What Are Motion Sensors?
Motion sensors are devices made to detect activity and enhance your home’s protection. Whenever a sensor trips, a signal is sent to your security system’s control panel or base station. From there, the monitoring company will contact you, and authorities may be dispatched.
Compare Motion Sensors
Price | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | N/A |
Motion detection range | Up to 26 ft. | Not specified | Up to 30 ft. | Up to 26 ft. | Up to 40 ft. | Up to 328 ft. | Up to 30 ft. | Up to 50 ft. | Up to 328 ft. | Up to 15 ft. | Up to 45 feet |
Power source | AC power cable | Hardwired | Battery | Solar | Battery | Batteries or microUSB | Battery | Not specified | Battery | Battery | Battery |
Installation type | DIY | DIY | DIY or Professional | DIY | Professional | DIY | DIY | DIY | DIY | DIY | DIY |
Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor | Outdoor | Indoor | Ourdoor | Indoor | Indoor or Outdoor | Outdoor | Indoor | Indoor or Outdoor | Indoor | Indoor |
Lighting | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not specified | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Image capture/video | Yes | Yes | No | No | Not specified | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Siren | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 3-year limited warranty | 1 year | Not specified | Lifetime warranty | 1-year limited warranty | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Lifetime warranty available |
Compare Motion Sensors: Our Top 10 Picks
Our take
Great for pet owners, the SimpliSafe Motion Sensor features a 90-degree field of vision, providing full coverage if placed in a corner. SimpliSafe’s motion sensor was designed with flexibility in mind and can be set on a shelf or hung on a wall. If you have pets under 50 pounds, this device is designed to avoid detecting them to 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
The Wyze Cam V2 and Sense Starter Kit features motion sensors and a camera. You can easily install sensors on your doors and windows. You’ll also get notifications whenever motion is detected, which you can check out via the corresponding camera. This kit allows you to protect an area of up to 26 feet.
Stand-out features include
- Up to 26 ft. of 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 in one. It produces 1,800 lumens of light and features an adjustable 270-degree motion sensor to detect any activity within 30 feet. If there’s suspicious activity outside your home, Ring’s outdoor light lets you sound a 110-decibel alarm from your smartphone using the Ring app. The camera, which costs $250, 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 your home’s outdoor areas. Featuring 24 LED lights, when motion is detected, this sensor will provide ample lighting for up to 20 seconds.
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, the ADT Motion Sensor provides coverage for large rooms and spaces. It works with your security system to trigger lights if the sensor is tripped. It can also be adjusted so that it won’t trigger when your pets walk by.
Stand-out features include
- Designed for indoor monitoring
- Provides coverage for a 35- to 40-foot area
- Provides alerts by phone or email
- Professional technician can adjust the sensor’s sensitivity for pet owners
Different Types of Motion Sensors
There are several different types of motion sensors. Passive infrared motion sensors, which recognize heat signatures, are the most common. Some PIR motion sensors are designed to avoid pets up to a certain weight, making them great for pet owners. The following list outlines several different types of motion sensors:
- Passive infrared motion sensors detect body heat and movement within the parameters of the sensor.
- Microwave motion sensors emit microwave pulses, which can provide more coverage than PIR motion sensors, but they are usually more expensive.
- Ultrasonic motion sensors emit ultrasonic waves and can calculate the reflection of those waves from a moving object.
- Dual-technology motion sensors combine different motion-sensing technologies, such as PIR and ultrasonic technologies, in one sensor.
Where to Place Motion Sensors
Most brands 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 across from a window, in an area where your pets typically 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, or kitchen.
- Clean the area where you plan to put the motion sensor with a wipe or damp paper towel, and then dry the area.
- 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.
Some brands may have additional instructions for testing your motion sensor. You’ll need to follow the 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, helping to alert you of suspicious movement and activity. Motion sensors that come with lighting can protect your home even further. These lights can deter intruders before they try to enter your home. Some outdoor motion sensors even feature alarms that let you know when activity is detected on your property.
The best motion sensors for your home
Motion sensors play a key role in home protection, but the best one depends on your personal needs. Use this list of the 10 best motion sensors to find the sensor that fits your home size, budget, and needs better than the rest.