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I never miss an opportunity to optimize my Smart Home with better and newer accessories. Having all these Smart Home accessories connected to each other often gets me thinking about cybersecurity, and inevitably, about my own home’s security.
I already have floodlight cameras and video doorbells installed around my home and at each entryway. Learning that in 23% of burglaries, the perpetrator gains access to the home through the window led to me looking into getting Security Bars on my windows.
As simple as buying window security bars sounds, many factors go into choosing the best one – the construction, material used, installation process, and size. If you have a weirdly shaped or unconventionally large window, finding a pre-made window security bar can be difficult.
It took me hours of research to decide which security bars would be the best for my house. The factors I considered before making my selections were Ease of Installation, Adjustability, Material, Locking Mechanism.
My top choice is the Spear Point Window Bar Guard since it comes with welded tubular steel and has a powder-coated finish. This adds to the durability. Its installation procedure is rather simple, and the design pattern in the center is a nice touch.
Product
Best Overall
Spear Point
Segal
Mr Goodbar
Design
Build
Welded tubular steel
Black Carbon steel
Vinyl coated steel
Adjustable
Colors
Black, White
White, Bronze, Black
White
Dimensions
24 x 54 inches to 42 x 42 inches
Width b/w 32 ½ to 54 inches
24 x 36 inches
Bar Spacing
5 inches
3.8 inches
1.25 inch
Child lock
Price
Best Overall
Product
Spear Point
Design
Build
Welded tubular steel
Adjustable
Colors
Black, White
Dimensions
24 x 54 inches to 42 x 42 inches
Bar Spacing
5 inches
Child lock
Price
Product
Segal
Design
Build
Black Carbon steel
Adjustable
Colors
White, Bronze, Black
Dimensions
Width b/w 32 ½ to 54 inches
Bar Spacing
3.8 inches
Child lock
Price
Product
Mr Goodbar
Design
Build
Vinyl coated steel
Adjustable
Colors
White
Dimensions
24 x 36 inches
Bar Spacing
1.25 inch
Child lock
Price
Spear Point Window Security Bar Guard: Best Overall
The Spear Point Window Bar Guard is my top choice and is the security bar I ended up installing in my house due to its durable construction and pleasing design. It is a complete security package that does not ruin the aesthetics of your humble abode.
The security bar is constructed using ½-inch durable steel that not only makes it lightweight but also adds to the durability. Since the security bar comes with a powder coating, it is resistant to weather effects, including rust and corrosion.
Coincidentally, I installed it during the rainy season, but the powder coating remained intact even after three months.
This Spear Point windows security bar is available in five different sizes ranging from 24 to 26 inches in height and 36 to 54 inches in width. You can choose from two colors: Black and White.
As far as an installation is concerned, the process is rather simple. The only downside to this security bar system is that it does not come with installation hardware. You have to purchase the mounting bracket compatible with the grille separately.
Since this was not mentioned in the description, I initially got the grille without the mounting system and had to order it later.
The installation hardware comes with 3-inch non-reversible screws for secure installation. Moreover, for compliance with the regulations set forth by the authorities, the mounting system is also accompanied by a quick-release accessory to be used in case of emergencies.
Pros
- Made using tubular steel, that makes it lightweight.
- It is available in two colors: Black and White.
- The installation mount comes with a quick-release accessory.
- The bars are powder coated and are weather-resistant.
Cons
- The installation hardware has to be purchased separately.
Sale
The Spear Point window bar guard has a solid steel construction, with a weatherproof and corrosion-resistant coating. It is also versatile, coming in different sizes for every type of window. This window bar is our best overall choice because it is much stronger for its weight, and comes with a quick-release accessory that can help you relocate the bar to another window.
Segal Adjustable Child Safety Window Security Bar: Best for Houses with Kids
Next up is the Segal Adjustable Child Safety Window Guard designed for houses with pets and kids. The structure is constructed using tubular black carbon steel.
Each rod is 0.48-inch thick, and the spacing between two bars is 3.8 inches which are ideal for preventing pets and kids from sticking their heads into the spacings. Depending on the color combination of your house, you can choose from white, bronze, and black colors.
The highlight of this window security bar system is its child lock and adjustability. If you have windows with slightly different dimensions from conventional windows, the Segal Adjustable Child Safety Window Guard is a great choice for you.
You can adjust its width between 32.5 inches and 54 inches. When adjusted at 54-inches, the center panels’ width increases, but it is still not wide enough to let children or pets pass through. Hence, it is ideal for use in apartments on multiple-story buildings.
The icing on the cake is its installation process. The product comes with the required installation hardware, and it hardly took me 20 minutes to mount the bracket and install the bars. The system is completely tamper-proof since it uses one-way installation screws.
It isn’t the ‘best overall’ because it does not comply with the Egress code, which means the bars lack a quick-release mechanism, so you cannot install it in rooms with no emergency exit. Nevertheless, it does comply with New Jersey’s and New York City’s housing codes.
Pros
- It is available in three different colors.
- The installation hardware is included in the package.
- The bars are strong and are resistant to weather conditions.
- It comes with child safety precautions in place.
Cons
- It does not come with a quick-release feature.
Sale
Segal Adjustable Child Safety Window Guard
The Segal window bar is a good choice for a house with kids. The installation is also quite easy with the installation hardware that comes with the bar and has excellent child safety systems. All in all, this the best choice when it comes to keeping your children safe from intruders, as well as themselves.
Mr Goodbar White Security Grille: Best for Smaller Apartments
The Mr Goodbar White Security Grille looks more like an oven grill but is a pretty sturdy security bar that has high endurance. It is constructed using Vinyl coated steel and is only available in a 24 x 36-inch size.
It has specifically been designed for windows and openings near the door that can be broken to access the inside lock. Each bar is placed only 1.25-inch apart so that intruders cannot slide their hands in either. It also works well for glass openings on doors.
Installation-wise, the process is very easy. The grille has six mounting hooks on the longer side and can either be installed using nails. However, the Mr Goodbar White Security Grille comes with installation bolts that are much more secure than nails and screws.
The installation process is rather simple. Moreover, the mounting holes are positioned after every 15 inches, which keeps it from bending.
While ordering this security bar, I was concerned about its sturdiness. In the pictures, it looks wobbly. However, when I received it, I was pretty impressed with its sturdiness. The grille is supposed to be installed on the inside so that intruders cannot unscrew it.
Moreover, you can quickly remove it in case of need. This is especially useful for cleaning the windows. The installation process is a breeze, so removing the grille for cleaning purposes is not a hassle.
Pros
- The powder coating makes it rust and scratch-resistant.
- The bars are spaced tightly. Hence, intruders cannot slide in their hands.
- All the necessary installation hardware is included in the box.
- The installation and removal process is easy.
Cons
- It is only available in one size.
Mr Goodbar White Security Grille
The Mr Goodbar security grille has a powder coating that makes the bars resistant to corrosion and scratching. The tight spacing of the bars ensures nothing can be inserted in between them, and their smaller size makes them perfect for apartments. All this security comes with an easy installation and removal procedure that can be done with the hardware that comes with the box.
Ideal Security Window Security Bar: Best for Sliding Windows
The Ideal Security Window Security Bar for sliding windows comes with a child safety lock that prevents children from displacing the bar and also prevents it from springing out of position in case of a nudge or a strong jerk.
The bar is subtle enough to blend with the décor of your house yet visible enough to deter any intruders or burglars. You cannot remove it without being noisy; hence, most intruders avoid getting into houses with security bars.
The bar is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small bar can be adjusted between 10.6 inches to 16.625 inches, while the medium and large can be set between 15.7 inches to 26.75 inches and 25.75 inches to 47.5 inches, respectively.
In addition to this, you can choose between black, white, and silver colors depending on your house’s theme.
You can install it anywhere across the height of the window. You can also install it towards the top to prevent children from reaching it.
Moreover, the installation process is super easy. All you have to do is twist the shaft, adjust the length and close it. The setup does not require any skills or tools. It hardly took me a minute to adjust the length and install the bar.
Pros
- It is available in three different sizes.
- The bar comes with a child lock.
- It is visible from the outside.
- The installation process is easy.
Cons
- The bar is not pressure mounted.
Ideal Security Window Security Bar
The Ideal Security Window bar as the name goes, is pretty ideal for most windows, especially sliding windows. It's available in three sizes so you can place them in any window you want to. It is visible from the outside and acts as a deterrent to a potential intruder. The installation procedure is also really easy with a toolless design.
Jeacent Adjustable Window Security Bar: Best for Patio Doors
The Jeacent Adjustable Window Security Bar comes with 22 anchor holes to adjust the length. The bar can almost double its length, and once you have decided on an anchor, it will neither wobble nor slip.
It is a sturdy window security bar that has been constructed using high-impact steel for added durability. The bar is made of two hollow tubes that fit into each other and click in place to prevent yanking and wobbling. This makes it ideal for patio doors and sliding windows.
The bar can be tucked at the bottom of the window or the top. You can also mount it in the center if you want it to act as a deterrent. It also comes with reusable Velcro to hold it in place. Like other security bars, its installation process is super easy.
The security bar is also equipped with a push pin that can only be accessed from the inside. So, in case of an emergency or any similar situation, you can unclasp the bar using the pushpin. You cannot reach it from the outside, so it is safe from intruders.
Pros
- It can almost double in length.
- There are 22 anchor holes for length adjustment.
- The bar can be concealed under the window trim.
- It is designed in accordance with rules set forth by US authorities.
Cons
- You can only install it in windows and patio doors with tracks that are 1-inch or wider.
Sale
Jeacent Adjustable Window Security Bar
Don't let the size of the Jeacent Window security bar fool you. Its extendable part lets it lengthen up to almost double its original size. The security bar can become quite inconspicuous too when you conceal it under the window trim. The Jeacent security bar is ideal for doors leading to a patio because of its compatibility with sliding doors, and can only be accessed from the inside.
How to Choose the Right Window Security Bar to Secure Your Home
Some of the factors that have to be considered while investing in a security grille or bar are:
Material
The bar or grille should be constructed using sturdy and durable metal such as reinforced steel, high-impact steel, powder-coated iron or black carbon steel. However, if you want something even stronger, you can go for security bars made of wrought iron. They will be heavier and costlier but will ensure more security.
Synthetic window security bars are also available on the market, but they are not very sturdy.
Ease of Installation
If you are not a DIY enthusiast or do not fancy digging into tools and drilling the walls, it is better to go for bars with a minimally invasive installation process.
Types
There are many different types of security bars for windows. Depending on the type of windows you have and your security requirements, choose what works best for you. Try to go for more straightforward options that have emergency release options.
Final Thoughts on Security Bars for Windows
Security bars and grilles have become more of a necessity over the past few months. The best part is that they don’t cost a lot and are among the best crime deterrents available. When used in combination with security cameras, they can reduce the risk of home invasion by folds.
If you want an all-rounder that will look good and provide enough security, the Spear Point Window Bar Guard is a good option. You might want to look into the Segal Adjustable Child Safety Window Guard for larger windows, while the Mr. Goodbar White Security Grille works well for smaller openings.
As far as sliding windows are concerned, both Ideal Security Window Security Bar and Jeacent Adjustable Window Security Bar will work well.
It’s also a great idea to get a Fireproof Home Safe to protect your most important documents both from unwelcome visitors and the elements.
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- Best HomeKit Security Cameras To Protect Your Smart Home
- Best Apartment Security Cameras That You Can Buy Today [2021]
- Best Self-Monitored Home Security System [2021]
Frequently Asked Questions
Are window bars effective?
Yes, they are a good deterrent for intruders and burglars.
How do I secure windows without bars?
You can secure windows without bars by using thicker glass or by mounting an alarm system.
Can I put bars on my windows?
Yes, you can put temporary or permanent bars on your windows to deter invaders.
How much does it cost to install security bars on windows?
Installing bars on windows does not cost a lot. However, the final cost depends on the type of bars you choose.
Are security bars on windows legal?
Yes, it is legal but if you live in a rental property, talk to your landlord first.