In 2025, organizations face a dual challenge: keeping people safe while avoiding security fatigue caused by false alarms. Every false alert wastes valuable response time and can even erode trust in the security program. That’s why the best weapon detection systems today focus on high detection accuracy, minimal false positives, seamless integration, and measurable ROI.
This guide ranks five proven technologies that are being deployed across schools, manufacturing sites, healthcare facilities, stadiums, and campuses. The ranking is based on technical performance, integration ease, long-term cost of ownership, and regulatory compliance — the same factors most security leaders use when evaluating a solution.
How We Ranked Weapon Detection Technologies
Our methodology focused on four key dimensions:
- Detection Accuracy and False Positives: Can the system reliably detect weapons while minimizing nuisance alerts?
- Integration with Existing Infrastructure: Does it work with the cameras, access control readers, and VMS already in place?
- Scalability and Total Cost of Ownership: Can it scale across sites affordably, with predictable subscription and maintenance costs?
- Compliance and Privacy: Does it meet NDAA, HIPAA, FERPA, and state privacy standards, and support edge processing to minimize privacy risk?
This framework balances technical performance with business considerations such as cost, staffing, and regulatory exposure.
Detection Accuracy and False-Positive Rates
False positives are one of the most common pain points in security operations. A false-positive rate refers to the percentage of alerts that do not correspond to a real weapon.
Industry benchmarks show that leading technologies now perform as follows:
- ≤1% for millimeter-wave imaging (airport-grade systems)
- 1-2% for acoustic-infrared sensor fusion
- 2-5% for AI video analytics running on generic camera streams
Live-fire tests have shown acoustic-infrared fusion achieving up to 99.9% accuracy, and edge AI video solutions with two-stage verification reducing false alerts by 70% in real-world pilots. Lower false-positive rates translate to faster incident resolution and fewer unnecessary disruptions.
5 Top Weapon Detection Technologies
Coram
Coram’s AI-driven video solution is a leading choice for organizations that want to upgrade existing cameras into weapon detection sensors. Its edge AI engine evaluates each frame locally for sub-second alerts, while a cloud verification layer provides a second check to reduce false positives by up to 70% in pilot programs.
This approach is cost-effective because it uses existing cameras. Two-stage verification has been shown to cut false alarms by up to 70%, allowing operators to focus on real incidents instead of endless reviews.
Evolv Express
Evolv Express uses advanced sensor fusion and AI to screen large crowds without stopping foot traffic. It combines electromagnetic fields and AI-based object classification to achieve sub-1% false alarms, making it ideal for stadiums, arenas, and transit hubs.
ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes specializes in AI-based gun detection using existing security cameras. It integrates with VMS platforms and dispatch centers to deliver real-time alerts to first responders. The company boasts DoD-tested accuracy and is widely deployed in schools and corporate campuses.
Patriot One SmartGateway
Patriot One’s SmartGateway combines radar, AI vision, and health screening capabilities. It’s designed for covert screening and can handle thousands of people per hour, making it popular for casinos and entertainment venues.
Athena Security Weapons Detection
Athena offers a plug-and-play solution that uses millimeter-wave and AI analytics. Its system integrates with access control platforms and can automatically lock doors when a threat is detected, helping facilities respond quickly during critical events.
FAQs
How can I integrate these technologies with my current cameras?
Most modern solutions support ONVIF or RTSP, allowing you to link existing IP cameras with minimal configuration.
What false-alarm rates should I expect?
AI video systems: 2-5%, sensor fusion: under 2%, millimeter-wave: ≤1.5%, magnetic systems: <1%, radar: under 2%.
Are these systems privacy-compliant?
Yes, most rely on edge processing to keep data local and meet HIPAA, FERPA, and GDPR requirements.
How do I scale across multiple locations?
Choose a cloud-managed platform with centralized dashboards and API-driven provisioning so new sites can be added quickly.
Final Takeaway
The right weapon detection system should be accurate, easy to integrate, and scalable across your entire footprint. Whether you choose AI video analytics, sensor fusion, or radar-based systems, the key is balancing performance with operational impact. By focusing on low false positives and strong compliance, security teams can respond faster, reduce costs, and build a safer environment for everyone.
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