SmartThings is compatible with a wide range of Z-Wave and Zigbee sensors (see a list here).

These platforms are great because they allow you to consolidate the controls of all (or most of) your smart devices into a single app, and they also bring perks like voice control when used with smartphones, smart speakers, smart displays, and tablets. Im also a contributor to Dwell, U.S. News & World Report, BBC, and The Ambient, among others. It does fit well on a shelf or other flat surface and can mount to the wall with a screw, it also uses two AA batteries, which lasted more than two years in testing. To pair your sensors with HomeKit, youll need an iPhone updated to iOS 10 or later, or a Mac running Mojave or later, and a HomePod, HomePod Mini, Apple TV (tvOS 11 or later), or an iPad (iOS 11 or later) to act as a home hub (for more details, see the full list of requirements). This allows me to fine-tune when the door stops early/etc. Set arrival or departure scenarios to activate from your ZigBee smart hub. As part of our vetting process, we look at the security and data privacy practices behind our product picks. Heres how to pick. It is much more expensive than competing models, but it is the most functional temperature sensor we tested. Conveniently, these sensors can be mounted to a wall or set on a flat surface, making them easy to place throughout your home. To test our sensors, we installed them in a four-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot home that has three floors and three exterior doors. If youre invested in HomeKit and have a HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K (2021), consider the Eve Door & Window contact sensor. Door sensors are a convenient and affordable way to add another layer of security and function to your home. There were a number of devices we considered but didnt test because they didnt meet one or more of our requirements, were overly large with a dated design, or had lots of poor customer reviews for things like battery life or customer service complaints. It can connect directly with any Echo, not just the Zigbee-enabled ones. But it was not reliable in our testing, we had to reconnect it multiple times, and its app verges on useless. I used this paired with Amazon Echo 4th generation with zigbee. We set up an Automation using the Eve app (HomeKits Home app doesnt allow you to use temperature as a trigger yet) that turned on a smart-plugenabled fan in a screened-in porch whenever the temp rose above 80 degrees during the daytime. It installs with tape or screws/brackets for long-term stability and durability and claims an impressive 3-year battery life, but its much larger and more expensive than our pick. My problem with this device is that its contact sensors at the Pairs With SmartThings and Alerts Are Accurate. I purchased this product because I wanted something to monitor my sump pump for failures and notify me if my sump pump failed and the water level was rising. This is useful if you have smart shades in a room where your speaker is or want to trigger a smart thermostat to adjust or a fan to turn on if a room gets too hot. Other sensors we are testing for the next update of this guide include the C By GE Motion Sensor, the Lutron Caseta Motion Sensor, and the Vocolinc Contact Sensor (HomeKit only). Compatibility: Amazon Alexa (Zigbee-enabled speakers only), Samsung SmartThings, Zigbee hubs. Unlike most other sensors, this one has a visual, e-ink display, so you dont need to consult your phone to check the temperature; its also completely weatherproof, so it can be installed in any location to relay temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure statistics (on its display, in the Eve app, or by asking Siri). In our testing it was super responsive and consistent, with an excellent range (while using a hub) and amazing battery life (over three years). The Fibaro Door/Window Sensor 2 (Z-Wave or HomeKit) is available in multiple colors, making it a good option if you have a variety of decor to fit in with. We selected the best smart-home devices to work with your Alexa speaker, based on our extensive testing and real-world use. The Aqara Motion Sensor cant be paired directly with Alexa. Can the device be used locally, or is a cloud connection needed? Using this to control my garage door opener, along with Z-Wave door controller. This is one of the few Thread sensors around, which, if you have a Thread hub, means it can dramatically improve wireless range (see FAQs for an explanation of Thread). centralite gokeyless We also cover other environmental sensors in our guides to the best smart smoke alarm and the best smart water-leak detector. They also let you configure your sensors to trigger other devices, using what are called Routines, Scenes, and Automations. Choose from pre-set automations such as Smart Lighting, which uses motion sensors to activate smart lighting, or create custom automations using if then commands: If this sensor detects something, then make this happen. I have a water backup sump pump in case my primary sump pump fails, but I wanted something to notify me if the primary failed, so my water bil Model from late 2020 will be broken if used on SmartThings hub. Slightly larger and more expensive than our pick, but compatible with SmartThings as well as Alexa, this sensor works with Zigbee speakers (like the latest Echo) and works reliably with excellent range. But it uses an expensive CR123A battery and had just as slow a response time in our testing. Anyone who uses an iPhone and is interested in a smart home should start here to find the best options and advice for getting started. The 3-Series Micro Door Sensor is an affordable way to add automation, security, and occupancy sensing to existing connected home systems. Magnet Dimensions: 1.75 (H) x 0.55 (W) x 0.46 (D) in., Sensor Dimensions: 1.75 (H) x 1.31 (W) x 0.58 (D) in. Without a hub you can pair the motion sensor directly to a Zigbee-enabled Echo device, and it can trigger any connected accessories. All Rights Reserved. Newer Echo Show devices have the ability to detect motion using the built-in camera, which in theory can be used to turn on other smart-home devices in a room, such as lights, when you enter. Its also very big, making it hard to find a discrete spot for it. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy writes about smart-home technology use and sustainable living, while trying to practice both (one is a lot easier than the other). Does not detect until there is standing water underneath. There were also sensors that performed poorly in our tests, including the following. This triangle-shaped sensor is as thin as a piece of cardboard and fits snugly in the upper corner of a door, making it very unobtrusive. Aqara has also announced a new Door and Window Sensor. To use it you have to pair directly to a Zigbee-based smart-home hub, such as SmartThings or some Amazon Echo devices, and from there you can set up Automations. By detecting the opening and closing of doors and windows, the 3-Series Micro Door Sensor can wirelessly notify users of arrivals and departures. Each part attaches to either side of a door, window, cabinet, draweror almost anything else that opens and closesand when the contact between the sensor and magnet breaks (or gets reestablished), a trigger occurs. Then you can link the sensor to your other Alexa-compatible devices with Routines. Once youve set up sensors in your home, you can use the Home app (preinstalled on all iPhones and iPads) to create Scenes and Automations that then use those sensors to tell your home how to react to motion and activity (HomeKit doesnt offer temperature as a trigger but you can use a free third-party app, such as the one from Eve to set this up). Initially, devices may need to be closer to the hub, but the more devices you add, the farther your network will extend, as both Zigbee and Z-Wave devices can act as repeaters, creating whats called a mesh network in your homeeach device ensures other devices stay online. In our testing, it was very responsive, turning on a smart bulb in a closet in less than a second, then off again when we closed the door. Reliable, really cheap, and flexible to mount, the Aqara motion sensor works with HomeKit and Alexa, but does require a hub. You cant ask about temperature or motion, or access any of that information in the Google Home app. If you want a physical display to see the temperature and humidity at a glance, or want a HomeKit compatible sensor, the Eve Weather is a great choice. Creating an account will allow you to easily place repeat orders, track them, and get first access to promotions and discounts! Currently, the motion and contact sensors are available as part of the Wyze Home Monitoring security system, which uses the Wyze Sense Hub and works with Alexa. However, it is much larger than our top pick, the Aqara, and twice the price. It has to be paired with a compatible Amazon Echo or Zigbee hub for connectivity and will need that devices app for setup and configuration. If so, is it required? Alexa app does not have an option for water leak sensor and thinks that is is a motion detector. Though it uses a Zigbee wireless signal and works with both Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, it cant connect to them directly and needs an Aqara hub to connect to either platform, which at least helps boost wireless range (there are three hub models: The Aqara Hub M1S plugs directly into an outlet; the Aqara Hub M2 plugs into a router; and the Aqara Camera Hub G2H doubles as a camera). Is a username and password required to use the device? When I go to someone else's house, I get mildly offended that lights don't just turn on everywhere I go :-) I really appreciate this sensor as a replacement for gen1 smartthings sensors because the new ones made by smartthings have a very limited range and I Monoprice Stitch Wireless Smart Door/Window Sensor, Accurate temperature and humidity readings. The hub and sensor can be paired directly to HomeKit, however, without the use of the Aqara app. In our testing we found this to be unreliable at triggering Alexa Routines, sometimes taking several seconds to react and sometimes not working at all. Takes around 30-35 seconds for motion to change back to inactive, even when there is no motion during that time frame, which is a bit long. It uses a standard CR2450 coin cell battery that we havent had to replace in more than two years of testing. The Ecolink Z-Wave PET Immune Plus Motion Detector is large and has a fixed four-to-five-minute reset time, which really only makes it suitable as a security device since it will ignore you for large chunks of time after triggering once. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission from a link you click. We will test them when they are available. The Ecolink Door/Window Contact Zigbee Sensor has a completely different design from the Z-Wave version and only comes in white but is slimmer and sleeker. Ive been a journalist for more than two decades and focus on the smart home and connected living. The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. The Centralite Micro Motion Sensor is also inexpensive and a good option if you are already using Samsungs SmartThings platform; it can also pair directly to any Zigbee-enabled Alexa smart speaker in lieu of using a hub (see FAQs for a deeper explanation). This article explores different ways to use Routines. The advantage is that theyre especially energy efficient and therefore support long battery life; they also create a mesh wireless connection, which means each device shares its wireless connection with the sensors closest to it. (877) 439-5377 Outside U.S. +1 (937) 247-9327 955 Mound Rd Miamisburg, OH 45342. (For more info on how to set up devices with HomeKit, check out How to Build an Apple-Based Smart Home System With the Best HomeKit Devices.).

If you want to take it to the next level, you might program it so in the morning it tweaks the thermostat, and then starts playing music when you come downstairs. However, its larger and chunkier and uses a non-standard expensive battery, and its included stackers to position the magnet correctly look a bit silly. One of our picks is less expensive and can be more easily placed in a convenient location to measure temperature. We also have the companies that produce our top picks answer specific questions around their security and privacy policies. Learn about our sources and ranking. Some motion and contact sensors have temperature sensors built in, too, so depending on where you want to measure temperature, you might not have to buy a separate device. Using sensors in some Google Nest products (including the new Nest Thermostat, the wired Nest Protect smoke alarm, and the Nest X Yale Lock) combined with your phones location, you can set up a routine to activate smart lights, plugs, switches, cameras and thermostat. The Onvis Motion Sensor is a motion sensor that also measures temperature and humidity. Welcome back!

Sensors need to be set up using a smartphone app, and there are several software ecosystemsoften called platformsyou can use with them that in turn are compatible with a whole bunch of devices made by a whole bunch of different companies.

This mimics some of the functionality you can get from a motion- or contact-sensor-based automation. Save energy and decrease your carbon footprint by creating scenarios when you leave in the morning through your smart hub. Its inexpensive and attractive, but its comparatively bulky because it uses two AAA batteries to keep running on power-sucking Wi-Fi. This tiny contact sensor is far smaller and cheaper than a lot of other models and works reliably, but it does require the use of an Aqara Hub. In addition to discussing sensors that work with smart-home platforms, we included in this guide a few sensors that work with their own app, as well as some that work with multiple platforms, so you dont have to be locked into just one.

These can be used to trigger Alexa routines when the temperature in a room reaches a set point. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Learn more. The Aeotec TriSensor is a less expensive option if you just want light, motion, and temperature monitoring and dont need the ability to plug into power (its battery only). I has one of these from later 2019/early 2020 and it worked well. The Aqara Motion Sensor works reliably, is very small, easy to install, and yet costs just $20 (a newer version is now available; check out What to look forward to for details). Aqara says it will support Thread wireless, and has a battery life of up to 5 years. With a Hue hub it also works with HomeKit and can trigger any HomeKit accessory, but the light automations that you activate through the Hue app are much easier to set up than HomeKits. Often forget to shut the garage door? We independently review everything we recommend. So, instead of having to ask Alexa to turn on the lights when you enter a certain room, theyll just turn on automatically when you walk in. In our tests it had an excellent response time and good range. Then they tell other smart devices how to reactsmart lights, plugs, speakers, thermostats, and so onall in an instant, and without requiring any direct commands or effort from you. A motion sensor detects when something crosses its path and can be used to turn on smart lights whenever someone enters a room. And the previous range issues we had with both devices were solved. Use a contact sensor to send a notification to your phone when its been open for more than a reasonable time. We loved these Zigbee-based sensors for their ease of use, low price, and ability to pair directly with Zigbee-enabled Echo devices. So I picked up some of these to use on my SmartThings 3rd gen hub. The downside is that these sensors may also require that you use a device called a hub or bridge, which acts like a mediator between your sensors and your home Wi-Fi network (some smart speakers also function as hubs). It also has to be removed and charged every six months, which is annoying. TP-Link has announced new sensors at CES 2022, as part of its Tapo smart home line: the Tapo T100 Smart Motion Sensor, the Tapo T110 Smart Door/Window Sensor, and the TP-Link Tapo H100 Smart Hub. That can be as simple as sending an alert to let you know that a door opened, or it can be more complex, like telling your HVAC system to turn off whenever you open the windows (and back on when you close them). Yes. Wyze tells us that it plans to release them without a subscription as a successor to the original Wyze Sense line, although there is no release date yet. During testing it worked consistently in an Automation we created in both Alexa and SmartThings to lower a set of smart shades in a dining room any time the temperature climbed above 78 degrees. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The choice of smart platform is up to you, however if you already use an Amazon Alexa device or an Apple HomePod speaker, you might consider sticking with the platform they support. Does the device offer tamper alerts in case of theft? Be the first to ask a question about this product. The Centralite 3-Series Micro Door Sensor provides motion detection and notification when doors and windows are accessed. To pair a sensor with a SmartThings-certified hub, first check if its compatible, select Add a device in your SmartThings app, follow the steps to include it in your network, and then install it and check that its responding correctly. Smart sensors have a lot more potential than that though, and when a few are distributed around a home and linked up to other devices, they can transform that space from a place that has a bunch of smart-home gadgets to a smart homewhere your devices work together, often autonomously. Temperature sensors are also great for closely monitoring a sensitive space, like a babys room, a wine cellar, or an artists studio. There are compatible motion sensors you attach to the base using a USB port. For maximum convenience we prioritized sensors that were compatible with at least one of the three largest smart-home ecosystems: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Bluetooth sensors fare slightly better but have significant range issues and dont work well if they arent near your phone. In the meantime, if you have a Z-Wavebased smart home we recommend considering sensors from these companies as they worked well in previous testing. And you also arent able to trigger Google Assistant Routines. The Echo Flex is an Alexa speaker that plugs directly into an outlet.

Detects motion really well. We also restricted our search to devices that had strong user and professional reviews, as well as any we had selected in the past in the three existing guides to smart sensors (this guide is a consolidation of those previous guides). You instead have to use the Aqara app, pair the sensor to the hub, and then pair the hub to your ecosystem of choice. That makes them a solution for fine-tuning climate control systems in homes that have only one centrally located thermostat. HomeKit also doesnt allow temperature as a trigger so you have to use a third-party app to get any use out of this device, unless you use it just with the Aqara app. Its a 6-in-1 Z-Wave sensor that monitors light, motion, humidity, UV, and vibration. The Micro Door Sensor consists of a base, mounted to the door or window frame and a magnet to be mounted to the door or window. CentraLite's Azela In-Wall Dimmer provides an easy solution for homeowners looking to control existing, The Azela In-Wall Relay provides an easy solution for homeowners looking to control existing, The 3-Series Appliance Module provides all the functionality of the original Appliance Module in, The 3-Series Lamp Module provides all the functionality of the original Lamp Module in, CentraLite's Pearl Thermostat is a revolutionary thermostat that combines contemporary aesthetics with the easy-to-use, By detecting the opening/closing of doors and windows, the 3-Series Door Sensor can wirelessly, By detecting changes in the home environment, the 3-Series Temp & Humidity Sensor can, Protect your home from expensive leaks and floods by installing a 3-Series Water Sensor, The Smoke Listener uses technology that listens for the frequency of a smoke detectors, The 3-Series Night Light introduces three great products into one device. If you already own a Hue Hub and smart bulbs, you might want to consider the $40 Philips Hue Motion Sensor. But this is limited only to leaving or arriving so you cant have lights turn on just when you enter a room or any of the other useful things smart sensors can do while youre in the house. All rights reserved. Recently, Google introduced presence sensing to the Google Home app. Rest assured GoKeyless RESPECTS your privacy. It can, however, be paired and used in a routine to detect water and report. Its twice as expensive as our pick, but you dont need to buy a separate hub. For kitchens, bathrooms, and covered entryways and porches, consider the Eve Motion Sensor. During that time, we recorded the following: Reliability: We noted how consistently sensors were able to trigger Routines and Automations.Range: We tracked how far from the hub or router a sensor could be placed and continue to work reliably.Response time: We looked at how quickly or slowly a sensor detected and then was able to trigger other devices.Setup and installation: We considered how easily a device could be installed and paired with a smart-home platform.Pet immunity: We monitored whether pets would accidentally trigger motion sensors.Battery life: We tracked longevity over two years in most cases, as short battery life triggered the biggest number of complaints in user reviews (especially since some of those small batteries are really expensive!). If you own a smart-home hub such as one from SmartThings, or have a smart home security system from Abode, Honeywell, Ring, or Scout, then yes, their smart sensors may be able to be added to the HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home apps (check compatibility to ensure before you buy). Copyright (C) 2008-2022 Ezlo Innovation. And a temperature sensor in a childs room (or a chicken coop) can alert you if it gets too hot, cold, humid, or dry, and if you like, even have it adjust a fan or the thermostat automatically. Davis, CA 95616. After a week of having this plugged into a set of LED lights behind my entertainment center, they have worked flawlessly. Also the HomeKit version is Bluetooth not Thread. As with all Aqara sensors, the door and window sensor requires a hub to work, which adds cost to the initial price and complication to the setup. But you have to subscribe to the annual professional monitoring plan for them to work. Arrived with only 37% battery left, which is disappointing. In deciding which smart sensors to test we focused on those that can make your home run on autopilot, which led us to motion, contact, and temperature sensors. Home AutomationHome Automation SystemHome Security SystemsHome Monitoring SystemHome SecuritySmart Home Devices. Slated to arrive in the second half of 2022, it will support Thread wireless, has an anti-tamper feature, and allows you to adjust the sensitivity using the app. You can use them to set the system to come on after motion is detected at a specified light level based on the time of daysay, dimmed in the evening, brighter in the morning. Creating Standards To Build the Foundation and Future of the IoT, Together We Are Greater Than the Sum of Our Parts.

The free service IFTTT makes it easy to set them free. Also, in our testing with SmartThings the reaction time was very slow6 to 8 seconds. For example, you might have the shades lower only if its after sunset, or you might personalize which lights turn on based on who arrives home and when (which your HomeKit system detects based on the presence of their smartphone). A contact sensor on an exterior door might be used to alert you whenever an Airbnb tenant arrives, or perhaps if the back door has been left open at night. In our most recent testing we found that any sensor connected through SmartThings had significantly slower response times than those connected through Alexa or HomeKit. Put a motion sensor in the room and get alerted whenever shes going rogue.

The $25 Aqara Motion Sensor P1 is now available. You just need a Zigbee-enabled Echo: either the Echo 4th Gen, Echo Studio, Echo Plus, or Echo Show.

But if you already have these installed, its definitely worth trying them out before spending any more on new sensors. Consists of a base mounted to the frame and a magnet mounted to the door or window. At the most basic level, these small, battery-powered devices offer simple solutions to common problems. (The most popular platforms include Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings; IFTTT is another service that allows you to automate devices from different companies, which we explain in This App Turns Any Smart Device Into a Multitasker.) There are several Google Home-compatible sensors, including Z-Wave and Zigbee sensors from Aeotec and Fibaro (paired through a SmartThings hub), and those you can pair through security systemsAbode and Simplisafe for example. Although its bigger and pricier than our pick, this reliable sensor works with SmartThings or Zigbee-enabled Echo speakers without a hub. The temp and humidity readings seem to be fairly accurate. Our assumption was that anyone interested in home automation would plan to install multiple sensors throughout their home, so price became a serious factor as we made our picks. Its versatile design means you can mount it in the ceiling, power it with a battery or a USB cable and an AC adapter, place it on a flat surface, or use one of two mounting options, but you pay a lot for all these functions and features. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. You cannot normally have that level of control without some 'trick' like this. A new(ish) smart-home protocol that should make devices like smart sensors work faster and more reliably. Noticed looking at the hub interface it had a firmware update. In our testing, Wi-Fi sensors react more slowly, drain batteries faster, and are much bigger and more obtrusive than sensors that use less power-hungry protocols. Best for Zigbee-enabled speakers and SmartThings. This is the Motion Sensor your Smart Home needs. You cant pair directly to Alexa, like you can with some of the other sensors we tested. Centralites Micro Door Sensor consists of a base, mounted to the door or window frame and a magnet to be mounted to the door or window. It may work for some HomeKit homes, and because its IPX3 water resistant, its a solid choice for potentially wetter spaces. Crucially, for some uses, contact sensors from security companies often have the ability to trigger a chime when the door opens and closes; both the Ring and Abode sensors have this capability. If youre interested in sensors for home security, see our guide to the best home security system. Additionally, in our testing it took between two and eight-plus seconds to trigger a Routinemuch longer than sensors that connect via Zigbee. Compatibility: Amazon Alexa (Zigbee-enabled speakers only), Samsung SmartThings, Zibgee hubs. This Zigbee sensor works with SmartThings and Alexa without needing a separate hub, has a clean unobtrusive design, and is easy to mount securely.

You can pair directly to HomeKit by scanning the HomeKit code on the hub and then the sensor. Sign-in below to view your order status, repeat past orders, leave reviews for products and more. If you are using Alexa, you can set up a Routine in which Alexa announces a trigger instead, such as The front door has opened., Christian Taubman, director of Alexa Smart Home, phone interview, May 29, 2019, Mitchell Klein, executive director, Z-Wave Alliance, phone interview, February 22, 2019, Paul Lamkin, The best smart home sensors, The Ambient, April 21, 2021, Cees Links, Smart Home Sensors Differ From Other Types, Sensors Mag, January 13, 2017, Christopher Close and Karen S Freeman,, Best HomeKit motion sensors 2021, iMore, June 23, 2021. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The most useful place for this is in a hallway to turn on lights as you walk past, but as most outlets are in the middle of the hall rather than at the beginning, youll be walking in darkness most of the way. It is also as responsive as our pick. The outlet responds quickly, and I had no problems whatsoever. privacy policy. At under $25 it is the least expensive HomeKit-compatible motion sensor available without a hub, and because its a Bluetooth 5.0 device it responds really quickly, even at a distance. The requirements are simple; Echo Plus or Echo Show Generation 2. Since 2016 Ive spent countless hours testing smart-home gadgets for Wirecutter, including smart thermostats, smart garage-door controllers, smart sprinkler controllers, and smart smoke alarms. The Centralite 3-Series Micro Door Sensor provides home automation, security, and occupancy sensing to your connected home system. These features are standard in competing smart-home ecosystems such as SmartThings and HomeKit. Wirelessly notify when doors or windows are accessed.

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