If you’ve ever come home to a soggy basement or found out too late that your kitchen sink or toilet has a slow leak, you know how expensive it can be to repair or replace carpets, flooring, and walls with water damage. Finding leaks before they cause major damage is now easier than ever, thanks to water-sensing smart home devices that send alerts to your phone when they detect moisture. They range in complexity from simple puck-shaped sensors that you place on the floor to in-line systems that monitor your water flow rate for irregularities that might indicate leaks. At PCMag, we've been reviewing smart water sensors for nearly a decade. The First Alert L1 is our Editors' Choice for its easy installation, responsive performance, and reasonable price. However, it isn't the only model we recommend, so read on for our top picks.
Overview
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![First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector]()
Best OverallFirst Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector
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![Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff]()
Best Automatic Water ControlsFlo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff
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![Shelly Flood Gen4]()
Best Affordable Leak DetectorShelly Flood Gen4
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![Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor]()
Best for Tracking Water UseFlume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor
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![Phyn Smart Water Sensor]()
Best Environmental SensorPhyn Smart Water Sensor
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![Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor]()
Best Frozen Pipe ProtectionOrbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor
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![Eve Water Guard]()
Best for HomeKit UsersEve Water Guard
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector]()
Best OverallFirst Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector worked perfectly in testing, sending an alert when the sensor came in contact with just a trickle of water. It's easy to set up, and you can connect extension sensor cables to cover up to 500 feet of potentially leaky areas. Using integrated sensors, it can also reliably alert you when humidity and temperature thresholds are reached. It doesn't integrate with smart home platforms, but it can pair with a compatible Resideo L5 Wi-Fi valve to automatically shut off the water when it detects a leak that's not directly near the valve (which also has its own sensor cable).
Who It's For
Snowbirds, or anyone concerned about frozen pipes: If you fly south to warmer climates in the winter, this will allow you to monitor your pipes back at home 24/7. The temperature sensor in the First Alert L1 can alert you when the temperature drops to a point where your pipes are at risk of freezing, allowing you to shut off the water before a leak or burst occurs.
Big basements: If you have lots of space where leaks can appear, this can help you monitor them. Each five-foot extension cable is $19.99, but you can chain together up to 99 of them to monitor every corner of your basement for potential dampness.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity Wi-Fi Environmental Sensors Siren Smart Home Integration None Type of Protection Spot Voice Control None -
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![Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff]()
Best Automatic Water ControlsFlo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Flo by Moen is the most advanced and comprehensive device on this list, because it's more than just a leak detector or water shutoff. It's a whole-home water monitoring system that can let you know how much water you're using and warn you ahead of a leak or other problem if it detects a jump in water use.
Who It's For
Anyone worried about leaks: You can use the Flo by Moen to stop leaks before they start, thanks to its constant monitoring of flow rates. After a 7- to 10-day learning period, it will understand enough about your pipes to detect even small leaks and pressure dips, and send you a notification to check knobs and seals before they become a problem.
Environmentally-conscious users: If you're concerned about wasting water, you can monitor usage throughout your home with the Flo by Moen. Once it learns how your plumbing works, it can generate reports covering not just how much water your household uses, but also how much each type of fixture is using.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Wi-Fi Smart Home Integration IFTTT Type of Protection Whole-Home Voice Control Amazon Alexa Voice Control Google Assistant Learn More Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff Review -
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Credit: John R. Delaney
![Shelly Flood Gen4]()
Best Affordable Leak DetectorShelly Flood Gen4
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Shelly Flood Gen4 is flexible, functional, and above all else, inexpensive. This simple leak detector supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee, and works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, Matter, and SmartThings, so you can use it no matter which home automation setup you have. Its 6.5-foot sensor cable can be daisy-chained to cover up to 490 feet, and additional cables are just $7.49 each. The only drawback is that it doesn't have a temperature sensor like more expensive leak detectors.
Who It's For
Budget-minded smart homes: If you don't mind the lack of a temperature sensor, the Shelly Flood Gen4 lets you keep an eye out for leaks on the cheap, even in a big space. With broad platform support, it should integrate seamlessly with your existing smart home ecosystem.
Specs & Configurations
Product Category Smart Home Learn More Shelly Flood Gen4 Review -
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![Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor]()
Best for Tracking Water UseFlume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Flume 2 is a whole-home smart water monitor that not only detects leaks but also helps you track your water usage. It's the cheapest water monitor on this list, but it comes at a cost: it doesn't actually have a shutoff function, so you'll have to access the valves yourself when you need to deal with a leak.
Who It's For
Budget-minded environmentalists: If you want to keep an eye on how much water you use, the Flume 2 can provide plenty of data for you at half the price of our Editors' Choice alternative.
DIYers: Unlike some other water monitor systems, you can install the Flume 2 yourself instead of relying on (and paying) a professional to do it. Simply attach it to the outside of your home's water meter.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Wi-Fi Smart Home Integration None Type of Protection Whole-Home Voice Control Amazon Alexa Learn More Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor Review -
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![Phyn Smart Water Sensor]()
Best Environmental SensorPhyn Smart Water Sensor
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Phyn Smart Water Sensor is a simple environmental sensor that you can place anywhere to track temperature and moisture levels. It's one of the most affordable options on this list, and while it doesn't connect to smart home systems, it can sync with a Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant shutoff valve to cut off the water whenever it detects a leak.
Who It's For
Convenience seekers: If you don't want to worry about setup, simply power on and place (or hang up) the Phyn Smart Water Sensor, and it'll start working. It can only monitor a single spot on its own, though. If you want to cover a larger area, you'll need to buy an optional four-foot sensor cable. The sensor supports chaining together up to three, for twelve feet of total coverage.
Budget shoppers: The Phyn Smart Water Sensor offers an affordable way to monitor leaks in your home. That's assuming you don't plan on getting a sensor cable or shutoff valve, which adds to the cost.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Wi-Fi Environmental Sensors Siren Smart Home Integration None Type of Protection Spot Voice Control None Learn More Phyn Smart Water Sensor Review -
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![Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor]()
Best Frozen Pipe ProtectionOrbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Orbit's B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor is a simple and easy-to-use leak and flood detection system. It combines a wireless hub with multiple individual sensors you can place near any fixture or location that's vulnerable to leaks. They monitor humidity and temperature, so you can get warned about possible freezes, too.
Who It's For
Budget shoppers with large homes: If you have a lot of places where leaks can appear but don't want to buy an expensive whole-home water monitoring system, the Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor can do the job. Each hub can track several sensors within 150 feet, and you can configure multiple hubs with dozens of sensors to keep an eye on every possibly damp corner of your house. It does an excellent job of detecting even the smallest amount of water, and it will warn you of freezing temperatures that can lead to burst pipes.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Wi-Fi Environmental Sensors Smart Home Integration None Type of Protection Spot Voice Control None Learn More Orbit B-Hyve Smart Flood Sensor Review -
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![Eve Water Guard]()
Best for HomeKit UsersEve Water Guard
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Plugging a device into a power outlet and leaving its cable exposed where puddles can form sounds like it could lead to Final Destination-like shenanigans, but the Eve Water Guard is a rare, safe, and responsible case of such an activity. This moisture sensor is easy to set up, as all you need to do is plug in its block-shaped hub and run the 6.5-foot sensor cable under your cabinets, behind your washing machine, or anywhere you're concerned about a potential leak. It's expandable with 6.5-foot extension cables, sold separately for $21.95.
Who It's For
Apple users: If your home is powered by Apple devices, the Eve Water Guard has one specific advantage: HomeKit support. It's designed with Apple HomeKit in mind, so you can easily check it using Siri, receive notifications through the Apple Home app, and even have it trigger other HomeKit devices when it detects a leak.
Learn More Eve Water Guard Review -
Compare Specs
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Best For | Best Overall | Best Automatic Water Controls | Best Affordable Leak Detector | Best for Tracking Water Use | Best Environmental Sensor | Best Frozen Pipe Protection | Best for HomeKit Users | Best Overall | Best Automatic Water Controls | Best Affordable Leak Detector |
Type of Protection | Spot | Whole-Home | Whole-Home | Spot | Spot | Spot | Whole-Home | |||
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi | |||
Smart Home Integration | None | IFTTT | None | None | None | None | IFTTT | |||
Voice Control | None | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa | None | None | None | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | |||
Environmental Sensors | ||||||||||
Siren |
Buying Guide: The Best Smart Water Leak Detectors for 2026
What Is a Water Leak Detector?
The most basic DIY devices are battery-operated discs or small boxes that simply sit on the floor where leaks might occur, such as directly under a refrigerator, sink, toilet, or washing machine. They typically have two or more metal sensor terminals (feet) that are in contact with the floor, as well as built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi radios to connect with your phone. The sensor triggers when the feet come into contact with water; typically, just a few drops are enough to set it off. The device then sends a push alert or email (or both) and sounds an alarm. Ensure that you look for a sensor that features a reasonably loud siren, allowing you to hear it from anywhere in your home.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that leaking water begins to puddle in an area adjacent to the sensor’s location. To ensure you receive an alert before too much water accumulates, purchase a pack that comes with multiple sensors, enabling you to expand the water detection range. Alternatively, purchase a sensor that comes with an extension cable. In most cases, the entire extension cable acts as a long, flexible sensor. You can hang this type of water sensor on a wall (with the cable resting on the floor) or place it directly on the floor along with the cable for maximum coverage.
Although smaller, battery-powered sensors are great for detecting leaks in obvious places, they won’t tell you if there’s a leak in plumbing that resides behind your walls or in your ceiling. Granted, if water is leaking from a ceiling pipe, you’ll eventually find out. But by that time, you are likely dealing with damaged ceiling tiles and drywall, as well as possible wood rot. For whole-home protection, look for a leak detection system that monitors your entire water delivery system.
These types of systems typically require in-line operation, located in an area near your water meter. They also likely require professional installation because they become a part of your plumbing system. As water flows through the device, it gathers information about your delivery system, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. Once it learns the particulars of your home's water system over time (usually a week or two), it sends an alert if your water usage spikes or your water pressure changes, both of which may indicate a broken pipe or a faucet that has been left on. These devices can also tell you if you have a slow drip situation somewhere in your system, and if your water temperature is too cold, a condition that can lead to burst pipes.
A handful of in-line smart monitors do more than just warn you of potential trouble: They generate daily, weekly, and monthly usage reports, plus tell you how much water each fixture (such as a shower, sink, or garden hose) uses. Additionally, they run system health tests periodically, looking for abnormal pressure or flow rates. If they detect a problem, they automatically shut off the entire water supply to your home. These systems are ideal if you're frequently away from home or have a second home that remains unoccupied for extended periods.
What Makes a Leak Detector Smart?
A smart water sensor can communicate with your phone in several ways. Some sensors are Bluetooth-only, which means you must be within range of the device (typically 40 feet or so) to receive alerts and silence alarms. If you want to receive alerts and control the sensor while you’re away from home, make sure the device has a Wi-Fi radio or is part of a connected home automation system.
Recommended by Our Editors
For anyone living in a climate where frozen pipes are a reality or where heat and humidity levels tend to be high, look for a water sensor that also monitors environmental conditions. If your sensor has built-in temperature and humidity sensors, it can send alerts when conditions reach a certain threshold. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you can set the sensor to alert you if the temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a level that can lead to burst pipes. Similarly, if you live in a hot climate with muggy conditions, you can configure the sensor to alert you when the humidity level hits 55% or higher to avoid mold growth. Abnormally high humidity levels can also indicate water leaks.
If you want your water sensor to do more than just notify you of a leak, look for one that works with other smart devices. Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice compatibility let you silence alarms or check temperature and humidity levels simply by asking. Ideally, you want the sensor to trigger another device that can help minimize damage from the leak, such as a fan or a dehumidifier.
Some water sensors are part of a family of smart devices from a single manufacturer that all work with the same app. If you choose a standalone sensor, ensure it supports IFTTT or is compatible with a home automation platform, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, or SmartThings. With IFTTT, you can create applets that allow the sensor to trigger other compatible devices, such as smart plugs and thermostats. Most home automation systems allow you to create automations or scenes to configure connected devices to work together.
How Much Does a Water Leak Detector Cost?
Smart water sensors cost anywhere from $50 to over $500. The more affordable models are just leak detectors that typically lack a Wi-Fi radio and communicate via Bluetooth or work as part of a home automation system. You pay more for features like environmental monitoring, extension cables, sirens, and LED indicators, as well as numerous integration options such as voice control and support for IFTTT. At the high end are the in-line systems that monitor your entire home and shut off your water if they detect a serious problem. Keep in mind that, in addition to a steep price, in-line systems require professional installation, which likely adds $200 or more to the total price.
For help getting started, see our story on how to set up your smart home.