Smart lights are often combined with smart motion sensors, eliminating the need for manual control of lights through an app or a smart button. Your smart lights turn on automatically when you enter a room. Through an app, you can set which lights turn on and their brightness, which can also depend on factors like the time of day. We provide an overview of the best and most well-known smart motion sensors on the market.
Phillips Hue Motion Sensor
If you have Phillips Hue lights, you’re probably familiar with the Phillips Hue Motion Sensor. Besides working well with your Hue lamps via the Phillips Hue app, it’s also possible to control smart lamps from other brands. This is possible due to the support of Apple HomeKit and Google Home via the Phillips Hue Bridge. This way, you can control all devices integrated through your favourite Smart Home platform when motion is detected by the Phillips Hue Motion Sensor.
Features
- Works with two AAA batteries
- Connects via Zigbee to the Hue Bridge
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit and Google Home
- Magnetically or screw-mounted
- Contains a temperature and light sensor, both visible in Apple HomeKit
Philips Hue Smart Motion Sensor
Philips Hue Smart Motion Sensor
Phillips Hue Motion Sensor Outdoor
If you want to automate an outdoor lamp, it’s usually best to purchase a special outdoor motion sensor, as they are better equipped to withstand rain and cold. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options for smart outdoor motion sensors. This Phillips Hue Motion Sensor Outdoor works similarly to the regular sensor on batteries. Additionally, it comes with mounting material to attach the motion sensor to a wall.
Features
- Suitable for outdoor use with IP54 rating
- Suitable for temperatures from -20 to 45 degrees Celsius
- Matter compatible via the Hue Bridge and can be paired with Google Home and Apple HomeKit
- Powered by two AA batteries
Philips Hue Motion Sensor Outdoor
Philips Hue Motion Sensor Outdoor
Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P1
If you’re looking for a small and inconspicuous motion sensor, the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P1 might be a good option. The sensor is about 4 cm high and a little over 3 cm wide and, combined with the removable and rotatable base, can be placed almost anywhere.
Features
- Works on Zigbee with a compatible hub like the Aqara E1 or M2
- 170-degree field of view
- Battery lasts up to 5 years
- Reset period and sensitivity can be adjusted in the Aqara app
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit and, via an Aqara hub with Matter support, also with other Smart Home platforms
- Contains a light sensor that can be used in automations. This sensor is not visible in Apple HomeKit.
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2
The Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 closely resembles the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P1 in appearance. The most significant change is the native support for Matter and Thread. As a result, this motion sensor is compatible with almost all well-known Smart Home platforms.
Features
- Matter over Thread support
- Compatible with most Smart Home platforms by pairing the sensor with a hub featuring a Thread Border Router
- Battery life is approximately 2 years (compared to the P1’s 5 years)
- Light sensor data is transmitted to Apple HomeKit, but its value is updated only when motion is detected, similar to the P1
- Sensitivity and reset period are adjustable only via the Aqara app, requiring the Aqara Hub M3
Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2
Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2
Fibaro Motion Sensor
This unique small round motion sensor can measure temperature and light intensity in addition to motion. It also includes a sensor capable of detecting tampering. That makes the Fibaro Motion Sensor particularly useful if you intend to use it for home security purposes.
Features
- Works only with a Z-wave controller such as a Fibaro Home Center or Homey Pro.
- Note: two versions are available. One is solely compatible with Apple HomeKit and operates based on Bluetooth. The regular version has broader compatibility.
- Measures temperature and light intensity
Fibaro Motion Sensor
Fibaro Motion Sensor
Alternatives
Besides these standard motion sensors, there are other ways to detect motion or presence. For instance, Aqara has introduced the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2, which operates on mm-wave. This sensor detects the presence of individuals and can even detect if someone is still in the room while someone is sleeping on the couch. Additionally, the room can be divided into a maximum of 32 zones which are exposed to HomeKit as separate presence sensors, allowing precise automation. This enables actions like turning on the lamp when sitting on the couch, which then turns off when leaving the area.
A second option is a door and window sensor, such as the Hue Secure Contact Sensor or the Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2. These sensors can detect when a door or window opens and closes, which can be particularly useful for a pantry or security purposes.
