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Motion Sensors
Best Buy Guide

Motion Sensors

Discover the Best Motion Sensors for your Smart Home.

When building your smart home, motion sensors stand as a cornerstone for enhancing security and automating everyday tasks. Whether you're looking to upgrade home security, save energy or simply enjoy the convenience of automated lighting and alerts, motion sensors are the perfect addition to your Homey-powered smart home.

Our comprehensive guide delves into the best buy options for Homey-compatible motion sensors, offering insights on selecting the ideal devices to suit your needs. Every motion sensor on our list has been carefully selected, with a focus on reliability, capability, additional features and affordability as key criteria.

How to choose the right motion sensor?

Even though each device on our list has been vetted by our team, some of them have additional features, come in different shapes and sizes and are priced distinctively. Inline with your Homey, here are the top factors to consider when choosing a suitable motion sensor:

  • Compatibility - Select a compatible motion sensor with your Homey Cloud, Homey Bridge or Homey Pro smart home platform
  • Detection range and angle - Motion sensors vary in their detection range and angle capabilities, with some offering wider areas of coverage and others focusing on more narrow, specific zones.
  • Size and shape - Motion sensors come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different installation needs and aesthetic preferences.
  • Price - Buying several motion sensors can make costs quickly stack up. Consider the price-to-features ratio we've highlighted in our article to ensure you're getting the best value.
BrandModelProtocolDetection Range/AnglePrice
Aeotec Brand Logo BBGAeotecMultisensor 7Z-Wave10m, 120°€74.76
Aqara Brand LogoAqaraP1 Motion SensorZigbee7m, 150°€25.99
eve-brand-logo-bbgEveMotion SensorThread9m, 120°€55.00
fibaro-brand-logo-bbgFibaroMotion SensorZ-Wave7m, 150°€44.90
frient-brand-logo-bbgFrientMotion Sensor ProZigbee9m, 45°€29.95
ikea-brand-logo-bbgIkeaVallhorn Motion SensorZigbee10m, 120°€9.99
trust-klikaanklikuit-brand-logo-bbgKlikAanKlikUitOutdoor Motion Sensor433MHz10m, 110°€37.47
onvis-brand-logo-bbgOnvisMotion SensorThread10m, 100°€31.99
philips-hue-brand-logo-bbgPhilipsHue Motion SensorZigbee5m, 100°€39.19
shelly-brand-logo-bbgShellyBLU Motion SensorBluetooth9m, 120°€19.90
switchbot-brand-logo-bbgSwitchBotMotion SensorBluetooth9m, 110°€29.99
thirdreality-brand-logo-bbgThirdRealityMotion SensorZigbee9m, 120°€20.00

Aeotec Multisensor 7

Available at €74.76

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Aeotec Multisensor 7
  • 6 Additional sensors
  • Premium build
  • Small and compact
  • Power via batteries or USB
  • Expensive
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

The Aeotec Multisensor 7 is a highly versatile smart device equipped with seven different sensors for comprehensive environmental monitoring in modern smart homes. In addition to its primary function as a motion sensor, which can detect movement of up to 10 meters at an angle of a 100°, the Aeotec Multisensor 7 also tracks room temperature, humidity, light levels, UV index and features vibration detection and anti-tamper mechanisms. It’s like the Swiss Army Knife of smart sensors!

Despite its extensive feature set, the device is surprisingly compact, measuring at just 45x45mm, making it easy to conceal out of sight. Additionally, the sensor offers flexible installation options as it can be powered by either two CR123A batteries or a USB cable.

Using Z-Wave Plus technology, the Aeotec Multisensor 7 ensures exceptionally reliable and robust communication with your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro. With its outstanding build quality and a wide array of sensors, alongside its dependable communication protocol, it stands out as the premium and most expensive option on our list.

Aqara P1 Motion Sensor

Available at €25.99

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Aqara P1 Motion Sensor
  • Extra long battery life
  • 360° Rotating stand
  • Wide field of view
  • Illuminance reading
  • Bulky when used with stand
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

The Aqara P1 Motion Sensor is the latest update to Aqara's already well-known motion sensors line-up, offering major improvements over its predecessor, including a whopping 5 years battery life!

This extended battery longevity is achieved by using two CR2430 batteries instead of one, but it does make the P1 larger than Aqara’s previous generation motion sensor. Including the stand, it measures at 7cm long – which is definitely a factor you need to take into account.

The 360° rotating swivel however, makes the P1 highly flexible and versatile, allowing you to install and aim it anywhere you like. With the ability to detect motion up to 7 meters away within a 150° angle, expanding to 170° at closer distances, the P1 has the widest field of view among comparable devices, making it a great pick for quickly activating flow sequences in your Homey.

Just like most of Aqara’s products, the P1 uses Zigbee to connect to your Homey and provide motion, battery status and a light level reading.

Eve Motion Sensor

Available at €55.08

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Eve Motion Sensor
  • Matter device
  • Common batteries
  • Illuminance reading
  • Premium build
  • Weatherproof (IPX3)
  • Costly
  • No mounting stand
Homey Pro

Eve's newest motion sensor utilizes the cutting-edge Thread communication protocol for integration via Matter with your Homey Pro. This ensures a smooth and effortless setup process, which is conveniently completed using your smartphone.

The Eve Motion Sensor has an extensive detection range of 9 meters and a wide 120° field of view, making it ideal for monitoring even the most spacious rooms in your home. You can also install this sensor outdoors as its IPX3 rated – waterproof against spraying water or light rain.

This sensor is also capable of measuring light levels, with a built-in lux sensor mounted on the front of its square shaped body. It doesn’t come with a mounting stand, which may be limiting in certain installation positions.

What’s great about the Eve Motion Sensor is that it’s powered by two AAA batteries, which is probably the most common battery type found in the average household. Considering it uses Thread and is a high-end premium device, it's priced higher than most on our list, which can stack up if you plan on deploying several.

Fibaro Motion Sensor

Available at €44.90

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Fibaro Motion Sensor
  • Premium build
  • Visual LED indicator
  • Wide field of view
  • Highly sensitive accelerometer
  • Costly
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

The Fibaro Motion Sensor features a unique, eye-catching design reminiscent of a cat's eye, whose lens doubles as a multicolor visual LED indicator. This design actually goes beyond aesthetics, since the spherical shape widens the sensor's field of view, allowing it to detect motion across a 150° angle with a maximum reach of 7 meters.

This Z-Wave motion sensor by Fibaro is equipped with a highly sensitive accelerometer, capable of detecting even the slightest vibrations. Paired to your Homey, it can alert you whenever it senses things moving or shaking nearby, very useful for early detection of earthquakes.

It can also measure temperature and illuminance and use the built-in indicator to visually announce the ambient temperature in different colors. The device is powered by a single CR123A battery, which should last up to 2 years according to the company, considering Z-Wave is a low-power communication protocol.

Frient Motion Sensor Pro

Available at €33.95

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Frient Motion Sensor Pro
  • Very thin
  • Temperature sensor
  • Illuminance sensor
  • Common batteries (AA)
  • Wider and taller than most
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

If you prefer installing Zigbee devices in your smart home, then the Frient Motion Sensor Pro is an excellent choice. This model is equipped with a temperature and light sensor, enhancing its functionality and usefulness for creating Flows.

With a range of 9m, it has one of the largest detection distances on our list, however, it also has one of the most confined fields of view at 45°. In other words, this makes the sensor particularly effective for monitoring motion at entry points, hallways, garage doors, and smaller, more narrow spaces.

The Frient Motion Sensor Pro is powered by a set of AA batteries, which are extremely affordable and can be found in your nearest convenience store. It ships with a special mounting stand, offering a way of installing the sensor in a corner or a flat surface.

Measuring at 70x70mm, this motion sensor isn't the smallest in width and height, but its slim 21mm thickness ensures an attractive and unobtrusive look when wall-mounted.

If you don’t need temperature and illuminance readings, then the non-pro version of the Frient Motion Sensor is otherwise identical in shape, size, connectivity and battery.

Ikea VALLHORN Motion Sensor

Available at €9.99

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Ikea VALLHORN Motion Sensor
  • Very affordable
  • Weatherproof (IP44)
  • Common batteries (AAA)
  • Bulky
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

The VALLHORN is the newest release by IKEA, part of a trio of smart sensors released for detecting water leaks, monitoring doors and windows and detecting motion. The other two are named PARASOLL and BADRING, meant to reflect Scandinavian culture.

The Ikea Vallhorn is a Zigbee sensor powered by two AAA batteries. Measuring at 70mm in width and height with a 39mm thickness, it is the bulkiest square-shaped motion sensor on our list.

Being IP44 rated for water and dust resistance, the Vallhorn is suitable for outdoor installation under your porch roof or garage cover. It can withstand water splashes from all directions, but not heavy rain.

Unlike others in our selection, this motion sensor lacks temperature and illuminance sensors, making it highly cost-effective and perfectly suited for widespread use within your Homey-powered smart home.

Trust (KlikAanKlikUit) Motion Sensor

Available at €38.99

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Trust (KlikAanKlikUit) Motion Sensor
  • Wide detection angle
  • Long detection range
  • Weatherproof (IP64)
  • Long-range connectivity
  • Unattractive design
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

If you are looking for a capable outdoor sensor with a long-range connection, then the Trust (KlikAanKlikUit) APIR-2150 Motion Sensor is an excellent pick.

This device relies on 433MHz for communicating with your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro at a maximum range of 30 meters, which is enough to cover most yards, driveways or gardens.

In terms of motion detection capabilities, the APIR-2150 outperforms similar sensors with a wide detection angle of 110° and a very long range of 10m at its front and 6m on its sides. If installed correctly, you can detect motion in the entire front area of your house.

Being powered by two AAA batteries, the Trust APIR-2150 can last years without a battery change. But where this sensor really shines is its IP64 rating, which makes it capable of withstanding any weather conditions like strong winds, dust, rain or high moisture.

The APIR-2150 is bulkier and pricier than similar sensors, but this can be forgiven considering it’s a waterproof outdoor motion sensor.

Onvis SMS2 Motion Sensor

Available at €31.99

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Onvis SMS2 Motion Sensor
  • Matter device
  • Wide detection angle
  • Long detection range
  • Acceptable price tag
  • Mediocre battery life
Homey Pro

The new Onvis SMS2 is a Matter-enabled motion sensor, relying on Thread technology for improved responsiveness and local control. This updated model retains the features of its predecessor, including built-in temperature and humidity sensors, which have been enhanced for greater accuracy.

Additionally, it introduces a new ambient light sensor that allows for different automation triggers with various lighting conditions in your Homey-powered smart home.

The Onvis SMS2 has an impressive detection range of 10 meters at an angle of 100 degrees, surpassing most indoor motion sensors on our list. It relies on two AAA batteries for power, which can keep the device going for up to 1 year.

The square shape of its design may be attractive to some while deterring others, as it boils down to individual taste. Its pricing is quite competitive, especially for a Thread-enabled motion sensor, and becomes even more appealing as the device often goes on sale.

Philips Hue Motion Sensor

Available at €44.99

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Philips Hue Motion Sensor
  • Very thin
  • Long detection range
  • Illuminance sensor
  • Common batteries (AAA)
  • Costly
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

The Philips Hue Motion Sensor stands out as a top choice among smart home fans for its high-quality build and easy integration into Homey setups. It runs on AAA batteries that last at least two years and can be installed anywhere with the included screws or magnetic stand.

Philips describes the detection range of the Hue sensor as “optimal at 5 meters'', but many users report it performs perfectly fine at distances of up to 9m, which is also in line with our tests. Being equipped with an illuminance sensor, it’s ideal for triggering light level conditioned flows in Homey.

The Hue Motion Sensor resembles the Eve Motion Sensor in appearance but is more compact, with dimensions of 55x55mm. It also stands out as the slimmest option in our best buy guide, with a thickness of only 20mm.

As part of their Hue product line-up, Phillips also produces a very popular IP44 rated Outdoor Motion Sensor, which also works with the Hue Bridge in Homey or paired directly to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro.

Shelly BLU Motion Sensor

Available at €19.90

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Shelly BLU Motion Sensor
  • Affordable
  • Small and compact
  • Long detection range
  • Wide detection angle
  • Great battery life
  • Rare battery type
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

Compared to others on our list, the Shelly BLU Motion Sensor can be considered a budget pick with a price tag of €19.90. However, the BLU is a very capable motion sensor offering great value.

It can detect motion at a very wide angle of 120° and a maximum distance of 9m, on par with much more expensive motion sensors. The Shelly BLU uses Bluetooth to connect to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro, a direct connection that can span up to 10m indoors or 30m in open spaces.

The Shelly BLU is also the smallest motion sensor on our list, measuring at just 32mm in height and 42mm in width, making it unnoticeable when installed correctly.

The main drawback of the Shelly BLU Motion Sensor is its use of a CR2477 button cell battery, which might be difficult to find when it needs replacing. However, this uncommon battery type enables the Shelly BLU to last up to 5 years, a tie with the Aqara P1 for the longest battery life on our list.

SwitchBot Motion Sensor

Available at €29.99

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SwitchBot Motion Sensor
  • Quality build
  • Long detection range
  • Wide detection angle
  • Great battery life
  • Rotating stand
  • Pricier than comparable models
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

If you're a fan of SwitchBot products, their Motion Sensor is worth considering for monitoring movement in your smart home. It boasts an attractive design and comes with an elegant mounting stand, making it easy to set up on a shelf or mount on a flat surface like a wall.

The SwitchBot Motion Sensor’s compact size, especially without the stand, makes it one of the smallest motion sensors you can get. The white and non-transparent lens on the front gives off a very modern and aesthetically pleasing look.

This motion sensor also measures illuminance with a dedicated light sensor installed above the lens, which you can use to set up day/night automations. It can be paired to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro hubs over Bluetooth Low Energy, with a maximum range of 80 meters.

SwitchBot's justified reputation for high-quality products is the reason their Motion Sensor carries a higher price tag compared to similar models.

ThirdReality Motion Sensor

Available at €20.00

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ThirdReality Motion Sensor
  • Affordable
  • Long detection range
  • Wide detection angle
  • Slender design
  • Common batteries (AAA)
  • No additional features
Homey Bridge
Homey Pro

If you prefer adding Zigbee devices into your smart home, the ThirdReality motion sensor is both highly functional and affordable. Its unique design stands out from others on our list, with a long and slender body measuring 9cm in length and 2.7cm in width. This sleek form factor makes it ideal for discreet installation on door frames, window frames or the edges of book shelves.

The ThirdReality Motion Sensor has no extra features like temperature or illuminance monitoring; however, it can detect motion of up to 9 meters at a wide angle of 120 degrees, great for covering most room sizes.

This motion sensor is a budget friendly pick, with a low price tag of €20.00 per piece, or even lower if you get it in bulk. It’s powered by common AAA batteries which can last up to two years.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking to trigger simple lights of beef up security, motion sensors are essential for any modern smart home.

Hopefully, our list helps clarify your best buying options when it comes to motion sensors, steering you towards a more specific and suitable choice. Each model featured in our guide has been meticulously chosen for its standout qualities, such as detection range, field of view, accuracy, price and extra features like temperature and illuminance monitoring.

From the budget-friendly Ikea VALLHORN to the feature-packed Aeotec Multisensor 7, whether it's Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth, your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro is compatible with all of them.

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