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When an intruder is determined to access your home, entry sensors may not suffice. But glass break sensors can add a crucial first layer of defense.
How do they work? And when should you use them? We’ll give you the lowdown and tell you our picks for the best glass break sensors for various home security needs.
| Best DIY | Best Professionally Monitored & Installed | Best Stand-Alone |
|---|---|---|
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| View On Amazon | Visit Website | View On Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
5 Key Benefits Of Using Glass Break Sensors
Here are a few unique security advantages that glass break sensors can provide your home:
- They cover sliding glass doors, which are only sometimes compatible with regular entry sensors.
- Intruders don’t have to open a window or door to trigger the alarm.
- The alarm sounds before a burglar can get inside your home.
- Some types can cover multiple windows and doors in one room.
- They protect valuable display cases.
Glass break sensors aren’t meant to replace door and window entry sensors or motion sensors. You should still consider having these essential components in your home to cover all the possible ways intruders can get in.
How Do Glass Break Sensors Work?
We review two different types of glass break sensors in this article. Here’s how each works.
Sound Sensors
The best glass break sensors use small microphones calibrated to react to the sound of the glass being struck and then breaking. Pane glass has specific sound frequencies when thudded and smashed, which the sensor hears and triggers the alarm. In many cases, you only need one audio sensor per room because they have a range, typically 15 to 25 feet, where they can detect the sound of breaking glass.
Vibration Sensors
Other glass break sensors work by sensing the vibrations on your window to trip an alarm. All of the stand-alone sensors in this review are vibration sensors.
While these are more affordable than audio sensors, you have to install a sensor on every window, and they’re more prone to false alarms. (There are many causes of false alarms, but thankfully there are ways to prevent them.) Therefore the stand-alone vibration sensors we review here all have sensitivity settings to help reduce false alarms.
Best Glass Break Sensors
We highly recommend getting a professionally monitored vs. a self-monitored glass break sensor. This way, you’ll know if someone’s attempting to break into your home no matter where you are.
We’ve also included reviews of stand-alone sensors in case they fit your budget better. But it’s essential to be aware that these only sound a local alarm, and you will only know if your window is broken if you’re home.
Best DIY Security System: SimpliSafe Glass Break Sensor Review
SimpliSafe’s audio sensor listens for the sound of breaking glass. It has a sensitivity switch that you can adjust to low, medium, or high settings and features an easy peel-and-stick installation and a CR123A 3V Lithium battery with a three to five-year battery life.
SimpliSafe allows you to build your home security system, starting with the required base station and keypad—sold separately—or they have several reasonably priced packages. They also have a 60-day money-back guarantee, longer than most competitors.
6 Key Features
- Pairs with SimpliSafe’s security system
- Choose from professional monitoring with no long-term contract or self-monitoring (but there’s a monthly fee for self-monitoring)
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: 20 feet
- Alerts: 95 decibel siren, mobile notification, and professional monitoring station
Pricing
In-Depth Review Of SimpliSafe
Best Professional Installation & Monitoring: Vivint Glass Break Sensor Review
Vivint’s tamper-proof audio glass break detector is a two-stage sensor that first detects a thud sound followed by a crash sound to trigger the alarm. You can easily adjust the sensitivity to only detect a shattering sound, which is especially helpful if you get a lot of high winds where you live.
This detector is an excellent addition to Vivint’s home security system—they have an extensive lineup of security and smart home equipment that integrates exceptionally well. The caveat is that Vivint’s pricing is higher than average and requires professional installation. Vivint’s glass break sensor comes with a one-year protection plan.
6 Key Features
- Pairs with Vivint’s security system
- Professional monitoring with no long-term contract if you buy your equipment upfront (requires a three-and-a-half to five-year contract if you finance the equipment)
- Type: wireless
- Installation: professional required
- Range: 20 feet
- Alerts: loud alarm, mobile notification, and professional monitoring station
Pricing
- $69.99
In-Depth Review Of Vivint
Best Stand-Alone: EVA LOGIK Window Alarm Review
Suppose you’re looking for an inexpensive window sensor that doesn’t require remote monitoring. In that case, this EVA LOGIK window alarm is a reliable option. It sounds a 120-decibel alarm for 60 seconds when it senses the vibration of breaking glass. It has a simple peel-and-stick installation, a high/low sensitivity setting, and a one-year battery life.
Eva Logik’s design features a red warning LED light that blinks every four seconds and a warning sticker to deter burglars. A sign suggesting that a home is protected by home security may dissuade would-be burglars, so these indicators may make all the difference in protecting your home. The simple design of the Eva Logik also makes it a good option for small spaces that need protection, such as campers, offices, dorm rooms, and apartments (read our review of the top security systems for renters).
Eva Logik offers a one-year warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
6 Key Features
- Stand-alone
- No remote monitoring
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: one window
- Alerts: 120-decibel siren, mobile notification
Pricing
What Are Other Professionally Monitored Options?
Several other noteworthy glass break sensors pair well with reliable security systems. All of these systems offer excellent professional monitoring for glass break sensors and other equipment. Here are our expert recommendations.
ADT | Frontpoint | Link Interactive | Ring
ADT Glass Break Sensor Review
ADT’s wireless audio glass break sensor has an extended 25-foot range, four sensitivity settings, and a five-year battery life. The sensors send your smartphone low battery, tamper, and event-driven notifications. The ADT glass break sensor includes four sensitivity settings, so you’re less likely to experience false alarms.
ADT is one of the most recognized names in home security, and they have an extensive line of safety and smart home equipment. The glass break sensor pairs well with one of their many packages. ADT requires you to get professional installation and a three-year professional monitoring contract, or you can enroll in professional monitoring with a DIY set-up.
6 Key Features
- Pairs with ADT security system
- Professional monitoring, which requires a three-year contract
- Type: wireless
- Installation: professional required
- Range: 25 feet
- Alerts: loud alarm, mobile notification, and professional monitoring station
Pricing
- Contact ADT for pricing with your ADT security system.
In-Depth Review Of ADT
Frontpoint Glass Break Sensor Review
Frontpoint, one of our highly-ranked home security systems, has a wireless audio glass break sensor that’s easy to install and has a five-year battery life. When an intruder breaks the glass, the sensor sounds a loud alarm, alerts you via your smartphone app, and notifies Frontpoint’s professional monitoring service. Unfortunately, this sensor doesn’t have sensitivity settings.
One glass break sensor is included in Frontpoint’s Safe Home Select and Safe Home Preferred packages, or you can add them to Frontpoint’s Safe Home Starter or Safe Home Everyday packages. The Frontpoint glass break sensor has a three-year warranty.
6 Key Features
- Pairs with Frontpoint’s security system
- Professional monitoring with no long-term contract
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: 20 feet
- Alerts: siren, mobile notification, and professional monitoring station
Pricing
- $44.99
In-Depth Review Of Frontpoint
Link Interactive Glass Break Sensor Review
Link Interactive’s wireless tamper-proof audio sensor alerts when it detects the sound of breaking glass. It features two test LEDs, dual shatter recognition technology, and five-year battery life. It has a range of 15 feet and a 360º sensing angle.
The benefit of Link Interactive’s home security system is that all equipment is a la carte—you select only the gear you want, and it’s easy to add equipment as your needs or budget change. However, it does require a minimum of a one-year monitoring contract.
6 Key Features
- Pairs with Link Interactive’s security system
- Professional monitoring, which requires a one, two, or three-year contract
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: 15 feet
- Alerts: loud alarm, mobile notification, and professional monitoring station
Pricing
- $69
In-Depth Review Of Link Interactive
Ring Glass Break Sensor Review
Amazon’s Ring uses AI technology to detect the sound of breaking glass up to 25 feet. The simple DIY installation instructs you to attach the glass break sensor to your wall and connect it to your Ring Alarm or Ring Alarm Pro Security Kit—sold separately. The expected battery life is three years.
The sensor’s first line of defense is a 104-decibel siren to deter would-be burglars. With a subscription to Ring Protect, you’ll also get alerts to your mobile phone when the sound of glass is detected. Ring offers optional 24/7 professional monitoring for protection around the clock, and the glass break sensor comes with a one-year limited warranty.
6 Key Features
- Pairs with Ring security system
- Optional 24/7 professional monitoring
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: 25 feet
- Alerts: 104-decibel siren, mobile notification, and professional monitoring station
Pricing
In-Depth Review Of Ring
What Are Other Stand-Alone Options?
Here are some other highly-rated stand-alone glass break sensors to consider for your home.
SABRE HS-GA2 Wireless Window Glass Break & Vibration Detector Review
SABRE’s sensor triggers a 115-decibel alarm that can be heard up to 300 feet away when it detects the sound of breaking glass. Unfortunately, several customers say the alarm isn’t as loud as the company claims. It has a high/low sensitivity setting to help prevent false triggering on windy days and a large red warning sign to deter intruders.
6 Key Features
- Stand-alone
- No remote monitoring
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: one window
- Alerts: 115-decibel alarm
Pricing
Wsdcam Window Alarm Sensor Review
The Wsdcam glass break alarm works by detecting the physical vibrations in your window to trigger the alarm. You can adjust the sensitivity from a gentle touch to a push or beating on the glass to help prevent false alarms. It sounds a 125-decibel loud alarm when triggered, features a red blinking light to help to deter intruders, and has a one-year battery life.
Wsdcam offers a one-year warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
6 Key Features
- Stand-alone
- No remote monitoring
- Type: wireless
- Installation: self
- Range: one window
- Alerts: 125-decibel alarm
Pricing
What Other Security Equipment Should I Consider?
Suppose you still need a home security system or want to ensure you cover all your home security needs in the smartest way possible. In that case, we encourage you to read our expert guide on home security and smart home integration. It’s an informative how-to guide and checklist for everything you want to know about securing your home.
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