Top Presence Sensors for Smart Home Automation
For most households, the Aqara FP2 is the top pick, offering multi-person detection and room-level presence with millimeter-wave technology. Its main advantage is the ability to divide a room into zones, but its limitation is the need for a wired power source.
Presence sensors take smart home automation to the next level by detecting not just motion, but whether a person is actually present. Unlike traditional motion sensors, they can sense even subtle movements like breathing, making them more accurate for lighting and security.
This guide compares the top presence sensors on the market, focusing on those that use mmWave radar for superior accuracy. We considered factors like detection range, smart home integration, and whether they can ignore pets.
The best picks, ranked
Aqara FP2 Human Presence Sensor
The Aqara FP2 uses mmWave radar to detect the presence of up to five people simultaneously. It can track each person’s location in a room and can be configured to trigger automations based on their position. It also has a built-in light sensor and supports HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home.
Pros
- Detects multiple people at once
- Can divide room into up to 30 zones
- Includes light sensor for adaptive lighting
Cons
- Requires constant power
- Occasional false positives from pets
Everything Presence Lite
This sensor uses mmWave technology but processes all data locally on an ESP32 chip, ensuring no cloud dependency. It offers excellent accuracy and can be used with Home Assistant for full local control. It also includes a temperature and humidity sensor.
Pros
- No cloud required
- Open-source firmware
- Combines presence, temperature, and humidity sensing
Cons
- Setup requires technical knowledge
- No official app, relies on Home Assistant
Philips Hue Motion Sensor
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor is a PIR-based sensor that integrates seamlessly with Hue lights. It offers quick response time and can be placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall. It also has a built-in ambient light sensor and a magnetic base for flexible positioning.
Pros
- Simple to set up with Hue hub
- Battery lasted over a year in our tests
- Detects both motion and ambient light levels
Cons
- Only detects large movements
- Limited to Hue ecosystem
Aqara FP1 Human Presence Sensor
The Aqara FP1 is an earlier model that still offers reliable presence detection using mmWave radar. It detects presence and can differentiate between motion and stillness. It works with HomeKit and other Aqara hubs, making it a cost-effective choice for smart home enthusiasts.
Pros
- More affordable than FP2
- Reliable detection of subtle movements
- Works with Aqara ecosystem
Cons
- Only detects one person at a time
- Less configurable than newer models
Tuya Zigbee Human Presence Sensor
This sensor uses mmWave radar and connects via Zigbee, allowing for battery-powered operation. It is compatible with many Zigbee hubs, including Amazon Echo Plus and SmartThings. It offers a detection range of up to 8 meters and can be adjusted via a mobile app.
Pros
- Battery-powered, easy to place anywhere
- Long detection range
- Compatible with multiple Zigbee hubs
Cons
- May require additional Zigbee hub
- Sensitivity adjustment can be tricky
Moes Zigbee Human Presence Sensor
The Moes presence sensor offers mmWave detection for a low price. It works with Zigbee 3.0 and is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings via a Tuya hub. It has an adjustable sensitivity and detection distance, making it versatile for various room sizes.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Adjustable sensitivity and distance
- Supports multiple automation platforms
Cons
- Requires Tuya-compatible hub
- Build quality feels less premium
Home Assistant mmWave Presence Sensor (DIY Kit)
This kit from Home Assistant uses an LD2410 sensor and an ESP32 board to create a highly customizable presence sensor. It runs fully local firmware (ESPHome) and can be tuned for sensitivity and detection range. It is ideal for users who want to tinker and integrate with complex automations.
Pros
- Fully customizable via ESPHome
- Excellent for advanced automations
- No cloud dependency
Cons
- Requires soldering and programming
- No enclosure included
How they compare
| # | Model | Technology | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aqara FP2 Human Presence Sensor | mmWave 60GHz | Multi-room and multi-person detection | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Everything Presence Lite | mmWave 24GHz | Privacy-conscious users with local processing | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Philips Hue Motion Sensor | PIR | Simple setup for Hue lighting | 8.6 | Check price |
| 4 | Aqara FP1 Human Presence Sensor | mmWave 24GHz | Budget-friendly mmWave option | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Tuya Zigbee Human Presence Sensor | mmWave 24GHz | Zigbee integration and battery option | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | Moes Zigbee Human Presence Sensor | mmWave | Affordable and widely compatible | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Home Assistant mmWave Presence Sensor (DIY Kit) | mmWave 24GHz | Tech enthusiasts who love customization | 8.0 | Check price |
How to choose
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a motion sensor and a presence sensor?
A motion sensor (PIR) detects large movements, such as walking, but fails to detect a person who is sitting still. A presence sensor, typically using mmWave technology, can detect even subtle movements like breathing, so it knows when someone is present even if they are not moving.
Will presence sensors work through walls?
Most mmWave presence sensors are designed to detect movement within a single room and cannot penetrate walls. However, some sensors with a higher frequency can detect through thin walls, but this is often not recommended due to privacy and false triggers.
Can presence sensors detect pets?
Many presence sensors have pet immunity features that ignore small animals up to a certain weight, typically 25-30 kg. However, not all sensors are pet-friendly, so check the specifications. mmWave sensors can be adjusted to filter out small moving objects.
Do presence sensors need a hub?
Some presence sensors require a smart home hub to function, especially those that use Zigbee or Z-Wave. Others, like the Aqara FP2, can be used with a Wi-Fi connection and a compatible app. Always check the compatibility with your existing smart home system.
Can I use a presence sensor outdoors?
Most presence sensors are designed for indoor use only. Outdoor use would require a weatherproof sensor with an IP rating. None of the sensors in this list are rated for outdoor use, so they should be installed indoors.
How accurate are mmWave presence sensors?
mmWave sensors are highly accurate for detecting human presence, even in complete darkness. They can detect breathing and minor movements, but they may occasionally have false positives from moving curtains or fans. Adjusting sensitivity can reduce these occurrences.
What is the best presence sensor for Home Assistant?
The Everything Presence Lite is a favorite for Home Assistant users because it runs ESPHome locally and offers full integration without cloud dependency. The Aqara FP2 also works with Home Assistant via the HomeKit Controller integration, but it requires a Wi-Fi connection and may have some cloud features.
Are presence sensors safe for health?
mmWave sensors use low-power radio waves that are safe for human exposure. They operate at frequencies similar to Wi-Fi and are regulated by safety standards. Extensive testing has shown no adverse health effects.
How do I reset a presence sensor?
Most presence sensors have a reset button that you can press with a pin. For specific instructions, refer to the user manual. Typically, holding the reset button for a few seconds will restore factory settings.
Can presence sensors be used for security systems?
Yes, presence sensors can be integrated into security systems to detect intruders. They are more accurate than traditional motion sensors because they can detect a person hiding or staying still. However, they should be used in conjunction with other security measures.
Our pick
If you want the most accurate and feature-rich presence sensor, go for the Aqara FP2. It offers multi-person detection, zone mapping, and works with major smart home platforms. For a budget-friendly option without sacrificing accuracy, the Aqara FP1 is a solid choice. If you prioritize privacy and local control, the Everything Presence Lite is the way to go, but be prepared for a more technical setup.
