The Best Monitors and Home Security Devices Without Cameras

They are very reliable. I’ve tested it in drawer after drawer, and it always alerts me when it’s opened. It also keeps a log with recorded times. While the information goes through the cloud, developer Kinisium says it doesn’t collect data, and you can turn off logging if you want. The key also has a Stasis feature, so you can adjust it and alert you when there is no movement for a set amount of time. This makes it a very versatile monitoring tool, and you can use this method to make sure an elderly relative opens their medicine cabinet every day or see when your dog walker has opened the door. Kini is also related to IFTTT automated, and there’s also a webhook integration that can send notifications to a custom link.

Motion Sensor Information

There are many other motion sensors that can alert you to movement or presence in an area or room start lightingbut the right one for you depends on the current situation setting up a smart home.

I really like the Eve Motion Sensorbut if you want it to trigger notifications, you’ll need a smart home, and you’ll need to set up an automated system. It is a reliable sensor that works indoors or outdoors. I tried it with the Google Home system.

The Leather FP2 Presence Sensor ($83) it has many features, including zonal and multi-person detection, and is compatible with all large indoor environments, although it is not always accurate in detecting the number of people in the room. It’s cheap Aqara FP300 ($50) it is a good presence sensor for many people and can also monitor light, temperature, and humidity.

The Switchbot Presence Sensor ($30) it’s the cheapest sensor I’ve tested and has similar features, but you’ll need the Switchbot hub if you want notifications, and there’s a lag between detection and alerting.

The Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor is great, but only if you have a Hue setup, as it requires a Hue Bridge to connect. I put the sensor on my back and tested it with the Bridge Pro. It reliably detects people with fewer errors. I configured my outdoor sensor to turn on the backlight (not Hue) when the sun goes down and send me notifications when it happens between specific hours (midnight and 6am) using Google Gemini.

There is also a Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor and a Contact sensor ($40) for doors and windows. They are all very reliable and can be programmed to trigger notifications.

Smart Light Sensing

As an interesting alternative to dedicated home sensors, you can also use other smart lights to detect presence and movement in the home.

Wiz SpaceSense

If you have a few Wiz lights, you can try it SpaceSensewhich uses Wi-Fi to detect movement in rooms. I was not happy when I tried SpaceSensebut how it works depends on how many Wiz lights you have and where they are. I was also testing it as a flash mode, and there is a delay that prevents it from being used on those scores. But as a security alert that can tell you about your movements when you’re away, it can be very useful. If you have Wiz lights, you can try again, because it does not require registration.

Philips Hue MotionAware

Signify is the parent company of Wiz and Philips Hue, and MotionAware is very similar to SpaceSense, but uses Zigbee, not Wi-Fi. Again, how it works depends on how many Philips Hue lights you have and their configuration. Unfortunately, registration is required if you want to receive notifications. MotionAware can turn on the lights at no extra cost, but if you want motion alerts, you’ll have to pay $1 a month or $10 a year. It is also included in the Hue Secure subscription from $4 per month.

Other Security Measures

SimpliSafe

8-Piece Wireless Home Security System

You can consider a modular security system. We like the Simplisafe systemwhich provides a start point, keypad, and various sensors. You can also get modular systems from security stalwarts like The price of ADT and Vivintand security camera manufacturers like it Euphy and Arlo.