The 9 Best Driveway Alarms in 2020

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But that lack of extras makes the unit much more reliable. There aren’t a lot of things that can go wrong and one reason this alarm has a 100 percent guaranteed, one year warranty is that is rare for one of these units to quit working. This is a great unit, especially for people who don’t want to worry about a lot of upkeep.

This one is perfect for locations that are exposed to changes in weather and/or situations where you need to cover a wide distance

What sets this sensor and alarm system apart from some of its competitors is the wide variety of ways you can personalize the settings. The sensor unit eye has an adjustable detection width option that helps to cut down on false positives. The alarm unit has controls on the side that allow you to set the volume of alarms as well as turn it off.

The alarm unit has more than 30 different alert chimes and you can assign individual ones to different sections of a wider alarm array, making it easier to determine which alarm has been set off.

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If there is a flaw at all, some reviewers have said it works inconsistently in heavy snow. But given the way that any alarm system works in a heavy snowstorm, that seems to be an overblown problem.

The electromagnetic sensor wand detects mass metal moving within a 3-12 ft. the radius of the wand, which you bury anywhere alongside the driveway.

One place people frequently use this alarm is around vehicles that are being parked long-term or stored in the driveway like RV’s or classic cars. Any movement of the vehicle sets off the alarm and by combining the alarm with a camera, you have an impressive level of security for your valued ride.

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These alarms are also often used in businesses that have drive-up windows or garages that have drive-up customers. The alarms are extremely accurate and easy to use, which makes them ideal for most business situations.

As soon as the power returns, the sensors and alarms re-acquire each other and resume their protection of your property.

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This unit is a good choice for a homeowner who is looking for a reasonably priced unit that is reliable and doesn’t have a large number of false positives. This alarm and sensor units are midpriced workhorses and that’s a sweet spot for a lot of homeowners.

But user reviews point out that as long you keep it stocked with charged batteries, the unit is reliable and easy to use.

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These sensors are used a lot in situations where you have the need to count a number of vehicles coming through a road over an extended period. Think city park events, outdoor concerts, and farmer’s markets which need proof of how many people visited on a specific day.

And the sensors are powered by a combination of ion-lithium batteries and a solar panel, so there is no capability to plug in a power cord.

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But the upside is that these sensors are extremely durable and accurate. And that’s not always something you’ll find in more complex alarm and sensor systems. Sometimes all of that extra technology just gets in the way.

It’s also a great choice for business owners who want to know when a customer enters or exits the building. And because of its size, it’s an ideal choice for a wall-mounted sensor.

One feature that isn’t highlighted in the manufacturer’s literature is that both the sensors and the receiver/alarm have micro-USB jacks on them. Which means you could run them off of a small solar panel or battery pack.

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This alarm and sensor unit is an ideal one for someone who needs to monitor a number of rooms and garage or indoor awkward-shaped areas. It’ extremely easy to configure and string a number of these sensors together to create a very flexible indoor and outdoor security plan.

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The sensor installation is incredibly easy-simply attach the sensor to the bottom of a tree or pole and run the hose across the open area you are wanting to monitor. The receiver just plugs into the wall and it’s ready to go. It also has a volume control, mute switch and four different alarm tones to choose from; Classical, Westminster, Ding-Dong or Whistle.

This driveway system solves that problem by using radar waves to detect movement. If you’ve been plagued with accuracy problems in your previous alarms, you’ll appreciate the solid and accurate reputation of this alarm. Even better, the installation is incredibly easy. So literally all you have to do is open the box and install it.

No entering codes, no scrambling around for power options. This alarm and sensor system is just about as close as you can get to set it and forget it. And if you need more coverage than just this single sensor set and home box, you can string together as many as 32 sensor units and alarm boxes to fully protect your home.

The alarm units come with a number of programmable chirps and alarms. A couple of things to keep in mind about this radar alarm unit. Because of the way radar works, you don’t want to install the sensor to close to plants and trees that might move in the wind.

That could cause some false positives. And because of the way the radar waves are used, the alarm can detect some movement through walls. So you should keep that in mind if you are installing it close to a building wall.

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But with those couple of pieces of guidance, it’s hard for anything that isn’t great about this alarm unit. It’s reliable, less prone to false positives than many other units, and is incredibly easy to install and use.

What is a Driveway Alarm?

As you might imagine from the name, a driveway alarm protects your home or establishment by notifying you anytime someone drives, walks, or otherwise uses your driveway. From letting you know about package delivery to protecting you from possible bad people, a driveway alarm works as a driveway doorbell.

It gives you a heads-up when someone is coming. There are several different types of alarm sensors, each with their own pluses and minuses. But they all perform the same function: to let you know when someone has arrived.

But what about when you’re not around? A driveway alert sensor combined with a camera or two can record any intruder that uses the driveway.

The cameras can just record 24/7 or you can combine it with a driveway motion detector that turns on the camera when motion is detected. You can also install cameras with built-in motion sensors that will offer an additional level of protection.

For an additional level of protection, a driveway motion sensor alarm and cameras can be tied into a central home security system.

That allows for extra flexibility with recording options and can allow for email or text driveway alerts to let you know if there’s a problem when you’re not around. Central alarm systems can even alert law enforcement or an outside security monitoring firm.

But driveway alarms are also just useful for non-security issues. A driveway alert system can set off a chime inside the house when someone drives on it, letting you know when a guest arrives or your significant other returns with groceries.

Security floodlights can also be integrated into the system so you can see when someone breaks the security zone of the driveway or sets off the driveway motion sensors.

Driveway alarm systems are also used in all sorts of business situations. From the driveway leading up to a gas station garage to the lane leading to a drive-up pharmacy window, alarms can let you know you have a customer in a subtle but effective way.

The great thing about driveway alarms is that they give you as much protection and bang for the buck as any other alarm component. Besides, what’s the point of putting alarms in the interior if you haven’t bothered to protect or monitor the exterior?

Cameras With Motion Detection

While many driveways can be adequately protected with a static security camera, some locations are better served by installing a driveway camera with a motion detector.

Remote driveways and those that get a lot of traffic only need a camera on rare occasions. Cameras with a motion sensor ensure your driveway alarm with the camera will only be working when you need it to.

For more information on what you need to know to choose the best security camera, check our buying guide.

Choosing the best driveway alarm for your needs, there are a couple of questions you need to answer first. Once you know what type of coverage you need, you can select the best alarm for you.

Purpose

First of all, what are you most concerned about when it comes to your driveway alarm system? Are there frequent visitors or is this a driveway that just needs security on the rare occasions it’s used?

Do you need to tie in the alarm with a video function, or are you primarily looking to be notified when someone drives up? Knowing the answers to these questions will help determine what you need.

Location

One factor to consider when deciding on the best driveway alarm system for you has to do with the driveway’s location. Is it close enough to your building that you could a wired setup that connects directly to your in-home system?

If not, a long-range driveway alarm combined with a wireless driveway alarm system might be the best option. A wireless driveway alarm system is much easier to set up and configure.

But wireless systems won’t work if the broadband connection is down or if the sensor batteries go dead.

Type of Sensors

Are you concerned primarily with vehicles only or are people and other problems a possible issue? The types of sensors range from extremely rudimentary to ones that can pick up even the smallest disturbance.

Pneumatic Sensor

The most rudimentary type of driveway sensor is called a pneumatic sensor and it works like those old-fashioned gas station systems. It only goes off when someone drives over them with a heavy vehicle.

Magnetometer Sensor

Magnetometer bases sensors use a magnet to detect heavy metallic objects in the zone that is being protected. Their basic advantage over Pneumatic sensors is that they only require a small sensor to be buried in the driveway.

Break Beam Sensors

Another type is break beam sensors, which trigger whenever an object moves between two sensors.

Passive Infrared Sensor

But the most common type of alarm sensor is a Passive Infrared Sensor, which is triggered when a combination of heat and movement is detected.

Maintenance

Most units only require a readjustment of the sensors if they are hit by a vehicle or other obstruction like an errant branch. In most situations, the biggest maintenance issue will be remembering to check and change the sensor magnets. If you think that remembering to do that will be a problem, many units come with low battery warnings or indicators.

Once you choose the best type of sensor or alarm, then it’s simply a matter of choosing the best product in that class.

Do you have a reliable broadband connection?

If you live in an area that suffers from Internet downtime, then a wireless system could leave you vulnerable. Either opt for a wired system or have a backup plan in mind for those times when your internet connection is unavailable.

Transmission distance

Whether you opt for a wireless or wired system, know the transmission distance for the equipment you choose. You want to make sure the alarm and sensor system you select has the reach to easily send the alert back to the home. Otherwise, you run the risk of the signal not making it back to your alarm system. Or having it stop working on an infrequent basis, which in some ways can be even worse.

Range

The best advice is to pick receivers which have a range of at least 100 feet more than you’ll need. That will give you a cushion that protects you in case of weather-related interference or other issues.

Also, think about whether you might add sensors in the future and where they might be placed. It’s always easier and cheaper to upgrade an alarm system in place rather than building a new one from scratch.

Interference

Speaking of interference, it’s important to check the area ahead of time to determine what type of interference might cause a future problem with your alarm system. Nearby power lines can interfere with the signal and natural obstacles like trees and bushes can block the transmission of a signal.

Those problems can be solved through the use of a power booster or multiple sensors and alarms.

Another possible source of interference is bad weather. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or is covered in deep snow five months a year, you’ll want to choose a sensor and alarm system that will hold up to the abuse Mother Nature can inflict.

There are plenty of options available for that situation. You just need to aware of the problem as you shop for your perfect alarm system

While providing driveway security is obviously a primary concern. But what about those unprotected open areas surrounding the driveway? Installing an outdoor motion sensor alarm to cover adjacent areas can provide another level of security at a very low cost. Especially if you are installing it at the same time as your driveway alert system.

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Do Driveway Alarms Detect Just Vehicles Or Can They Detect Anything?

It depends on the type of sensor you are using with your driveway alarm system. The most rudimentary type of driveway sensor works like those old-fashioned gas station systems.

They only go off when someone drives over them with a heavy vehicle. But you can get other types of sensors that are much more sensitive and that can detect things as small as squirrels and rodents.

How Much Maintenance Will My Driveway Alarm System Require Once It Is Installed?

They are not 100% maintenance-free, but they don’t require much upkeep. Other than dealing with damage caused by the errant vehicle, these units don’t require much.

The one big issue is that many wireless sensors depend on batteries and it’s easy to forget to check them on a regular basis. One alternative is to use a wireless sensor with a solar-powered back-up.

Are Driveway Sensors Practical For Driveways Or Back Roads That Don’t Receive A Lot Of Traffic?

Absolutely. In fact, little-used roads are a favorite access point for bad people, because they assume there won’t be any witnesses.

If you have a driveway that isn’t used that frequently, it can best be protected with a camera that is set off with a motion sensor. For added protection, you can add a wireless connection that will send you an alert is the motion detector is activated.

Can Installing A New Driveway Alarm Save My Money On My Insurance?

It depends on the insurance company and the plan that you have, but generally, the answer is yes. Just make sure to keep a copy of your receipts and then check with your insurance company to see what their policy might be.

But usually, insurance companies are happy with any effort you make to protect your belongings and lessen the chances you’ll make an insurance claim.

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