This Door Stop Alarm Gave Me Peace of Mind When Staying at an Airbnb

My husband and I decided to book a trip to Montreal to see the fall foliage for our first wedding anniversary this year. While I usually prefer to stay in hotels, this time, we decided to stay in an Airbnb to get the “local experience”. I love the idea of staying someplace that feels more like home to truly feel like you’re a part of the community. However, with that can come a few anxieties for me and one of them is security.

Of course, there are typically secure code locks and reviews can help ease your worries, but I knew I needed some extra security. That’s when I discovered there’s such a thing as a door stop alarm, This nifty device not only made me feel safer staying at this Airbnb in a different country but has immediately become a non-negotiable travel item while traveling.

What is the door stop alarm? 

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The door stop alarm is a security device you place at the bottom of a door to help you wake up during a possible intrusion. When I took the door stop alarm out of the package, I was genuinely surprised that it was all set up and ready to go. I thought I would have to put it together. All I needed was a 9V battery to put in it to get it to work.

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Door Stop Alarm

When placed against a door on the floor, this nifty security device will blare a loud alarm if someone attempts to open the door.

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As mentioned, its simple function is to provide security and peace of mind when traveling solo or with others. Additionally, this works as a useful tool at home as well like if you live in an apartment building or just want some extra security in your house.

Door stop alarm features 

The door stop alarm arrives in a simple box. The stainless steel design makes it a stylish piece of security. The bottom of the alarm features a rubber sole to prevent sliding if someone tries to open the door. This feature alone adds an extra level of security, making it more difficult for someone to get through without you noticing.

The device has three different sensitivity modes: high, medium and low. Choose the one that works best for you and your level of sleep. If you’re a heavy sleeper, opt for the high mode. If the sound of a pin dropping wakes you up, choose the low mode. The high mode features an alarm sound of a whopping 120 dB. The door stop alarm fits gaps between the door and the floor that are around 0.6” and 1.2”

How we tested it 

Sound

Testing this product is fairly simple as it really only has one main task: be incredibly loud. To test the door stop alarm, the first thing I did was make sure it worked by listening to each sensitivity mode. I’m a fairly heavy sleeper, so I first tried the high mode, and I’ll be the first to say that there is no way you wouldn’t wake up to that. Not only that, but I actually believe the loud noise itself is startling enough to make any burglar run for the hills.

The medium and low modes are also reasonably loud and I would find it incredibly surprising for even the heaviest of sleepers to sleep through that noise. When it comes to sound, this device wins at being loud and efficient.

Movement

Next, I wanted to test how easily I could move the door from the outside if someone did try to open it. I had my husband place the alarm on the inside of the door while I stepped outside of the Airbnb. When I tried to open the door, the alarm noise was, once again, practically unbearable to listen to if I were an intruder, but I also have very sensitive hearing.

I tried to ignore the sound as I continued to push the door. While I was eventually able to get it open enough to go inside, it still took a lot of effort as the rubber pressed firmly against the wood floor. These results would depend on the type of flooring you have. Carpet, for example, might not be as effective. Still, I remained impressed with the strength of the rubber.

Portability

This probably doesn’t need to be said, but remove the battery before you pack it. While it does have a power button, it could easily switch while in transit. The sound of the alarm will be enough to scare an entire plane, car or train. The device itself is small enough to effortlessly fit into my weekender bag, which I also use as my personal bag on flights.

I would check with your local airline requirements on batteries to ensure it’s safe to bring in your carry-on, but it should be fine in a checked bag.

Pros 

• Nothing to install
• Loud enough to wake you up
• Easy to use
• Small enough to travel with
• Provides peace of mind

Cons 

• It might be a bit too loud for someone with sensitive hearing
• Doesn’t come with batteries

FAQ 

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How does the door stop alarm work?

Using pressure from the bottom of the door, the wedge will press down and trigger a loud alarm. The rubber bottom prevents it from sliding, ensuring the alarm triggers if an intruder tries to come inside.

Are door alarms worth it?

If you’re looking for some peace of mind in your own home or while traveling, door stop alarms are a fantastic tool. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I find this to be incredibly worth it.

How long will the door stop alarm go off?

As long as the alarm is triggered by the pressure of the open door, it will continue going off until the battery runs out.

What other reviewers had to say 

Five-star verified reviewer BengalK bought one for themselves and their mother. “I travel a lot and often alone. Sleeping in a hotel room alone often brings me some degrees of anxiety. This product allows me to sleep through the night worry-free. It really does stop the door from opening. If you have it close to the edge it would be very difficult to get in the door. Not to mention the alarm. You do have the option of turning the alarm off. It’s small enough to be carried around. Without batteries, it’s extremely light. I could carry one in my purse without feeling the extra weight.”

“As soon as I got to my hotel room I turned it on accidentally and let me tell you I scared myself,” jokes verified reviewer NieYetta “I definitely felt a lot safer being in my room alone in Columbia. It’s TSA-approved so I’ll be bringing this everywhere with me.”

Verified reviewer Elizabeth Vansevicius says, “These door stops can really scare an intruder away. The alarm on low could pierce your eardrum, but I guess that is a good thing. My door ran to hide.”

Final verdict 

This is an incredibly useful security tool that provides worry-free traveling for anyone. Whether you’re flying on a business trip or solo traveling, it’s a must-have. It’s loud and effective, and you’ll sleep peacefully knowing you’ll know if someone is trying to intrude in your space.

Where to buy the door stop alarm 

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Door Stop Alarm

The door stop alarm adds extra security and peace of mind while traveling or living at home.

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Purchase the door stop alarm on Amazon for $10 for one pack or $18 for two packs. It’s also available in packs of three and four and the color white. No installation, all peace of mind.