Whether it’s monitoring your home for uninvited visitors or keeping tabs on stray pets crossing your property, a driveway alarm can be a useful tool. Interested in keeping tabs on what’s happening around your home? Read about 2020’s best driveway alarms below.
Driveway Informer Wireless Driveway Alarm
The Di2000S-AG uses a state of the art passive-infrared (PIR) sensor to detect any movement within the detection zone. When the sensor detects motion it transmits a wireless signal up to 1,000 ft. away to a plug-in receiver. When the receiver receives the alert, it emits a chime sound in order to notify you of any movement.
If you are managing multiple and lengthy driveways, the extra range is very helpful. The transmitters are highly weather-resistant against rain, heat, and moisture.
Installation is easy thanks to clear instruction manual and a helpful support team.
What we like
- Long-Range Beam: Accurately detects activity from cars, animals, and humans
- Long Battery Life: you may not have to change batteries for up to 2 years
- Weather-proof construction: Resists rain, snow, and dust
- Easy Installation: Setting it up is easy and the manufacturer has a reputation for helpful support
What we don’t like
- Batteries not included
- Only 4 chime options
- Can be more sensitive during rain
Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm
Although this alarm comes with a single passive infrared motion sensor and receiver, the Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm system can be expanded to accommodate up to 16 sensors and many receivers from other home security systems.
Another versatile feature is that users can select from over 30 alert tones. It detects movement from as far as 40 feet away and can transmit up to a quarter of a mile. A small red light comes on when the sensor detects movement.
It is highly durable and comes with a lifetime warranty. Its sensor is designed to be weather resistant, and the receiver comes with a rechargeable backup battery.
What we like
- Easy Installation: Just mount the sensor to a tree or tree-like object 2-3 feet above the ground.
- Long Range: Passive Infrared technology picks up activity up to 500 feet away.
- Alternative Power Sources: The sleek design of the Trim Plus comes in a number of colors and can be further customized by changing the color of the LED light.
- Expandable: Add up to 16 sensors and unlimited receivers for complete coverage of your property.
What we don’t like
- High Sensitivity: Too sensitive, leading to false positives
- Occasional False Alarms: Some report inaccurate car detection.
- Not Weatherproof: Susceptible to the elements and can wear out due to prolonged exposure.
- Not an External Alarm: The alert is intended to be heard only by those inside the house.
Chamberlain CWA2000 Driveway Alarm System
The most prominent positive feature of this alarm is that it has a very long range. The CWA2000’s sensors can connect with its receiver from as far as half a mile away, making it an excellent choice for monitoring large areas.
It its simple structure and design, it is highly accurate, easy to install, and reasonably priced for its features.
What we like
- Effortless to install and set up
- Affordable compared to similar products
- Long half-mile range
- Offers alternative sources of power — battery or connect it to a power outlet
- Expandable and can accommodate signals from as many as four sensors
What we don’t like
- Too sensitive, leading to false positives
- The volume cannot be adjusted
- Susceptible to the elements and can wear out due to prolonged exposure
Dakota Alert Driveway Alarm
The Dakota driveway alarm is perfect for users who want more advanced vehicle detection. The alarm has a probe-style design that you install in the ground to detect vibrations produced by metal objects (e.g. vehicles).
It comes with about 50 feet of wire for underground installation, enabling transmission over long distances – good for those with a large amount of space between their homes and the end of their driveway. Its electromagnetic probes and passive infrared motion sensors make it excellent for monitoring your property.
What we like
- Good for large properties
- Relatively low cost
What we don’t like
- Underground sensor has a short cable length that restricts how far it can be positioned from its receiver
- Short transmission range
Rodann Wireless Driveway Alarm
The Rodann Wireless Driveway alarm is excellent at detecting human or animal movement across an area because its reads thermal output produced by living things rather than listening for vehicular vibrations.
It has the most extended passive infrared motion sensor range of all the listed alarms, but has a short sensor-receiver range. It is best installed closer to the house.
The most distinctive feature of this alarm is the LCD counter on its receiver which tabulates the number of bodies detected until the user resets it.
What we like
- Longest passive infrared sensor range
- Expandable with extra external sensors
- LCD counter notes how many times the alarm has been triggered
What we don’t like
- Short-term warranty (1 year)
- Premium price
What are driveway alarms?
Driveway alarms are essentially sensitive motion sensors and receivers. When something moves into the path of its infrared beams, you are immediately notified.
Many driveway alarms can also detect outgoing movements, so you can tell which way your pet went or if a family member is entering or leaving the premises.
There are many benefits to installing a driveway alarm, however, with so many on the market, it’s helpful to know how to differentiate between them to find the one that best meets your security needs.
What to look for in a driveway alarm
Clear upgrade paths: Can the driveway alarm systems be expanded to include a number of receivers and sensors?
Weather-resistance: Is the alarm designed with weatherproof features?
Status check: Is the user alerted if the driveway alarm connection is still working or if the signal is lost?
Ease of installation: Is the alarm system wireless or wired?
Alternative power options: Does the product use rechargeable batteries or single-use battery, or has an alternative power source
