A full security system may be the peace of mind you and your loved ones need.
What are motion sensors?
Motion sensors are devices made to detect activity. These can be used indoors or outdoors to enhance your home protection. Whenever an indoor sensor is tripped, a signal is sent to your security system’s control panel or base station, and then your monitoring company is notified.
From there, you may be contacted by your monitoring company or the authorities may be dispatched. It’s also important to note that some motion sensors can be self-installed and come with professional monitoring. This gives you the freedom to place them wherever you feel is best in your home.
Compare Motion Sensors
Simplisafe Motion SensorPrice-Rating4.5Motion detection rangeUp to 26 ft.Power sourceAC power cableInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorIndoorLightingNoImage capture/videoYesSirenNoWarranty1-year limited warranty
Wyze Cam with Wyze Sense Starter KitPrice-Rating4.5Motion detection rangeNot specifiedPower sourceHardwiredInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorOutdoorLightingYesImage capture/videoYesSirenYesWarranty1-year limited warranty
Ring Floodlight CameraPrice-Rating4.5Motion detection rangeUp to 30 ft.Power sourceBatteryInstallation typeDIY or ProfessionalIndoor/OutdoorIndoorLightingNoImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarranty3-year limited warranty
LITOM Motion Sensor LightPrice-Rating4.5Motion detection rangeUp to 26 ft.Power sourceSolarInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorOurdoorLightingYesImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarranty1 year
ADT Motion SensorPrice-Rating4Motion detection rangeUp to 40 ft.Power sourceBatteryInstallation typeProfessionalIndoor/OutdoorIndoorLightingNot specifiedImage capture/videoNot specifiedSirenNoWarrantyNot specified
Govee Motion SensorPrice-Rating4.5Motion detection rangeUp to 328 ft.Power sourceBatteries or microUSBInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorIndoor or OutdoorLightingYesImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarrantyLifetime warranty
Mr. Beams Motion Sensing SpotlightPrice-Rating4.5Motion detection rangeUp to 30 ft.Power sourceBatteryInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorOutdoorLightingYesImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarranty1-year limited warranty
J.LUMI Motion Sensor with LightPrice-Rating4Motion detection rangeUp to 50 ft.Power sourceNot specifiedInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorIndoorLightingYesImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarrantyNot specified
WJLING Motion Sensor AlarmPrice-Rating4Motion detection rangeUp to 328 ft.Power sourceBatteryInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorIndoor or OutdoorLightingYesImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarrantyNot specified
Kangaroo Motion SensorPrice-Rating4Motion detection rangeUp to 15 ft.Power sourceBatteryInstallation typeDIYIndoor/OutdoorIndoorLightingNoImage capture/videoNoSirenNoWarrantyNot specified
Compare Motion Sensors: Our Top 10 Picks
Our take
Great for pet-owners, this SimpliSafe motion sensor has a 90-degree field of vision, providing full coverage if placed in a corner. Made with flexibility for installation, it can be set on a shelf or even hung on a wall. If you have pets under 50 pounds, this device is designed to avoid detecting them and prevent false alarms.
Stand-out features include
- Great for indoor monitoring
- Won’t detect pets under 50 pounds
- Provides full coverage with a 90-degree field of vision
- Boasts a 30-foot range for motion detection
Our take
Get double-the-punch with the Wyze Cam V2 and Sense Starter Kit for protecting your home. You’ll be able to easily install the sensors on your doors or windows. You’ll also get notifications whenever motion is detected and can check your camera. This kit allows you to protect an area of up to 26 ft.
Stand-out features include
- Up to 26 ft. detection range
- Video surveillance with Wyze Cam V2
- Access to motion sensor history
Our take
The Ring Floodlight Camera is a motion-activated floodlight and camera all in one. It produces 1,800 lumens of light and is designed with an adjustable 270-degree motion sensor to detect any activity within 30 feet. If there’s any suspicious activity outside your home, Ring’s outdoor light allows you to sound a loud 110-decibel alarm from your smartphone using the Ring app. The camera, which costs $249.99, is equipped with 1080p HD video, night vision and a 140-degree field of view.
Stand-out features include
- Weather resistant outdoor light
- Detects motion within 30 feet
- Sounds a loud 110-decibel alarm remotely
- Hardwired outdoor camera floodlight
Our take
Powered by solar energy, the LITOM Wireless Motion Sensor provides a well-lit environment for outdoor areas of your home. Featuring 24 LED lights, when motion is detected, this sensor will provide lighting for up to 20 seconds. This product can be best used for lighting above your garage, steps, corners and more.
Stand-out features include
- Absorbs sunlight and converts into electricity
- Designed to illuminate outdoor areas of your home
- Provides lighting for 20 seconds when motion is detected at night
- Waterproof design to protect circuit and battery
Our take
Designed to be pet-friendly and customizable for your furry friends, the Motion Sensor provides coverage for large rooms and spaces and works with your security system to trigger your lights if the sensor is tripped.
Stand-out features include
- Designed for indoor monitoring
- Provides coverage for a 35-foot to 40-foot area
- Receive alerts by phone or email
- Professional technician can adjust the sensor’s sensitivity for pet owners
Different types of motion sensors
These devices come in different types, depending on the use location and technology. The most common type you’ll find are passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, and this is because they recognize heat signatures. Some PIR motion sensors are designed to avoid pets up to a certain weight, making these great for pet owners. Dual-technology motion sensors can be more superior to their single-technology counterparts as they can help prevent more false alarms with two types, such as combining PIR with microwave technology. We break down several types of motions sensors you’ll find while shopping below:
- Passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors – These are designed to detect body heat and movement within the parameters of the sensor. This is most common technology used in these devices on the market today.
- Microwave motion sensors – These devices send of microwave pulses, are able to provide more coverage, and are usually more expensive.
- Ultrasonic motion sensors – These sensors emit ultrasonic waves and can calculate the reflection of those waves from a moving object.
- Dual-technology motion sensors – These devices combine different motion-sensing technologies, such as PIR and ultrasonic technologies combine in one sensor.
Where to Place Motion Sensors
In general, a motion sensor can be mounted in the corner of a wall or placed in the center of a wall. Most brands will advise you to place the motion sensor at a certain height above the floor. It’s also good practice to never place your motion sensor facing a window, in an area where your pets normally travel, or in non-climate controlled areas (unless the motion sensor is designed for outdoor use or with weatherproof features).
How to Install Motion Sensors
Here are some basic steps to install a wireless motion sensor.
- Consider placing your motion sensor in a high-traffic area (such as the living room, foyer, kitchen, etc.)
- Clean the area in which you plan to place the motion sensor with a wipe or damp paper towel and then dry
- If the motion sensor is adhesible, remove the paper backing from the adhesive
- Carefully place and press your sensor in its location
- You may want to hold the sensor in place for at least 30 seconds
- And you’re all set and ready to test the sensor
Some brands may have additional instructions for testing your motion sensor. You’ll need to follow their instructions for successful use.
Benefits of motion sensors
What are the advantages of home security motion detectors?
Home security motion detectors are a main line of defense with your security system. If your security system has door and window detectors, these serve as a line of defense whenever a door or window is opened. If these detectors, however, are not triggered, then that’s when motion sensors do the “heavy lifting” of detecting suspicious activity and triggering the control panel. This is one of the biggest advantages of motion sensors and even around your home.
Another advantage that these sensors can have is if they come with lighting. It’s easy to find flood lights or outdoor lights that come with motion sensing technology. Whenever activity is detected, the lights are triggered and can provide a well-lit path if you’re arriving home late. As a two-fold benefit, these lights can also deter burglars and intruders as they’re caught in their tracks. Some outdoor motion sensors even feature alarms that will let you know when activity has been detected on your property.
The best motion sensors for your home
Motion sensors play a key role in home protection. They can work in tandem with your security system as an indoor element or standalone as an outdoor element to deter suspicious activity and keep you alert. With our list of the 10 best motion sensors, you now have a jumpstart on finding one to help guard what matters most.
