The best Matter-compatible motion sensors are great for automating lighting and keeping track of the activity in and around the home. But, as we all know, they can sometimes be a hassle that sends tons of nuisance notifications, or perhaps even worse, leave us in the dark at inopportune times.
If you are tired of dealing with basic motion detection, then it may be time to consider an mmWave presence sensor. In this guide, we will break down the differences between the two prevailing motion detection technologies, and we'll give you some recommendations to help make the transition to mmWave go as smoothly as possible.
mmWave presence sensors vs. motion sensors: what's the difference?
Most—but not all—of the current crop of consumer-grade smart home motion sensors on the market today are passive infrared sensors (commonly referred to as PIR sensors), a technology that was created decades ago. PIR-based motion sensors work by measuring the heat or radiation signatures from objects within their view and comparing the result to the environmental temperature to determine that a motion event occurred.
As you might have guessed, relying on temperature for motion events has its fair share of problems when it comes to reliability, as PIR sensors do not take into account who or what is passing by or if there are any subsequent motions. Pets are often a major source of frustration for smart home enthusiasts as they trigger PIR sensors just like humans, and just simply sitting in the room with subtle movements often results in our smart light bulbs going out—requiring us to flail our arms wildly to get them to turn back on.
Millimeter Wave (mmWave) presence sensors take a different approach to motion detection through the use of radar technology. Instead of measuring temperature and radiation emitted by people or objects, mmWave-based sensors transmit and receive low-power electromagnetic waves and measure the speed, movement, and angles of waves that are reflected back.
Through interpretation of these signals, mmWave sensors can effectively capture the tiniest of movements, resulting in higher accuracy even for seemingly stationary objects. For example, mmWave sensors can see the typical ups and downs from our breathing patterns and are accurate enough to be used for non-contact monitoring of patient vitals in the healthcare industry.
In the smart home setting, mmWave sensors are extremely useful for automation as they can omit parts of their view through zoning, determine the exact moment someone leaves the room, or if someone is chilling on the couch. And of course, with Matter, users can deploy mmWave sensors with the smart home ecosystem of their choosing, creating more automation possibilities free from vendor lock-in.
Being newer technology, mmWave sensors are few and far between, and they often cost well above their PIR-based counterparts. If you can deal with the occasional misfire of an automation or nuisance notification, then you can save by going the PIR route. But if you want the most accurate sensor around, go with mmWave. Read on for our recommendations.
The best Matter-compatible mmWave presence sensors
Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300
The aptly named Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 is a unique 5-in-1 home monitoring solution that combines mmWave, PIR, temperature, humidity, and light sensors into one surprisingly compact and versatile device. These technologies, along with continuous AI learning and a 120-degree field of view, eliminate false triggering for rooms up to 20 feet, and a wire-free design allows for placement just about anywhere.
Also unique to the FP300 is its dual wireless radios, giving owners the freedom to choose between Thread and Zigbee 3.0 for smart home connectivity. While Zigbee requires an Aqara hub and the company's app for operation, it offers more advanced control options and longer, three-year battery life, versus the two years you get with direct Matter-over-Thread pairing.
Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300
Best Price
Meross Thread Smart Presence Sensor MS605
At just under $36—and often even lower—the Meross MS605 is the most affordable Matter-native mmWave sensor on the market today. Don't let its low price fool you, as the MS605 is still plenty capable with three-in-one monitoring—PIR, mmWave, and light—with ultra-precise detection within 13 feet for three defined zones.
The MS605 sports a 90-degree folding frame, complete with full 360-degree rotation, and it can be placed in wet or dry areas thanks to IP67 waterproofing. And with Thread onboard, it runs for up to three years on a replaceable CR123A battery without the need for a hub—as long as you have a Border Router already set up in your home.
Meross Smart Presence Sensor MS605
Best Price
Lafaer Wireless Human Presence Sensor LWR01
Although we found it to be a little too sensitive during our hands-on review of the Lafaer LWR01—it frequently picked up people in other rooms—we still believe it's worthy of consideration. That's because this sensor is built solidly with a sleek design, has flexible power options, and supports local app configuration with Matter-over-Thread.
Lafaer's mmWave radar sensor detects presence within 11 feet and motion events up to 20 feet away, making it ideal for smaller rooms such as bathrooms, especially considering its IPX3 water-resistance rating. Thread networking provides this sensor with decent one-year+ battery life when powered by two easily replaceable AA batteries, and it also supports wired connections through USB-C, which we quite like.
Lafaer Wireless Human Presence Sensor
Best Price
Aqara Presence Sensor FP1E - requires Aqara hub
Also from Aqara, the FP1E is a stripped-down sensor that forgoes the zoning and light detection options seen with other mmWave offerings. Despite these shortcomings, we raved about its reliability, data accuracy, and speedy 1-second response times in our FP1E review, leading us to deem it a "great choice" for those who only want basic presence detection.
Unlike the FP300, this sensor only supports Zigbee 3.0 connectivity, so it requires an Aqara hub—like the affordable M100 or flagship M3—and an app to bridge it to Matter. However, it is USB-powered, so you won't need to worry about managing batteries—just set it and forget it for instant coverage of areas of up to 20 feet.
Aqara Hub M3
The Aqara Hub M3 is a Matter-compatible gateway that connects and manages up to 128 smart devices, facilitating local device automation without relying on Wi-Fi.
Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300
A multi-functional presence sensor with PIR and mmWave detection, designed for seamless smart home integration with Thread and Zigbee support.
SwitchBot Presence Sensor - requires SwitchBot hub
Although the Meross M605 is the cheapest Matter-native device currently, those who own a SwitchBot Hub 3—or other SwitchBot hub—can get it on the mmWave game for less with SwitchBot's Presence Sensor. This $30, 120-degree wide-angle sensor captures motion up to 26 feet away, and detects stationary presence within 16 feet through its PIR, mmWave, and light monitors.
There are a few downsides to SwitchBot's sensor, namely its slower Bluetooth connection and its convoluted app that makes setup and navigation a bit more tedious. It makes up for it, though, with its internal rechargeable battery that lasts up to two years, and its small footprint that can be wall-mounted or set on a table-top with the included stand.
SwitchBot Hub 3
Best Price
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Eliminate the nuisances with the best Matter-compatible mmWave presence sensors
The best Matter-compatible mmWave sensors go above and beyond basic motion detection with cutting-edge radar technology that will never leave you in the dark. Not only does mmWave detect stationary activity, but it also filters out pets, preventing false alarms and events that can make managing your home feel more like a nuisance rather than smart.
The Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300 is a top pick with its incredible 5-in-1 featureset that eliminates the need for separate devices, expansive detection range, and support for both Thread and Zigbee right out of the box. And while not quite as feature-rich as Aqara's offering, the Meross Thread Smart Presence Sensor MS605 is an excellent choice for those looking for an ultra-precise Matter-over-Thread mmWave sensor at a slightly more wallet-friendly price.
