Many people prefer to live away from the noisy city center, o the outskirts. Such places look cozy, peaceful, and safe. As a rule, locals know each other for decades, so they feel safe to leave windows in the house open and keep bicycles in the backyard. However, even if you can totally trust your neighbors, that does not mean that you should not watch out for suspicious strangers that may sneak in your neighborhood. So, it is highly advisable to take all the precautions. Keep in mind that a danger foreseen is a danger half-avoided.
The optimal solution is to install driveway alarms that will send you a siren alert in case anyone gets in your territory. What does this device look like? It includes two elements. The first one consists of a sensor and a camera. It is installed near the place, which one needs to control, for example, near the gate or at the boundary of a field. A sensor will detect vehicles passing by and send an alert to a receiver. As a rule, a user is informed about a potential danger by a loud siren. Certainly, such a device is easy to hide, and its sensing beam is invisible. So you can place it on a tree or in another unremarkable place, and a potential criminal will not notice being caught.
Best for Home and Office
#1 Chamberlain Motion Alert
Total Score 9.7/10
Best for Parks and Yards
#2 Guardline
Total Score 9.5/10
Best for High-Quality Monitoring
#3 Driveway Informer
Total Score 8.9/10
How Did We Select The Best Driveway Alarms For Our Ratings?
To make our top list, we have studied dozens of models available on the market. We have scrupulously analyzed their functions, design, price, as well as customers’ reviews on them. Certainly, we have also involved experts in the process. This article is not created for advertising certain products or manufacturers. Our goal is to help you select the security system that will suit your needs perfectly.
Here are the key aspects that we have taken into consideration when compiling the rating:
Functional Features
0-10
the type of sensor, a range, siren volume, resistance to severe weather conditions, etc.
Usability
0-10
the ease of installation and setup, as well as the convenience of use
Affordability
0-10
a price, a trial period, a refund, regular fees, additional expenses required
Customers’ Support
0-10
available contact channels, speed, and quality of service
Customers’ Score
0-10
reviews at BBB.org and Trustpilot.com
Top Driveway Alarms To Buy In 2020
1. Chamberlain Wireless Motion Alert System ― A Universal Choice For Any Property
Functional Features
9.0/10
Usability
10.0/10
Affordability
10.0/10
Customers’ Support
9.0/10
Customers’ Score
10.0/10
Starting Price
$65.49
BBB Rating A+
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
This versatile product can be successfully used both in a home and in an office. It is simple, yet effective. This system includes a sensible motion sensor, which is resistant to rain and snow, and a convenient monitor. In addition, this system is also equipped with a high-quality receiver. There are no wires to it. By the way, a user can adjust the sensibility of a motion detector in order to minimize the risk of false alerts. The available range reaches 30 feet.
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2. Guardline Long Range Alarm ― The Driveway Alarm That Will Raise No False Alarms
Functional Features
10.0/10
Usability
10.0/10
Affordability
9.0/10
Customers’ Support
8.5/10
Customers’ Score
10.0/10
Starting Price
$137
BBB Rating A
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
This device is provided with highly sensitive motion detectors that will not let any vehicle, person, or animal be unnoticed. No doubt, that is a great advantage for those users who own extensive lands and need to ensure the safekeeping of their property. The model is also equipped with a doorbell and a receiver, which means that you can install it near the gate or near the front door in order to protect your home from suspicious strangers.
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3. Driveway Informer Alarm ― the Model for Large Territories
Functional Features
10.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Affordability
9.5/10
Customers’ Support
8.5/10
Customers’ Score
9.0/10
Starting Price
$127.50
BBB Rating B
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
This wireless detector is one of the best options for monitoring extensive territories. First, its sensors catch movements from a 1000-feet distance. Secondly, it is equipped with a loud siren. One more advantage of this device ― it is made from durable materials. As for the cost, users do not need to pay any regular fees, so it is a good choice for customers on a tight budget.
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4. Mighty Mule ― The Best Driveway Alarm For Detecting Vehicles
Functional Features
7.5/10
Usability
8.5/10
Affordability
9.0/10
Customers’ Support
8.5/10
Customers’ Score
10.0/10
Starting Price
$71.50
BBB Rating A
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
After installing this device near your driveway, you will receive instant alarms each time any vehicle enters it. One more advantage worth mentioning as a separate point ― this security system will not send you any false alarms when a pet or a baseball passes by. Its sensors detect vehicles only.
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5. Htzsafe Solar ― The Eco-Friendly Autonomous Driveway Alarm
Functional Features
9.5/10
Usability
9.5/10
Affordability
9.0/10
Customers’ Support
8.0/10
Customers’ Score
8.0/10
Starting Price
$48.79
BBB Rating B-
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
This home security device is a good choice for those users who give preference to environmentally friendly energy sources. Due to the fact that it is solar-powered, you will not need to buy traditional batteries, which will be advantageous both to the ecology and your budget. Also, a solar battery will ensure the uninterrupted operation of an alarm as it will constantly be powered. As for the siren, it is loud enough to be heard from a long distance. And one more crucial feature ― this model does not raise false alarms.
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6. Rodann System ― The Durable And Easy-to-Maintain Driveway Security System For Monitoring Ranches
Functional Features
8.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Affordability
9.0/10
Customers’ Support
8.5/10
Customers’ Score
9.0/10
Starting Price
$135
BBB Rating A
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
This wireless security device with passive infrared (PIR) sensors and a 1000-feet range is the best choice for large territories. It is easy to install, resistant to sunlight, and does not require any special maintenance. It will report you about every vehicle entering your private territory.
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7. Dakota Alert ― A Wired Security System That Provides Ultimate Precision
Functional Features
8.0/10
Usability
9.0/10
Affordability
7.5/10
Customers’ Support
7.5/10
Customers’ Score
8.5/10
Starting Price
$27.49
BBB Rating A-
Unassisted Installation
YES
Trial Period
YES
Due to the use of burial underground cables, this driveway alarm is much more precise than other similar devices, which means no false alarms triggered by plants or animals. Speaking about its range and other functional features, they can be significantly enhanced with the help of additional accessories, so you will get an opportunity to adjust the product to your needs.
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Comparing 2020 Top Driveway Alarms: Key Characteristics
INFO | Overall Score | Functional Features | Usability | Affordability | Customers’ Support | Customers’ Score | Basic Price | Unassisted Installation | Trial Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Chamberlain | 9.6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | $58.99 | Yes | Yes |
2. Guardline | 9.6 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | $129 | Yes | Yes |
3. Driveway | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | $129 | Yes | Yes |
4. Mighty Mule | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | $65.98 | Yes | Yes |
5. Htzsafe Solar | 8.8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | $49 | Yes | Yes |
6. Rodann System | 8.6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | $129 | Yes | Yes |
7. Dakota Alert | 8.2 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | $24 | Yes | Yes |
Types Of Motion Sensors Available On The Market
The main difference between driveway security systems is a sensor type. Choosing a driveway alarm, it is advisable to pay attention to a sensor in the first place.
Passive Infrared Sensors
Passive IR sensors work by sending out an invisible beam to measure infrared light emitted by varied objects or reflected from them. Passive infrared detectors are very precise, which means that, in majority of cases, they identify objects correctly and do not raise false alarms. So, it is not surprising that driveway alarms with such sensors are commonly popular.
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Probe motion sensors
Such devices are used to control the quality of the operation of driveway alarms, i.e. to make sure that the system does not identify birds or animals as vehicles. The sensitivity of such a motion sensor depends on the model.
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How To Choose The Best Driveway Alarms?
Here is a shortlist of the most essential features that you should pay attention to when searching for such a security system on Amazon or other similar online platforms. Be sure to scrupulously study every function and feature of a device before buying it, as well as to look through the customers` reviews in order to get a clear idea of the quality and effectiveness of a product. Certainly, if you need expert assistance, do not hesitate to turn to customer support specialists.
A range
Certainly, the optimal length of the line of sight depends on the size of the object under surveillance. If you own a large territory and want to keep it under control, give preference to a security system with a passive infrared sensor. Such devices can see over a distance of 1000 feet and even more, but if the size of the adjacent territory near your house is not so large, there is no need to overpay for a wide range.
Accuracy
Make sure that the risk of false alerts is minimal. If the alarm system sends you a signal about each and every bird and animal crossing its beam, that will quickly start annoying you. But, on the other hand, the device should be sensitive enough so that you could be sure that it detects all the potential dangers, and that your dear people and property are absolutely safe.
Resistance to unfavorable weather conditions
Check whether the chosen model can be installed outdoors. It should be resistant to rain, snow, cold, as well as sunlight. In addition, it should be made from durable materials.
Available upgrade options
Over some time, it may turn out that you need an additional motion sensor, a camera with higher resolution, or a different receiver, so it is more preferable to choose security systems that can potentially be upgraded and complemented with additional devices and accessories.
A power source
There are models that run on usual AA batteries, which are affordable and easy to buy. That is a good option, but keep in mind that you will have to replace those batteries regularly and, consequently, to have a supply at home. One more available option ― driveway alarms that are powered by an electric supply network. As a rule, they operate stably unless there are problems with the electricity supply. In addition, there are eco-friendly models equipped with solar batteries. If you choose such a security system, you will not have to pay for new batteries or electricity regularly. Besides, they are safe for the environment.
Ease of installation
The best choice is to pick a product, which you can install on your own without turning to a professional. That will save you effort and money.
FAQs
What is a driveway alarm?
How to choose the best driveway alarms?
Can pets trigger such sensors?
Where should I install a driveway detector?
Can light trigger such an alarm?
Can wind trigger such a device?
The Summary
Today, there is a good selection of devices that can help you ensure the safety of your home. If you live on the outskirts, the best variant is a driveway alarm. This product will inform you about approaching vehicles all around the clock, so you can be sure that there are no unwanted guests within your private territory. Use the ratings and guidance presented above to select the optimal model.