Top/best options for door and window sensors?

I reviewed a few of them here: http://www.vesternet.com/blog/2016/12/z-wave-sensor-review-why-should-beauty-be-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/

Look to this one:

I have 2 working perfectly

2 Likes

For the price and performance I’d go with the Lowes Iris sensors. I have tons of them. Super reliable, fast reporting, small form factor, and they always work. Now saying all that, no device is perfect, and you also have to factor in ST platform issues.

3 Likes

I have had the best luck with the Lowe’s iris sensors also, the batteries are still going strong after almost a year.

Unless something has changed firmware wise, the Samsung sensors tab thru the batteries in 2 months .

FYI - on the PEQ sensor it says on the product page on Amazon:

“This device requries a PEQ hub and service plan.”

@Danabw it does work directly with Smartthings

So why is my post getting a “robot check?” on the Amazon URL I posted? Thanks.

Great, thanks for clarifying on the PEQ.

These NYCE door hinge sensors work awesome. I have a house full of them with very little issues. Best part they just dropped to $25 at Lowe’s (down from $40).

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Nyce-Indoor-Door-and-Window-Sensor-Works-with-Iris/999912573

I just saw those at Lowe’s but wanted to ask about then before. Where does the battery go?

“Iris indoor Window and Door sensor (Works with Iris).” (AFAIK, "Works with Iris means also works w/SmartThings.)

Four for $45! Best deal I’ve seen on a door/window sensor yet.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Iris-Indoor-Window-and-Door-Sensor-Works-with-Iris/1000008682

Actually, those are for Iris version 1 (discontinued) and are NOT compatible with Smartthings that’s why they’re so cheap.

Update: Here are the compatible versions. Check the deals category because they often go on sale but even at $23, it’s not a bad price compared to other sensors.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Iris-Contact-Sensor-Works-with-Iris/999925302

1 Like

It’s a small cr2032 battery in the plastic grey piece in the middle of the hinge. I’ve had all installed for 6+ mo and none are sitting lower than 62%

So Iris or GoControl?

I guess it would depend on whether you want to go with Z-Wave (GoControl) or Zigbee (Iris). Since these are all battery powered, they’re going to need a strong mesh to be most effective. It’s very possible that short battery life might be attributed to a poor mesh because the device is struggling to maintain a connection. If you have a lot of Z-wave mains powered devices such as switches or pocket outlets, then go Z-Wave and vice versa.

The other consideration is form factor, the Iris contact switches are small and compact and can also do temperature. They are also readily available at your local Lowes.

Gocontrol’s larger form factor means a larger battery so it will last longer.
GoControl has an external switch contacts and can be repurposed as a water sensor or used for a pressure sensitive pad.

If that is the case then zwave has a bigger mesh and stronger so he battery would be longer in theory.

Thanks for clarifying about the Iris sensors…thought it was a little too good to be true. :slight_smile:

The Go Control units have a large battery - thicker but shorter than a AA, look like they will last quite a while.

1 Like

Sweet. Going to give one of these a try. Need a notification for a basement door.

Lowe’s site says that their sensors ( regardless of the brand ) require an Iris Hub

Schlage locks say they require a Nexia Hub

They all lie

I’ve got a bunch of PEQ contact & leak sensors I grabbed when BB was clearancing them. They work great, look better (IMHO) than the MonoPrice/GoControl ones.

1 Like

I’ve been using these for over a year with no issues. Got like 10 of them at once during a big sale