Best Shed Alarm System: Buying Guide and Top Products for 2021

Did you know that homeowner’s and renter’s insurance doesn’t generally cover the items stored in your shed? You can add them to your policy for a price, but they’re not usually covered by standard insurance, which is why you need a shed alarm system.

Most people consider the safety and security of their homes, keeping doors locked and installing security systems and motion detection lights. Often, the same people will give little thought to the security of their shed. But consider the expensive power tools, gardening equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, and other toys that are commonly stored in sheds. Sounds like a thief’s paradise!

If you’re guilty of this, then it’s time to up the ante and start securing your stuff. To help, we’re going to discuss the different types of shed alarms you could use. Then, I’m even going to show you some of the best shed alarm systems on the market so you can get your shed locked up tight in no time.

At a Glance: Our Choices for Best Shed Alarm System in 2021:

• GE Personal Security Window/Door alarms
• Wsdcam Door Wireless Alarm
• Kangaroo Home Security System
• Seco-Larm Photoelectric Beam Sensor
• Govee Motion Sensor Alarm

Other Good Choices:

• Gaurdline Wireless Alarm System
• Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera
• No products found.
• Ring Alarm Five-Piece Kit
• Wsdcam Wireless Anti-Theft Vibration Alarm

Types of Shed Alarms

Shed Alarm with External Siren

This is a simple and common type of alarm that works similarly to a car alarm. When an intruder tries to open the door, the alarm will sound. It will be very loud and repetitive, alerting anyone in the area of the intrusion. In theory, this should scare the would-be thief off since they know there’s a high probability that they’re about to be caught.

Phone Alert Alarm System

Some people would prefer to be directly alerted to any possible incidents. For them, a phone alert alarm system is programmed to call a predetermined phone number and alert them about the disturbance. This number could be to anyone, yourself, a nearby family member, or even a neighbor, giving you the ability to react in real-time and take care of the situation.

Integrated Alarm System

If you already have an alarm system in place for your home, then an integrated system may be the best choice for your shed. This system would connect directly into your existing alarm system, using the same software, mobile applications, and accessories that you’re already using.

Motion Detection/Security Camera

Security cameras used to be expensive, but today, they’re quite affordable. A camera alarm system will use motion detection to activate a camera. Whenever it senses movement, the camera begins recording.

Some of the better security camera systems today will alert you when movement is picked up so that you can watch a live feed and see what’s going on. The video will also be recorded so that you can watch later or provide it for the police if needed.

An awesome feature on some of the best cameras will allow for two-way audio so you can even talk to any potential intruders, or just scare them with a loud BOO that they weren’t expecting! The resulting video might even go viral!

Wired / Wireless

Regardless of which type of alarm system you ultimately decide on for your shed, you’ll have another choice to decide whether you want a wireless or wired system. Each has its advantages that might make one more preferable to you.

Wired

A wired system always has power. You never have to worry about batteries dying or problems with signals not connecting properly. However, you’ll have to run wires to every security device that you want to be connected to the system.

Wireless

Wireless systems are easy to install since they don’t require you to run wires all over the place. But they have to get power from somewhere, which means you’ll have to remember to occasionally check the batteries. A dead battery won’t do you much good if a thief stops by!

Best Shed Alarm System Reviews

Now that you know the basic types of alarms you can pick from, it’s time to discuss some specific systems. The following reviews will compare some of the best and most popular alarm systems that you could use to protect your shed. Hopefully, it will save you a lot of time by allowing you to skip the research by using all the information I’ve gathered to help you make the right decision.

1. GE Personal Security Window/Door

Simple and effective, the GE Personal Security Window/Door alarms are a great way to protect your shed and deter unwanted guests. They’re very reasonably priced, making it affordable to keep your stuff safe. Plus, they’re extremely simple to install. Merely apply the included double-sided tape to the back of the alarm and press it against the door frame. That’s it!

Since you get four of these alarms in a package, you could protect multiple entrances on a single shed or even several sheds. They can be used equally effectively on doors and windows, so you can safeguard any type of opening your shed has. If you need more than four, you can purchase them in quantities as high as 12 and even make them more affordable in the process.

On the alarm, there is a small switch that allows you to choose between a chime when the door or window is opened, a 120-decibel alarm, or turn the device off completely. This gives you a lot of freedom to use each alarm in whatever way you need.

The GE alarms are powered by LR44 batteries. These aren’t as easy to find as your average AA batteries, but they’re still easy enough to locate at any department store. Luckily, four of them are included with the alarms, one for each device.

Pros

• Super-simple installation
• Very affordable
• Each alarm can be set up differently
• Works on all entries

Cons

• LR44 batteries aren’t the most common

 

2. Wsdcam Door Wireless Alarm

Compatible with all types of doors and windows, the Wsdcam Door Wireless Alarm is a magnetically triggered alarm that releases a 105-decibel alarm when the opening is breached. This is loud enough to alert anyone nearby, but it’s not the loudest available.

Wireless remote control allows you to turn off the alarm before opening the door so it can still be used normally. You can add additional remotes to the same device so multiple people can have access, with a maximum of eight remotes pairing to a single alarm.

Using the included remote, you can adjust the mode of the alarm to one of four different modes. Arm mode keeps the alarm ready to sound if the door is opened. The disarm turns the alarm off. Panic will sound the alarm immediately, and the doorbell mode will chime anytime the door or window is opened. This gives you the freedom to use the alarm for other uses, such as an alert for when kids go outside or a pool gate alert.

The remote has a range of 49 feet, so you’ll be able to unlock your shed door before entering. You can easily install the alarm in just a few seconds using double-sided tape, but it’s not included. Neither are the two AAA batteries the alarm needs, but the 12v battery for the remote is.

Pros

• Controlled by remote
• Can add additional remotes
• Very easy to install
• 49’ wireless remote range

Cons

• Alarm batteries not included
• 105-decibel alarm isn’t as loud as some others

 

3. Kangaroo Home Security System

The Kangaroo Home Security System is an all-in-one solution that leaves no stone unturned. You can build your system to be as simple or as complex as you want, even going so far as removing the control from your hands completely and handing the reigns over to the professionals as Kangaroo with Kangaroo Complete 24/7 monitoring. Of course, this route isn’t for everyone, but it’s an option if you don’t want to oversee operations yourself.

You can buy the Kangaroo security pieces individually or get them as a kit, which I think is the better route. The five-piece kit includes everything you need to keep your shed completely secure. You get a keypad, two tags for quick entry, and two motion + entry sensors. Additional entry sensors can be easily added as you need.

If the motion and entry sensors aren’t enough for you, a privacy camera is also available as an add-on. It’s a bit of an investment to get started with all this, but can you put a price on peace of mind?

One issue I have with this system is that it requires wifi to operate. But that’s because it’s going to send remote signals to either you or the professionals at Kangaroo. You’ll be able to monitor the activities at your shed from your phone, receiving alerts anytime a sensor is activated.

Pros

• Lots of versatility in how you set up your system
• Can choose to let the professionals monitor instead
• Monitor everything from your smartphone

Cons

• Requires wifi
• It’s a bit of an investment to get started with

 

4. Seco-Larm E-931-S35RRQ Photoelectric Beam Sensor

A unique solution that functions differently than most of the other alarms, the Seco-Larm Photoelectric Beam Sensor allows for standard and imaginative uses alike. It works by sending a photoelectric beam from the device to a receiver that’s mounted between six inches and 35 feet away. If this beam is broken, then it trips the sensor.

If you want to use this as an alarm, you’re going to need to either wire it into an existing alarm system as an additional sensor or wire it to a siren that will activate when the beam is tripped. It’s got multiple wires that will allow you to set it up in any way you wish, but that versatility can also make it very complicated and difficult to install.

The biggest draw of this system is its incredible diversity. You could use it as an invisible tripwire since it will connect with the receiver at long distances. But you can’t attach to a door frame like other entry alarms. Instead, you’d have to set it up behind the door so that the beam is broken when the door is opened, or directly at the door, so the beam is broken when someone walks past it.

This device is IP66 rated waterproof so you can use it indoor and outdoor effectively without worrying about the weather. It can even be powered by a 12V car battery if your shed is located away from your home’s main power.

Pros

• IP66 rated weatherproof construction
• Doesn’t have to be touching to be armed
• Can be run on a 12V car battery

Cons

• Requires additional parts to work as an alarm
• Can be difficult to install

 

5. Govee Motion Sensor Alarm

This easy to install motion sensor alarm from Govee is a great way to alert the household to any unexpected movement. It’s highly programmable, allowing you to pick from 36 interesting ringtones. Some of these ringtones include a barking dog, a traditional alarm sound, a doorbell sound, a canon, and more.

Installing the Govee motion sensor alarm can be as simple as setting the motion sensor on a ledge and plugging in the alarm. They’re connected wirelessly, which allows you to have multiple motion sensors communicating with the same alarm. With a wireless range of 328 feet, you can plug the alarm inside your home and set motion sensors at your shed and they should still connect.

If you do spread your sensors out, don’t worry. The volume of the alarm is adjustable up to 110 decibels, the volume level of a rock concert! The alarm has to be plugged into a normal outlet, but the motion sensors are wireless and can be powered by three AAA batteries each, or a micro USB cable.

If you set this motion detector in a corner, it will be able to secure the whole shed thanks to its 110-degree detection window. But you can’t use it outside, unfortunately. It’s not waterproof, and if it rains, the alarm will likely be ruined.

Pros

• 110-degree detection window
• 36 selectable ringtones
• Adjustable volume up to 110 decibels
• Can be powered by AAA batteries or a USB cord

Cons

• Not waterproof

 

6. Guardline Wireless Alarm with Weather Resistant Motion Sensor & Detector

With the Gaurdline Wireless Alarm System with Weather Resistant Motion Sensor & Detector, you get an expandable system that can grow to include up to 16 motion sensors. They have a 500-foot wireless range, so you should have no problems getting a motion sensor on the shed to communicate with the alarm inside of your home.

The main alarm needs to be plugged into an outlet, but it has a battery backup that will keep your security system fully functional in case of a power outage. Each sensor will run on four AA batteries that should last about a year. When they start to die, a low-battery indicator will alert you.

The sensors can detect motion up to 40 feet away. If you’re using multiple sensors to protect several sheds, you can even set different alarm tones for each one so that you know immediately which sensor is being triggered. The sensors are adjustable so you can find the perfect angle to monitor at, but there’s no way to tighten them into place. If something touches the sensor, like a bird landing on it, it will just move out of place.

While sensitivity is a blessing on an alarm system, this one is almost too sensitive. Every little creature will set it off, even the wind moving branches of trees! But at least you can be sure it’s certainly working.

Pros

• Has a battery backup
• Expandable up to 16 sensors
• Can choose from 30 different alarm sounds
• 500’ wireless range and 40’ motion detection

Cons

• Can’t tighten the sensor into position
• Almost too sensitive

 

7. Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera

If you’re looking for the pinnacle in protection technology, look no further than the Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera. This device takes shed monitoring to a new level.

It starts with a built-in passive infrared motion sensor. This will detect any motion within its 110-degree field of view. When motion is detected, the high resolution 1080p HD camera will begin recording, covering 110-degrees that the motion sensor detects. Moreover, it will send an alert to your smartphone so that you can immediately monitor the event remotely.

More than just viewing what’s going at the camera’s location, you can interact with whoever or whatever is there! Thanks to the two-way audio the Blink XT2 provides, you can talk directly from the camera and the built-in microphone will pick up the sound by the camera so you can hear what’s going on there and even talk to anyone that’s near the camera.

The video recorded by this device is clear and crisp, allowing you to easily see what’s going on, unlike some of the blurry or black and white images of other security cameras. Your video will be recorded directly to the cloud, and you’ll get storage there for free with no contracts or commitments, it’s all included with your purchase of the device.

Of course, you’ll need wifi for all that connectivity, the only downside to the Blink XT2. This problem is exacerbated by the poor range of the Blink, having trouble connecting to wifi at ranges over 60 feet.

Pros

• 2-way audio
• Records to the cloud
• No wiring necessary
• Sends alerts directly to your smartphone

Cons

• Poor signal range
• Must have wifi to connect

 

8. LITOM Original Solar Security Lights

No products found.For a simple solution that doesn’t require any wiring or even batteries, check out the No products found.. These lights are completely solar-powered, so they’ll absorb the energy they need during the day, allowing them to operate all night. Since you won’t have to run any wires or even install batteries, these lights are extremely easy and quick to set up.

With an IP65 waterproof rating, you can be sure that these lights are completely safe for outside use. Mount one on your shed and anytime someone comes near it the light will illuminate and alert you that there’s movement at the shed.

The light this device produces will cover 200 square feet and you can get even more coverage by using multiple lights positioned near each other. Because they’re so simple to install, it shouldn’t be any problem to mount up as many of these as you feel is necessary to protect one or multiple sheds. With no wires to worry about, these lights are a perfect solution for a shed that’s located far from electricity.

My only complaint with the LITOM solar lights is that the sensors aren’t the most sensitive. They might not pick up every motion, and they will only pick up motion within a ten-foot window. But at least you won’t be getting multiple false alarms all the time!

Pros

• IP65 rated waterproof
• Solar-powered
• Easy to install
• One light illuminates 200 sq. ft. and 270 degrees

Cons

• The motion sensor isn’t very sensitive

 

9. Ring Alarm 5 Piece Kit

When you need a complete alarm solution that covers all of the bases, the Ring Alarm Five-Piece Kit is a great solution that perfectly fits the bill. Not only is it a complete system, but it’s also integrated with the finest in modern technology, even giving you complete control with your voice by way of Alexa compatibility.

The five-part kit includes the main base station, a contact sensor, a motion detector, a keypad, and a range extender to make sure they can all communicate. This gives you plenty of options to start, and you can easily add more as you need.

The range extender ensures that devices out at your shed can still communicate with the main system in your home. The motion detector and contact sensor can provide separate ways of monitoring your shed, protecting you against any intruders, even the smart ones!

If you want to hand control over to the professionals, you can easily do that with this package. For a small monthly fee, they will provide you with 24/7 professional monitoring using the Ring alarm system. But you can just as easily do it yourself with all the included features.

When one of the sensors picks something up, you’ll get an alert from the base station directly to your smartphone. The base station even has a 24-hour battery backup so it will still work without power. But it needs wifi to connect, and that work if the power is out!

Pros

• Easy to install yourself
• Can add to the system as needed
• Compatible with Alexa
• Optional 24/7 professional monitoring

Cons

• It all needs wifi to connect

 

10. Wsdcam 113dB Wireless Anti-Theft Vibration Alarm

With a slightly different function than the other alarms we’ve covered, the Wsdcam Wireless Anti-Theft Vibration Alarm works by detecting vibration. You can set its sensitivity to one of seven levels that determine how much vibration is needed to set the device off. When it goes off, the super loud 113-decibel alarm will (hopefully) scare off any potential thieves.

Since it’s rated IP55 waterproof, you can safely install this alarm outside without any worry. Since it’s entirely wireless, compact, and lightweight, the installation is quick and painless. You can just tape it the door of your shed with double-sided stick tape and set the sensitivity level so that it goes off when the door is opened. It’s that simple.

Of course, you don’t want the alarm to sound every time you use the door, which is why there is a wireless remote control included as well. You can use this to deactivate the alarm before opening the door so that it won’t go off.

Though the installation of the device is super easy, the batteries are more difficult to get to, requiring a mini screwdriver to change. One is included, but it’s so small that you’re likely to lose it before needing it. It would be nice if it were easier to get into the battery compartment, but other than that, this is a great and inexpensive alarm device for your shed.

Pros

• The alarm is triggered by vibration
• IP55 rated waterproof
• The loud 113-decibel alarm will scare off potential thieves
• Super-simple installation

Cons

• Need a mini screwdriver to access the batteries

 

Things to Consider Before Buying A Shed Alarm System

All of the products we just discussed are excellent choices, but they all function a bit differently. So, how do you decide which one is the best choice for you?

To help you figure it out, I’ve narrowed down all of the traits you could choose to the most important ones. If you figure out these few key factors, you’ll have a much easier time deciding which alarm to buy.

Alarm Type

The first thing to decide is what type of alarm fits your situation best. We’ve already discussed the major types of alarms, so we won’t go over them again. You can refer to the first section of this article for a refresher. But you’ll need to make this decision first before you can move on.

Sensor Type

Once you’ve decided what type of alarm you’re going to get, you need to decide what type of sensor will work best for your shed. All of these sensors are great for certain applications, but you’ll want to fit the one that will work best with the type of shed you have.

Shed Door and Window Magnetic Sensors

Magnetic sensors can easily mount to the edge of any door or window. It’s actually two parts, the main sensor on the door or window frame, and the smaller trigger attached to the door or window. When the door or window opens, it moves the trigger, breaking its magnetic contact with the sensor. When this happens, the sensor has been tripped and the alarm will alert.

Window Contacts and Glass Break Detectors

Though magnetic contact sensors are effective, there’s an easy workaround for thieves. If they break the glass of the window, the contact on the sensor is never broken and the alarm won’t sound. To deal with this, window contacts and glass break detectors were invented.

A window contact is a small sensor directly touching the window glass that will detect if it breaks. A glass break detector can work the same way, or it can work by detecting acoustic frequencies. This allows a single detector to cover many windows that are in close enough proximity.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are simple, inexpensive, and common. They work by detecting motion within their field of view. The sensor will then either turn on a light or alarm or relay the message to the main alarm. They’re often wireless, making them very easy to install.

Photoelectric Beam Sensor

This almost seems like something out of a science fiction movie. A small laser beam is generated between the device and a sensor. If that beam is broken, the alarm will be triggered.

What’s cool about a beam sensor is that they can work across distances, creating a laser tripwire of sorts. This allows you to use one of these devices in some unique and imaginative ways.

Power Supply

So, you’ve figured out what type of alarm system and sensors you need. But how are you going to power it all? When it comes down to it, you have just three options.

Battery Powered

Many of the wireless alarms are battery-powered. This is nice because you won’t have to install any wires, making installation much quicker and easier. But you’ll have to remember to check and replace those batteries regularly. Most of these devices include a low-battery indicator light, but you still have to remember to buy the batteries to change them!

Wired

If battery-powered doesn’t sound like the best option for you, you can always hardwire them into your shed electrical panel. This means you’ll never have to worry about running out of batteries, but you won’t have security if the power goes out. That said, some of these devices include a battery backup for just such occasions.

Solar Powered

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of hardwiring up your alarm, but you also hate the idea of changing batteries, then you may consider a renewable energy source instead; solar. Solar-powered alarms are dead-simple. Once you install it, you’re done! It will just get the power it needs from the sun. And installation is just as easy as with a battery-powered alarm, just without the headache of dead batteries.

Installation

After considering all of the function-related factors, you need to consider how you’re going to install your new alarm system. If it’s too difficult to install and needs to be hardwired, you might have to enlist the help of a professional that will incur additional expenses.

On the other hand, solar-powered and battery-powered alarm devices have a simple installation that’s often as easy as applying double-sided tape and sticking the device to the wall!

Conclusion

On the surface, adding an alarm to your shed seems simple. But with so many options available, it’s easy to get distracted by the advertising and overwhelmed by the choices. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ve been able to narrow down your choices to the right type of alarm system for your shed.

Personally, I prefer two of these systems. The first is the GE Personal Security Window/Door Alarms. They’re extremely easy to install, they work very well, they’re loud enough to alert everyone in the vicinity with a 120-decibel alarm, and they’re very cost-effective.

If you want a more premium option, I recommend the Blink XT2 Security Camera. It’s loaded with incredible features like two-way audio that lets you scare would-be robbers and capture it all in excellent high-definition 1080P video. And it’s hard to beat the security of having alerts sent directly to your phone.

If you have any questions about shed alarms, feel free to leave them in the comments box below so I can reply. And if this information was helpful for you, please give it a share so that others can get this useful information as well.