The Best Glass Break Sensors of 2023: A Definitive Guide

Glass break detectors are a lesser known, often crucial home security component that protect windows and help prevent break-ins and burglaries. If you have a lot of windows, you could likely benefit from installing at least one somewhere in your home. Below you’ll learn what they are, how they work, if you need one, and how to select the right component for your situation.

Glass break sensors—or detectors—are small devices placed on or near windows to notify a homeowner if someone tries to smash a window to break in. They’re usually included in only the most expensive home security packages, but are very important if you have a particularly vulnerable window, or several in one room. 

Glass break detectors work by sensing the noise or vibrations of a window shattering, then sounding a loud alarm and sending an alert signal to your security system. There are several different types that vary in how they sense break-ins or notify homeowners, but the basic pattern of detection and alarm remain the same. 

Not every home needs a glass break sensor, but they’re crucial for some applications. For example, if you have a bedroom or living space on the ground floor that contains a lot of valuable items, or a sunroom with windows throughout the space, you could benefit from the extra protection such a component provides. 

If the room you want to protect only has one window, an on-pane, shock-style sensor is best, while a space with many windows is best served by an acoustic unit. If you’re not sure which is right for you, contact a home security professional. 

In addition to enhancing a home’s overall safety, adding a glass break sensor to your security arsenal provides several benefits that help round out your entire system, and work for special cases when other components fall short. 

... glass break detectors are a great way to enhance security

Burglary Deterrent 

Before even working as an alarm, shock-style sensors stuck on a window pane often act as a deterrent for any burglars prowling around seeking an easy entrance. Stickers work for this purpose as well, but don’t hold the weight of an actual, visible component. 

Protection for Pets 

Glass break detectors are ideal for homes with pets because they work when motion detectors do not. The latter are a staple of any home security system, and often come with even the most entry-level packages. Unfortunately, they’re often incompatible with pets of 40 pounds or more that will cause a false alarm. 

Fortunately, glass break detectors are a great way to enhance security in pet-friendly rooms, as animals won’t set them off, but the homeowner will still get notified of any intrusions. Glass break sensors can even be used as a trigger to turn on a home security camera, just like a motion detector, so you can see what’s happening during a break-in.   

Space and Cost Efficient 

One sound-based glass-break detector can often cover an entire room with a range of 20 to 25 feet. This helps supplement other sensors in the room without adding excessive clutter or cost to your overall system. 

There are two standard types of glass break sensors: shock or vibration, and sound-based. Each has variations on the standard functionality. 

Vibration/Shock vs. Sound-Based Sensors

When a window is broken, the glass pane vibrates as it shatters, and a high-pitched, immediately recognizable sound is instantly emitted.

A shock-based sensor is attached to the glass pane with an adhesive so it can pick up any major movement in the glass. Most are programmed to sense only the specific vibrational frequency of glass breaking, and some offer adjustable sensitivity, so you can program it to ignore slight movements, like the reverberations of a slammed door. 

A sound-based sensor is programmed to detect the specific, high-frequency sound of glass breaking. These also often feature adjustable sensitivity, and one sensor works for a radius of 20 feet or more, so it can cover an entire room. 

Two-Stage vs. Single-Stage Sensors

Sound-based sensors come in two varieties: single- and two-stage. Two-stage sensors “listen” for two sounds in a row—a dull sound of glass being hit or cracked, and then a second noise from glass shattering or breaking. Single-stage options only listen for the shattering, crashing, sound without an initial thud. 

The addition of a second stage helps cut down on false alarms, and won’t go off if a glass breaks in the kitchen, for example. However, there is a very slightly higher chance of missing a legitimate break-in if the first thud isn’t registered, so it’s usually possible to adjust the sensor to act like its single-stage counterpart. 

The end choice comes down to compatibility, price, and personal preference. If you’re not sure which is best for your situation, contact a security professional. 

Wireless vs. Wired

Most of the popular security components on the market today are wireless, and glass break sensors are no different. Wired options are available, and offer benefits such as nonexistent battery maintenance, but usually the pros are outweighed by a complex installation process and aesthetic downsides.

Z-Wave vs. Wi-Fi vs. Radio Frequency Connection

Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Radio Frequency (RF) are three wireless communication methods by which a smart home security hub can connect with other components, including glass break detectors. In general, Z-Wave and RF are more secure than Wi-Fi, but your first priority should be to use whichever option is compatible with your home security hub. 

If you want to find a sensor that will work with your system, the first consideration is whether your hub is Wi-Fi or Z-Wave connected. Also check if your system requires a proprietary connection, like SimpliSafe’s line of components. The safest option is to use a glass-break sensor made by the same manufacturer of your smart home hub. Most security component companies have one in their lineup guaranteed to work with their main hub.  

You can often connect Wi-Fi sensors and smart hubs from different manufacturers, but you’ll have to check the individual specifications for compatibility, or browse forums online to read about users’ experiences. The same guideline applies to Z-Wave components. 

Installation of glass break detectors ranges from simple to quite involved, depending on the model. Most shock-sensing models come with an adhesive so you can simply stick it to the window, though wired models require you to drill holes and run wires if you want to hide them. 

Sound-detecting options also vary in installation procedures, with some that stick to walls with adhesive, are mounted with screws, or even set on a piece of furniture. There are even flush-mounted options, such as the Honeywell FG1625RFM housed inside your wall to reduce clutter.

When shopping for a glass break sensor, there are a few things to keep in mind, including: compatibility with your current system, sensor range, sensitivity settings, and battery and arming indicators. 

Compatibility

If you plan to connect the glass break sensor to your existing home security system (and we recommend that you do), make sure the two components are compatible. 

Range

Check that the range for any sound-based sensor is large enough for the room where it will be used. On the low end, sensors usually work for 20 to 25 feet, which is enough for even large rooms, but if you have an expansive open area, there are sensors with a range as wide as 30 to 35 feet. 

Sensitivity Settings

Modern sensors are designed to reduce false alarms, but even the best aren’t tested in every scenario. An accidental tap on a sliding door or a drinking glass breaking could create just the right vibration or sound to set off a detector, so it’s best to purchase a sensor with adjustable sensitivity settings to reduce false alarms. 

Indicators

Though not necessary, it can be helpful to look for a sensor with a light or other indicator of battery life and arming status. The other option is to purchase a connected device that can be monitored via your home security app, with indicators on your phone. 

Volume

If your sensor has a dedicated alarm, make sure it’s at least an 85-decibel (dB) unit. For reference, in many states, such as Maryland, smoke detectors are required to sound at 85 dB so they can “wake a sleeping person behind a closed door.”

Besides glass break sensors, another popular component used to protect windows is simply called a “window sensor,” or “contact.” These also help homeowners detect intruders, though the method and purpose are different. 

Window contact sensors detect if windows have been opened, not broken. A burglar can smash a window, reach through, and disarm a window sensor so it doesn’t set off an alarm. On the other hand, a glass break sensor protects against smashed window panes, but not against a burglar coming through an unlocked window. 

One is not better than the other, and in fact, the two sensors balance the other’s weaknesses quite well. The best solution for maximum security is to use both on especially vulnerable windows so any forced window entry causes an alarm. 

Professional-Grade Glass Break Sensors

Shock Based Sensors

Other Glass Break Sensors

More Options

Ring Glass Break Detectors

DESCRIPTION

As of the end of summer 2019, Ring does not have a glass break sensor, but it’s worth noting that they offer an integration with Alexa guard. This means any security-related notifications will be sent to your phone through the Ring.com app with the built-in option to contact the authorities. Still, if glass-break sensors are a priority, other security providers offer better options. 

Alexa Guard

DESCRIPTION

In early summer 2019, Amazon rolled out the Guard service for all Echo models. When enabled, your Echo can listen for carbon monoxide and fire alarms and the sound of glass breaking. When one of these is detected, you’ll get a notification. This isn’t a replacement for a professional security system, but can be a helpful supplement. 

Learn More

If you need help finding which home security components would be best for you, contact us. We’ll help you design a system that will work for your needs and budget, no matter if you live in an apartment or full-sized home.

Request a quote from us, today!