Best Z Wave Door Sensors Reviewed 2020

One of the excellent features of using a Z-Wave based home automation system is the large variety of accessories that are available for everything from motion detectors to door sensors. See the list of the best Z wave door sensors below and read further to get more information!

1. BeSense Z-Wave Plus – The contact sensor has an adjustable operating temperature and is equipped with a maximum outdoor range of 100 feet
2. Fibaro Z-Wave Plus Door – These sensors are well-built and high-quality while being affordable
3. Ecolink Z-Wave Plus – Improved accuracy is provided with the inclusion of rare earth magnets in the design of the sensors
4. Neo Coolcam Z-Wave – This affordable z-wave door window sensor is equipped with a concealed RED LED that’s activated with contact is broken or made
5. Monoprice Z-Wave Plus – This z wave motion sensor features the latest Z-Wave Plus chip and has an exceptional operating range of up to 300 feet
6. Philio Z Wave – These z wave multi-contact sensors feature the latest Z-Wave 500 series chip, which allows the concurrent multi-channel support to aid in improving the RF range, reducing interference, and providing up to 100kbps transmission speed
7. HomeSeer Z-Wave Plus – This contact sensor is equipped to accommodate a maximum outdoor range of up to 300 feet and provides the user with a notification when the door or window contact sensor picks up any tampering
8. Haozee Z-Wave – These z wave hubs compatible device provides low battery alerts, as well as battery status
9. GoControl Z-Wave – This Sensor z wave device incorporates a red LED into the sensor’s main body, which provides the relative technology to accurately indicate when a door or window is open or closed
10. Aeotec Door and Window Sensor 6 – This door and window sensor is stylish and sleek while being equipped with three sensors (a dry contact sensor, a tilt sensor, and a magnetic contact sensor)

Today, we are going to look at some of the best Z-Wave window and door sensors that are perfect for automating your smart home. It can be challenging trying to find the best sensor for your home. That’s why we have done all the research for you.

Here are some of the features these door and window sensors are equipped to provide you with through your Z-Wave based smart home hub: 

• Incorporating a mailbox sensor into your Z-Wave based smart home hub provides you with the ability to get push and voice alerts when you receive new mail
• You can keep an eye on a door that isn’t normally supposed to be open with the door sensors for added security
• You gain the ability to send push notifications or give voice alerts to your smartphone if there is a window that is open past a specific time of the day
• You can automatically turn down the thermostat if your external windows or doors are open for too long

However, it’s important that you aren’t advised to use the Z-Wave window or door sensors as your main security measure for your property. A more advisable method of securing your home would be to use dedicated alarm panels. These alarm panels can also be incorporated into your existing Z-Wave hub. Some of these alarm systems and panels that can be incorporated into your Z-Wave hub include Honeywell and DSC.

How Do Z-Wave Door Sensors Work? 

A common misconception is that contact sensors touch one another. However, door sensors aren’t actually meant to touch each other. Door sensors are also equipped with two halves. These halves feature a main sensor body that contains the battery, electronics, as well as a magnetic half. These two halves can be separated by a small gap, but this gap can’t be larger than an inch. The reason for this is that when this one-inch gap is broken between these two halves, the ‘magnetic contact’ between these halves is broken, and the doors are reported as being open to your Z-Wave hub.

What Different Types of Z-Wave Door Sensors Do You Get? 

The form factor plays a role when we are looking to group the different types of Z-Wave door sensors. Due to the form factor, we can group these into the following categories: 

Door and Window Sensors 

Door and window sensors are built in two halves. These two halves are made up of the main sensor housing facility with the smaller magnet and the battery. The half is meant to go onto the door or window frame while the other half of the sensor goes onto the door or window. 

Recessed Door Sensors

These recessed door sensors are also built to come in two halves. However, the difference is that the larger half is equipped with the battery and is meant to be recessed into the door. In addition, the smaller half of the door sensor is recessed into the door itself. 

A good few of door sensor models are equipped to measure the magnetic contact (open or close status), along with the humidity and the temperature. These features are included in all categories of Z-Wave door sensors and aren’t confined to one category. A good example of this is the Philio Door and Window Multisensor. 

How Is A Z-Wave Door Sensor Installed? 

Installing a Z-Wave door sensor is exactly the same as installing any other Z-Wave device. You need to begin by ‘including’ these Z-Wave door window sensors in your Z-Wave network. This can be done by following the manufacturer’s inclusion method. However, we have picked up some tips and tricks throughout the years of performing these Z-Wave door window sensor installations. Here are two very helpful tips: 

Before you start the installation process, it’s important to factory reset the Z-Wave door window sensors. Factory resetting these devices can save you many hours of frustration while you are trying to effectively set-up your Z-Wave device.

While performing the inclusion process, t’s imperative to keep the device as close as possible to the Z-Wave hub. A good distance to aim for would be a little less one-meter distance between the Z-Wave door window sensors and the Z-Wave hub. Keeping the sensors at a close distance to the Z-Wave hub is also known to help eliminate the common problem where the device is included in the Z-Wave hub, but it is included in non-secure mode.  

What Are The Main Considerations You Should Look For In A Z-Wave Door Window Sensor? 

There are a variety of considerations you should make before purchasing your Z-Wave door window sensor. These considerations are: 

Size: 

If you want Z-Wave devices that are discreet, you are going to need sensors that are smaller in size. Your options do become limited when wanting this discreet choice. Nonetheless, these smaller-sized door and window sensors do exist.

Z-Wave Plus:

The latest Z-Wave Plus standard technology is equipped to provide your device with an improved wireless range, secured communications, and a longer battery life. The majority of Z-Wave door and window sensors do feature a Z-Wave Plus certification these days, and there are many door and window sensors with this certification on our list. However, it’s still good to check what technology is incorporated into the design of the Z-Wave devices. 

Sensitivity: 

There is a limit to how far apart you can position the two halves of the sensor. This limit exists because of the incorporation of magnets in the sensor’s design. A great example of this sensitivity is that the Aeotec by Aeon Labs Door Window Sensor 6 is able to work over a gap of up to 0.087 inches or 2.2 cm. Another element to be aware of is if your window or door doesn’t close flush with the frame. For example, the two halves end up on different planes. If this is the case, the sensitivity of these devices is going to be lower. Thus, the maximum effective gap between the two halves is reduced. 

Battery Life: 

A common battery life expectancy of these Z-Wave sensor devices is around one to two years. A general rule to follow is that the smaller door and window sensors have smaller batteries. As a result, the battery life of these smaller devices is lower. However, some of these door and window sensors are equipped with a battery life that lasts up to 3 years. There are some rechargeable models that exist on the market, but these devices are incredibly rare to find. A good product that has rechargeable features is the Aeotec rechargeable door sensor. 

Before diving into our list of the best Z-Wave Door and Window Sensor Products, it’s good to note that this article may contain affiliate links. Clicking on this link and then purchasing the product that may result in us gaining a small commission. However, these affiliate links don’t cost you anything extra to what you would have paid without the affiliate link. Including an affiliate link also helps make your shopping experience more convenient as you can immediately find the amazon product we are mentioning as oppose to searching it yourself during or after reading this article.

What Are The Best Z-Wave Door and Window Motion Detector Sensors for 2020? 

There are tremendous amounts of Z-Wave door and window sensors being released all the time, and there isn’t a shortage of devices already on the market. Due to this, it can be incredibly challenging trying to find the best device for your needs and specifications, especially when these devices all claim to be the best. For this reason, we have designed this article and provided you with a ranked look at the best door window sensors of 2020. Here are our picks for the best Z-Wave sensors of 2020: 

1. BeSense Z-Wave Plus Window and Door Sensor (IM20)

BeSense is one of the main developers of low-power wireless loT systems. The unique design incorporated in the Z-Wave Plus window and door sensor features a red LED light on the main smart sensor body. This aids in monitoring the open and closed smart status of the window or door. It also features some of the best instructions for including the sensor into the Vera Plus and Samsung SmartThings. These instructions can be found on the BeSense website, or it is included in the user manual of the sensor.  

The sensor runs off the best battery-operated system, and the sensor can be purchased from one of the most established and best online platforms, Amazon.

The sensor gets its power from two AAA batteries, lasting for up to 3 years. It also has the functionality to prevent tampering, which is an excellent feature. It also provides a maximum gap between the two halves of the sensor of 5/8 inches. The smart door and window sensor also features a contact sensor that provides advanced functionality.

Full Specs: 

• Available on Amazon and transmits the open or closed status to the hub incorporated into the sensor along with transmitting the low-battery alert, battery status, and tamper notification
• Has a maximum outdoor range of 100 feet
• Compatible with Vera Plus, Samsung SmartThings, and many other Z-Wave hubs
• Z-Wave Plus certified
• The sensor uses two AAA batteries and that has 3 years battery life

2. Fibaro Z-Wave Plus Door and Window Sensor (FGK-101 ZW5)

Fibaro is another high-quality brand that offers well-built and affordable products with Z-Wave certification that can be purchased on Amazon. This particular door and window sensor is equipped with a temperature measure feature and motion sensors that are crafted with a small footprint. The sensor comes in seven different colors. The sensors are available in three shades of brown, cream, black, grey, and white. It features a small blue LED lights that are used to monitor the open and closed status and provide alerts to your smart home system when contact is broken or made. These LED lights offer an effective visual indicator to show that the device is functional.  

Full Specs:

• Tamper-proof
• ER14250 1/2 AA battery
• Transmits an open and closed status
• Compatible with Vera Plus, Samsung SmartThings, and other Z-Wave hubs
• The smart sensor works with the DS18B20 temperature sensor and can be viewed on Amazon
• The year battery life is equipped to last for 12 to 24 months
• Equipped with an operating range of 164 feet
• Z-Wave Plus certified

3. Ecolink Z-Wave Plus Door and Window Sensors (DWZWAVE2-ECO)

Ecolink is one of the leading manufacturers of low-power home automation wireless systems with over 20 years of experience. These smart devices are designed with Z-Wave plus rare earth magnets, which aids in improving the accuracy of the functionality of the sensor.  

This Ecolink Z-Wave door and window smart device is crafted with a glossy white coating. This design makes the Ecolink Z-Wave sensor white, brown DWZWAVE2 stand out from the rest, and make it more stylish and sleek. You are given the ability to effortlessly and quickly open the sensor when needed due to the tool-free access. An exceptional feature of this Ecolink Z-Wave sensor is that the functionality enables a non-powered external contact to be connected. It also holds the capability to report when the smart device senses tampering whenever the cover is opened. 

The gap between the two halves of the Ecolink Z-Wave smart sensor 6 has a maximum range of 5/8 inches. This maximum range makes the motion sensors the ideal device for double hung or commercial windows. This sensor can also be purchased on Amazon.

The inclusion process of this sensor into the home automation hub is made effortless and straightforward. You need to ensure that your hub is set to inclusion mode. After completing this, you need to pull out the plastic pull-tab that’s located at the back of the sensor. Doing this activates the device. After completing this, the sensor should automatically begin the inclusion process. Once this security easy installation for home or commercial use is complete, the red LED lights should turn to a solid red and then go out completely. 

Full Specs: 

• Holds the ability to transmit an open and closed status, along with sends notifications about any tampering has been sensed, when there is low-battery, as well as the battery status of the sensor Z-Wave to the home automation smart hub and can be purchased through Amazon
• The device is Z-Wave Plus certified
• Crafted to be attached with the provided glue, screws, and adhesive pads
• Holds 3 years’ worth of battery life
• Battery-powered with an x 1 CR123A battery
• Door and window sensor Z-Wave security sensor that holds a weather operating rating for indoor use only
• Compatible with Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, along with other Z-Wave hubs
• The Z-Wave door sensor has a maximum outdoor range of up to 100 ft

4. Neo Coolcam Z-Wave Door Sensor Cheap Device

This smart home Z-Wave window sensor and door sensor is known for its excellent affordability. It works incredibly well as a motion sensor. It’s crafted to be a door window sensor white device that has a concealed red LED light that is activated whenever contact is broken or made. The sensors Z-Wave is one of the best devices as it provides a reliable battery life and performance. However, one drawback of the motion sensors is that it isn’t equipped with a tamper section sensor or a tilt sensor.  

Full Specs: 

• The door sensor Z-Wave holds the ability to transmit an open or closed status and battery status to the smart home SmartThings hubs along with other smart home hubs
• Equipped with Z-Wave Plus Certified for doors and windows
• Battery operated with an x 1 CR2 battery
• Compatible with Samsung SmartThings hub, Vera Plus, along with other Z-Wave home hubs, which helps improve your home security and smart home automation
• The Z-Waver sensor las an operating range of up to 200 feet. 
• 1-year battery life that can last up to 2 years

5. Monoprice Z-Wave Plus Doors and Windows Sensor (24259)

Monprice is known for its great line-up of Z-Wave sensor devices. It offers an exceptional 4 in 1 multipurpose sensor that is equipped with excellent performance.  

It is in no way seen as being one of the fanciest Z-Wave sensors. However, the purpose of the multipurpose sensor is to get the job done effectively and at a good price. It is crafted with an industrial look and can’t be classified as a small window sensor, white, brown device. Nonetheless, the features that the multipurpose sensor offers exceptional features.

The amazon product has the latest Z-Wave Plus chip, along with an incredible operating range of 300 feet. It is battery operated and uses two AAA batteries. This battery operation is the reason for the Z-Wave garage holding a 1-year battery life. One of the best features about the amazon garage door motion sensors is that is designed with an LED smart lighting feature, which indicates the open and closed status to the Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, and other Z-Wave compatible security hubs the DIY home automation motion sensor device is linked to, along with offering tamper deception functionality.  

Full Specs: 

• The home security best smart amazon sensor holds the ability to transmit an open and closed status to the home security hubs that the device is linked to
• 1 Z-Wave Plus certified
• operates off of two AAA batteries and has up to 2 years of battery life
• Has an operating range of up to 98 feet indoors and 328 feet outdoors
• Equipped with tamper detection
• The product available on amazon is equipped with Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, and various other Z-Wave hubs

6. Philio Z-Wave Recessed Door Sensor (PSMO1)

This is one of the best Z-Wave door window sensor devices and is manufactured by a Taiwanese manufacturer. This device available on the Amazon is part of the PSTO2 series that offers three models. The different models offer either a 4 in 1 model, which is equipped with some of the best features. These include temperature sensor capability, motion detection, illumination, and an open/close detection. Another model offered in this range features everything mentioned above except for the open and close detection sensor. In contrast, the final model provided is equipped with everything but PIR motion detection functionality.

All of these models have the latest and best Z-Wave 500 series chip, which allows for the concurrent multi-channel support to have improved RF range, reduced interference, and up to 100 kbps transmission speed.

This multi-sensor smart home automation door window sensor (that you can view on amazon) is pre-installed with a CR123A battery. Moreover, making use of this garage door sensor product available on Amazon is ensured to be effortless and straightforward. This is due to the user guide that’s incredibly accurate, detailed, a well-written. In addition, the Phillio sensor can easily be linked to Samsung SmartThings hub home automation, as well as any other home hub system. 

This door window sensor is also crafted with two tamper-proof switches that are located at the back and front. This is an excellent feature as the home automation device that you can view on Amazon is installed on windows or doors. More interesting features included in the design of the motion sensor is the OTA (Over the Air) firmware upgrade, along with the DIP switch. This switch holds the capability of allowing you to put the door window sensor into Test mode. The test mode provides you with the ability to test the device’s functionality without having to install it.

Full Specs: 

• The device is equipped with Open or Closed detection, along with temperature, light, and motion detection
• The device that you can view on Amazon is only crafted for indoor use
• Tamper-proof
• Can work with some of the best home automation smart hubs such as the Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, along with a variety of other Z-Wave smart home hubs. However, these are sold separately

7. HomeSeer HS-ds100+ Z-Wave Plus Home Automation Door Window Sensor 

HomeSeer is known for offering effective accessories that have the Z-Wave chip incorporated into the design. One of these accessories is the smart home automation motion sensor HS-DS100+ device that you can view on Amazon. 

Its equipped with a temperature sensor, tilt sensor, motion sensor, which sends valuable alerts to some of the best home security smart hubs, such as the Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, and many more.

Full Specs: 

• The tile sensor, along with the other functionalities, allows the smart device (that you can view on Amazon) with the ability to send alerts pertaining to the open and closed status, low-battery, battery status, and tamper notifications
• The smart device is Z-Wave Plus certified
• Can easily be attached to the use of the provided screws, adhesive pads, and glue
• Features have been included to make the smart home automation device tamper-proof
• Equipped with two AAA batteries, which provide the user with a smart device with a maximum of two years battery life
• The size of the sensory body is 3 inches x 1-inch x .75 inches, while the size of the magnet piece is 3 inches x .5 inches x .75 inches. Only suitable for indoor use
• Has a maximum outdoor range of up to 300 feet
• The smart security DIY home Amazon sensor is one of the most efficient and best devices that can last up to 2 years and is compatible with Samsung SmartThings hub, Vera Plus, and various other Z-Wave hubs

8. Haozee Z-Wave Window and Door Smart Home Sensor 

This smart home sensor seems to be inspired by one of the best smart Amazon security sensors (the Neo Coolcam Window and Door Sensor) and is crafted with similar features. Thus, it’s also one of the most effective and best sensors that you can view on Amazon. 

The security features offered by the smart device are excellent. It is equipped with a tilt sensor, among other sensors, to provide alerts pertains to the battery and open/closed status of the window or door.

Full Specs: 

• The smart garage door sensor is equipped with the ability to transmit the battery and open/close status to the linked smart home hubs
• Has an x 1 CR2 battery
• The product available on Amazon has a battery life that can last for up to 2 years
• Features an IP20 outdoor rated weather rating
• The operating range is equivalent to a maximum of 200 feet 
• Compatible with Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, as well as other Z-Wave hubs
• Features the best smart magnets door window sensor for improved accuracy

9. GoControl Z-Wave Window and Door Sensor (WADWAZ-1)

GoControl is an incredibly popular brand that is owned by a Californian-based company called Nortek Security. This WADWAZ-1 garage door sensor (that can be purchased on Amazon) is crafted as a reed-switch type sensor and holds the ability to operate at a maximum gap of .75 inches between the magnet and the sensor body. The 1-year battery life is provided by the single CR-123A battery. 

It’s equipped with a red LED light that’s incorporated into the main sensor body, which is used to indicate when the window or door is opened or closed. This open/closed status is also recorded and transmitted to the smart hub that the sensor is linked to. 

The LED light is made to begin flashing slowly when you first insert the battery. This flashing is used to indicate that the sensor is not yet linked to a Z-Wave network. You are going to need to put the inclusion mode into your hub for this linking process to take place. After doing this, the inclusion is designed for beginning automatically. This inclusion has been completed when the red LED light stops flashing.

However, if the automatic inclusion fails to work, you are able to attempt manually, including the sensor. You can do this by holding the tamper or program switch for exactly one second. After holding the button for one second, you need to release it. The LED is going to stop blinking when the inclusion is successful.

This is one of the only smart home sensors that have an additional opening.

Full Specs: 

• The smart sensor is equipped with some of the best smart transmission functions that provide you with alerts pertaining to your tampering detection, open or closed status, low battery alert, and battery status to the smart home hub that the sensor is linked to
• Equipped with the function to monitor an additional wired contacting sensor and feedback the status of this additional wired contacting sensor to your smart home hub that the sensor has been included with
• Z-Wave certified
• You can easily attach the sensor to a window or door with the included glue, screws, or adhesive pads
• The sensor is equipped with features that make it tamper-proof. 
• Has x 1 CR123A battery, which allows the sensor to last for up to one year
• Has a maximum outdoor range of up to 100 feet
• Compatible with Samsung SmartThings, Vera Plus, and many other Z-Wave hubs
• Also crafted as an earth magnets door window sensor for improved functionally and accuracy

When viewing, searching, or purchasing the sensor on Amazon or any other platforms, you should keep in mind that the GoControl window and door sensor is also marketed as the Linear Z-Wave Window and Door Sensor. 

10. Aeotec Door and Window Sensor 7 Device (ZWA008)

The Aeotec by Aeon Labs Door and Window Home Automation Sensor 7 and Sensor 6 is designed to provide a home with a stylish and sleek device equipped with three sensors. These three sensors from Aeon labs consist of a tilt sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a dry contact sensor. This new iteration features a single 1/2 AA battery, rather than its predecessor, which had a sealed rechargeable battery.  

This Aeotec sensor 7 door sensor consists of two parts. The main half of the sensor has a body that is designed with two magnetic reed switches that are placed along the body’s edges. These two magnetic reed switches are triggered by a 20 mm wide magnet that holds the ability to be placed up to 15 mm away.  

Full Specs: 

• The size of the magnet has a height of 8mm or 0.13 inches, a width of 20 mm or 0.78 inches, and a depth of 11 mm or 0.43 inches, which is available on Amazon
• Equipped with a weather rating of IP20
• Has a simple DIY installation process with double-sided tape or screws.
• S2 Security
• The size of the sensor has a height of 19 mm or 0.75 inches, a width of 77 mm or 2.8 inches, and a depth of 18 mm or 0.7 inches
• Z-Wave Plus certified
• Tamper-proof
• Holds the ability to be painted for invisible installation. It’s designed with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) firmware upgrade
• X 1 AES 128 bit security encryption
• The sensors are compatible with Open Z-Wave, Domoticz, Dexia, Ring, HomeSeer, Zipabox, Vera, Samsung SmartThings, and other Z-Wave hubs
• Can be used as a Z-Wave door sensor outdoor device 
• Has rare earth magnets door contact sensors