X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm review

X‑Sense SWS0A Ultra‑thin Smart Water Leak Alarm: Introduction

Perhaps better known for its smart smoke detectors, the X‑Sense SWS0A Ultra‑thin Smart Water Leak Alarm adds water detection into the mix. The sensor requires the SBS50 Base Station, which is the hub for the smart smoke alarms, too.

If you’ve got an X-Sense SBS50 Base Station already, then you can buy the sensors standalone (individually, or in a multi-pack); if you’re starting from scratch, you can buy a set that also includes the base station.

Offering a surprisingly loud alert paired with prompt app notifications, the X‑Sense SWS0A Ultra‑thin Smart Water Leak Alarm is a powerful detection system.

Design

• Ultra-thin sensors
• Requires SBS50 Base Station

Although you can buy the X‑Sense SWS0A Ultra‑thin Smart Water Leak Alarm individually, the sensors require the SBS50 Base Sation. This small box is powered by USB and connects to your home network via Wi-Fi. Range is pretty good, so you can place the base station pretty much where you want and still get a strong signal to your sensors.

The SWS0A is true to form, certainly ultra-thin. The low-profile disc design is very discreet and easily fits under refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, sinks and toilets.

The water-resistant shell has a strong build quality with solid plastic and tight seams. The metal contact probes on the underside register leaks,while the speaker on the top ignites a loud siren upon contact with moisture. It’s all held together by four scews that maintain the watertight seal.

Undo the four screws, and there’s access to the two AAA batteries inside. A set of batteries can last up to three years, depending on how many times the sensor is triggered.

Connecting to the hub was seamless and fast.

Features

• Strong connectivity
• Works in X-Sense app only

The X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm is controlled through the same app as the company’s smart smoke detectors. Each sensor can be placed in a room and named, so you can work out which device was triggered.

The app tells you which sensors are online and their signal strength plus battery life and allows for simple device testing, so can make sure each is working.

There’s currently no third-party support, and the SBS50 Bridge is not Matter compatible, so you can’t add these sensors to a smart home system of your choice and trigger automations when water is detected.

That’s a little limiting if you want this feature and, for now, you can use the X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm in the X-Sense app only.

Performance

I installed the SBS50 Base Station in my living room under a coffee table where it stays ignored throughout the day, with a sensor under my kitchen, basement and bathroom sinks. I didn’t personally opt for any tight spaces, but this is the perfect hardware for those settings (water heater, refrigerator, washing machine and so on).

The ultra-thin design is surely one of this sensor’s greatest strengths, backed by strong connectivity and a noisy alarm. I could hear this alert from across the house, which wins it major favor in my book. I find that for such a small device, the alarm really does wonders. I only have it set at level 4 out of 5.

The response time was impeccable, with instant trigger response to small drips and pools of water. A thin layer or film will still set it off. The alerts arrived promptly during testing. I pooled a small bit of water on my laundry room floor in the basement, where it trickled down around the disc and set it off. The sharp, loud chirp immediately caught my attention, and I wanted it to stop. After it was wiped down and the area cleared, there were no false positives.

Final thoughts

The X‑Sense SWS0A Ultra‑thin Smart Water Leak Alarm is a standout for users who need a slim, discreet sensor that delivers loud alerts and reliable app notifications. It’s also a useful add-on for anyone with X-Sense’s smart smoke detectors.

I think it is perfect in almost any setting with its slim design,. Being incredibly easy to setup and install, with a distinct audible alarm, the SWSOA works brilliantly, but wider third-party support would be nice.

How we test

When we publish our reviews, you can rest assured that they are the result of “living with” long term tests.

Smart water leak sensors usually live within an ecosystem, or a range of products that – supposedly – all work in harmony. And they are designed to offer a range of different cleaning options. Therefore, it’s impossible to use a Smart water leak sensor for a week and deliver a verdict.

Because we’re testing smart home kit all day, everyday, we know what matters and how a particular Smart water leak sensor compares to alternatives that you might also be considering.

Our reviews are comprehensive, objective and fair and, of course, we are never paid directly to review a device.

Read our guide on how we test robot vacuum cleaners to learn more.

FAQs

X-Sense SWS0A Ultra-thin Smart Water Leak Alarm: Specifications