As the demand for smart home devices continues to grow, the importance of making informed decisions about which devices to include in your setup can't be overstated.
Two products that you may be comparing as you seek to optimize your home's automation and security are the Aqara Motion Sensor and its new iteration, the Aqara Motion Sensor P1. These two devices offer distinct features that may make one or the other a better fit for your particular needs.
Aqara Motion Sensor
The Aqara Motion Sensor offers a wide 170° motion detection angle. Easy to install with a stand and sticker, it allows for flexible placement. Compatible with both Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, it can seamlessly integrate with a myriad of smart devices. Equipped with a Japanese infrared sensor and a US Polyolefin Fresnel lens, it delivers high-precision motion detection. Its Zigbee connection enables it to operate locally even with a weak WiFi signal, and its alarm mode notifies you of detected motion.
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
The Aqara Motion Sensor P1, on the other hand, detects both body motion and changes in ambient light. If it senses motion or lighting changes, it sends a notification to the Aqara Home app via the connected Aqara Zigbee 3.0 Hub. This sensor requires an Aqara Hub to function as a HomeKit device and offers a ≈170° detection angle with a reach of ≈7 meters. The P1 model uses Zigbee 3.0 for wireless connections.
What's the difference between Aqara Motion Sensor and Aqara Motion Sensor P1?
While both sensors offer 170° motion detection, the newer Aqara Motion Sensor P1 provides additional ambient light detection. Moreover, the P1 model uses the more recent Zigbee 3.0 standard for wireless connections, potentially offering better network performance. Finally, the P1 has double the battery capacity as the original.
However, the original Aqara Motion Sensor offers an alarm mode, which the P1 does not mention.
Pros & Cons
Aqara Motion Sensor
Pros:
- Broad compatibility (Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa)
- Alarm mode for enhanced security
- Installation flexibility
Cons:
- Does not detect changes in ambient light
- Uses an older Zigbee standard
- Half battery life of the P1
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
Pros:
- Ambient light detection
- Uses the more recent Zigbee 3.0
- Double battery life of the original
Cons:
- Requires Aqara Hub to function as a HomeKit device
- No mention of alarm mode
Spec Comparison Table
| Specification | Aqara Motion Sensor | Aqara Motion Sensor P1 |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Detection | ≈170° | ≈170° |
| Detection Distance | ≈7m | ≈7m |
| Ambient Light Detection | No | Yes |
| Wireless Connections | Zigbee | Zigbee 3.0 |
| Alarm Mode | Yes | Yes |
| HomeKit Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Type | CR2450 | 2×CR2450 |
Conclusion
If you're seeking a sensor with broad smart home compatibility and an additional alarm mode for security, the Aqara Motion Sensor may be the better choice.
However, if you value ambient light detection and potentially better network performance due to Zigbee 3.0, the Aqara Motion Sensor P1 would be the preferred option.
Buy the Aqara Motion Sensor P1 here and the Aqara Motion Sensor here.
