Door sensors are crucial if you’re getting into this whole smart home device for the first time. They are the equivalent of your home’s eyes and ears. The hard part is to choose the correct one since there are a lot of them.
That’s why I’m here. I tested a load of these door sensors to select the ideal ones for you.
It’s been a great time, and I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge. Therefore, let’s jump right into the awesomeness of a door sensor.
What is a Z Wave Door Sensor?
You know door sensors, right? Well, doorbell sensors are their trendy cousins. If someone rings on your doorbell? Usually, all you hear is the bell ringing. However, what happens when you’re not at home or you’re outside in the garden and can’t hear the background noise? It’s exactly where you want to be able to use the extra features of Z-Wave doorbell sensors.
How It Works
So, what is a Z Wave Doorbell Sensor? It’s a little device you attach to your regular doorbell.
Once you’ve got it set up, it starts communicating with all of the other smart devices in your home like your phone. Then when somebody is at the door, your mobile can warn you quickly.
And some of these devices can even perform other services for you, for instance, switch your front porch light on when somebody is there.
Aeotec Door/Window Sensor 7 (ZWA008)
The Aeotec Door/Window Sensor 7 blew me away with its features. It doesn’t only notify you if a door or window is open; it can even sense if it’s tilted. Imagine knowing your garage door is slightly open before you leave home, that’s the capability of this sensor.
The range is also impressive; it stayed connected even when I placed it at the far end of my house. And let’s not forget about security; this device is securely locked down tight with advanced encryption.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This device comes with three sensors: magnetic contact, tilt detector, and dry contact. | Uses a 1/2 AA battery, which may not be as readily available as other types. |
| Offers an impressive 150 meters point-to-point range. | |
| Enhanced security with AES 128-bit encryption. |
My Take
The Aeotec Door/Window Sensor 7 is sleek and stylish. The installation was a breeze, and the range was fantastic.
I particularly liked the multiple sensors, which make it versatile for different apps.
Fibaro Z-Wave Plus Door/Window Sensor
The Fibaro sensor is attractive. It comes in seven different colors, so you can pick one that matches your room perfectly. But it’s not just about looks; this sensor also includes a built-in temperature gauge.
It’s like having a mini weather station at every entrance. I found this especially useful for checking the nursery’s temperature without disturbing my little one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers temperature sensing in addition to door/window sensing. | Lasts only 12-24 months, which is less compared to some other models. |
| Available in seven different colors to match your decor. | |
| Ensures better range and battery life. |
My Take
Fibaro’s sensor is small but worth it.
The temperature measurement feature is awesome, and the color options are great for those who are particular about aesthetics.
Ecolink ZWave Plus Door & Window Sensor (DWZWAVE2.5-ECO)
The Ecolink sensor is reliable and can operate on a large scale in daily routines. The battery life is insane, it lasts up to three years. I added a water sensor in my basement, and now I get notifications for both the door and possible leaks and I don’t have to stress about constantly changing batteries.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 years of battery life. | Slightly Bulkier. |
| Allows for additional external sensors. | |
| Notifies you if someone tries to mess with the sensor. |
My Take
Ecolink’s sensor is reliable and offers a long battery life. The external contact input is a unique feature that can be very useful for advanced setups.
Monoprice Z-Wave Plus Door/Window Sensor (24259)
The Monoprice sensor may not grab attention for its design, but it’s a beast when it comes to performance. The range on this device is fantastic, I tested it across my yard, and it stayed connected without any issues.
It’s a trustworthy sensor that you can depend on:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers tamper alert. | Not the most visually pleasing model. |
| Up to 100 meters outdoors range. |
My Take
Monoprice’s sensor is all about functionality over form. It’s not the prettiest, but it gets the job done and offers excellent range and battery life.
Philio Z-Wave Multi-Sensor (PSM01)
The Philio sensor is like a Swiss Army knife for your smart home. It doesn’t just monitor doors and windows; it also tracks motion, light, and temperature.
I placed one in my living room, and it’s like having a mini smart home hub right there. If you want a sensor that does it all, this is your best choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers motion, light, temperature, and door/window sensing. | May be overkill for users who only need a door sensor. |
| Comes with a well-written manual. | |
| Improved Radio frequency range and speed. |
My Take
Philio’s multi-sensor is for those who want an all-in-one solution. It’s a bit over the top if you only need a door sensor, but for a comprehensive smart home setup, it’s perfect.
HomeSeer HS-DS100+ Z-Wave Plus Door/Window Sensor
The HomeSeer sensor is another top performer. It has an incredible range, making it perfect for larger homes.
The only downside is the battery life; you’ll need to swap it out about once a year. But given its performance and reliability, that’s a minor inconvenience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up to 300ft outdoor range. | Battery lasts 12 months. |
| Offers tamper detection. |
My Take
HomeSeer’s sensor offers excellent range and is Z-Wave Plus certified. However, the battery life could be better.
Haozee Z-Wave Door/Window Sensor
Last on the list is the Haozee sensor. It’s a budget-friendly option that delivers solid performance. I’ve had it for a while now, and it’s been consistently reliable. It’s a simple sensor that does its job well, without any issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a budget-friendly option. | Lacks a tamper alert feature. |
| The battery life lasts up to 24 months. |
My Take
Haozee offers a reliable and affordable option for those who don’t need advanced features like tamper detection.
Final Words:
So there you have it! These are the Z-Wave door sensors that I’ve personally tested and can confidently recommend..
Each has its own set of features and advantages, so think about what you really need before making a choice.
Trust me, there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a smart home newbie or a seasoned pro.