There’s a unique vulnerability that comes with a new home, or even an old one you’ve lived in for years. It’s the quiet inventory you take at night: the back door, the downstairs guest room window, the sliding door to the patio. Each one is a potential entry point, a small question mark in your peace of mind. For years, I relied on a traditional, professionally installed security system that felt both clunky and incomplete. Expanding it was a costly affair requiring a technician, a scheduled appointment, and a hefty bill. When we moved into a house with significantly more windows, the thought of securing each one with the old system was daunting. This is the exact scenario where the promise of DIY, modular security shines, and it’s the problem the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 aims to solve: making comprehensive perimeter protection accessible, affordable, and incredibly simple.
- Entry sensor - Protect your doors, windows, cabinets and more.
- Compact design - Fits on almost any window, door or cabinet.
What to Consider Before Expanding Your Home Security System
A home security system is more than just a collection of gadgets; it’s a key solution for creating a layered defense that brings peace of mind. Entry sensors, specifically, are the foundational layer of that defense. They act as the digital tripwire on every potential access point—doors, windows, even cabinets. Their primary benefit is immediate notification. The moment a secured entry is breached, the system knows, and so do you. This transforms security from a reactive measure (like reviewing camera footage after a break-in) to a proactive deterrent that can stop an incident before it escalates.
The ideal customer for a product like the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 is someone already invested in or planning to build a SimpliSafe ecosystem. This includes new homeowners wanting to cover numerous windows, existing users looking to affordably expand their starter kit, or even renters who need a non-permanent, drill-free security solution. It’s for the person who values simplicity and self-sufficiency. Conversely, this product is not suitable for those seeking a standalone sensor that operates without a central hub, as it requires a SimpliSafe Base Station to function. If your smart home is built around a different ecosystem (like Ring or Ecobee), you would naturally look to their compatible sensors first.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The physical size of a sensor is critical. The SimpliSafe Entry Sensors are impressively compact (2 x 0.12 x 2.7 inches), allowing them to fit discreetly on narrow window frames and tight door jambs where bulkier, older sensors would be an eyesore or simply wouldn’t fit. Always measure the clearance on your intended installation points before buying.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance for an entry sensor is defined by its reliability and range. These sensors use a proven magnetic reed switch (contact sensor) technology. The most crucial spec is the wireless range to the base station, which SimpliSafe lists as up to 1000 feet in an open field. In a real-world home with walls and interference, this translates to excellent coverage for even large properties, ensuring a strong, reliable connection from a basement window to a second-floor base station.
- Materials & Durability: Constructed from a lightweight but durable white plastic, these sensors are designed to blend in with typical white trim on doors and windows. The primary consideration for durability is the installation method. While the included 3M self-adhesive tape is incredibly strong for most indoor surfaces, factors like humidity, dust, or textured paint can affect its longevity. For a truly permanent fix, especially on high-traffic doors, using the included screws is the superior option.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is where the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 truly excels. The “peel-and-stick” installation is designed to be foolproof. Maintenance is minimal; the pre-installed alkaline battery is rated to last for years, and when it’s time for a replacement, the system will notify you. The entire user experience is managed through the intuitive SimpliSafe app, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of technical skill.
Expanding your security shouldn’t be complicated. These sensors represent a powerful, user-friendly approach to fortifying your home’s perimeter one opening at a time.
While the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 is an excellent choice for expanding your system, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models and complete systems, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Unboxing Simplicity
Opening the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 is an exercise in minimalism. The packaging is straightforward, holding the four sensor pairs, adhesive tape pre-applied, and a small packet of mounting screws. There are no hefty manuals or complicated diagrams, just a simple instruction card directing you to the SimpliSafe app. Upon handling the sensors, their lightweight and slender profile is immediately apparent. They feel well-made but unobtrusive, designed to disappear against a white doorframe or window sash. Compared to the chunky, yellowed sensors from security systems of a decade ago, these are a modern design marvel. The two parts—the main sensor and the smaller magnet—have a satisfying magnetic pull that gives you confidence they’ll work as intended. It’s clear from the moment you open the box that the entire experience is engineered for speed and simplicity.
Key Benefits
- Effortless peel-and-stick installation takes seconds per sensor.
- Seamless and instant integration with the Gen 3 SimpliSafe ecosystem.
- Highly customizable alerts, including chimes and discreet “Secret Alerts”.
- Excellent value, making it affordable to secure numerous entry points.
Potential Drawbacks
- Adhesive may not hold on all surfaces, particularly uneven or outdoor-facing ones like garage doors.
- Requires a SimpliSafe Base Station to function; not a standalone device.
Deep Dive: Performance, Customization, and Real-World Reliability
A sensor is only as good as its performance when you’re not thinking about it. For a device meant to provide constant, passive security, it must be flawlessly reliable, easy to manage, and versatile enough to adapt to your life. After extensively testing the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 across a multi-level home, we found it delivered on its promises with impressive consistency, though its true strength lies in the depth of its integration with the SimpliSafe ecosystem.
The 10-Second Install: A True DIY Dream
SimpliSafe’s claim of a simple setup is not an exaggeration; it’s the core of their design philosophy. Adding a new sensor is breathtakingly fast. The entire process, from opening the app to having a functional sensor, genuinely takes less than a minute. From the app’s main menu, you simply select “Add Device,” choose “Entry Sensor,” and pull the plastic battery tab on the sensor itself. The Base Station immediately recognizes it with a voice prompt, and you’re asked to give it a name (e.g., “Kitchen Window,” “Front Door,” “Master Bedroom Window”). This naming step is crucial for receiving specific, actionable alerts.
The physical installation is just as easy. As one user rightly pointed out, proper preparation is key: “I have only had one sensor fall off in 60 days but I did not clean the target area and hold for 15 seconds per the instructions.” We followed this advice, wiping down our window frames and door jambs with an alcohol wipe before application. You peel the backing from the pre-applied 3M tape, press the sensor and magnet firmly into place for 15-30 seconds, and you’re done. The two pieces need to be aligned and within two inches of each other when the door or window is closed. We installed four sensors on two doors and two windows in under five minutes. This experience stands in stark contrast to the scheduling and drilling required by traditional security companies, a sentiment echoed by a long-time user who said, “Set up with the SimpliSafe alarm system is so simple anyone can easily do it.” This ease of installation is arguably the product’s single greatest feature, empowering anyone to take control of their own home security.
Performance and Reliability: The Silent Sentry
Once installed, the sensors simply work. We found their performance to be instantaneous and flawless. The moment a door or window was opened, the Base Station responded immediately. As one satisfied customer noted, they “work beautifully and have no delay reaction with the alarm system.” This is a critical factor; any lag in detection undermines the entire purpose of a security system. The connection to the Base Station was rock-solid, even with a sensor placed on a far basement window, well over 100 feet and through several walls from the hub.
One of the most appreciated features during our testing was the door chime. When the system is in “Off” mode, the Base Station can be set to emit a pleasant chime whenever a sensor is triggered. This is invaluable for everyday awareness. It let us know when our kids were heading into the backyard or when someone arrived at the front door before they even rang the bell. This feature turns a security device into a useful home awareness tool. The sensitivity is also perfectly tuned. As a user mentioned, “These sensors are very sensitive even when off,” which we confirmed. There is no ambiguity; the slightest crack of a door is enough to trigger the alert, ensuring no breach goes unnoticed. The reliability we experienced gives us the confidence to say this is a product you can truly depend on.
Customization and Integration: Security That Adapts to You
The real power of the SimpliSafe ecosystem is unlocked through the app’s customization settings. Each individual sensor can be configured to behave differently based on the system’s mode (Off, Home, or Away). For example, you can set the front door sensor to be disabled in “Home” mode but armed in “Away” mode, while a window sensor remains armed in both. This level of granular control is fantastic.
The standout feature, however, is “Secret Alerts.” By assigning this status to a sensor, you can receive a discreet push notification on your phone when it’s opened, without triggering the main alarm siren or any audible chime from the Base Station. We found this perfect for areas that aren’t security risks but are places you want to monitor. We placed one on a liquor cabinet and another on a closet containing important documents. One user astutely mentioned placing them on “key interior doors to detect movement within the home during an alarm,” which is another brilliant use case. Secret Alerts transform the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 from a simple burglary detector into a sophisticated monitoring tool for everything from medicine cabinets to home offices. This is a feature that really sets it apart from more basic systems and highlights the thoughtful design of the SimpliSafe platform.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback strongly aligns with our findings, particularly regarding the system’s simplicity and effectiveness. One user, who switched after using a “major alarm company,” praised the SimpliSafe system, calling the setup “so simple anyone can easily do it.” Another highlighted the value proposition for homes with many access points, stating, “I bought it for my many, many windows on the first and second floor of my new house. They work beautifully.” This speaks directly to the core appeal of the affordable multi-pack.
However, no product is without its criticisms. The most significant concern we saw had less to do with the product’s function and more with fulfillment from some third-party sellers. Several users reported receiving packages that were not factory sealed, with one noting, “Seals have been cut and retaped.” Another received a box where the “battery tab already pulled out.” This is a valid concern, and we strongly advise buyers to inspect the packaging upon receipt and ensure they are getting a new product. On a more minor technical note, one user’s attempt to use the adhesive on a garage door failed immediately. This reinforces our finding that surface preparation is critical, and for heavy, vibrating, or outdoor-facing doors, using the included screws is the recommended path.
How Does the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 Compare to the Alternatives?
While these sensors are best-in-class for the SimpliSafe ecosystem, it’s important to understand how they fit into the broader home security market. Different products solve different problems, and the best choice depends entirely on your primary security goal.
1. Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro Bird’s Eye View 3D Motion Detection
- Get pro-level security — Security camera with 2K Video, motion-activated LED floodlights, Two-Way Talk and Audio+, 3D Motion Detection, and a built-in...
- Upgraded with advanced security features like improved noise reduction and Bird’s Eye View, a way to monitor motion events from above in the Ring app
The Ring Floodlight Cam Pro is a completely different approach to security. Where the SimpliSafe sensor is a discreet, passive monitor for a home’s perimeter, the Ring Floodlight is an active, visual deterrent for a specific outdoor area. It’s designed to stop intruders before they even reach a door or window with bright lights, a siren, and two-way audio. Someone would choose this over the entry sensors if their main concern is their yard, driveway, or a vulnerable exterior wall, and they prioritize video evidence and active deterrence over silent interior breach detection.
2. Ring Battery Doorbell Pro HD+ Video
- Pro-level features — Battery Doorbell Pro, Ring’s best battery-powered doorbell camera, loaded with cutting-edge features like 1536p Head-to-Toe HD+...
- Head-to-Toe View — Head-to-Toe HD+ Video in 1536p gives you an expanded field of view so you can see more of who's at your front door.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro focuses exclusively on the front door. It combines a camera, motion detection, and a communication device into one package, aimed at managing visitors and monitoring package deliveries. While it secures your main entryway, it does nothing for your windows or back doors. The SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 offers broad, whole-home perimeter protection. A user would opt for the Ring Doorbell if their primary goal is to see and speak to whoever is at their door, while they would choose the SimpliSafe sensors to ensure every single potential entry point is monitored for unauthorized access.
3. ecobee Smart Sensor 2 Pack Door & Window
- Real-time notifications whenever a door or window is opened or closed through the ecobee app. When paired with ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, it can play...
- Place SmartSensors near your valuables like drawers, safes, and medicines cabinets, and receive instant notifications if they are opened.
The ecobee Smart Sensor is the most direct competitor, as it’s also a contact sensor for doors and windows. The key difference is the ecosystem. Ecobee’s sensors integrate deeply with its smart thermostat, offering energy savings by pausing your HVAC system if a window is left open. While it also provides security alerts, its unique value proposition is tied to climate control and home automation. A homeowner already invested in the Ecobee ecosystem for energy management would prefer this sensor. In contrast, someone building their smart home around a dedicated security platform would find the SimpliSafe sensors a more logical and powerful choice.
The Final Verdict: An Essential Upgrade for Every SimpliSafe User
After weeks of hands-on testing, the SimpliSafe Entry Sensor Pack of 4 has proven to be more than just a simple accessory; it’s the heart of a truly comprehensive home security strategy. Its brilliant simplicity, from the 10-second installation to the intuitive app controls, removes all barriers to securing your home’s most vulnerable points. The combination of instant, reliable performance and powerful customization options like Secret Alerts provides a level of security and awareness that goes far beyond basic intrusion detection.
While the adhesive may require careful application on certain surfaces and it’s wise to verify you’re receiving a factory-sealed product from your chosen retailer, these are minor considerations in the face of overwhelming value. For any current SimpliSafe user, or anyone considering the system, this four-pack is a non-negotiable, cost-effective first step to expanding your coverage. It transforms a basic alarm into a robust perimeter defense. If you want to sleep soundly knowing that every window and door is a secured checkpoint, we can’t recommend this product highly enough. You can check the latest price and secure your home’s perimeter today.
Last update on 2025-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API