Racheli Cooper, Chief Editor.
⏳ Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick? Between Birdie vs Hootie Alarm, the better personal alarm device between the two is Hootie Alarm.
Introduction to Birdie vs Hootie Alarm Comparison
Which is the better personal alarm device for you – Birdie vs Hootie Alarm?
Even in these days of inclusivity, women never feel safe whenever they move or travel alone, especially after dark. In the United States alone, one out of every three women is assaulted for being on her own – a frightening statistic that alarms even the most independent ladies.
For this reason, personal alarm devices were invented. Playing on the premise of shocking an attacker while alerting anyone nearby for assistance, these are a great help to women on the go.
Today's Birdie vs Hootie Alarm comparison review aims to see which of these devices offer a better deal as a personal alarm device.
What are Hootie and Birdie Alarm?
The Birdie is a personal alarm developed for women by women. This diminutive device has the virtue of looking like a harmless bag tag, but rings a loud alarm and displays bright strobe lights when activated.
The Hootie Alarm, on the other hand, is best described as alarming, no pun intended as this tiny device screams at 130 decibels – that is about as loud as the roaring of a jet engine as it kicks into gear at take-off. Also equipped with LED strobe bulbs, it's an excellent thing to have on hand whenever you feel threatened.
Birdie vs Hootie Alarm Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Birdie | 🏆 Hootie Alarm (Editor's Pick!) |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Personal alarm | Personal alarm |
| Cost | Check Current Pricing | Check Current Pricing |
| Application | Women of all ages | Women of all ages |
| Battery Requirement / LifeSpan | Two CR2032 batteries 6 months | Two CR2032 batteries 1 year |
| Configuration | Two distinct models: Original Birdie;Birdie + | Single model |
| Customer Support | Email via web form; online chat | Phone, email, standard post |
| Customer User Reviews | 2.9 out of 5 (Trustpilot) | 4 out of 5 (Trustpilot) |
| TSA Compliance | YES | YES |
Usability
Birdie
In order to use Birdie, one only has to yank out the top half of the device to set off the alarm.
However, users note that, because the activation pin is so easy to yank out, it's also very easy to set it off even with a slight tug. This leads to accidental activation that can be more than a little embarrassing.
Birdie takes a step forward with its Birdie+ App available on both Android and iPhone platforms. The app offers features like ON-CALL REP, EXCUSE-TO-LEAVE-CALL, and LOCATION SHARING, providing an additional layer of safety and peace of mind.
Beware, it is not clear whether Birdie collects or stores data from its smart integrations.
Hootie Alarm
The Hootie Alarm works along similar principles, but the pin is more securely set in place. So securely, in fact, that you need two pounds of physical force to yank it out – which, to be fair, isn't much and you know it won't start howling at a single tug.
Hootie is water-resistant and made from impact-resistant ABS plastic, which means it will be fairly resilient in various environmental conditions.
Hootie does not offer any compatibility with smartphones or smart home systems.
Importantly Hootie does not collect or store data as it does not offer smart integrations.
Winner – Hootie! This usability round goes to the Hootie Alarm in this She's Birdie vs Hootie Alarm showdown.
Reliability
Birdie
Like we said, this personal keychain alarm is useful – but a hair-trigger activation pin makes it a bit unreliable. For this reason, despite being TSA-approved, it's not something you'd want to bring along in an enclosed space like an airplane cabin.
Also, in the more advanced Birdie+ model, the Bluetooth syncing feature often fails to connect the device to your phone.
Hootie Alarm
Built for durability is an understatement for this best personal safety alarms for women. The body of the device is made with military-grade plastic that easily weathers even the most extreme weather conditions. Plus, it's shock-proof and waterproof which adds a great deal to it's reliability as it won't break if it's dropped or submerged.
We also like how a single battery set can keep it going for a year, and that the alarm itself flashes and yowls for up to 45 minutes, ample time to either run or get help.
Winner – Hootie! In terms of reliability between Birdie vs Hootie Alarm, this is the Hootie Alarm's round to win.
Features
What are the key features of these personal safety devices?
Birdie
- Loud alarm;
- Strobe lighting;
- Brass keychain;
- Nine color variants
Hootie Alarm
- 130-decibel original personal safety alarm;
- LED strobe light that stays bright for up to 45 minutes;
- Simple loop construction that lets you attach it to key rings or carabiners;
- Six color variants
Winner – Hootie! We're giving this round to Hootie Alarm in this She's Birdie vs Hootie Alarm features battle.
Value for Money
Birdie
Birdie original self defense siren will cost you $29.95 apiece, sans taxes, shipping and handling fees. No discounts are given for multiple item purchases, but shipping fees are waived for those ordering two or more.
Interestingly, the money back guarantee only applies to items that the vendor deems resellable – and that rings our alarm bells. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Be sure to purchase only from their official website.
Birdie offers bulk orders and shipping deals for purchases of multiple units, but information about international shipping is not explicitly provided. If you reside outside the United States, it's advised to consult the website or customer service for information on international availability, shipping costs, and import fees.
With every Birdie alarm purchased, a percentage of the profits go towards partner organizations that support women's safety, shelter, and health. The brand not only provides a safety tool but also contributes to broader social empowerment.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
Hootie Alarm
Hootie Alarm is about $0.04 more expensive at $29.99. But discounted bundles are offered in sets of three, five, and nine.
A 30-day money back guarantee applies, as well as a 100-day technical warranty. We strongly recommend purchasing only from their official website.
Hootie ships orders outside the USA, with a delivery timeframe of 10-18 business days. However, customers may need to pay additional customs, duties, or VAT fees depending on their country.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
Winner – Hootie! Again, we are giving this to Hootie Alarm in this She's Birdie vs Hootie Alarm showdown.
User Reviews
Birdie
Unfortunately, Birdie's Trustpilot rating is a dismal 2.9 out of 5. Customers complained about low quality of the products they received. Given the “resellable” items clause in the returns policy, we aren't really surprised.
Hootie Alarm
Hootie Alarm's stellar 4 out 5 rating in Trustpilot speaks volumes about its satisfactory performance for users. Those who bought a Hootie appreciated the level of safety and confidence it accorded to them.
Winner – Hootie! Take it from the ladies: this was a clear win for Hootie Alarm.
Conclusion and Recommendations to our Birdie vs Hootie Alarm Comparison
While Birdie offers more advanced features with its app integration, Hootie offers simplicity and durability. Women need an item that really shocks and awes potential attackers, so we are giving the victory to Hootie Alarm.
Who is the Birdie best for?
Useful for nights on the town if you're heading somewhere close to your home.
Who is the Hootie Alarm best for?
Safe and durable for travel.
She's Birdie vs Hootie Alarm Alternatives
Consider the rechargeable Vantamo Personal Alarm if you don't want to bother swapping batteries.
Birdie vs Hootie Alarm Final Word
At the risk of sounding like Mad-Eye Moody from the Harry Potter books, constant vigilance on your part is still necessary even if you have a personal alarm on you. In which case, you may want to shop around to see what alarms fit your personal style and habits.
Remember to protect yourself as a consumer by purchasing only authentic, high-quality products. Therefore, we recommend that you buy Hootie Alarm only from their official website. Not only will you ensure you get legit products, but you can also save through discounted pricing for multiple buys. Beware of purchasing from marketplace sites claiming to be resellers so to avoid issues with refunds and returns in the future!
FAQ
How loud is a Hootie Alarm on activation?
At maximum, the Hootie Alarm sends out a 130-decibel signal that is both shocking and deafening.
Is the Hootie Alarm rechargeable?
No, as the device requires two CR2032 batteries to work. But you may only need to change these once a year.
Are Birdie alarms worth it?
Given the robust features, high user ratings, and community support, many would argue that Birdie alarms are worth the investment for personal safety. However, compared to Hootie Alarm, it may fall short in some aspects like reliability and battery life.
Does Birdie alarm call police?
No, the Birdie alarm does not directly call the police. However, the Birdie+ App can contact a 24/7 ON-CALL REP who can stay on the phone until you're safe or send first responders if needed.
Is the Birdie alarm TSA approved?
Yes, the Birdie alarm is TSA compliant, which means you can take it with you when you travel by air. However, given its sensitivity and ease of activation, you may want to store it carefully to avoid accidentally setting it off in a confined space like an airplane cabin.
Is Hootie alarm legit?
Based on our reviewing and customer reviews of 4 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, Hootie Alarm appears to be a legitimate and reliable product. It's made from military-grade plastic, is both shock-proof and waterproof, and provides a loud 130-decibel alarm along with LED strobe lights. It also has a longer-lasting battery compared to Birdie, making it a strong competitor in the personal alarm device market. Therefore, it seems to be a legit and worthwhile investment for personal safety.
If you've read all the way through this Birdie vs Hootie Alarm comparison, we are grateful. We have reviewed several other products in detail, feel free to check them out;
Natalia Sommers is a Gadget Reviewer and Writer at Pixoneye.com, the leading destination for customer ratings and reviews of consumer products. With over 10 years of experience in tech journalism, Natalia is a seasoned writer and reviewer who is passionate about exploring new gadgets and emerging technologies. She is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a degree in Physics and developed a deep understanding of science and technology.
As a Gadget Reviewer and Writer, Natalia is responsible for researching and testing the latest consumer products to provide readers with insightful and helpful reviews. She is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends in tech and is passionate about helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Natalia is also a DIY enthusiast and a proponent of mindful living. Join our community today and discover the best consumer products with Pixoneye.com.
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