Sabre vs. iSmartAlarm Window/Door Sensors

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

The first line of defense against intruders, both the Sabre and the iSmartAlarm sensors are wireless and easy to install for the DIYer.

Bottom Line: iSmartAlarm Sensors provide more coverage

The iSmartAlarm sensors work well if you want complete home coverage with multiple zones and the ability to control your system remotely through a smart phone app.

Sabre vs. iSmartAlarm: Pricing and features

Sabre SensoriSmartAlarm Sensor
Size2 x 3.5 x 0.6″2 x 2 x 0.5″
Batteries2 AAACR2
Works with Other Security Systems
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Low Battery Indicator Light
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
Left or Right Side Mounting
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon No  LightNo
Smart Device/IFTTT Compatible
Icon No  LightNo
Icon Yes  LightYes
Professional Monitoring
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Chime Option
Icon Yes  LightYes
Icon Yes  LightYes
System Device CapacityUp to 8 devicesUp to 70 devices
Siren Volume120 decibels110 decibels
Requires Monthly Contract
Icon No  LightNo
Icon No  LightNo
Price
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Window/Door Sensors 101

Place door and window sensors in as many locations as possible, starting with the back of your home, where intruders are less likely to be seen. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before attaching a sensor, and install the sensors near the top of doors where they’ll be out of the way. You can check out the Best Window/Door Sensors for even more helpful info!

Compare Sabre vs. iSmartAlarm Sensors

Both SensorsSabre SensoriSmartAlarm Sensor
  • Wireless design
  • Low battery indicator light
  • Operate via magnets and transmitters
  • System can handle up to 8 sensors
  • Sensors can’t send you alerts
  • Not compatible with home automation
  • Mounts on either side of an opening
  • System can handle up to 70 sensors
  • Sensors will send you alerts
  • Can integrate with home automation
  • Mounts on only one side of an opening

Sabre Window/Door Sensor review

Sabre Window/Door Sensor

The Sabre Window/Door Sensor is an add-on to the Sabre WP-100 security system. It mounts using double-sided tape or screws and uses a transmitter and magnet to send a signal to the main system in case of a security breach. It can be mounted on any door or window, including interior openings.

Price

The Sabre Window/Door sensors sell for just under $20 each.

Features

Sabre sensors have arrows on both the transmitter and the magnet to ensure the placement is correct. The sensor also has a low-battery indicator light.

Sabre WP-100 security system

Equipment

The Sabre Window/Door Sensor package includes the transmitter, magnet, and both double-stick tape and screws for mounting. Batteries are not included.

Home automation

Sabre’s products are geared toward people who want a straightforward, software-free option for their home security. The alarm systems do not work with home automation, but the self-contained system does make them simpler than automated systems.

pro
Pros
pro Transmitter on both sides
pro Affordable
pro Can be placed up to 500 ft from control panel
con
Cons
con Only 8 sensors per system
con No remote monitoring
con Zones must be adjusted by manipulating pins inside unit
con Works only with Sabre WP-100 security system

Bottom line

This door/window sensor is a simple way to get more coverage for an existing Sabre system in a smaller home or apartment, and it’s great for those who want to scare off intruders, as the Sabre base unit boasts a 120-dB siren.

iSmartAlarm Contact Sensors

iSmartAlarm window/door sensor.

The iSmartAlarm Contact Sensors are an add-on to the iSmartAlarm CubeOne security system and can be attached with double-sided tape or screws to any window or door. This system can alert you to a breach by phone call, text, or email.

Price

The iSmartAlarm Contact Sensors are available only in two-packs that sell for just over $50.

Features

The best feature of the iSmartAlarm sensors is that you can receive alerts and arm and disarm your system through your smart phone. You can also customize alerts to let you know when specific sensors are triggered, in case there's a certain area of your home you're particularly concerned about.

iSmartAlarm CubeOne security system

Equipment

The package includes two transmitters, two magnets, mounting tape and hardware, and two CR2 batteries.

Home automation

The iSmartAlarm sensors are great for home automation and use IFTTT technology to talk to other smart devices and smart hubs.

pro
Pros
pro Small and discreet
pro Long battery life
pro System can handle up to 70 sensors
con
Cons
con Sensors only mount on one side of opening
con Quiet alarm
con Works only with iSmart CubeOne security system
con Works only with Sabre WP-100 security system

Our verdict

Both sensors and systems are simple enough for do-it-yourself home security, but the brand you choose will depend on how many sensors you need and if you want remote access to your system.

Sabre: The Sabre sensors work well for an inexpensive, basic home security system that will alert you loudly when breached. This system is the best choice for people who want security without the hassle of the smart phone component.

iSmartAlarm: The iSmartAlarm sensors are connected to a pricier, fully integrated system that can alert you of a breach even when you're not at home. It’s an excellent choice if you have a larger home or want home automation capabilities and smart phone alerts.

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Kasey Tross
Written by
Kasey Tross
Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.

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