Smart sensors are an integral part of your smart home ecosystem, they are the core components of a whole lot of smart devices that function as a sense and react system. Hence, getting the best smart sensors at the best deals is very important.
The smart sensor is essential for every smart home, think of them as the eyes of the smart home or the invisible network that meshes everything together.
Smart sensors can turn the lights on when you walk into a room, detect an uninvited intruder in your home, track your keys and wallet; should you forget where you placed them, be alerted to a window or door opening that shouldn’t be, a smart sensor can pick up anything from light and motion to sound and changes in air quality; In essence, a smart sensor should be a necessary addition to your home.
Of course, it all depends on the type of sensor you require as there are many sensors out there designed to fulfill different purposes. For instance, you could use a motion sensor, which enables you to turn your smart lights on automatically; or a presence sensor, which turns on smart heating before you even walk through the door, the same applies to light sensors, temperature sensors, and much more.
The best smarthome sensors offer a lot of features, that enable you to build a stress-free routine around your home and your smart ecosystem. As you read through this post, you will discover our choice for the ‘Best Smart Sensors Under $50’.
Without further ado, let’s get right to it.
Best Smart Sensors Under $50
Smart Home Motion Sensors
Smart motion sensors are designed to sense movement in select areas of your home, then it sends you an alert before triggering other connected devices such as lights or possibly a siren.
Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor
Samsung’s SmartThings motion sensor is widely considered as one of the best in the business. This brand has established a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading platforms for smart home connectivity with various smart devices.
Many things make the SmartThings Motion Sensor stand out from its peers and one of them is the wide-ranging compatibility offered by the device.
This motion detection sensor boasts of a range of up to 15 feet with a 120-degree field of view, which makes the SmartThings Motion Sensor a good option for setups in multiple indoor locations and it also has the ability to receive 24/7 notifications if unexpected movements are detected. Sure, this increases your smart home security by a notch.
Samsung’s SmartThings is also compatible with Google, Alexa, and of course, other Samsung SmartThings devices.
It can work with both Z-Wave and ZigBee and it costs $36.98 on Amazon.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly option.
It works well with both Z-Wave and ZigBee.
- It is compatible with Alexa and Google’s assistant.
Cons
- Application use is slightly complex.
Ecolink Z-wave PIR Motion Detector
When it has to do with smart home security, the Ecolink Z-wave PIR does it all. As the name suggests, it makes use of the Z-wave protocol for its wireless connectivity and therefore offers compatibility with SmartThings devices as well as several other Z-wave smart home hubs such as those from the likes of Vera 
and HomeSeer.
This device has so many features such as sound recognition to detect when other alarms are being set off in your home, it alerts you of potential threats through notifications on your smart devices, and it also has a ‘Pet Immunity’ feature which allows the system to ignore any movement from pets up to 55 lbs.
The Ecolink Z-wave Plus motion sensor functions are battery powered, and boast of six-month battery life and any connection to your home network is done using Wi-Fi.
Its installation is quite simple thanks to the set of flush and corner mount brackets that allow for maximum setup flexibility.
It cost $37.51 on Amazon.
Pros
- Motion Detector Sensor with Pet Immunity
- Automation mode and Security mode
- Natively compatible with SmartThings
- Easy to install
Cons
- It is not compatible with all brands.
Dome Motion Detector
The Dome Motion Detector is a device that can measure current light levels, which allows it to help coordinate smart lighting throughout your smart home and to also integrate light-specific scenes based on the amount of ambient light detected by the device.
The Dome motion sensor has a movement detection range based upon a 110-degree field of view. It can also be configured to send alerts to your smart devices or even to a connected smart home alarm system if any unexpected activity is detected.
The Dome Motion Detector’s setup process is stress-free, with the inclusion of a magnetic mounting system that makes this smart motion sensor both highly flexible and easy to set up wherever you decide to install in your home.
It is also battery-powered with an estimated 3-year battery life.
The Dome motion sensor costs $34.97 on Amazon.
Pros
- It is Z-Wave Plus Certified and compatible with Z-Wave Hubs,
- It seamlessly integrates with Wink, SmartThings, Home Seer, Nexia, and other hubs
- It senses motion and ambient light
- 110-degree motion detectioon for alarm
- Battery-powered to install almost anywhere
- Adjustable sensitivity
Cons
- Good for motion but bad for light i.e, it is good as a motion sensor but it does not give correct illuminance readings.
- Noticeable glitches when paired with Wink hub
Eve Motion Smart Wireless Motion Sensor
Eve motion sensor system is built around the Apple HomeKit platform. What this means is that it is only compatible with Siri.
It also functions like other smart motion sensors with its ability to activate lights and other connected smart devices whenever movement is detected. It sends triggered alerts to your iPhone or iPad via notifications as well.
Eve motion sensor also has the ability to set up scenes using Apple interfaces such as; Siri or an Apple Watch. It is also possible to set up scenes using the Home app on a compatible device such as an iPhone or iPad.
For instance, you can create a ‘Home’ scene that turns on your lights and plays music when you step into your home so you don’t even need to use a voice command or do it yourself. Another example could be, having all of your devices in a room turned off if the sensor does not detect any movement for some time.
The Eve Motion sensor can operate both indoors and outdoors; It also utilizes a 120-degree field of view with a 9-meter range for optimal visuals while a wireless design allows for maximum flexibility when it comes to placement and installation.
It cost $39.95 on Amazon.
Pros
- Effortless control.
- Easy to install
- Tech support
- HomeKit-enabled
Cons
- It is only compatible with Apple’s Siri.
Hive Motion Sensor
Hive Motion Sensor works best when used as part of the entire Hive smart home system, but if you’re just after a sensor, then it is still one of the best. It is small, discreet, and makes use of infrared motion sensors to let you know what is going on when you can not see for yourself.
Installation of the Hive motion sensor is very easy, and it does require a hub to function. It can also work in conjunction with other Hive products, and it is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon.
It is powered by one AAA battery, it is also wireless and can be placed anywhere thanks to the self-adhesive tabs it is equipped with.
It cost $24 on Currys.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly
- It is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Cons
- Some noticeable glitches persist.
ONVIS Smart Motion Sensor
The ONVIS Smart Motion Sensor is designed and compatible only with Apple’s HomeKit smart home platform just like the Eve Motion sensor mentioned earlier.
While ONVIS has the same functionality as the Eve motion sensor, it is equipped with additional features that significantly increase its capabilities. For instance, the ONVIS provides real-time notifications to any paired iOS device and stores 100 of the most recent detection records for reference.
Other features include; a smart hygrometer, thermometer, and humidity sensor that allows you to monitor your movement as well as the environmental conditions in your home.
Updates of the temperature and humidity are stored in the system for 31 days, while regular updates are carried out every 5 minutes and can easily be accessed by asking Siri or checking the companion ONVIS Home app.
The ONVIS Smart Motion Sensor also makes use of PIR(passive infrared), to detect any movement in its field of view and communicates with controllers through a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection.
The ONVIS is battery powered, it makes use of 2 AAA batteries which offers up to 15000 hours of use before any replacement is needed while the ONVIS Home app shows a real-time status update of the battery power remaining.
The ONVIS smart motion sensor costs $25.99 on Amazon.
Pros
- Fast and stable connectivity
- Easy to install
- A multipurpose sensor that triggers temperature and humidity.
- Motion Detection: 7 meters, 100°, infrared activation
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- It is only compatible with Apple Homekit.
Smart Window And Door Contact Sensors
Contact sensors are mostly put on doors and windows to tell if there has been a breach. They are integrated with smart security systems and can be used for knowing when your properties have been opened or closed – blinds, fridges, drawers, garage doors, doggie doors, medicine cabinets, and so on. If it opens and closes you can stick a contact sensor on it.
Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor
Samsung’s Multipurpose Sensor is primarily used for detecting open windows and doors but it also has other features as well.
For starters, it lets you know the temperature of a room whenever you leave an unmarked window open, and it gets a bit chilly.
It can also alert you via the app but it needs to be connected to the compatible Samsung SmartThings hub.
Samsung’s Multipurpose Sensor is battery powered and it is also magnetic so you can attach it anywhere in your home.
It is compatible with Samsung’s SmartThings hub, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa’s Echo Plus or Show 2.
It cost $36.98 on Amazon.
Pros
- Quick set up
- New sleek design compared to the old model
- Battery-powered – can be hidden easier
Cons
- Battery life is a bit unpredictable.
Stitch by Monoprice Wireless Smart Door/Window Sensor
Stitch is a Wi-Fi contact sensor that works well with Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as having effective control via its app.
It does not require a hub to function; so, you can just stick it wherever it is needed and be notified whenever it is opened.
The Stitch contact sensor costs $27.99 on Amazon.
Pros
- It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- 24/7 remote monitoring
- Instant notifications
- Easy to install.
Cons
- No IFTTT support
Ezviz SWANN ezSensor Move Pro Open/Close Detector
Ezviz SWANN ezSensor smart sensor alerts you to any opening or closing movement be it a cabinet door or garage door. It notifies you so you can keep a check on what was triggered or take necessary measures if something is triggered when you’re away.
Likewise, if something has been left unopened for a particular time frame in your home, it alerts you to it. This feature is useful especially if you have someone elderly who needs to open a cabinet to access their medicine, open the detector on the door, and you can see whether they have taken it or not.
The Ezviz SWANN ezSensor is battery powered and the battery is rechargeable too. Once it is fully charged, it can last up to 3 months.
It requires a hub to function and its app is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
It cost $49.99 on Amazon.
Pros
- One single item
- Time alerts
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Requires the hub
Eve Door & Window Sensors
This sensor can alert you to any suspicious activity and also help you keep track of the condition of every access point in your home.
It requires a hub to communicate with other items in your home using low energy Bluetooth and it is compatible with only Apple Homekit.
The Eve Door and Window sensor is battery powered and can last for a very long time according to their statistics.
It cost $39.95 on Amazon.
Pros
- Installation is quick and easy
- Packers included for a custom fit (when doors and frames aren’t naturally straight/flush)
- Setting up rules and relationships is easy
- Really quick reaction time to trigger alerts.
Cons
- The price is steep for an item that only works with HomeKit/Siri.
| Type of Sensor | Brand | Compatible Hub(s) | Price ($) |
| Motion Sensor | ONVIS | HomeKit | 25.99 |
| Samsung SmartThings | Google Assistant, Alexa, SmartThings | 20 | |
| Ecolink Z-wave Plus | Alexa, SmartThings | 37.93 | |
| Dome | Z-Wave Hubs | 49.99 | |
| Eve | HomeKit | 41.88 | |
| Hive | Google Assistant, Alexa | 20.09 | |
| Smart Window And Door Contact Sensor | Samsung SmartThings (Multipurpose) | Google Assistant, Alexa, SmartThings | 36.98 |
| Stitch by Monoprice (Wireless) | Alexa, Google Assistant | 20.08 | |
| Eve | HomeKit | 39.95 | |
| Smart Moisture, Flood, And Water Leak Sensor | iHome | Google Assistant, Alexa | 39.98 |
|
Wasserstein Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor |
Wi-Fi (No hub needed) | 39.99 | |
| Smart Item Finder | Samsung SmartThings | SmartThings Hub | 28.69 |
| Tile Mate | Bluetooth (No hub needed) | 24.99 | |
| Temperature And Humidity Sensor | Monoprice | Z-Wave, Samsung SmartThings | 44.58 |
| Kangaroo | Wi-Fi (No hub needed) | 14.99 |
Smart Moisture, Flood, And Water Leak Sensors
Moisture sensors are essential to everyone that wants a heads up on a sprung leak or avoid coming home to a drenched house.
Moisture sensors are most suitable placed in areas such as, on the top of a washing machine, heaters, bathtubs, and sinks.
Also, when purchasing a smart moisture sensor, it is advisable to go for the ones that have audible alerts as well as smartphone notifications.
iHome Wi-Fi Dual Leak Sensor
The iHome leak sensor makes use of dual probes to ensure added coverage. It is very loud When it is triggered, and also gives you the option of pushing alerts to your smartphone – or choose to integrate it with other iHome devices if you have them.
It is battery powered and has a battery life that can last 2 years.
The iHome leak sensor costs $39.98 on Amazon.
Pros
- Free 24/7 home monitoring of your home or business environment for leaks.
- Easy to install.
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Cons
- It is not compatible with Apple Homekit
Wasserstein Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor
This water leak sensor can be put in any place in your home that is prone to flooding. It alerts your smartphone or tablet anytime it senses an excess of water. You can place it under the sink, next to the water heater, or near the washing machine.
The Wasserstein Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor cost $39.99 on Amazon.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly
- Strong wi-fi signal
- No expensive hub or subscription is needed.
- Quick and reliable detection through gold-plated probes.
- Dual alert system.
Cons
- It will not connect to the local wi-fi network.
Smart Item Finders
Smart item finders are portable sensors, designed to tell you where an item is. Be it your keys, purse, bag, or pet, they can alert you when they are out of a certain distance range or emit an alarm so you can find whatever they have been attached to.
Samsung SmartThings Presence Sensor
Samsung’s presence sensor is useful for numerous purposes. For instance, it allows you to keep track of lost keys, to know where your pet is, and the exact location of people in your home. Suffice it to say that it is a great way of keeping track of everything important to you.
It works with the Samsung SmartThings hub, and it can also work with other security appliances, such as; sound speakers and plugs.
It is important to understand that, Samsung’s presence sensor is best suited for the going and comings of your household. Outside of your home, its functionality becomes limited. For instance, if you dropped your keys when out exercising, there is no map on the app to let you know where they are. Likewise, if you also got an alert to say your pet had run off, there is no way to tell where they are.
Samsung’s presence sensor costs $28.69 on Amazon.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- It is small, hence it can be carried easily.
Cons
- Limited functionality.
- The noise is not overly loud.
Tile Mate
Tile Mate remains one of the world’s best-selling Bluetooth trackers, that helps you find your keys, wallets, and phones with little stress if they have been misplaced in a short or medium-distance range.
It is small in size and easily attachable to anything and still not be considered obstructive. Just hook it to a keychain, bag, or wallet you’d like to keep track of, or another option is to make use of a Tile Mate adhesive to properly fit a flat surface.
Items are required to be in its Bluetooth range – usually up to 100ft – for easy detection.
Tile Mate has the largest lost and found groups with over 5 million worldwide users, and over half a million items are recovered every day. So, if there is anything you can’t seem to find, enlist the help of the Tile community and whenever a Tile Mate member comes into the range of the lost item, it will notify them, and they can let you know.
The Tile Mate is battery-powered, and its batteries are designed to last for just a year. Note that, the battery isn’t replaceable or rechargeable. The Tile Mate itself needs to be replaced for a special member price.
It cost $24.99 for 1 pack on Amazon while the cost of 2 packs on Amazon is $47.99.
Pros
- It can tell you where the item last was
- Good size for carrying around
- It has a community with lost and found group
Cons
- The community aspect only works if there are other local users
- The battery isn’t replaceable or rechargeable.
Temperature And Humidity Sensors
Temperature sensors work best in conjunction with smart thermostats. They are essential for alerting you to the temperature of your home and are most effective in making your smart thermostat more efficient.
Temperature sensors can also be used to trigger other appliances. For example, when it gets too hot, you can activate your fan. Or if it gets too cold, you can activate your heater. Depending on what you have been alerted to.
Monoprice Z-Wave sensor
Monoprice Z-Wave sensors can detect temperature, humidity, motion, and light. It sends you an alert whenever the temperature changes by a specified amount – it’s the same with humidity.
It functions with Z-Wave Plus, so it can be used as part of a Samsung SmartThings setup.
Speaking of which, Samsung’s Multipurpose Sensor for temperature that was mentioned earlier will also be a good option in this category. Check it out.
Mono price Z-wave sensor costs $44.58 on Amazon.
Pros
- Easy to install
- It supports motion, temperature, humidity, and light detection.
- Quick alert notifications.
Cons
- Might encounter glitches.
Kangaroo Water + Climate Sensor
This multipurpose sensor is perfectly suited for use in bathrooms, utility rooms, and garages. The great thing about this sensor is, you don’t need a smart home hub in place as it connects using Wi-Fi.
It can be mounted on walls to monitor temperature and humidity, and it can also be placed flat on any surface to make use of its water detection capabilities. Its uses depend on the purpose for which you purchased it.
It costs $14.99 on Amazon.
Pros
- Pet-smart technology.
- Easy to install.
- It connects via wi-fi, so no hub is required for it to function.
Cons
- Not good for non-monitoring, i.e, if you do not sign up for their monitoring you only have an alert through their app – no text, sound, or voice alerts.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do I Position My Smart Sensor?
Okay, so this is very important in regards to smart sensors, it is essential that you put it in a place that can easily detect suspicious activities and at the same time not trigger false alarms. What this means is that; you shouldn’t place your smart sensors in obvious positions. For instance, the liquid smart sensor should not be placed on the sink because it will be triggered and it will be a false alarm, but, it is advisable to place it close to your water pipeline so you will receive alerts should there be any leaks or you can put it on your washing machine. That works too.
If you own a motion sensor, then it is best placed in a high corner so that it can capture movements in the entire room you placed it in.
Window and door sensors should be on any access point of your choice, it could be your cabinet, closet, or maybe even a cupboard or garage if that is what you would like to keep an eye on.
Item finders can be attachable. They usually have a ring which makes them easy to attach to phones, keys, a bag, or a wallet. Item finders can also be attached to a pet’s collar and just about any item you are used to losing track of, or end up being misplaced in the long run.
Which Brands Make The Best Smart Sensors?
It is advisable to go with brands that also make other smart home items and appliances, such as Philips, Samsung, Eve, Yale, and Hive.
The reason for this is that, if you already own a couple of appliances from one particular brand, such as Eve, Samsung, or the most commonly used Philips, then it is best to stick with that brand so everything works well together and you will only have need for a single hub.
Do I Need A Hub For My Smart Sensor?
It depends on the requirements of the smart sensor you purchased. Some smart sensors do not require a hub to function while most will require a smart hub of some sort to function, it could be their very own brand or a general one such as the Google Home Hub or Echo Dot.
The essence of this is to provide an internet connection (if they aren’t standalone wireless appliances) which allows all of the separate items to communicate with your smartphones and tablets. They can also communicate with each other and set up schedules and relationships.
Also, should you be interested in opting for a general hub, then it is imperative that your sensors work on the same frequency. Although, some will only work with proprietary models, so take note of that.
Finally, once you’ve determined your budget, picking which products to buy will depend on which smart home platform you prefer, or any that might be compatible with your voice assistant.