Having a comprehensive home security system is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and your property. In that vein, motion sensors, while detecting intruders, can also augment your existing security system.
Not only that, Zigbee motion sensors can work in conjunction with other devices to control lighting, entertainment systems, air conditioning, etc. This makes such sensors an integral part of a smart home.
We have looked around for some of the best Zigbee motion sensors to fulfill all of these roles. Let’s take a look at what we have found.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Zigbee Motion Sensors
While almost all Zigbee motion sensors are top of the line, not all of them are feature-rich in terms of functionality. Our selection below will make it easy for you to pick out the best from the best. So, dive right in!
1. Aqara Vibration Sensor
Aqara has many products to help you protect your valuables. Their vibration sensors boast superior reliability and longevity.
You can attach this sensor to your drawers, safes, doors, or any other things you want to monitor. Should anyone move these objects, the sensor will detect the vibration or changes in tilt.
It will notify you on your phone or even trigger other devices in response to the unexpected movement.
This sensor does require an Aquara hub that has to be bought separately to function. Installing this is relatively simple and does not require any wiring.
2. Centralite Micro Motion Sensor
Centralite’s compact motion sensor comes with a rather impressive feature set able to fulfill a variety of different roles.
There is direct support for Alexa, and, together with Echo, it can have voice controls. If set up with a compatible hub, it can communicate with other smart devices. Not to mention the built-in temperature sensor adds further utility.
You can connect the device with Wink, Zigvee, Vera platforms and synergize well with your smart home systems. Also, this device runs on a lithium-ion battery and can last for two years without needing to have the batteries changed.
3. ZOOZ Z-Wave Plus 4-in-1 Sensor ZSE40 VER. 2.0
The Z-Wave Plus is undoubtedly one of the best sensors out there with its incredible versatility, compatibility, and reliability.
This device can detect light level, temperature, motion, and humidity changes. Therefore, you can utilize it in various circumstances as it provides more data.
There is support for several levels of motion sensitivity. Also, the retrigger interval can be changed. This allows you to tweak the settings to suit your needs more.
The communication between the device and its hub can be encrypted to ensure your own security system cannot be used against you!
4. THIRDREALITY Zigbee Contact Sensor
Contact sensors like this are well suited for being used on doors and windows to detect if a person is present in a particular room.
A great selling point of this sensor is its compatibility. It can work with Echo (4th Gen), Eero pro 6, Echo Plus (1st and 2nd Gen), Aeotec, Echo Show 10 (2nd and 3rd Gen), and so on.
With the help of this device, you can automate your home by having lights, HVAC, and other appliances turned on only when there is someone in the room. It also goes without saying you can check if there are any intruders.
It is an excellent product with plenty of utility. Better to have them in your home than not!
5. Philips Hue Motion Bundle
Hue sensors are usually used to automate the lighting in your home and minimize power wastage.
You can measure the amount of light in the environment using this sensor and turn on the lights if needed. It can also fine-tune the brightness of the light.
Of course, the whole process is easily customizable. You can adjust the sensor’s sensitivity, specify which nights to turn on, the range of brightness, and so on.
The set also includes the standard motion sensor. This allows it to further optimize power usage by turning on lights only when someone is present in the room.
6. THIRDREALITY Zigbee Motion Sensor
Motion sensors from THIRDREALITY are user-friendly and come with a good mix of features.
One of the critical features of this sensor is that it has the function of reducing false alarms caused by pets. The sensor has a certain detection angle. If appropriately installed while considering the height of your pet, then they will stay under the sensor’s detection angle.
Compatible with most echo devices with Zigbee hubs, it also works with SmartThings, Hubitat, Aeotec, Third Reality Hub, and so on.
This device is powered by two 1.5v AAA batteries which last long and are easy to replace. Also, it can detect motion in ranges out to nine meters.
7. Aqara Door and Window Sensor
Contact sensors are a great way to prevent trespassing and secure your home. The Aqara sensor comes with a large number of convenient features.
This sensor uses advanced technology which detects the distance between magnets to see if the door or window is ajar. It can connect and control other devices based on your door and window status.
It’s compatible with Alexa and Apple Homekit but requires a 2.4 GHz wifi connection. A separate Aqara hub is also needed for it to function. This hub can connect to an impressive 128 compatible devices.
8. OUNA PIR Motion Sensor
OUNAs compact and affordable PIR motion sensor would make a great addition to your home security package.
This sensor can detect movement 360 degrees around it. It uses passive infrared given off by living things to sense motion. If triggered, it will alert you via your phone.
By using passive infrared, it can reliably function indoors even in complete darkness. Another benefit of this sensor is that it consumes less energy.
There are some drawbacks as well. In the outdoors, when the ambient temperature is over 35° Celsius, the sensor no longer works. So it is unsuited for outdoor application. Also, it will struggle if the sensor does not have a direct line of sight.
9. Aqara Motion Sensor
This product comes with more or less the same features as the other aqara sensors above, making it a solid pick.
The main difference between this and other Aqara sensors is that this has a wider 170° detection area. Included stand for this sensor has a good range of movement. It is effortless to place and sits nicely on a flat surface.
A luminescence sensor is built-in, allowing it to function as a hue sensor. The device needs an Aqara hub that is not included and must be bought separately. The device also works with IFTTT.
Motion Sensor Buying Guide
Advances in technology have given rise to more competent and varied sets of detection devices. A lot of different companies are competing to get into this growing market. With so many models with additional features floating around, it can be challenging to work out which to buy.
Let’s see what you need to look out for in picking out a product suitable to your needs.
Compatibility
Whether you have an already existing security system or plan to build one up from scratch, you need to make sure every device is compatible with each other.
All devices need to be able to communicate with each other to be effective. It also enhances their utility while reducing the hassle of their maintenance. So making sure all your devices are compatible with each other is of utmost importance.
Active, Passive, or Hybrid?
There are mainly two different ways sensors detect motion – active & passive.
Active devices emit ultrasound or microwaves that bounce off objects in their vicinity. The device looks out for changes in their return time to detect motion.
Passive detectors pick up the infrared signature given off by all living beings to sense movement. Hybrid sensors use a combination of both.
Active sensors require more energy and are relatively prone to more false alarms. Conversely, they are more sensitive and harder to fool.
Passive sensors give fewer false alarms when well-placed and require less energy. But higher ambient temperatures render them ineffective. Also, they have a lower detection range.
Consider these factors while you have decided on the sensor type that will work the best for you.
Intended Usage
There are several types of uses for devices like this. You can get hue sensors that detect light intensity in its surroundings, or Contact sensors for monitoring the status of your doors, windows, cabinets, etc.
Motion sensors for detecting intruders or automatically triggering other devices are most popular among home users. There are even temperature and water spill sensors.
Depending on what you want to use it for, your choice of devices will change.
Design and Construction
Lastly, it is recommended to have such devices with a more subdued and inconspicuous design while used indoors. For outdoor use, they should be robust and waterproof.
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Conclusion
Motion sensors significantly improve the efficacy of any home security system. This serves to protect your loved ones and your belongings from potential threats. They can even offer day-to-day conveniences to make your life easier.
The best Zigbee motion sensors out there can have a plethora of different features. It would be great if our mentions helped you decide on your purchase.