Guide to Zigbee Motion Sensors (And Why You Should Get One) (2024)

• Motion sensors are key for home automation as they not only alert if there is an intruder but also automatically switch the light bulb etc.
• One very common communication protocol used in motion sensors that is Zigbee
• In this article, we have researched, tested, and reviewed more than eight Zigbee motion sensors and settled on three top options discussed below.
• Also, have a look at our guides on what is zigbee, zigbee vs z-wave and best zigbee lights

Alternatively, another pick for zigbee motion sensor that you can rely on for your smart home security needs is the SYLVANIA E21266 Lightify Motion Sensor (Price not available). It also has a temperature sensor to detect temperature changes in a room. Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor ($29.95) is also a viable pick, although missing light sensor. It can be used to sense motion within a range of up to 15 feet and has an impressive 120 degrees angle of view.

What Is A MotionSensor?

A motion sensor also referred toas a motion detector, is a device that senses movements within a certain range.The sensor is either designed to be used either outdoors or indoors.

Additional features can also beincorporated to improve the security of your home or add convenience inperforming various activities. For instance, motion detectors are commonlyintegrated into a security system that triggers an action or alert whenevermotion is detected in an area.

What Is MostImportant In A Motion Sensor?

Thereare a few very crucial factors you need to consider when purchasing a motiondetector. These include:

Zigbee Motion Sensor Type

There are four common types ofmotion sensors. These include:

• Passive Infrared Motion Sensors – Abbreviated as PIR, these are the most populartypes of motion sensors. They are made in such a way that they can detectmovement and human body heat within a certain range and are mostly usedindoors.
• Microwave Motion Sensors – These sensors often cover wider fields ofview. Additionally, they are very sensitive and cost more than other sensors.
• Ultrasonic Motion Sensors – These motion detectors emit ultrasonicwaves which are then used to detect movement.
• Dual-Technology Motion Sensors – As the name suggests, dual-technologysensors combine two motion detection technologies, such as PIR and microwave,in one sensor for enhanced performance.
• Tomographic Motion Sensors – Tomographic sensors detect movement through theuse of radio waves. They are also very expensive and are mostly used forcommercial use.

Power Source

Different types of motion sensorshave various power source options. Battery-powered detectors are often veryeasy to install. They can be installed anywhere within a building.

Other systems need to be hardwiredto your system. These often provide a wider range of view than battery-powereddetectors. Solar-powered devices are more expensive and rely on solar power tofunction. Thus, choose a sensor with a power source that suits your specificneeds.

The Range

Motion sensors can have a range of up to 120 feet and a field of view of roughly between 100 and 300 degrees. In case you only need a sensor that detects motions for a shorter distance, a good option is one with a shorter range and narrower field of view.

Motion sensors with a wider range andangle of view can be used outside to scare or detect likely intruders from adistance.

Installation

Some motion sensors come with amagnetic mount for easy DIY installation. But, the installation of some otheroptions is more time-consuming. Some AC powered devices may need professionalhelp hardwiring them into your current wiring.

Other Accessories

Normally, motion sensors willinclude various other additions. For instance, some sensors have built-in lightsensors which cause lights to switch on when motion is detected and off when noactivity is detected. Others can trigger alarms, video recordings, ordoorbells.

Advantages Of Using A Zigbee Motion Sensor

1. Help to detect any unexpected movements in or around yourpremises.
2. Some sensors have inbuilt light sensors that trigger lights toswitch on whenever motion is detected. These lights can scare intruders. Also,when used indoors, navigation at night is made easy
3. Sensor lightings also help in energy conservation since light isswitched on only when needed.

Best Zigbee Motion Sensor: Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor

Expert Review

Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor is one of the best zigbee motion sensors. It is very well-made, wirelesses, and runs on battery. On top of that, it has a lux sensor that prevents it from operating during the day.

Whencompared to our other two options (discussed below) this detector is the mostreliable. It has an excellent response time. And, theHue bulbs light up immediately motion is detected.

You can configure the device toautomatically switch off the light when there is no activity sensed in a room.It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple, and Homekit.

Users of this motion detector lovethe fact that you can set it to automatically switch off the lights if it doesnot sense any activity in a room for a period of say, 5 minutes. They also addthat this feature is very crucial for users who often forget to switch off thelights.

Other customers who bought thissensor were impressed by the fact that it can as well detect temperaturechanges in a room. The battery life is also good and can last for more than ayear.

Another feature that its customersfind very useful is the ability to set up the light brightness. You can dim thebrightness of your bulbs at night so that the light is not so bright to wakeyou up. They also have a good range of detection and can light up immediatelyyou approach your hallway.

Customer feedback

The major complaint among most users is that the Hue app has limited functionality. It offers nothing beyond basic motion detection.

For instance, there are only twoperiods to select from, that is, 6 pm – 8 am or 8 am – 6 pm. Users wish thatthe app allowed them to customize their preferred time. It does not also allowits users to isolate lights in a room. All lights will either turn on or off.

Installing this device is abreeze. You can either mount it to a wall using the included screws or you canplace it freely on a flat surface. Because the mount is magnetic, you canadjust the detector to be at an angle for optimal performance.

Also, the setting it up is veryeasy. You’ll only need to follow the simple guide provided in the Hue app. Thesettings can also be personalized depending on individual preferences. In justtwo to three minutes, and, the sensor will be ready to use.

Note that this sensor also needs aHue bridge to function. Once connected to a Philips Hue bridge, you can use thedevice to control any appliance that is compatible with Homekit.

Alternative Zigbee Motion Sensor: SYLVANIA E21266 Lightify Motion Sensor

If you are looking for a device tohelp you keep tabs with what is happening in your home, the SYLVANIA E21266Lightify Motion Sensor Light is a great option. It is a wireless sensor thathas built-in motion and temperature sensors.

Since it is battery operated, thisdevice can be easily mounted at any convenient place in your house. Unlike, thePhilips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor, this one is more affordable. It is alsocompatible with Wink Hub. Thus, you can configure the Wink Hub to turn on theA.C whenever the sensor detects very high temperature.

On the other hand, this device isnot as sensitive as the Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor. At times, it is slowto detect motion changes. Temperature changes are also only updated once perhour.

Most users say that setting upthis device is a little more consuming than anticipated. In addition, theinstructions provided are shallow. Others complain that it is sometimesunreliable. Since the detector is not pet-sensitive, it triggers lights toswitch on even when pets pass by.

Other than that, this motionsensor is a decent device that does exactly what it is advertised to do.

Cheap Zigbee Motion Sensor: Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor

This detector is probably one ofthe easiest to install. It has a magnetic mount that can be attached to anymagnetic surface. Or, you can just mount it on a wall without needing any screws.You’ll only peel the sticker at the bottom and press the device on the wall.

A feature that makes this motiondetector stand out is its ball and socket magnet mount. This enables you toeasily position the sensor at the desired angle for best motion detection.

However, this device does not havean option to mount permanently on the wall. Thus, in case the adhesive weakensyou may need to improvise a way to keep it intact. Also, its motion detection accuracy and overallperformance cannot match that of the Philip Hue Motion Sensor.

Users who have purchased thisdevice complain that sometimes, the sensor will automatically disconnect whennot connected to the hub. A good number of customers also wish that they couldcustomize the periods in which they received motion detection alerts. They alsoadd that the tape is weak and the sensor may fall after a few days.

Frequenly Asked Questions

What Are Motion Sensors Used For?

Motion detectors are a must-have component for any smart home. They play a central role in the provision of home security. On top of that, the convenience they offer in your home is unmatched.
These detectors can sense when a person enters or comes too close to your building. You can then set them to alert you when such motion is detected. Or, you can have them perform various actions such as ringing an alarm, switching on the lights, etc.
Some modern motion detectors have built-in cameras that will automatically start recording once motion is detected. Other options have built-in light sensors that switch on the lights when motion is detected.

Can You Configure Motion Sensors Not To Be Triggered By Pets?

There is nothing as devastating as waking up to a false alarm caused by one of your furry friends. With this in mind, home security solutions companies have now come up with technologies that can prevent this from happening.
Some current motion sensors have advanced technologies that can allow pets to walk around freely without triggering any false alerts. These sensors are weight-sensitive and will only detect movements caused by persons/animals weighing more than 40 pounds. In case you own larger pets, you can as well set your detector to ignore weights that are less than 60 (or 80) pounds.

How Far Can Motion Sensors Work?

The distance a motion detector can sense can be anywhere from 30 feet (sometimes less) to over 100 feet. These can have a field of view can be as narrow as 100 degrees or as wide as 270 degrees.
If you are looking for a motion detector to use indoors, go for one with a shorter range. On the other hand, outdoor sensors should be able to detect movement that is further away.

Motion detectors are a must-havecomponent for any smart home. They play a central role in the provision of homesecurity. On top of that, the convenience they offer in your home is unmatched.

How Do Motion Sensors LightsWork?

Motion Detector Lights are designed to turnon lights whenever they detect heat waves from moving objects such as animalsand human beings. The lights can be set to stay on for some time, anywhere fromone minute to one hour, after which it automatically turns the light off unlesssome motion is detected again.

The motion sensors are also fitted with photocellswhich deactivate the movement detecting lights during the day.

Last update on 2024-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API