this glass break sensor, you’ll have the power to adjust the sensitivity using a one-press button on the sensor to only alert you if glass is shattered instead of going off with strong winds during a storm. It pairs with Vivint’s fully monitored home security system for better home safety.
Stand-out features include
- Includes preset microphone sensitivity settings to detect glass-breaking sounds
- Detects broken glass from 20 feet away
- Wireless glass break sensor
- Tamper resistant with instant tampering mobile alerts
Our take
The ADT Glass Break Sensor pairs with the ADT security system to protect your home from various glass types. If any glass is broken, you’ll receive instant alerts via the ADT mobile app. This glass break sensor can detect breaking glass within 25 feet and includes four preset sensitivity options to detect softer or louder sounds of glass breaking. It pairs with ADT’s fully-monitored home security system for better home safety.
Stand-out features include
- Includes preset microphone sensitivity settings to detect glass-breaking sounds
- Receive mobile alerts via ADT’s mobile app if glass is broken
- Detects broken glass from 25 feet away
- Wireless glass break sensor
Our take
If intruders try to break windows to enter your home, your glass break sensor will instantly alert you with a loud alarm and mobile notification. The battery-powered sensor uses 100% wireless signal transmission and pattern-recognition technology to automatically alert you at the sound of broken glass within 20 feet in a 360-degree radius.
Stand-out features include
- Receive mobile alerts via Frontpoint’s mobile app if glass is broken
- Detects broken glass within 20 feet
- Wireless glass break sensor
- Uses Pattern-Recognition Technology to identify the unique sound of broken glass
Compare the Best Glass Break Sensors
Price | N/A | N/A | $34.99 | $44.99 | $44.71 | $35 | $55.77 | $69 | $27.99 | $14.14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power source | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Hardwired | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered |
Professional monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 24/7 monitoring | No | Yes | No | No |
Range | 20 feet | 25 feet | 20 feet | 20 feet | 30 feet | 15 feet | 25 feet | 15 feet | N/A | 300 feet |
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Glass Break Sensor
- Range – Look for a glass break sensor that has a wide range. Most glass break sensors can detect broken glass within 20-25 feet from the sensor from 360-degrees. The wider the range, the less glass break sensors you’ll need because one sensor can detect broken glass in multiple other rooms within range. The glass break sensor microphone will pick up noises even through walls and doors, but to make the most of your sensor’s range, place it in an open area with very few walls or doors blocking it.
- Monitored security – Glass break sensors connected to a fully monitored home security system helps provide your home with extra protection. If the sensor is connected to a full system, you’ll receive instant mobile alerts of glass breaking even when you’re away and professional monitoring services can notify emergency responders on your behalf. If the glass break sensor is standalone, you may not receive instant alerts and if the sensor’s alarm sounds, you won’t know if you’re away.
- Wireless vs. hardwired glass break sensors – Glass break sensors can be wired through your home’s electricity or battery-operated wire-free. Wireless sensors have a peel-and-stick adhesive or one screw for easy installation. Wireless sensors are popular rental properties or dorms. They often only detect breaking glass and sound a high-decibel alarm to alert you. If you’re looking for a more durable glass break sensor that connects to a monitored system, sends mobile push notifications or has a tamper-resistant design, you’ll want to consider a hardwired glass break sensor. These can be professionally installed and are most suitable for home and business owners.
Installing glass break sensors is one easy and affordable way to help protect your home. Remember to check for all of the glass break sensor’s features you’ll need to feel safe. Browsing our top picks, then check out a full list of Amazon’s best selling glass break sensors to see today’s industry-leading offers.
Glass Break Sensor FAQs
Glass break sensors use a microphone to listen and detect the sound of glass breaking.. Some glass break sensors use additional technology to distinguish between the initial sound of glass cracking and the shattering of glass. Glass break sensor also work differently depending on the type of glass.
Window sensors are designed to alert you when a window is opened, however, they don’t alert you if the window is shattered. Glass break sensors are designed to let you know if your home’s glass is cracked or broken. Also, keep in mind that window sensors cover one area while one glass break sensor covers an area within a certain range.
If you own a fully monitored home security system, your provider’s installation technician will install the glass break sensor for you. If you’re installing DIY security equipment, there are a few common places glass break sensors should be placed such as your home’s wall six feet high or ceiling free from anything blocking it. Before installing, read over the manufacturer’s manual for proper installation tips. You’ll want to mount the sensor within the manufacturer’s suggested range to detect broken glass in the sensor’s range.