The Best Motion Detectors

You deserve a well-earned sense of security when you come back home to rest after a long day at work, and motion detectors are one of the best ways to gain one. Motion detectors are devices that alert you when there's movement outside or inside of your home. You can place motion detectors on your driveway, front porch, garage, and inside the entryway to your home. Some motion detectors connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone and send alerts when movement is detected. To help you choose the best motion detector for your needs, we've assembled this list of the best ones on the block. Read on to discover more.

Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm Motion Detector

Safe and secure

Create an invisible perimeter around your property with Guardline's dependable motion detector security system.
Best Overall

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Even people who live in the safest neighborhoods sometimes worry about home invasions and burglaries. Guardline’s wireless motion detectors can give you the peace of mind you need to truly relax when you’re at home. With Guardline’s motion detectors, you can set up an invisible perimeter around your home and receive alerts when something enters your property. Guardline’s wireless motion detector receiver has a 500-foot range that can protect properties with larger yards. What’s more, this motion detector system from Guardline detects both heat and motion, providing you with more robust home security. Guardline’s motion detectors are also weatherproof and exceptionally easy to install.

Pros:

  • Durable and weatherproof detectors
  • 500-foot receiver range
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • Difficult to change the batteries in the detectors

Ring Alarm 2nd Gen Motion Detector

Spend safely

Use Ring's highly affordable motion detectors to receive alerts to your smartphone when movement is detected in or around your home.
Best On A Budget

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If you’re on the lookout for motion detectors that can protect your home without breaking the bank, this system from Ring is a must-have item. Ring’s 2nd Gen motion detectors connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth to alert you when there’s movement in your home. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, making them a versatile home security option for a multitude of living situations. These motion detectors are made to alert you when doors or windows are opened, but also programmed to ignore the movement of your pets. We highly recommend Ring’s motion detectors for anyone looking to keep their home safe on a reasonable budget.

Pros:

  • Available in single packs and two-packs
  • No tools are required for installation
  • Easily replaceable AA batteries

Cons:

  • Not the most sensitive motion detectors on the market

SimpliSafe Entry Motion Detector

Reliable threat detection

SimpliSafe's convenient motion detectors alert you when doors and windows are opened in your home.
Easiest Install

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Everyone deserves to feel fully safe and secure in their homes. With SimpliSafe’s motion detectors, you can gain a sense of security in your home for a reasonable price. SimpliSafe’s motion detectors attach to your doors and windows and send alerts to your smartphone when they are opened. These motion detectors utilize an easy-to-install magnet system that attaches to your walls, windows, and doors without the use of tools. What’s more, SimpliSafe’s motion detectors set off a chime sound that alerts you whenever motion is detected near the entryways of your home. They’re only designed for indoor use. Still, considering their low price and high functionality, we think they’re more than worth it.

Pros:

  • Highly affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Chime alerts and Bluetooth compatibility

Cons:

  • Only for indoor usage

Ring Solar Floodlight and Step Light Motion Detector Starter Kit

Solar security

These solar-powered motion detector lights from Ring illuminate your property when there is movement nearby.
Best Solar-Powered Option

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Keeping the perimeter of your home illuminated is one of the best ways to deter burglars and home invaders from coming to your property. With this solar floodlight and step light motion detector starter kit from Ring, you can do just that. The solar-powered floodlights turn on when movement is detected and shine 1200 lumens, illuminating your property and allowing you to see what’s going on outside. Ring’s convenient step lights attach to the steps on your front or back porch and light up when footsteps are detected. The step lights are an excellent way to avoid accidents on the porch when it gets dark out. Not to mention, Ring’s solar-powered lights require no battery replacement and will save you more money in the long run than comparable non-solar alternatives.

Pros:

  • No battery replacement required
  • Includes a 1200-lumen floodlight
  • Highly sensitive

Cons:

  • On the expensive side

eMacros Solar Driveway Motion Detector

Stay safe from a distance

Use these high-tech motion detectors from eMacros to create a full perimeter around your property and protect yourself from intruders and burglars.
Best Receiving Range

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If you’re in the market for an all-encompassing home security system that can fully protect the perimeter of your home, this pick from eMacros is right up your alley. eMacros’ solar-powered motion detectors attach to trees or posts on the perimeter of your property, creating an invisible boundary around your home with high-tech motion sensors. When anyone or anything encroaches on your property, eMacros’ motion detectors set off a chime sound that alerts you immediately. What’s more, eMacros wireless receiver has an impressive range of up to half of a mile, making this an excellent choice for people with larger homes and properties. The solar-powered batteries never need to be replaced and save you money in the long term.

Pros:

  • 1/2-mile wireless receiver range
  • Highly durable and weatherproof construction

Cons:

  • They may interfere with the motion detectors of neighbors

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all motion detectors connect to your smartphone?

No, not all motion detectors can connect to your smartphone. Some motion detectors only send alerts to the speaker in the wireless receiver. If you want alerts sent to your smartphone, be sure to choose a motion detection system that has Bluetooth functionality.

Do all motion detectors have cameras?

No, most motion detectors do not have cameras. Most wireless motion detection systems use infrared lights to alert you when motion is captured in or around your home. Motion detection systems with cameras are available but they tend to cost a lot more money than infrared alternatives.

About the Author

Nick is a tech aficionado with a passion for making sure everyone gets the best bang for your buck without sacrificing quality. He has worked closely with electronics for many years in his capacity as a singer, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. Nick’s mission is to help you choose the best electronic gear that will make your life easier and less stressful.

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