Neither is strictly "better" as they serve entirely different security purposes. Motion sensors detect intruders once they are inside, while glass break sensors catch them at the perimeter before they even step foot into your home. The ideal setup uses both, but your choice depends on your specific layout and lifestyle.
Both contact sensors and glassbreak sensors have fewer false alarms than motion detectors. They also only detect if the window is used for entry. Securing your windows is important because it prevents the intruder from ever entering your home.
Yes, glass break sensors are highly effective and add a crucial layer of security, catching intruders before they enter. While standard door and window sensors only trigger if the frame is opened, glass break sensors detect the actual sound or vibration of shattering glass.
Yes. They can be an integral part of making your home safer and your home security sound. It's another layer of protection for some of the most vulnerable parts of any house. You should look them up if you don't have glass break sensors already.
It runs on a long-life battery that lasts up to five years. You'll get a notification when it's time to replace it.
The best glass break sensors generally fall into two categories: acoustic sensors (which listen for the specific frequency of breaking glass) and vibration/shock sensors (which attach directly to the glass). Top recommendations depend on your existing ecosystem:
Most ADT glass break sensors require 3V CR123A lithium batteries. Depending on your exact sensor model, the device will take either a single battery, two batteries, or four batteries.
Yes, a loud dog bark can occasionally set off a glass break sensor. Modern acoustic sensors use dual-stage detection to prevent false alarms, but a dog with a sharp, deep bark close to the sensor can sometimes mimic the sound pattern and frequency of shattering glass.
Types of Security Systems That Qualify for Discounts
You might not always get a home insurance discount with a security system. To qualify, most insurers want to see that your system includes things like: Door and window sensors. Motion detectors.
What can trigger different types of glass break sensors?
Place or mount the sensor at least 7 ft (2 m) off the ground and within 25 ft (7.5 m) of any glass windows or doors inside your home. Avoid placing the sensor on surfaces where items are frequently set down and picked up, such as tables and shelves.
You generally need 1 acoustic glass break sensor per ground-floor room that contains vulnerable glass windows or sliding doors. Since typical sensors feature a listening radius of about 20 to 25 feet, a single centrally placed unit can usually cover multiple windows in an average-sized room.
Don't place the motion sensor near heat sources:
Hot air vents, kerosene heaters, radiators or other portable heat sources can suddenly change the temperature of a room, setting off the alarm.
A few families of motion detectors can be reset by pointing a source of light of a certain wavelength — infrared or near infrared — at them. This blinds the sensors for as long as the light source is pointed at them plus an additional three seconds…
The "best" motion sensor depends heavily on your smart home ecosystem and whether you need it for security, lighting automation, or whole-room presence detection. Below are the top-performing sensors for specific needs:
Designed for extra stubborn barkers, the Dog Silencer MAX helps quiet your dog or the neighbor's dog using safe ultrasonic sound up to 300 feet (90 meters) away. This humane, no-shock trainer operates as an incredibly effective deterrent, giving you back your peace and quiet without the need for confrontation.
Additional Glass Break Sensor specifications
Uses three AA batteries (included). Requires the Ring Alarm Base Station. Uses Z-Wave to communicate with the Base Station.
Place smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell and at the end of each long hallway. Smoke rises easily through stairwells. If you should put a smoke detector in your kitchen, be sure to keep it away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.