Recent studies show that every 25 seconds, there is a chance your family could be victims of a home invasion. An indoor home security system helps but only works after intruders are inside. A driveway alarm can add an extra protection barrier. Our team tested the best driveway alarms to help you avoid any unreliable systems.
- Top 10 Driveway Alarms in 2020
- Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm
- Chamberlain Wireless Security System
- Hosmart ¼ Mile Long Range Driveway Alarm
- Htzsafe Solar Driveway Alarm
- Rodann Electronics Alarm
- WJLING Motion Alarm
- Safety Technology Wireless Solar Driveway Monitor
- Mighty Mule Wireless Driveway Alarm
- Driveway Alarm Wireless 100ft Range
- Wireless Home Security Driveway Alarm
- Key Considerations Before Buying
- 3 Advantages of Using a Driveway Alarm
- FAQs
- The #1 Driveway Alarm & Sensor is...
Top 10 Driveway Alarms in 2020
Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm
The point of a driveway alarm is to alert you of intruders before they get in your home.
The Guardline wireless driveway alarm system is suitable for this as you may pair 16 sensors to one receiver.
There are no complicated security installs, so you don’t have to worry about messing up and leaving your home unprotected.
The alarm gives you 500 feet of detection range between the sensor and receiver.
PROS
- 500 feet range in all weather conditions
- Installation process is easy
- Motion detection and heat sensing
- A lot of signal/alert tone options
- Affordable price
CONS
- Birds can trigger false alarms
Chamberlain Wireless Security System
The Chamberlain is the 2nd best wireless driveway sensor. It boasts a total coverage area of 120-degrees and claims to sense movement from 30 feet away.
According to the manufacturer, the receiver may get signal from the sensor up to a ½ mile apart but only in ideal conditions.
The sensors have adjustable sensitivity settings, which users noted helped to minimize false receiver alarms from small animals or something larger.
One downside some reviewers have pointed out is that the receiver does not tell you which sensor is going off.
PROS
- Can pick up motion at 800 meters
- Sound and LED light alerts
- Weatherproof driveway sensor
- No wiring needed when installing
CONS
- Can add maximum 4 sensors per unit
Hosmart ¼ Mile Long Range Driveway Alarm
The Hosmart is another solar-powered driveway alarm system. The sensor unit can detect motion between 20 feet and 30 feet away.
According to the manufacturer’s claims, the receiver has a transmission range of up to ¼ mile.
Our tests, along with in-depth research of customer reviews, confirmed this to be true in good conditions. The receiver comes with one sensor but may handle up to four.
The unit plugs in via ac adapter but may also run on AAA batteries in the case of a power outage.
PROS
- Four home driveway alert sounds
- Driveway sensor has a sensitivity control
- DIY installation
- Long range up to 400 meters
CONS
- Falling leaves can trigger false alarms
Htzsafe Solar Driveway Alarm
The Htzsafe Solar home driveway alarm system detects motion up to 50 feet away.
The receiver supports an additional 32 sensors to create a complete perimeter around your property.
You may adjust the sensor, which is on a ball joint, to avoid false alarms from small animals.
The receiver unit has a range of ¼ of a mile and provides various programmable alert tones. One downside is the receiver plugs into the wall for power supply.
PROS
- Solar panel home driveway sensors
- Can add up to 32 additional sensors
- Weatherproof transmitter box
- Four volume levels and 32 tones
CONS
- Plug-in indoor receiver
- Weak motion alert
Rodann Electronics Alarm
Rodann Electronics has one of the best driveway alarm units if you’re looking for a long transmission range.
The specs say the home driveway alarm can transmit up to 1,000 feet to the base system.
If you can’t use a solar charging option, this can be the right alternative as the sensors operate on a 9v battery. Reviewers note the power life can be up to 2 years.
The one downside is the receiver doesn’t have a battery pack and needs a wall outlet instead. But, it can use external speakers to make it louder.
PROS
- 1,000ft transmission length
- Base station has a speaker output terminal
- Connect unlimited sensor systems
- Can detect motion and body heat
CONS
- Plug-in receiver
WJLING Motion Alarm
This home driveway alert system is the most budget-friendly unit we reviewed in terms of product prices and its best features.
Instead of the standard single base and sensor, this motion alert system comes with two sensor motors that can cover a range up to 23 feet.
The indoor receiver can communicate with the passive infrared sensor up to 328 feet apart.
The home driveway sensors are not waterproof, and they need to be covered or placed indoors.
PROS
- Two driveway sensors included
- Passive Infrared Sensor
- 38 different notification chimes to choose from
- A budget home security system
CONS
- PIR sensor not waterproof
Safety Technology Wireless Solar Driveway Monitor
Among the best driveway alarms we tested, this system had the most customizable receiver.
You can program personal alert messages to notify you when the driveway sensors get activated.
The unit works off two solar-charged AA batteries. The system has an easy to install driveway sensor that needs to be screwed in a wall or stakes in the ground.
For the home driveway alarm sensor, the sensing range is up to 1,000 feet. This alarm is waterproof, making it best for outdoor home security.
PROS
- 1,000 feet sensor
- Voice recording receiver with volume control
- Waterproof driveway motion alarm
- Sensor range has a long span
CONS
- Unclear instruction manual for some users
Mighty Mule Wireless Driveway Alarm
Mighty Mule’s alarms for driveways are different than others as they use electromagnetic sensors that even detect metal.
This home driveway informer is best at picking up people or vehicles, unlike other products, it won’t send false alarms from animals.
The installation process is more intensive as you have to bury the sensor wand.
The sensor detects moving objects up to 3 to 12 feet Away and transmits to the receiver up to 400 feet away. Both receiver and transmitter use AA batteries.
PROS
- No false alarms from large animals or vehicle
- Use of AA batteries
- Reliable alarm comes with a 1-year warranty
- Low battery indicator on the sensor
CONS
- Intensive installation
Driveway Alarm Wireless 100ft Range
If you need a lot of home driveway informer sensors, this is a good option.
This home driveway alarm system has two sensors out of the box. It’s a driveway alarm outdoor weather won’t affect as the sensors are waterproof so you can use them in the front yard.
The alarm has a range of 1,000 feet and coverage up to 24 feet. The receiving unit has a power backup option you can use with a rechargeable battery.
PROS
- Strobe light and driveway doorbell notifications
- Two sensors included with alarm alert
- Can pick up motion 24-foot range
- Users noted excellent customer support
CONS
- No lifetime manufacturer's guarantee
Wireless Home Security Driveway Alarm
Of all the home driveway alarm reviews we conducted, this was a budget-friendly option.
It includes two sensors with a transmission range of 328 feet. These home driveway alarms are not waterproof and best used indoors.
The sensors are the quick install variety and easily installed with a screwdriver.
Both alarm sensors operate on easily replaceable batteries. There is a time delay function of between 15 and 30 seconds.
PROS
- Easy to Install
- Time Delay Function
- Can be powered by micro-USB
- 38 different chime options to choose from
CONS
- No easy read LCD counter
Key Considerations Before Buying
Detection Radius
The range tells you the maximum distance a sensor will cover. If a sensor covers a space of 30 feet, anything within that space will get picked up by the alarm sensor. Longer ranges of detecting moving objects or people provide you with greater flexibility when setting up your detectors.
Wireless Driveway Alarm Zones
Alarm zones help you to separate your sensors into manageable units. You have different zones around your property, with each zone having many sensors. Some receivers allow you to set a different tone for each region so that you immediately know which sensors are going off.
Sensitivity of Driveway Alarms
The best driveway alarms will enable you to change the sensitivity of the sensors. This option is important for preventing a false alarm from things like leaves or small animals and even snow and rain [1]. Many units will have high, medium, and low sensitivity choices, which are a great feature so that you can customize on each sensor depending on your property.
“Alarms are designed to be high in sensitivity but low in specificity...manufacturer is more likely to be held liable for alarm system fails...than for problems caused by false-alarm conditions.”
- Eva Turk, Group Technology Researcher [2]
Power Source
The power source will dictate where you can set up your sensor and the receiving unit. Many driveway alarm systems use solar-powered sensors. There are apparent downsides if you need the alarm for a space that doesn’t get as much sun, such as a barn, toolshed, or attic. You will find that most of the best alarms have multiple energy sources, including battery-operated and solar energy.
Driveway Sensor Warranty
When purchasing a driveway alarm security system, you will want to make sure it has a warranty and read the information on what it covers before you purchase it. These products are used outdoors and exposed to various elements, like heat and water. Many driveway alarms systems come with only a one-year warranty limited to manufacturing defects, so you better pay attention to these details.
Wireless Range
All of the security products we reviewed are some of the best wireless driveway alarms. But, you might find that different types include wired sensors. You want an alarm so that you have greater flexibility with placement. If running out of energy is a concern, you can opt for like a solar-type sensor.
Installation of Alarm System
Installing a wireless driveway alarm is pretty straightforward. The sensors screw into your desired location, including trees, fence posts, walls, etc. Your receiving unit will then plug into your bedroom or, if it is battery-powered, can be carried around with you. Some security products need to be buried or staked into the ground.
3 Advantages of Using a Driveway Alarm
1. Protect Valuables
Driveway alarms can give you confidence that unwanted people can’t enter your property and catch you by surprise. These alarms are great to protect both the valuables inside your house as well as outside. With a wireless alarm system, you can create a perimeter around your vehicles, or even livestock if that is a concern.
“Homes with low-level security have...more burglaries than homes with high-level security.”
- Nick Tilley, Researcher at Security Journal [3]
2. Safety Alert
For some people, personal safety and the safety of your family is of the utmost concern. Driveway alarms can help by adding an extra layer of security to your current base system [4]. Unlike a security camera, which is a passive system, alarms actively inform you of any potential disturbances on your property. At the same time, sends a notification on your phone to know when someone is in your driveway.
Check our reviews of various security cameras:
3. Peace of Mind
With your valuables and your family safe from potential threats, you can sleep more comfortably. Driveway alarms informs you even at night actively. These alarms have loud chimes to make sure you wake up. You can rest easy with the peace of mind that your property stays monitored 24/7.
FAQs
A driveway alarm works by creating a perimeter around your property with sensors. These sensors can detect movement from people and cars, plus it's sensitive to heat. It can relay a signal to a receiving unit in your home when disturbed. [4].
The number of driveway alarm sensors per zone you need to help protect your home will depend on the range of each unit and your property size. First, figure out the total size of the space you want to be monitored. Next, divide that by the sensor coverage range allowing for some overlap.
Driveway alarm sensors should be installed on a solid surface high enough to avoid being set off by small animals. They should create a complete perimeter around the space you want to protect—suitable installment surfaces like fencing, wooden walls, trees, and ground stakes.
Guardline is a type of outdoor motion sensor specially designed for protecting properties. They come equipped with one sensor and one receiver but are expandable to accommodate any size of the lot.
A driveway motion sensor is designed for additional security for your driveway. It is proven to be effective in detecting any movement, motion, or presence of people or vehicles passing by. This device will alert you if there's any activity on your driveway when you're unable to see it for yourself.
You can hide your driveway sensors in shrubs, trees, a fake rock, behind garden ornaments, or any idea on how to hide it, as long as it's not visible to people passing by when looking across your house. Just make sure not to place the wires, transmitter, and receiver to different weather conditions.
The #1 Driveway Alarm & Sensor is...
After thorough testing and research, we find Guardline Alarm as the best driveway alarm. It is one of the most solid smart home resources that can protect your family and valuables.
What stood out are the long-range capabilities of the sensors to transmit back to the base unit. Some users noted the signal strength held solid even through adverse weather conditions and walls.
We were also impressed with its ability to attach multiple sensors to one base. It has greater coverage to create a complete perimeter around your property.
Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm
Our #1 Recommendation
- 500 feet range in all weather conditions
- Installation process is easy
- Motion detection and heat sensing
- A lot of signal/alert tone options
- Affordable price
