I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Motion Sensor For Home Assistant (2023)

I am extremely impressed with this motion sensor. It was incredibly easy to set up and it surpasses all the other motion sensors I have in my house. The reason I purchased this particular sensor is because I have chosen to add only ZigBee devices to my system, as they continue to function even when the Wi-Fi is down. This sensor consistently and accurately detects motion, and because of its reliability, I plan on buying more of these in the future. I highly recommend this motion sensor to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient device.

I am very pleased with this sensor as it has allowed me to optimize certain scenes that previously had limitations when using motion sensors. For those who are not familiar with the difference between a "motion sensor" and a "presence sensor," let me explain with an example.

The scene "turn on the lights when I enter the kitchen and the brightness is below 20 lux" is possible with a motion sensor combined with a brightness sensor. Before purchasing this product, I used a combined sensor, but often two separate sensors were needed. However, the added value of this product lies in the fact that it is constantly powered, allowing for more frequent sensor updates. This means that I can read real-time brightness values instead of values that were updated maybe 20 minutes ago. Most motion sensors are battery-powered, and to preserve battery life, they update at regular intervals of several minutes, which can lead to delays in readings.

The problems arise with scenes that involve turning off the lights, such as "turn off the lights when I leave the kitchen." A motion sensor alone can provide partial results in this case. For example, if I remain still while eating and the sensor does not detect any movement, I end up eating in the dark. One way to improve this situation is by adding a timer, such as "turn off the lights 2 minutes after the last movement detected in the kitchen." However, in this case, when I finally leave, I have to wait for two or more minutes before the lights turn off.

With a presence sensor, on the other hand, I know exactly when someone is present in the kitchen, making automation precise, immediate, and error-proof. The lights turn on when the first person enters the kitchen and turn off when the last person leaves. This is just one example, as the possibilities are numerous.

Now, let's talk about the product itself. The installation and configuration process is the most delicate and time-consuming part. If you are not interested in fall monitoring (which requires ceiling installation), the best position for the sensor is in the center of a narrow wall, at a height between 140 and 180cm. Choosing the narrowest wall is necessary due to the approximately 120-degree angle of coverage (which I have found to be slightly wider). Placing it in the center of a long wall may result in blind spots.

Corner installation is possible, but it is more complex to map the area (hopefully, a software update will address this). The map should include room boundaries, entrance and exit zones, and especially interference zones. Interference zones should be set up in all areas where "ghosts" could occur, such as moving objects (plants with leaves blown by the wind, curtains, etc.), reflections (mirrors, TVs, windows, etc.), and sudden changes in light and external movements (windows, chandeliers).

Please note that once you have completed the room configurations, even a slight movement of a few millimeters can invalidate all your work and require you to start over.

I personally used the original app only for configuration purposes. I don't use HomeKit, but I only use Home Assistant. However, since Home Assistant does not currently have specific integration, it recognizes the sensor as a HomeKit device. Therefore, you need to configure HomeKit first and then it will be automatically recognized in Home Assistant. The following will be exposed: a brightness sensor, a general presence sensor, and a specific presence sensor for each room. If you need to change the name or number of rooms, you must delete the device from Home Assistant and HomeKit and reconfigure it, first in HomeKit and then in Home Assistant.

In terms of my overall experience, I have been using this sensor for over a month and I am very satisfied with it. Unfortunately, it is not cheap, but it allows for savings on other sensors, simplifying management and maintenance (battery replacement). It also provides greater precision in defining scenarios that rely on actual presence rather than just motion detection. I will definitely buy more when there are offers available.

I hope this review has been helpful to you. If so, a like would be greatly appreciated.

The Aqara Motion Sensor is a simple and effective device that is easy to set up and delivers on its promises. It's important to note that a hub is required for it to work, which was made clear during the purchasing process. Additionally, it is compatible with HomeKit when the hub is in place, allowing for convenient automation based on motion.

One of the standout features of this motion sensor is its ability to display the level of light in the room through the Aqara app. It would be even better if this feature extended to the HomeKit side of things, but unfortunately, it is not mentioned anywhere. Nonetheless, it is still a nice addition.

In terms of its physical appearance, the Aqara Motion Sensor is surprisingly tiny, much smaller than what one might expect based on the provided picture. This compact size actually works to its advantage, making it less obtrusive. Additionally, the stand it comes with is optional, giving users the flexibility to choose whether or not to use it.

Connecting the motion sensor to a Home Assistant setup running on a Raspberry Pi 3B+ via the Zigbee interface was a seamless process. However, there may be some confusion regarding the distinction between "motion detection" and "occupancy detection" modes. Regardless, the device functions well for its intended purposes.

Pricing is another aspect where the Aqara Motion Sensor shines. As with other products from this company, the price is surprisingly low, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to add motion detection capabilities to their smart home setup.

It's worth noting that while the motion sensor performs admirably for its intended use, it may not be the best choice for presence detection in a room. Some users have found it mildly inconvenient to have the lights turn off while they are still in the room, as the motion sensor accurately detects the lack of movement. However, this is not a fault of the product itself and is something to consider for those looking for comprehensive presence detection solutions.

The installation of this product is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for businesses. One of the standout features is the inclusion of two wireless chimes, allowing you to place one in your office and the other by the register. The volume of the chimes is excellent, ensuring that you won't miss any notifications. Additionally, the different modes and speech greetings add a nice touch to the overall experience.

However, it would be even better if there was a greeting available in Spanish for a more inclusive experience. Despite this minor drawback, the product is still a great buy, offering excellent quality.

The motion sensor included in this package is truly impressive. It reacts reliably every time someone passes by, providing you with the security you need. The ability to adjust the sound level is also a welcome feature, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. Overall, it is a great purchase, and I am pleased with the product.

Personally, I purchased the pack of two sensors with one receiver to monitor my driveway. The sensors come with brackets, making it easy to mount them on walls, trees, or any other suitable surface. They can be powered by 3 AAA batteries or plugged into power using a C charging cable. In case of a power outage, the sensors automatically switch to battery backup, ensuring continuous functionality. The receiver, on the other hand, requires 3 AA batteries for operation. With three different alarm modes, it offers a versatile solution for monitoring purposes. I have found the sensors to work very well, meeting my expectations.

For my office, having two different entrances posed a challenge as people would often walk in unannounced. This was frustrating, to say the least. However, the inclusion of two sensors in this product has solved this issue for us. We can now easily keep track of anyone entering through either door. The sound options are plentiful, but we have chosen the least annoying one. The sensitivity of the sensors is also adjustable, and we have used some tape to limit it slightly, preventing false alarms triggered by people passing by.

One downside worth mentioning is that the product uses a micro-USB connector, which may not be as commonly available as USB-C cables. This might require some digging in the junk drawer to find a suitable cable. However, the product also offers a battery option, which works great, especially if you want to hang the sensor up and don't have power readily available.

The Sonoff USB zigbee stick is a great sensor for home automation enthusiasts using Home Assistant. It is easy to set up and provides accurate motion, distance, and lux readings. If you simply want to know if a room is occupied, this sensor works well. However, it is important to ensure that it covers the desired area from the appropriate height as its coverage is wide but may not cover an entire room from a normal ceiling height.

One thing to note is that if you have a robot vacuum, using this sensor as part of your security system may not be ideal as the remote can set it off continually.

As mentioned in other reviews, it is important to be aware that this sensor does not come with a junction box and the terminals are not enclosed. This may not meet certain electrical code requirements. It is recommended to consult with an electrician or consider alternative options if this is a concern for you. In my case, I ended up mounting it on the wall instead of inside the ceiling.

In terms of performance, this sensor is impressive. It is stronger than a Tuya WiFi mmwave sensor, providing better range and wall penetration. The device offers a wide range of sensitivity settings, allowing you to fine-tune it to your specific space. It is fully supported by zigbee2mqtt for seamless integration with Home Assistant.

One drawback of this sensor is the delay in detecting when a room is empty. Even with the delay set to zero, it takes around five seconds after leaving the room for it to register as empty. This is slower compared to a WiFi mmwave sensor, which detects instantly. It's important to note that this sensor is not a magical device and cannot detect through walls or provide instant follow-you lighting in a hallway. However, it outperforms traditional PIR sensors and offers a reliable solution for occupancy detection.

The Eve Motion with Matter is an exceptional smart home accessory that offers seamless integration and reliable performance. With the new Matter standard, this motion sensor is compatible with various smart home platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home, making it a versatile choice for any smart home setup.

Setting up the Eve Motion with Matter is a breeze, and users can quickly get it up and running within minutes. The motion detection capabilities are highly accurate, ensuring that the lights or other connected devices respond promptly to any detected motion. The response time is impressively quick, thanks to the Thread protocol, which offers exceptional responsiveness and coverage throughout the house.

Automations are made easy with the Eve Motion with Matter. Users can program the sensor to trigger specific actions, such as turning on lights when someone enters a room and turning them off after a certain period of inactivity. This feature is particularly useful during nighttime when there is no need to manually control the lights around the house constantly.

The build quality of the Eve Motion with Matter is top-notch, featuring a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design that seamlessly blends into any home decor. The compact size and easy installation ensure that it doesn't take up too much space and can be conveniently placed in various locations.

I recently purchased this product to monitor my sump pump and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. I wanted a reliable device that would alert me if my sump pump failed and the water level started rising. This product integrates perfectly with my "SmartThings" system and sends instant alerts as soon as it detects water. It's a relief to know that even if the power goes out, my internet and SmartThings are on a battery backup system, ensuring that I will be notified of any pump failures.

The device itself is compact and versatile. While it works perfectly fine on its own, I made some modifications to suit my specific needs for a sump pump. I soldered wires to the leads and placed this section inside the sump pump, ensuring accurate detection. I also zip-tied the sensor above the pump to the drainage piping and used splice connectors to prevent any accidental wire touching. When the water level rises and bridges the connection, an alert is sent. The device's ability to integrate seamlessly with SmartThings made the pairing process effortless, and the built-in device handler simplifies the overall experience.

Another aspect that impressed me is the size of this device. It is one of the smallest SmartThings-compatible window sensors available, making it perfect for discreet placement behind a shade. I even managed to mount it on a double-hung window by removing the magnet from its enclosure. This allowed the sensor to trip regardless of the window's opening direction. Overall, it is a great product that caters to various needs and offers flexibility in installation.

Furthermore, this product is a perfect addition to any smart home that utilizes Amazon products. The requirements are minimal: an Echo Plus or Echo Show Generation 2. Setting it up was a breeze – simply pull out the battery tab, click the button on the side until it blinks blue, and it is ready to be connected. With just the Echo app, I was able to discover the device without the need for any third-party apps or expensive hubs. It seamlessly integrates with Phillips Hue and other smart devices through the Alexa app, allowing for easy control and automation using routines.

In terms of practicality, this device is a winner. As someone who has been working with smart home technology since the launch of the Echo, I can confidently say that this product is incredibly user-friendly. Its simplicity, combined with the vast compatibility with various devices, makes it a valuable addition to any smart home setup. While I have only recently started using it, I am already impressed. However, only time will tell how long it will last, but for now, I can't find any faults.

To address some common questions, this device does not require a hub if you are connecting it to a Zigbee hub. I highly recommend using an Amazon Echo Plus or Echo Show 2 as they offer simplicity and a complete smart home experience. Additionally, this device can function as a security motion sensor. The Alexa app's routines open up endless possibilities, allowing you to trigger lights, music, or even sirens when motion is detected. It integrates seamlessly with Amazon Guard for added security. Moreover, this device also provides temperature readings, which is a fantastic bonus. You can create routines based on specific temperature thresholds in a room, enhancing the overall automation capabilities.

The sensor in question offers great value for money and has a good design. However, it does not work with Home Assistant, which may be a drawback for some users. When added to a Tuya account, the sensor does not expose all its values and the presence is not updated in Home Assistant. This could be an issue with the implementation of Tuya.

On the positive side, for non-Home Assistant users, this sensor is excellent and deserves a full 5-star rating. The app interface is user-friendly and well-designed, providing a better experience compared to traditional Tuya 2.4 GHz radar sensors. The illuminance sensor also functions effectively.

The package includes the detector, a sticky tab for wall mounting, and a magnetic sticky tab for metal surfaces. However, a plug for the included USB C cord is not provided and must be purchased separately.

Setting up the sensor with the Smartlife app is quick and easy. Creating scenes to control lights based on human detection is a simple process. Unlike other similar detectors, this one has proven to be reliable in human detection. It accurately detects human presence, even if someone remains still for a long time. It does not detect pets, ensuring that the lights do not turn on unnecessarily.

In terms of quality, the sensor appears to be well-made and durable. It has performed flawlessly thus far, without any issues.

I am highly impressed with the Yolink outdoor motion sensor. As someone who has been eagerly waiting for a motion sensor that is compatible with Alexa, this product has exceeded my expectations. I had actually suggested this idea to Yolink in their feedback section earlier this year, and I am glad to see that they are open to customer feedback.

One of the standout features of this motion sensor is its compact size. Unlike other outdoor motion sensors on the market, this one is small and discreet, making it easy to place in inconspicuous locations. Setting up the device is a breeze, thanks to Yolink's user-friendly app. With just a few taps on the app, I was able to scan the QR code, bind the device, and voila, it was ready to use.

Speaking of the app, it is brilliantly designed and extremely intuitive. It is evident that the designers and programmers at Yolink have put a lot of thought into creating a user-friendly experience. Renaming the device and changing settings is a breeze, without the hassle of navigating through multiple menus. I appreciate the simplicity and convenience.

Another impressive feature is that the Yolink app automatically adds any new Yolink device to Alexa's device list. This saves the hassle of manually scanning for new devices and allows for seamless integration with Alexa routines. Additionally, when the sensor detects motion, it sends a notification to my phone, along with the battery status. This eliminates any guesswork about the battery life and allows for easy monitoring through the app.

I also want to highlight the Yolink hub, which facilitates communication between Yolink devices. Even without internet connectivity, the sensors can control other Yolink devices such as wall switches, electrical plugs, or even trigger the Yolink alarm siren. The response time is almost instant, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.

While it is too early to comment on the battery life, based on my experience with other Yolink devices, I anticipate it to be excellent. I have currently installed one sensor for my driveway, and it promptly notifies me on my phone whenever motion is detected. Thanks to the integration with Alexa, I have set up a routine that announces the motion detection on all my Echo speakers. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience and security.

I have also set up another sensor for my side door, with similar functionalities. If you have kids playing in your yard, you can customize the active and inactive times for different sensors. Furthermore, I am testing the effectiveness of these sensors and the Alexa Yolink skill in turning on exterior lights at night when motion is detected.

While I do not have any major concerns or cons at this time, I do have a minor apprehension about the durability of the small mounting bracket, particularly in harsh Florida weather conditions. However, it is too early to judge its strength, and I cannot deduct any points for this uncertainty.

One aspect that some users might find limiting is the lack of horizontal adjustment in the mounting bracket. For me, this is not an issue, as I have already positioned the sensors correctly using my own mounts. However, it is worth noting for those who require horizontal adjustment flexibility.

I recently purchased the Treatlife hub to track the status of my sliding back door, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. The sensors are strong enough to work even if the door frame is slightly misaligned, which was a relief for me. The setup was a breeze, and it seamlessly linked with my Amazon account. I also appreciate its compact design, as it easily plugs into an outlet without taking up much space.

I paired the hub with a motion sensor, and the performance was flawless. The connection was effortless, and I was able to create routines for motion detection in the Amazon app without any issues. The Treatlife app also offers easy automation setup, which I found quite convenient. I am excited to explore its compatibility with other Treatlife devices.

Another standout feature of this hub is its versatility. I am currently using it to control the lighting configuration in my house. I have set certain lights to turn on when the evening reaches a specific brightness level, and it works like a charm. The possibilities with this sensor are endless, and I am impressed by its functionality.

One minor drawback is that the water leak sensor only works with the correct driver, and I wish they offered multi-packs without the hub. However, overall, I am satisfied with the product and will update my review once the batteries run out.