Aeotec Motion Sensor review

Aeotec Motion Sensor: Introduction

• Type: Motion sensor
• Connectivity: Zigbee

Originally the SmartThings Motion Sensor, all of the hardware got moved over to Aeotec. Hence, we now have the Aeotec Motion Sensor; if you have the original SmartThings-branded one, there’s nothing different.

As the name gives away, this model is a basic motion sensor. While it may have been designed for SmartThings, it will work with any Zigbee hub. Indeed, I’ve been testing it with a Homey Pro. Is it still worth buying, or are there better options? Read on to find out more.

Design and components

• Powered by a CR2 battery
• Easy installation

The Aeotec Motion Sensor is a small motion sensor. As far as these things go, it’s quite nice to look at, with a square front with curved corners.

Physical installation is easy, with the mount attaching to a wall or ceiling via the provided 3M sticky pad. There’s no screw-in option for this model, which is a bit of a shame.

Thanks to the ball mount, the Aeotec Motion Sensor magnetically attaches, and then it’s easy to reposition and point in the direction you want.

This design also means that it’s easy to take the sensor off the wall for when you need change the CR2 battery in the back. According to the specs, the battery should last for at least a year.

Features

• Zigbee
• Integrated temperature sensors

Although the Aeotec Motion Sensor was designed for SmartThings, you don’t have to use the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. In fact, I connected the sensor to my Homey Pro (2026) using Zigbee, and it all works properly.

Although a motion sensor, the Aeotec Motion Sensor also has a temperature sensor built-in. That adds a bit more flexibility into the equation, although I tend to find that temperature sensors are plentiful in my smart home, so I don’t particularly need any more.

As a basic motion, the Aeotec Motion Sensor is simple in what it offers: you can power an automation based on whether motion is detected or when motion is not detected. Unlike more advanced sensors, such as the Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300, there’s no presence detection, so there needs to be movement.

Performance

• Works accurately
• Basic controls

As mentioned, the Aeotec Motion Sensor is a basic motion sensor only. In that regards it works well enough. Placed in my office, it picks me up as I enter the room. The downside is that it needs motion to work.

If I’m sat at my desk typing, I typically don’t make enough movement for it to work. Set with an automation to turn the lights off if there’s no motion for 10 minutes, I find that I need to exaggerate some movement to keep the lights alive.

Final thoughts

For a basic motion sensor, the Aeotec Motion Sensor is quite expensive. In fact, it costs as much as the SwitchBot mmWave Presence Sensor, and only a little less than the Aqara FP300, both of which offer proper presence detection. 

Nor does the Aeotec Motion Sensor have the advanced integration features of the Philips Hue Motion Sensor. If you want basic motion detection and can get this sensor on a deal it works well enough, but it’s expensive and limited by today’s standards. Read my guide to the best motion sensors for more choices.

How we test

When we publish our reviews, you can rest assured that they are the result of “living with” long term tests.

Motion sensors usually live within an ecosystem, or a range of products that – supposedly – all work in harmony. And they are designed to offer a range of different cleaning options. Therefore, it’s impossible to use a motion sensor for a week and deliver a verdict.

Because we’re testing smart home kit all day, everyday, we know what matters and how a particular motion sensor compares to alternatives that you might also be considering.

Our reviews are comprehensive, objective and fair and, of course, we are never paid directly to review a device.

FAQs

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