Wednesday, November 27, 2019

SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm Home Security

Best for No-Contract Pick
image of Simplisafe's logoSimpliSafe
  • À la carte systems
  • Video monitoring
  • Limited home automation
  • À la carte systems
  • Video monitoring
  • Limited home automation
Best Budget Pick
Ring's logoRing Alarm
  • Low monthly fees
  • 24/7 customer service
  • New company
  • Low monthly fees
  • 24/7 customer service
  • New company

Bottom Line: SimpliSafe Takes the Lead

SimpliSafe regularly makes the top of our “best of” lists for security systems, and it takes the lead here as well. With wireless, battery-powered devices, it’s simple to install, easy to use, affordable, and convenient. SimpliSafe offers all the basics à la carte, so there’s no need to pay for devices you don’t need. The SimpliSafe app lets you self-monitor your cameras for free, and it’s one of the few security companies that offers video alarm confirmation through its professional monitoring services.

Ring also has a lot going for it—like competitive pricing and a variety of devices that integrate smart home compatibility—but it’s still too fresh on the security system scene for us to evaluate how well it’s working for users. For that reason, SimpliSafe continues to be our trusty top pick.

Compare SimpliSafe and Ring

SimpliSafe Ring
logo of simplisafe home security Ring's logo
Starting Monthly Monitoring Cost $14.99 $10.00
Basic Equipment Package Cost $229.00 $199.00
Outdoor Cameras No Yes
Build-Your-Own System Option Yes No
Learn More Visit SimpliSafe Visit Ring

Data as of 10/10/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

What SimpliSafe and Ring Have in Common

As big players in the DIY home security space, SimpliSafe and Ring have lots in common:

  • DIY installation
  • No contracts
  • Mobile app access
  • Affordable equipment
  • Low monitoring fees

Both DIY wireless systems are easy to install and uninstall, and neither require a monitoring contract. Both companies have self-monitoring options as well, so you can access your system, get motion detection notifications, and watch your cameras through a mobile app.

Pricing for both SimpliSafe and Ring is comparatively lower than professionally installed brands like ADT, and both systems offer similar basic equipment and features, including indoor cameras, crash and smash protection, and cellular backup.

SimpliSafe and Ring both offer smart home integration. And even though Ring is well known for its Ring Video Doorbell, SimpliSafe also now offers video doorbells as part of its product lineup.

What Makes SimpliSafe and Ring Different 

A few distinct—and possibly dealbreaking—differences include the following:

  • Outdoor cameras
  • Monitoring costs
  • Video monitoring
  • Smart home integration
  • Equipment packages

Ring ends up being slightly cheaper than SimpliSafe, though not by much. But Ring doesn’t offer the à la carte options that SimpliSafe does, so you’ll have to choose from one of its standard packages.
SimpliSafe has been around longer, so it might be a better choice for those who want a company with a more established reputation. SimpliSafe also offers a three-year warranty on its equipment compared to Ring’s one-year. But Ring’s 24/7 customer service is a step up from SimpliSafe’s 9 a.m-to midnight (EST) hours.

When it comes to monitoring, SimpliSafe offers visual alarm confirmation so monitoring agents can access your security camera or doorbell camera footage when your alarm goes off, cutting down on false alarms.
Still, Ring might be a better choice if you want to add outdoor security or smart home devices to your alarm system, because it offers outdoor cameras and Z-Wave and Zigbee functionality. SimpliSafe is a better fit for smaller spaces that don’t need home automation.

SimpliSafe at a Glance

SimpliSafe hub, keypad, alarm, camera, and smoke detector

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • À la carte packages
  • 3-year warranty
  • Affordable pricing
  • Video monitoring

Cons

  • No outdoor cameras
  • Limited home automation

Pricing, Plans, and Contracts

SimpliSafe is contract-free, and you’ll pay around $230 for a basic system that includes the base station, keypad, one entry (or contact) sensor, and one motion sensor. You can add additional sensors and devices to any package to build your own system or ditch the packages all together and design your own system completely from scratch.

SimpliSafe doesn’t require you to sign up for a monthly monitoring service, but without it, your security system will operate only as a loud alarm to scare off intruders. For $14.99 a month, you’ll get standard professional monitoring so your security system can call out in the event of an alarm.

If you want remote app access to your system to secure entry sensors, your monthly fees go up to $24.99 a month for the Interactive plan. This plan also lets the monitoring center access any SimpliSafe cameras linked to your system for video confirmation of alarm events, and it gives you cloud storage for your cameras’ video footage.
Since there are no contracts, you can cancel monitoring at any time.

Contracts and Extended Warranties 

SimpliSafe offers a three-year limited warranty and a 60-day return policy. If you aren’t satisfied with your system for any reason, you can return it for a full refund (including return shipping costs) within 60 days of purchase.

Customer Service

If you need help with your system, SimpliSafe has email support, online help forums, and a customer service line available 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and midnight EST. SimpliSafe has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau1, with the main complaints we see about customer support concerning long wait times. But overall, customers have positive things to say about the company.

Home Automation 

SimpliSafe’s current smart home options are limited, but they’ve been steadily growing over the past two years. It recently added a proprietary door lock to complement its third-party compatibility.

The system is currently compatible with Nest thermostats, August Smart Locks, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.

Alarms and Notifications 

When you subscribe to the Interactive plan, you get notifications when any of your security system sensors trip. If your system is armed when one of your sensors is triggered, SimpliSafe monitoring will contact you. If they can’t reach you, they’ll try one of your emergency contacts before dispatching first responders.

One unique feature of the SimpliSafe app is that you can get “secret alerts” to alert you through the app when specific sensors alarm without actually setting off an alarm at your home.

Equipment 

SimpliSafe offers a wide range of devices, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide sensors, motion sensors, key fobs, a panic button, freeze sensors, window and door sensors, and a water sensor. Most devices run on battery power (with the exception of the cameras) and use your home’s Wi-Fi network to communicate. The control panel/keypad is smaller and sleeker than Ring’s.

Who SimpliSafe Is Best For

If you think you might have significant life changes in your future, SimpliSafe is a great choice for a security system. You can pack it up and take it with you, and its à la carte options provide for easy system expansion.
You can also increase your security by adding in professional monitoring, and increase control with remote access through the mobile app.

Learn more in our full SimpliSafe review.

Find answers to your questions in our SimpliSafe FAQs.

Ring Alarm at a Glance

Ring Home Security Equipment

Pros

  • 24/7 customer service
  • Wide variety of devices
  • Affordable pricing
  • Home automation options

Cons

  • New on the market
  • No video monitoring
  • No à la carte option

Pricing, Plans, and Contracts 

Like SimpliSafe, Ring doesn’t require you to sign a contract. A basic Ring Alarm system starts at around $200 for a base station, keypad, one contact/entry sensor, one motion sensor, and one range extender. Ring doesn’t offer any fully à la carte systems, but you can purchase a package and add on more individual devices.

Unlike SimpliSafe, Ring’s mobile app is free, so you can self-monitor your system. You can access your cameras’ live feed, use the two-way talk feature on the cameras and doorbell, and receive motion alerts without paying subscription fees.

If you want to save camera footage, you can pay $3 a month for the Basic Ring Protect Plan for one camera. If you also want professional monitoring and unlimited video cloud storage, it’s just $10 a month for the Ring Protect Plus Plan. All Ring Protect Plus subscribers also get 10% off all future equipment purchases and an extended warranty. Plus, paying for a full year of the Protect packages gets you two months free.

Contracts and Extended Warranties

There are no contracts with Ring. If you decide the system isn’t for you within the first 30 days, you can return it for a complete refund, but you’ll be charged $5 for shipping.

Ring offers a one-year warranty against defects for all equipment. For a one-time fee of $39.95 you can get Ring Assist Plus, which gives you an extended two-year warranty, a special VIP customer service phone number, and a lifetime protection plan to replace any equipment that gets stolen or damaged.

Customer Service 

Ring’s customer service line is available 24/7, and so are its live online customer support agents.

The Better Business Bureau gives Ring a grade of A-,2 but while its doorbells are popular and get good reviews, Ring Alarm is new enough to the home security industry that there isn’t much customer feedback out there yet.

Home Automation 

Ring Alarm devices are equipped with Z-Wave and Zigbee, making them compatible with a variety of third-party devices:

  • Door locks by Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset
  • Lights, plugs, and switches by GE and Leviton
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by First Alert

Like SimpliSafe, Ring is also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Alarms and Notifications

The Ring app will send you notifications for motion events, doorbell rings, and opened contact sensors so you can self-monitor your system.

You can also sync your Ring with Alexa devices to control the system with your voice and get notifications.

With Ring, you can also access the Neighbors community in the same smartphone app as your security system. In the Neighbors community, you can see what your neighbors have noticed or caught on camera and hear from police about what’s going on. While anyone can use the Neighbors App (including SimpliSafe users), having it in the same spot as your security system cuts down the app clutter.

Equipment 

Ring’s devices are similar to SimpliSafe’s with the addition of outdoor HD cameras and smart lighting.

When we conducted our Ring Doorbell review, we found it to have slightly better night vision than SimpliSafe’s doorbell cam.

Learn more about our top picks for the best smart doorbells, including the Nest Hello doorbell and ADT doorbell.

The batteries on Ring devices—like its motion detector and door and window sensors—last longer than SimpliSafe’s because the devices use radio frequencies rather than your home’s Wi-Fi.

Who Ring Is Best For

If you’re willing to take a bit of a gamble on a newer security system, Ring might pay off. It’s a good setup if you’d rather self-monitor your home and avoid monitoring fees, and it’s also a nice option if you think you’d like to get smart security locks and lights working with your system’s sensors.

Read more in our Ring review.

Our Final Pick

When it comes to SimpliSafe vs. Ring, it’s a close call, but SimpliSafe comes out on top for its established reputation. It’s affordable and easy to install and use, it has customer-friendly policies, and it’s continuing to expand its home automation. We’ll be watching Ring to see if it holds its own.

View SimpliSafe Packages

How We Picked the Best Home Security System 

We’ve tested cameras and doorbells from both Ring and SimpliSafe, but in order to research each company’s security systems we had to dig deeper. We spent about five hours combing through each company’s website, we read close to a hundred customer reviews, and we watched about a dozen hands-on video reviews of each system to better understand their pros and cons. To find out more about how we rate and review security systems, check out our full methodology.

Sources

  1. Better Business Bureau, “SimpliSafe
  2. Better Business Bureau, “Ring

The post SimpliSafe vs. Ring Alarm Home Security appeared first on SafeWise.

Best Door & Window Sensors of 2019

Budget Pick
sabre elite door window sensorSABRE Elite
  • Loud alarm
  • Three settings
  • Pin code
  • Loud alarm
  • Three settings
  • Pin code
Fewer False Alarms
ismartalarm window door sensoriSmartAlarm Sensor
  • Smart
  • Two-pack
  • Wireless
  • Smart
  • Two-pack
  • Wireless
Most Versatile
SmartThings
  • Smart
  • Compatible
  • Wireless
  • Smart
  • Compatible
  • Wireless
Calendar Icon
Last Updated: A day ago
DEAL ALERT! Check out our Black Friday Deals Page to see the latest holiday sales on door and window sensors and other smart security gadgets.

When a burglar picks a lock or climbs through an open window, door and window sensors sound the alarm—doing everything from emitting a loud siren to triggering your home security system to sending you an alert on your smart phone.

Like most technology, these sensors vary in function and price, but we’ve researched the best à la carte options as well as those that complement a larger home security system. Start your search for better security by perusing our picks below.

Top 4 Self-Install Door/Window Sensors

Don’t let budget get in the way of added home security. Instead, take a look at the top window and door sensors available for purchase without the added cost of a 24/7 monitoring bill.

Price
Pros
Cons
Review
Learn more
SABRE Elite Door/Window Sensor
sabre elite door window sensor
iSmartAlarm Window/Door Sensor
ismartalarm window door sensor
Samsung SmartThings Multi-Purpose Sensor
Panasonic Wireless Door/Window Sensor
panasonic wireless window door sensor
$6.99 $49.99 $24.99 $37.65
Loud alarm
Three settings
Pin code
Smart
Two-pack
Wireless
Smart
Compatible
Wireless
Smart
Remote access
Compatible
Plain design Not tamper-proof Short range
Requires hub
Requires hub
Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon

Amazon.com List Price as of 11/27/19 1:55 p.m. MST. (Full disclaimer)

The Best Window and Door Sensor Reviews

SABRE Elite Door/Window Sensor

Budget Pick
sabre elite door window sensor

SABRE is known for producing high-quality safety products like pepper spray as well as these fantastic window and door sensors. We think you’ll love the SABRE Elite door and window sensors because they’re easy for homeowners and renters to install and come at one of the most affordable prices.

Main Differentiator: A four-digit code prevents intruders from disabling your window and door sensors or turning them off.

Pros

  • Loud Alarm When triggered, this alarm emits an ear-piercing 120-decibel siren that is audible up to 750 feet away.
  • Three Settings Set the SABRE Elite door and window sensors to chime, silent, or alarm mode depending on the time of day and your needs.
  • Good Customer Reviews SABRE’s sensors have four out of five stars on Amazon based on nearly 30 customer reviews.

Cons

  • Lacks Subtlety The SABRE Elite sensor resembles a garage door opener and isn’t as discrete as other designs, but you could hide it behind a curtain if you’re worried about it.

iSmartAlarm Window/Door Sensor

Fewer False Alarms
ismartalarm window door sensor

iSmartAlarm has a suite of smart products designed to enhance your home’s security and introduce home automation into your life.

The iSmartAlarm is one of its high-caliber devices that differentiates itself from the pack in the way it functions. Instead of responding to vibration like most door and window sensors, this model utilizes a magnetic bond (which, when broken, sounds the alarm) and wireless communication to your smart device, so you’ll get fewer false alarms.

Main Differentiator: The iSmartAlarm window/door alarm communicates wirelessly with your smart device (up to 320 feet away) and sends a text when it detects unauthorized entry.

Pros

  • Easy Install. Use double-sided tape to stick this alarm on windows, doors, sliding doors, and other entryways and move it from place to place as needed.
  • Two-pack. Add more security to your home for less: These sensors come in packs of two.
  • Compatibility. Add motion sensors, panning and tilting indoor security cameras, and more with the whole iSmartAlarm Home Security System. This brand doesn’t require contracts or monthly monitoring, which is a plus if you’re a homeowner or renter who’s interested in home security without a large investment.

Cons

  • Not Tamper-proof. These sensors use tape to adhere to windows and doors and don’t come with a keypad, so they may be removed and tampered with. However, you can reinforce these yourself with mounting brackets or stronger tape or glue.

Samsung SmartThings Multi-Purpose Sensor

Most Versatile

Samsung is a giant in the technology world, producing cell phones, home automation products, and these awesome multi-purpose sensors.

The SmartThings Multi-Purpose Sensor is one of its tiniest (and coolest) gadgets that detects vibrations and motion around doors, windows, and cabinets to alert you if someone is trying to get into something they’re not supposed to.

Main Differentiator: The SmartThings sensor detects temperature, so you’ll know if a window has been left open or there’s a fire in your home.

Pros

  • Smart Device. The Samsung SmartThings app sends alerts to your smart device when it detects a break-in or if you forget to close a window or door.
  • Compatibility. This device works with the Samsung SmartThings Hub and all of its accessories, offering you the opportunity to add more security features to your home.
  • Wireless. Samsung’s sensors connect through your home’s wireless network to communicate with you and the SmartThings Hub.
  • Long Battery Life. Many window and door sensors run on 9 volt or AAA batteries, drastically shortening their lifespan between battery changes. The SmartThings Multi-purpose Sensor comes with a battery that last an average of 730 days.

Cons

  • Short Range. These window and door sensors need to be within 30–50 feet to communicate with the SmartThings Hub (and therefore your smart device), so choose your most vulnerable windows and doors and position your Hub closeby.
  • Requires Hub. You need to buy the SmartThings hub for these devices to work properly, but there aren’t monthly monitoring fees.

Panasonic Wireless Door/Window Sensor

Best Mobile App
panasonic wireless window door sensor

Panasonic produces a variety of high-tech electronics from cameras to appliances. When looking at its home automation and home security category, the Panasonic Wireless window and door sensor stood out because of its compatibility with other products and real-time communication with your smart devices through an app.

Main Differentiator: Most window and door sensors send you alarm notifications through corresponding apps, but Panasonic’s sensors take that a step further by allowing you to arm and disarm the sensors from your smart device, too.

Pros

  • Discrete Design. Panasonic’s window and door sensors are longer and narrower than other brands, allowing them to blend in with your door jambs and window trims.
  • Compatibility. Use Panasonic’s home automation app to sync your smart window and door sensors with its smart outlets, cameras, and more.

Cons

  • Requires Hub. You need to buy the KX-HNB600W Hub in order for this smart window and door sensor to work properly, but that device connects you to so many other fantastic home automation products that it’s worth the cost.

Top 4 Door and Window Sensors With Security Packages

The following sensors are accessories to larger home security systems and require you to purchase monthly monitoring. Comprehensive security offers more protection, but it does come with a steeper price tag.

Pros
Cons
Review
Price
Vivint Smart Home logo Frontpoint logo protect america logo Link Interactive logo
Long battery life
Alerts
Options
Wireless
Up to 39 sensors
Smart
Wireless
Lifetime guarantee
Specification
Multiple sensors
Low profile
Wireless
Temperature limits Not tamper-proof Not tamper-proof Needs monitoring
Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review
View Packages View Packages View Packages View Packages

Vivint Door/Window Sensor

Best Battery Life
Vivint window door sensor

Vivint got its start in home security in 1999 and has made a name for itself with breakthroughs in home automation technology. Aside from purchasing motion sensing cameras, smart locks, and more, you can add its door and window sensors to ramp up your safety.

Not only do these sensors use magnetized locks instead of vibration detection to determine if someone is trying to get into your home, they communicate wirelessly with your main panel.

Main Differentiator: Vivint offers traditional sensors or models that recess into your door and window frames for more discreet, permanent, and tamper-proof security.

Pros

  • Tamper Cover. These sensors come with a cover and anchor screws to keep intruders from disarming the device.
  • Long Range. Vivint’s door and window locks wirelessly stay in constant contact with your main security panel as long as they’re within 350 feet of the unit.
  • Alerts. If the devices sense someone tampering with your doors, windows, or cabinets (if you use these for baby-proofing), they send an alert to the security panel.
  • Long Battery Life. Vivint’s window and door sensors use two CR2032 batteries that last up to eight months.

Cons

  • Temperature Limits. Be careful not to place these sensors in uninsulated locations, because they won’t function below 32 degrees (Fahrenheit).

Frontpoint Door/Window Sensor

Best for Large Homes

Frontpoint has quickly become one of the most sophisticated companies in the home security industry.

No matter the size of your home security package, find great products to keep your home and loved ones safe, including the window and door sensors that communicate wirelessly with the Frontpoint app and the security hub.

Main Differentiator: Store up to 39 individual sensors in the Frontpoint app, so you can determine if an alert is coming from an upstairs window or basement door.

Pros

  • Versatile. These sensors are made for windows and doors as well as gun, liquor, and medicine cabinets. After all, it’s not always a stranger that’s a concern; sometimes you need to protect your loved ones from dangerous places in your home.
  • Small. These sensors are under an inch in width and two inches in height, so they’re less obvious around your home.

Cons

  • Not Tamper-proof. Since these alarms don’t come with anchor screws and adhere to windows, doors, and cabinets, they could be quite easily removed by intruders. Solve this problem by using stronger adhesive or a more permanent mounting bracket.

Protect America Window/Door Sensor

Lifetime Guarantee

Protect America was founded in 1992 and has maintained some of the most affordable pricing in the industry for decades. Its window and door sensors are perfect for people who want the protection of a larger home security system without spending a fortune.

When you add on window and door sensors, you’ll get great features like magnetic alarm mechanisms (which only sound when the magnets are disconnected) that eliminate false alarms.

Main Differentiator: Protect America offers a lifetime guarantee on its sensors while other brands pale in comparison with just one to three years of replacement coverage.

Pros

  • Wireless. Adhere Protect America’s window and door sensors to doors, windows, and cabinets and that’s it; they’ll automatically connect to your main panel through WiFi.
  • Precise Alerts. You’ll always be alerted to the exact sensor that’s been triggered thanks to Protect America’s smart technology and app notifications.

Cons

  • Not Tamper-proof. Sensors don’t come with anchor nails, so the device could be removed by intruders. If you choose this device, find a way to secure it to a window or door with something stronger than tape.

Link Interactive Door/Window Sensor

Most Choices
Pet-Friendly motion sensors

Link Interactive has stellar reviews on Angie’s List, Better Business Bureau, and Yelp, so when you purchase one of its home security systems, you can trust that all of its products—including window and door sensors—are up to snuff.

You’ll get a lot of variety, too. Choose from recessed sensors that slip into window frames and door jambs, standard window and door sensors, or devices meant to detect tilting motion (ideal for garages).

Main Differentiator: Link Interactive offers a number of DIY products to make its home security systems more affordable and customizable.

Pros

  • Wireless. Sync your sensors to your home security panel with your home’s WiFi connection.
  • Low Profile. All sensor designs are compact, so they blend in with your windows and doors and don’t detract from your home’s look or stand out to intruders.
  • Screws. Screws come with these sensors to eliminate the possibility of tampering.
  • Magnetic. Sensors go into alarm mode when a magnetic bond is broken, which cuts down on false alarms commonly triggered in sensors that use motion or vibration sensing.

Cons

  • Need Monitoring. We had a hard time finding a downside to Link Interactive’s window and door sensors, other than the fact that you need to buy a home security system to use them. (This isn’t unique to Link Interactive, however, since three other sensors on this list also require monitoring packages and larger systems.) While monitoring costs more, it provides you with so much added security, so it can be looked at as a positive too.

Things to Consider with Door and Window Sensors

Window and door sensors alert you immediately when a child gets into a dangerous cabinet or an intruder attempts to climb in through a window or enter a door.

Whether you opt for an entire home security system or build your own fortress one device at a time, consider adding additional products to protect your home like motion sensing lights, surveillance cameras, smart locks, and smart doorbells. All of the above are fantastic tools to bring home automation and peace of mind into your life and keep the bad guys out.

Disclaimer

Amazon.com list price as of 11/27/19 1:55 p.m. MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

The post Best Door & Window Sensors of 2019 appeared first on SafeWise.

Best Portable Car Jacks

Best Overall
Big Red scissor car jack product imageTorin Big Red Car Jack
  • Costs under $30
  • Weighs 10 lbs.
  • Wide base
  • Costs under $30
  • Weighs 10 lbs.
  • Wide base
Best Electric Jack
ROGTZ electric car jack product imageROGTZ Electric Car Jack
  • No pumping or cranking required
  • Carrying kit
  • 6,000 lb. limit
  • No pumping or cranking required
  • Carrying kit
  • 6,000 lb. limit
Best Low Profile
Prolift car jack product imagePro-Lift 767 Floor Jack
  • Fits under low vehicles
  • Safety valve
  • Heavy-duty steel
  • Fits under low vehicles
  • Safety valve
  • Heavy-duty steel

Best Overall: Torin Big Red Car Jack

It’s big, it’s red, and it lifts your vehicle in a matter of minutes. The Torin Big Red Car Jack is a simple scissor jack that’s compact enough to fit under your seats and strong enough to lift a compact SUV.

We chose the Torin Big Red Car Jack as the best portable car jack lift because it’s suitable for most vehicles, costs less than a tank of gas, and weighs less than a bag of groceries. A simple car jack like this and an emergency roadside kit can get you out of a spot of roadside trouble.

While the Big Red jack does require manual cranking, its oversized base adds stability, making it a little safer to work with when you need to change a tire or work on your vehicle.

Read on to learn more and see our other picks.

Compare the Best Portable Car Jacks

List Price *
Maximum Capacity
Maximum Lift Height
Jack Weight
Jack Type
Best Overall
Best Electric Jack
Best Low Profile
Best Heavy Lifter
Best for Off-Roading
Torin Big Red Car Jack ROGTZ Pro-Lift Torin Hydraulic LIft Powerbuilt
Big Red scissor car jack product image ROGTZ electric car jack product image Prolift car jack product image Torin Hydraulic Lift product image Powerbuilt car jack product image
$22.98 $75.99 $39.34 $21.99 $58.99
3,000 lbs. 6,000 lbs. 4,000 lbs. 12,000 lbs. 6,000 lbs.
15 in. 16 in. 14 in. 15 in. 17 in.
7 lbs. 13 lbs. 30 lbs. 4.4 lbs. 22.4 lbs.
Scissor jack Electric scissor jack Floor jack Bottle jack Bottle jack
View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon View on Amazon

Amazon.com prices as of 11/27/19 10:43 pm MST.

Top Portable Car Jacks

Reviews: Best Portable Car Jacks

Torin Big Red Car Jack

Best Overall
Big Red scissor car jack product image

Torin Big Red Car Jack

The Torin Big Red Car Jack is storable, affordable, and powerful. It fits the price and durability needs for most drivers, making it our pick for the best portable car jack.

It’s strong enough to lift your vehicle and weighs only 10 pounds, so it’s small enough to fit in compact rides from Coopers to Corollas. And at about $30, it’s about a third of the cost of other car lifts.

Like all scissor jacks, the Big Red jack fits under your vehicle and lifts as you crank the tension rod. Its extra-wide base and heavy-duty steel construction keep the jack and your vehicle stable while you work.

This car jack is suitable for vehicles of most heights, so it will work with your low-profile sports car or compact SUV. Its weight capacity is 3,000 pounds, so we don’t recommend it for heavy-duty trucks and large SUVs.

Pros

  • Costs less than other car jacks
  • Lifts 3,000 lbs.
  • Weights 7.7 lbs.
  • Fits low profile and high profile vehicle
  • ASME approved

Cons

  • Not suitable for large vehicles
  • Manual lift

ROGTZ

Best Electric Jack
ROGTZ electric car jack product image

ROGTZ

Nobody wants to be on the side of the road for long. The ROGTZ Electric Car Floor Jack takes only a few minutes to set up and doesn’t require cranking or pumping to get back on the road.

The ROGTZ electric car lift has attachments that fit sedans and SUVs. As long as your ride has a 12V outlet or a battery, you can use this portable car lift to change a flat tire or perform other maintenance.

Once the jack receives power, press the control button to lift or lower the jack. The only thing it won’t do is change the tire for you.

The ROGTZ comes in a handy carrying case to neatly store all its parts. It can lift up to 6,000 pounds and 16 inches off the ground, making it suitable for SUVs and trucks.

Its biggest downside is the instructions. Because it’s manufactured outside the US, the instructions use the metric system and can be confusing.

Pros

  • 6,000 lb. capacity
  • Lift range of 3-16 in.
  • No manual cranking

Cons

  • Confusing instructions
  • Metric measurements

Pro-Lift 767

Best Low Profile
Prolift car jack product image

Pro-Lift 767

It can be hard to lift sports cars or luxury sedans because they’re so low to the ground. The Pro-Lift 767 is designed to lift cars 14 inches even if they have a low clearance.

The Pro-Lift is a floor jack, so it’s best for garages and paved surfaces. It’s made of heavy-duty steel, includes a lever for lifting, and has a safety valve to prevent overloading the jack.

Its weight capacity is 4,000 pounds—enough to cover sedans, small trucks, and SUVs.

Its size is its biggest drawback. It takes up a lot of space in your trunk and weighs 30 pounds, so it might be hard to move to the ground.

Pros

  • Narrow design for low-profile vehicles
  • Safety valve for overload protection
  • Easy-lift lever

Cons

  • Weighs 30 lbs.

More Portable Car Jacks Worth a Look

Because not everyone drives a small sedan or SUV, these are our recommendations for heavier vehicles and adventurous drivers.

Torin Hydraulic: Best Heavy Lifter

If you love your big rig, make sure you have a jack as strong as your vehicle.

There are nine Torin Hydraulic bottle jacks to choose from, each with a different weight capacity. Whether your vehicle weighs two tons or 50 tons, these portable jacks are reliable and affordable.

We focused on the six-ton jack because it covers most passenger vehicles, even those with trailers on them. This Torin bottle jack is small enough to fit in your truck, toolbox, or under the seat without rearranging anything. And it costs just over $20.

That said, bottle jacks like this one require hydraulic oil to work and aren’t the best choice for emergencies unless you’re experienced with vehicle maintenance. Bottle jacks also aren’t the best for uneven surfaces, so it’s smart to get jack stands for extra support.

Powerbuilt All-in-One: Best for Off-Roading 

Jeep drivers and off-roaders know how important a jack is in a bad situation.

Whether you’re stuck on a rock or stuck with a flat tire, this Powerbuilt All-in-One bottle jack is small enough to fit with the rest of your gear. Even if you aren’t off-roading, being prepared for all types of weather and terrain is essential for vehicle safety.

This Powerbuilt jack can lift 6,000 pounds 17 inches off the ground (21 inches, if you raise it manually first), but it’s best for specialty vehicles.

Specially designed for Jeeps and off-roading vehicles, it has an extra-wide base for better support on uneven ground. It also has a safety valve to prevent slipping while you’re working on your rig.

Things to Consider Before You Buy a Car Jack

Weight Capacity

Even heavy-duty steel jacks have a weight limit. Start by finding the weight of your vehicle online or on your driver’s side door sticker.

Most portable car jacks express weight capacity by tons, so remember that a ton is equal to 2,000 pounds.

Stability

Whether you’re changing a flat on the side of the road or tinkering in the garage, your car needs to be safely supported before you start maintenance.

For roadside maintenance, look for scissor lifts with extra-wide bases and floor jacks that can withstand unpaved surfaces (if you go off-road). Jacks you’ll use in your garage don’t have to be as portable and work better with jack stands or ramps for extra support.

Lift Range and Profile

Consider the distance from the ground to your vehicle’s undercarriage.

Whether you rock a low rider or sit high up, you’ll need a portable car jack that can reach your vehicle and raise it high enough for you to start working.

Most jacks can lift your vehicle a little over a foot off the ground. That’s enough room to change a tire, but not enough for you to slip under the car.

Portable Car Jacks FAQs

What size jack should I get for my car?

It depends on your car’s weight. It’s best to find jacks that can lift a little more than what your car weighs. If your car weighs 2,500 pounds, a two-ton jack would be suitable.

What’s the difference between a floor jack and a trolley jack?

Floor and trolley jacks are similar but have a few key differences. Floor jacks and trolley jacks both lie flat and roll under your vehicle. They’re also both better for garages and serious maintenance.

Trolley jacks are generally heavier lifters and less portable. Floor jacks cost less and are easier to set up, making them useful for roadside help for larger vehicles.

Can you use any jack on any car?

No. Look for a jack that’s strong enough to support your car. A two-ton jack is generally enough for a small car or sedan but not enough for a heavy-duty truck.

For more involved repair, garage work, or heavy lifting, floor or trolley jacks supported by jack stands are safest.

How We Picked the Best Portable Car Jacks 

We wanted to find a portable car jack that works best for the most people. We considered factors like price, weight capacity, lift height, and the portability of the jack itself. So while the Torin Big Red Car Jack doesn’t lift the most weight, it checks the most boxes for the most drivers.

To find the best portable car jacks, we checked firsthand customer reviews to hear about real experiences with each product. The products with the highest ratings and most reviews made our list.

We also watched instructional videos about roadside emergencies, car jacks, and how to find the right fit for your car. Read our full methodology to learn how we wrote this and other articles on SafeWise.

Learn more about staying safe on the road with our SafeWise Car Safety Guide.

*Amazon.com list price as of 11/27/19 10:43 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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