Feeling safe in our own homes is a top priority, and anything we can do for that extra bit of peace of mind is worth paying for.
While full home security systems may be out of some people’s price ranges or not worth the hassle with wiring and a long set-up process; window and door alarms are a great alternative.
Window alarms are an amazing affordable solution, with little to no set-up time, you can get your home protected in as little as 24 hours thanks to Amazon’s next day delivery with Prime. Fitted with loud siren alarms, window alarms are a great deterrent for any possible intruder, some even act as a visual deterrent.
The best window alarms, at a glance:
• Best overall window alarm: Noopel Window Door Alarm 6 Pack - View now on Amazon
• Best window alarm brand for full home security: Hive Window and Door Sensor - View now on Amazon
• Best window alarm and home security set: EUFY 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit - View now on Currys
Keep yourself and your home safe with the best window alarms from retailers like Amazon and Argos, so you can get your home protected right away. Check out our round-up for the best window alarms for every budget.
Shop for the best window alarms 2024
Best overall window alarm
AmazonDescription
Improve your home security with this top-rated set of two, four, or six trigger alarms. Fitted with a loud 120-decibel siren alert, and no wiring or screws needed, these are the perfect alarms to get your home equipped quickly and safely. With its easy installation and versatile application on various window types, this compact yet powerful gadget is a must-have addition to any modern home seeking enhanced protection.
Customer review: "Unfortunately lots of reports of break ins in our area recently so have felt uneasy staying in my own home at night. These Noopel alarms have made me feel a lot better! They are SOOOO loud. Very easy to work and super sticky backing so stay in place. Cannot recommend enough!"
Pros
- Ultra-thin
- Comes equipped with a low battery indicator
- 120-Decibel loud siren to alert you of intruders
Cons
- Some reviewers found the batteries were tricky to keep in place
Best window alarm brand for full home security
AmazonDescription
Easy to install, these clever wireless sensors send an alert straight to your smartphone if your window or doors have been opened. Compatible with iOS and Android operating systems, these sensors feature motion detection and give you the ability to set schedules for devices. Includes one Hive window and door sensor.
Customer review: “Excellent to be able to get notifications if a door is opened or to just be able to check via the app if a door or window has been left open. The best bit though is controlling the lights to come on at night when for example, when I open the front door when getting home.”
Pros
- Lets you set schedules for on/off periods
- Connected to smartphone for easy control from anywhere
- You can go back in time and see when the motion sensor has detected motion over the last seven days
Cons
- Hive hub is required
Best window alarm and home security set
Curryswww.currys.co.uk
Description
Get some peace of mind with the Eufy 5-Piece Home Alarm Kit. It comes with the HomeBase, keypad, motion sensor and two entry sensors. It connects with the Eufy Security app on your phone to notify you of any suspicious movement or an open window. The perfect set of alarms for your home. Includes HomeBase, keypad, motion sensor and two entry sensors.
Customer review: “Easy to install, the phone app works very well, can either use the keypad or the phone app to control the alarm. You can add cameras or additional door or window contacts if required.”
Pros
- Complete home security in one kit
- Easy wireless installation
- Long battery life
Cons
- Motion sensor isn't ideal if you have pets
Best smart window alarm
AmazonDescription
This five-pack of IntelliTAG alarms uses multiple sensors and an advanced algorithm, to analyse vibration patterns to detect the first sign of a break-in before a door or window is opened. The IntelliTAG is adaptable to all sorts of doors and windows. With a really easy installation process, simply place it on any window or door, connect it to your smartphone and you will be ready to go! Includes five IntelliTAG sensor alarms. The IntelliTAG is compatible with both Somfy One and Somfy Home Alarm.
Customer review: “Works really well, have now set the alarm off a few times by opening a window or a door after forgetting to turn the alarm off. The default sensitivity may be too high for a front door if you have deliverymen like the ones we have, who sound like they're trying to batter the door down when they deliver a parcel. The nice thing about this is the anti-intrusion works well, just may need some tweaking.”
Pros
- Simple installation
- Connects to a smartphone for easy control from anywhere
- Uses multiple sensors and an advanced algorithm to analyse vibration patterns to detect if there's a break-in
Cons
- Default sensitivity may be too high
Best budget window alarm
AmazonDescription
Highly reliable alarm for all types of glass window or door panels, including double glazing. This alarm uses shock sensor technology to detect forced entries and attempted smashing. With powerful 110dBs sirens are sure to deter any thieves and attract the necessary attention. Includes two window alarms.
Customer review: “These are very effective. They have two sensitivity settings. A word of warning if you have a 'Ring' doorbell. When the Window Alert is set to maximum sensitivity, it will go off when the Ring doorbell is rung. I have several of these and it was quite alarming (pun intended) when they all went off together when someone came to the door. However, the lower sensitivity is still fine and I can't see how someone could get in without setting it off.”
Pros
- Loud siren alarm and shock sensor technology
- Visual deterrent for intruders
- Powerful 110-decibel sirens to attract attention
Cons
- Adhesive backing that's supplied isn't long-lasting
Best multi-purpose window alarm
AmazonDescription
With up to 300 feet remote-control range, this window alarm system has some impressive multi-functional uses. While of course it can be used as a security alarm or even an open-door chime, with an emergency SOS mode, seniors can easily get help in an emergency when alerted - great protection and safety all-around! Includes 2 pack alarm with remote.
Customer review: “Needed these for my two back doors for nighttime security measures. Tested all 4 chime settings, loud enough & easy to use. Good Product!”
Pros
- 300 feet remote-control range
- Multi-purpose with SOS mode for emergencies
- Two modes: Doorbell mode and Alarm mode
Cons
- Siren could be louder
Best Ring window alarm
AmazonDescription
Designed to provide peace of mind, the Ring Alarm sensor is there to protect your home with its clever construction. With real-time notifications that let you know when a door or window opens in your home, and easy mounting to said doors and windows - what's not to love? Its sleek and compact design ensures discreet integration into your home décor, while its technology can extend to your Alexa device so you can be notified when your sensors are low on battery.
Customer review: "Surprised at just how easy this was to set up. Just connect one device at a time, install it and then do the next one. Even covered the garage which is 10m away, and didn't need the extender, the normal WiFi needs an extender to get there. Very happy with this purchase."
Pros
- Get real-time notifications the moment a door or window opens
- Easy, tool-free installation
- Alexa can notify you when your Ring alarm sensors are running low on battery
Cons
- Quite easily knocked off
Best window alarms for home security: FAQs
Are window alarms effective?
Window alarms are an effective piece of smart home technology, and do help to improve home security, as it adds another layer of defence against any potential intruders. Window alarms are there to alert you the moment a window is opened, or even tampered with - and this is a big deterrent to burglars. The effectiveness of window alarms lies in their ability to act as an early warning system, giving residents precious moments to react, and even stop a break-in.
Obvious window alarms also act as a psychological deterrent, as just the presence of them might prevent a break-in in the first place.
It's always a good idea to have some sort of home security system in place, to make sure your home is always safe, and most importantly, you're always safe.
Where should alarm sensors be placed on windows?
Window sensors should be placed at key entry points, like ground-level windows, basement windows, and any other accessible windows. Think about the layout of your home and place any alarms on the windows that are hidden or can't be seen from a main road. On the window itself, the alarm should go on the bottom or side frame of the window pane, so that the sensor moves with the window when opened.
Should I put sensors on every window?
It might not be necessary to put an alarm on every window, your first-floor windows will probably be okay without them. Saying that, if you live in a high-crime area, or have a large number of easily accessible windows, putting a sensor on each one will provide you with thorough surveillance, and gives you the maximum chance of being alerted if anything were to happen. On the other hand, if you live in a relatively quiet and low-crime area, you might not feel it necessary to put a sensor on every window. It's about striking a balance between you feeling safe, but not going overkill if it's not required.
Angelica Daujotas has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Yours, heat, Closer, Grazia and What’s The Best as a Commercial Content Writer since 2020. Angelica has a BA in Fashion Communication and Promotion from Norwich University of the Arts. She is now the Commerce Editor at Footballco.