How To Secure Your Garage Door: Cameras, Locks, Systems, Bars, Sensors, Lights, And More Reviewed

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As a homeowner, your garage is a definite plus for many reasons, but it can also be a weak link in terms of home security. That’s why it’s essential to know what you can do to keep your garage safe from potential intruders. We give you tips and product picks that you’ll need to make sure that both your garage and entire home are secure.

5 Things You Can Do Now To Secure Your Garage

Burglars can gain access to your garage through an unsecured door or window, providing them a place to hide out while they consider their next steps for entering your home. And if you have an attached garage, they’ll have easier access to your home through an interior door. Fortunately, in both cases there are steps you can take to boost your garage security.

1. Keep Your Garage Door Closed

Keeping your garage closed is the simplest way to ensure that it will stay secure. Unless you’re working in the garage or actively going in or out of it, there’s no reason to have it open. And make sure your car doors are locked, even when it’s in the garage.

2. Secure Exterior Doors And Windows

If your garage has exterior doors or windows, these can provide the easiest way for someone to break in. Keeping doors and windows locked will provide you extra security.

3. Cover Your Windows

Windows allow people to see what you have inside your garage and can tempt a burglar. Keeping your windows covered is an easy and inexpensive way to deter thieves. You could even consider installing bars to your windows to keep burglars out.

4. Make Your Garage Visible

If you have a poorly lit garage or one that is covered up by overgrown landscaping, it can be an easy target. Make your garage visible from the street so that people can see it as they are passing by.

5. Install Security Equipment

Installing garage-specific security equipment is the best way to help you improve your home’s safety. Putting up a security system sign can also help deter thieves.

Tips For Garage Safety Graphic

Best Garage Security Equipment

Your garage’s configuration will determine the types of security equipment you’ll need. Here are our top picks in these 5 categories.

Exterior Door Lock | Garage Window Covering | Security Camera | Garage Door Opener | Garage Security System

Best Exterior Door Lock: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

Schlage Sense Smart DeadboltView on Amazon

If you have an exterior door on your garage, you should secure that from the outside. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is our pick for the best exterior door lock.

This lock is a smart lock, which means it uses a motor to operate the deadbolt, and it connects to a smartphone app. It eliminates the need for a key, which is very convenient and provides increased security. Another great feature is the built-in alarm that will alert you if someone attempts to force the door open.

If you want to learn more about smart locks, check out our reviews of the best smart locks.

Pros

Cons

  • Smart lock
  • Built-in alarm
  • Easy DIY installation
  • App manages codes, sets schedules and views history
  • Assign up to 30 keypad codes
  • Compatible with Apple TV and Apple Homekit
  • Hands-free voice control with Amazon Alexa
  • 3-year electronic warranty
  • Requires pairing with a WiFi adapter for remote lock/unlock and Amazon Alexa
  • Remote access only available via Apple TV

Price

Best Garage Window Covering: Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Window Film

Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Window FilmView on Amazon

An easy, quick way to increase garage security is to cover up your windows. Windows can be a bit tricky as curtains don’t always cover them entirely, and they can block out all of the natural light. But the affordable Rabbitgoo 3D Decorative Window film eliminates those issues.

You can install and remove it multiple times, so it is eco-friendly. And even though it blocks out 96% of UV rays, it will let in some soft natural light. It’s functional and beautiful as it has a colorful visual effect when light hits the design.

Pros

Cons

  • Blocks 96% of UV light
  • Multiple color options available
  • Glue-free
  • DIY installation
  • Easily to remove
  • Reusable
  • Corners may curl up over time
  • Installation can be tricky

Price

Our Personal Experience

I tried the Rabbitgoo in matte white. It was simple to install. First, clean the window and remove any debris, smudges and dirt, so it’s squeaky clean. Then, measure and cut (leaving an inch or so around each side to trim once it’s in place. Remove the backing and spray the film and window with water to place it on the window. Use a towel or squeegee to remove the air bubbles and make sure to press hard, so it locks into place. Finally, using a sharp blade trim the excess edges off. The corners and edges can be tricky, so having a second person helps in the process – Sadie C., Safe Smart Living

Best Garage Security Camera: Foscam FI9900P

View on Amazon

The Foscam FI9900P Outdoor WiFi Security Camera is our choice for the best garage security camera. This weatherproof camera makes it easy to keep up with what’s going on around your garage.

You will enjoy real-time alerts, sent right to the app on your phone, to notify you of any motion the camera detects. It also allows for 24-hour surveillance via high-intensity LED lights and night vision. You also get free local storage with an SD card, and you have the option of remote cloud storage for an additional fee.

Pros

Cons

  • Weatherproof
  • Clear night vision up to 65 feet
  • Optional two-way audio
  • Free app for iOS and Android
  • 1-year warranty
  • Motion detection
  • DIY installation
  • Wide-angle viewing
  • Camera has to plug into a wall outlet
  • Directions can be hard to follow

Price

Cloud Pricing

Free Basic Standard Premium
Price Per Month Free $3.99 $7.99 $12.99
Storage 1-Day Video History 3-Day Video History 15-Day Video History 30-Day Video History

Best Garage Door Opener: Chamberlain B970T

Chamberlain B970View on Amazon

The Chamberlain B970T garage door opener will increase your garage door security with a variety of smart features. You can instantly connect it with your home WiFi and a smartphone app. You can use the app to automate your garage door on a schedule or just open and close it remotely.

There are also great security features included with Chamberlain’s security + 2.0. They have 100 billion code encryption possibilities and will send a unique code to your opener each time to protect against hackers. Another feature is the Posi Lock anti-theft protection. Once you shut the door, it automatically locks. In case of a power outage, the battery backup feature will keep it accessible.

Pros

Cons

  • Connects with home WiFi
  • Free app for iOS and Android
  • 100 billion code encryption
  • Battery backup
  • Posi Lock anti-theft
  • DIY installation
  • Ultra-quiet
  • Steel reinforced belt drive
  • Directions for installation can be confusing
  • Warranty is only 90 days
  • Some users report trouble with WiFi connection

Price

Best Garage Security System: Skylink GM-434RTL

Skylink GM-434RTLView on Amazon

The Skylink GM-434RTL Garage Door Monitor is our top pick for the best garage door security system. This product is a 2-in-1 notification system. When the sensors detect motion, you’re notified with both a light on the base and an alarm. The built-in siren operates up to 800 feet away and alerts at 95 decibels. The piercing sound will be sure to scare any intruder.

Out of the box, you get the household alert receiver and 2 indoor/outdoor motion sensors that are easy to install. For an additional cost, you can expand the system to add a variety of sensors, including a specific garage door security sensor. This system definitely increases your garage’s security.

Pros

Cons

  • DIY installation
  • Expandable system with 16 additional sensors available
  • No monthly fees
  • Built-in siren
  • 1-year warranty
  • Battery not included with motion sensor
  • Not connected to an app or remote monitoring

Price

Your Garage Door Isn’t As Secure As You Think

Check out this brief local Texas news video to see the alarming ways thieves can access your automatic garage door.

How Secure Is Your Home?

Keeping your garage secure should help you feel safer in your home. While you’re thinking about your home’s security, remember that securing your garage is only one part of the bigger picture. Check out our article on home security systems to see how to keep your entire home off limits to burglars.

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The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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