Looking for a quick and practical way to keep your property safe? Or how about just a little extra light for when you need to navigate your home overnight? Whether for security or convenience, a motion sensor sounds like it would be a savvy investment for you and yours.
There are two main types of motion detectors: units that emit a light when triggered, and units that sound an audible chime. Depending on what kind of money you’re laying down for a detector, there are even some models that can send motion notifications to your phone when activity is detected.
Motion detectors that use a light when activated 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.
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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.
1. SimpliSafe Motion Sensor
THE BEST OVERALL
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 15, 30, or 45 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, and customizable motion ranges from 15 up to 45 feet.
Cons: The sensor isn’t IP-rated, which means you can only use it indoors. You’ll also need a SimpliSafe subscription to use the sensor.
2. Wyze Home Security System Motion Sensor
RUNNER UP
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.
Pros: Easy and quick installation, with customizable motion sensitivity and pet-free detection.
Cons: The Motion Sensors will not function on their own. They need to be added to an existing Wyze Home Security System Core Kit.
3. Ecolink Z-Wave PIR Motion Detector
THE BEST FOR Z-WAVE SYSTEMS
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 should last for up to five years — thanks in part to Ecolink’s 20 years of research and development of low-powered sensors.
Pros: This Ecolink motion sensor can be seamlessly integrated with a number of Z-Wave platforms, including SmartThings, Vera Plus, HomeSeer, D-Link staples connect, and Piper NV.
Cons: Where many motion sensors can be added to your Wi-Fi network, this Ecolink sensor can only be used with an existing Z-Wave system.
4. 1 by One Home Security Alert System
BEST OUTDOOR
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.
Pros: An all-seasons system with customizable chimes, security settings, and easy to install, the 1 by One Home Security System is a low-cost way to add peace of mind to your property.
Cons: The 1 by One system only issues alerts by way of sounds and lights from the receiving unit. There’s no companion app or option to integrate the kit with other home security platforms or voice assistants like Alexa.
5. GE Enbrighten Motion Sensor
BEST MOTION-SENSING NIGHTLIGHT
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: Very inexpensive and features a simple plug-and-play operation with two different motion settings.
Cons: Soft white is the only lighting color (no customizations available) and there are no security system features or integrations. The GE Enbrighten is only a nightlight, but a good one at that.
6. Eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro
BEST SENSOR/FLOODLIGHT COMBO
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: High-powered floodlighting works hand-in-hand with motion detection to deliver detailed recordings and instant notifications to your mobile device.
Cons: The floodlights require a hardwired installation (110-240 volts) and the product itself is on the expensive side.
7. Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
BEST SENSOR/CAMERA COMBO
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.
The 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.
Pros: Fast setup and a bevy of excellent security features, along with a free three-month trial of Arlo’s Secure plan.
Cons: Based on certain settings, weather conditions, and other factors, the camera may need to be recharged sooner than six months.