My Hubitat is on its way to me, and I am excited for it. However, I do want some recommendations for motion sensors. Having read reviews and even glanced through the community, I have settled on 3 options. I currently have Aqara motion sensors that I will try to make work, but I don't have a ton of confidence and even if they do work I have no clue if they will be exposed to HomeKit etc etc. So if they don't work, I am looking at the Phillips Hue Motion sensor, the Zooz ZSE18 motion sensor, and the Third reality motion sensor. The third reality one won't be able to go everywhere because I can't tilt it mounted to the wall, but I may get it for places where that isn't necessary.
So basically, anyone who has used these motion sensors, would you have any recommendations on which ones to go with?
I have Zooz and Hue. I don't like either mostly because of the mounts. The ones I like the best are actually the ST ones now made by Aeotec but they have limited configuration flexibility. For most applications though they work great. I use a lot of Aeotec trisensors too, which I like quite a bit.
This sounds silly, but what do you want them to sense? Each tool has unique characteristics that may be better or worse for certain applications. I used two of the ones that you referenced, so I will at least offer my $0.02.
I recently added a Third Reality sensor at the entry to our kitchen. It can be flipped upside-down to change the detection zone, which I exploit to minimize triggers by our cats. The form factor tucks in next to a door frame to blend in a bit.
The Hue indoor sensor has some clever features, but I am not a huge fan of the size/shape. I have some in utilitarian roles where I can take advantage of the magnetic mounting and not care that it is an otherwise awkward block. It adds temperature and illumination sensing capability, but that is not a factor for me. I am fond of their outdoor sensor, so I really wanted to love these.
Motion. Temperature and light level I would probably use if I got the hue, but it isn't affecting my buying decision.
Really, I am putting them in every room and hallway and using them for lights based on motion and that is it.
I think I am going with the third reality one where I can get away with it, but some places I need to tilt the motion sensors to pick up more of the room, which I can do with the hue and the zooz, hence those 2 being my main considerations currently for places the Third Reality won't go.
I'll second the ST motion sensors that are now branded as Aeotec. I have these all over the house. They work with minimal repeater needs, batteries last for months even in high traffic areas, reporting is super snappy. I made the mistake of buying some Sonoff sensors...highly do not recommend.
Yeah, if they are in Canada, I would buy them. But alas, they are not, so I have wiped them off the list. Amazon US does apparently ship them to me, but after the conversion and import fees they're $66 (and that's with the current sale price) which also wipes them off the list.
I like the Hues. I have several, including one in the freezer going on two years. Batteries last, nothing special, last a long time. They have a strong magnet on the back that can swivel. A couple places I mounted to an outside drywall edge, which is magnetic. In the garage, on a storage rack. My Zooz's have been working well too. They are all plugged into mains power. Two inside and two outside. The battery powered ones are convenient, but if the exterior ones were battery, that would not be convenient.
The Zooz's batteries are the 1/3 size lithium, I think. The Hues are simple. Although I'm no expert, I do have illuminance tied to a couple of the rooms, so if it's too bright out, the light won't come on. They do have temperature (as I said, I have one in a plastic bag in my freezer for almost two years now). I'd go with Hue. I did get several at Home Depot too.
I have 7 of the Sonoff sensors in closets, plus one at the top of the stairs. They generally perform as expected. I am not a fan of the button cell batteries. If I were starting from scratch, I might have chosen Third Reality instead, but not many complaints with the Sonoff.
What about the Aqara P1? It’s zigbee 3.0 and supposed to be a lot more reliable. Also has a lux sensor. I think I’ll be picking one of these up soon. I currently have the old Aqara sensor, third reality motion sensor, Tuya generic motion sensor, and the Zooz ZSE18. I’d have to say that so far my favorite is the third reality followed closely by the old Aqara sensor.
I have actually heard the P1 is a lot LESS reliable - at least when paired with an aqara hub. That is why I got the originals (which have been good 85% of the time paired to their hub and used in HomeKit)
I use the Centralite motion sensors, and have never had a problem with them. They are quite responsive, very small, and only cost $30 on amazon. They use a CR2450 Battery.
I'm a Hue shop and would say the motion sensors are a major drawcard for the platform or at least the list of devices they offer. The batteries in mine have lasted years, not just months, and the cool-down time is incredibly short compared to what I have read for other brands people have posted about here on the Community. They just work...
Don't get me wrong, there are obviously a number of factors that go into a purchase like this, and they differ for each home. I would always encourage people to try what feels like it suits their needs, but start small, try one or two for a while to see how they perform in your setup, then look to either expand on that idea, or switch to something different. We (I) don't always make the right call the first time, and not all of us experts get it right for all the different environments people try and install our favourite devices in, so don't put all your eggs into one basket... Just my 2c...
