8 SmartThings Motion Sensors Reviewed! FULL Comparison

[@paulhibbert]

Ooooooh the Zigbeeeeeeeeee!!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Ohhhhh nooooo

[@pokastore1760]

Can someone review bulbs that dim at certain times of days (say through your google routines) but don’t come on if they are off as a lot of them do as its very annoying. Say I want all bulbs at 50% brightness at 18:00 some brands will also turn the bulb on and not just set the brightness to 50% for when I turn the bulb on or a sensor turns a bulb on. LIFX is the best I found so far but pairing the damn things are so annoying

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Who is Paul again?

[@diegowlp]

Paul you are the best!

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

@@diegowlp who is Paul

[@robertscott3686]

Ohh the zigbee! There, I said it!

[@AutomateYourLife]

LOL arrrrgh!!! 🤣🤣

[@oldsklminitrk]

You beat me to it!

[@ChrisS-oo6fl]

Home assistant...Home Assistant...Home Assistant!!

[@lance3198]

That had to be an exhausting video to make! Really informative and well timed as one of the top performers isn't available.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Bang on comment Lance. I'm bushed...going to nap, but I'm so happy this is hitting the mark for so many!

[@PhillyDjHook]

I Googled *_Sensors capable with Samsung SmartThings_* and this video came up. I was so happy to see you at the top of the list. Even tho I already saw this video, I forgot about it and I need it now.

[@AutomateYourLife]

There's a second one in the series! Z-Wave ones! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGXlXadmrGGn7M

[@PhillyDjHook]

@@AutomateYourLife Watching it now. It just came on next. Glad I didn't stop the 1st video and just went shopping LOL. Do you know if the Samsung SmartThings motion sensor, got an update, to make it have a faster cool down then 20 seconds?

[@ThorsteinnTB]

Philips hue sensors do have illuminaton sensor as well. I use one in combination with Smartthings sensor in a hall with two light zones to decide if any of the zones should turn on. I had IKEA sensors in my kitchen to adjust the lights in each working space, but I replaced them with vibration sensors in the table. The IKEA sensors are now doing a great job in rooms where I dont have to worry about cooldown time or illuminaton.

[@AutomateYourLife]

What are you using for your DH for your Hue? I don't have illumination still and haven't found another that's as fast in terms of its response. So I'd love to take some code and pop together a new DH with Illumination and the response rate I have. :)

[@ThorsteinnTB]

​@@AutomateYourLife the DH I am using is written by Bogdan Alexe. github.com/bogdanalexe90/hueMotionSensor/blob/master/devicetypes/bogdanalexe90/hue-motion-sensor.src/hue-motion-sensor.groovy In line 19 You have to change "generic-motion" to "generic-motion-4" and if you are using the outdoor sensor, you need to change the modell to SML002 in line 29. Only thing I worry about is the possibility to update the firmware.

[@migithot71]

@@ThorsteinnTB @automate your life this makes the Hue great value for money in the UK (£35). To get light, temperature and motion the aeotec tri sensor comes in at £44 but this might get better firmware and SmartThings support. The hue however does have the option for native use with HomeKit through the hue bridge of course it doesn’t work with SmartThings then but you have both options!

[@sussexpropertyphotographer]

This video is whats been missing for ages thank you great work as ever a lot of work went into this and is visible and very much appreciated

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh thank you! There was a lot of work here so I'm glad folks are finding it useful!

[@mikkybricks]

I love my Aqara sensors. Bought them from Aliexpress and took 35days to get delivered. Ooh the Zigbee

[@AutomateYourLife]

With SmartThings Michael? I haven't had a great response from those.

[@mikkybricks]

Thanks for letting me know about the cool-off period...i was already beginning to think it was a malfunctioning unit when it doesn't activate my kitchen lights sometimes after being in and out of the coverage area

[@millschristophe]

Oooooh the ZIGBEE

[@mikkybricks]

@@AutomateYourLife i have them integrated with smartthings to light up my kitchen counters when motion is detected between 4pm and 7am. I got 2 on Aliexpress for the price one 1 on amazon.ca The device handler was pretty neat and integration was seamless.

[@bimodal]

@@AutomateYourLife I use 7 of them with ST, many of them via repeaters. The IKEA repeaters (range extenders or sockets) work a treat with Xiaomi kit (over 20 of the aqara door/window sensors, too) but any other repeaters will cause problems.

[@WalkingEmDry]

Hue motion with the latest edge driver is a thing of beauty

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh man, I gotta redo this video!

[@_andytang_]

Thank you for this great video. I've been struggling to find motion sensors to buy and use, then this video pops up!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Glad I could help!

[@SW-tech]

Thanks Brian, your thoroughness and dedication is epic! Very useful too, I'll check out the Aotech 👍

[@AutomateYourLife]

Enjoy!! That's a pretty crazy sensor.

[@millschristophe]

Can ya tell w/us what a good motion sensor w/out a need for a Hub ? Thanks 🙏🏻

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sadly, none. WiFi consumes too much battery in most cases. Here's the reason you need a hub in most cases to do anything with a motion sensor anyways: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4jPiH2Gf7lkm9U You could try HomeKit but even then, you probably want a hub to handle the Bluetooth sensors there. I'd used an Onvis one for some time but definitely liked it better when I had a HomeKit Hub.

[@faengelm]

The Echo Flex with motion sensor doesn't need a hub, but only works with Alexa. You could use an Alexa Routine to set a virtual switch as an interface to SmartThings

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@faengelm That's actually a REALLY great suggestion!

[@MIkeDeltaVictor]

On the tradfri, I can't get smartthings to locate the motion sensor. Can it directly or do I need the ikea hub?

[@AutomateYourLife]

You don't need the Ikea hub! Just having an issue with that one for some reason

[@MIkeDeltaVictor]

@@AutomateYourLife I bought the last 2 left. Hopefully for the purposes of making sure my trip wasn't in vain, I'll try the 2nd one. A rival reviewer stated it cannot work with IFTTT but I dont see why not if its merely a routine.

[@MIkeDeltaVictor]

How do you reset it?

[@MIkeDeltaVictor]

Update, they both are now recognized by the ST hub and thus are in my alexa/echo. But one now doesnt reset after detecting motion. It doesn't reset into no motion after 40 minutes. And there is no motion. Also, will birds be an issue for outside use?

[@wktaylor11]

When can we expect to get the Aeotech sensors? Im looking to get a Sonoff since I dont have a phillips hue bridge.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Aeotec Sensors are available in many markets today. Just go on a search! There are lots of links in the description and I think in general you'll find that sensors are hard to get today.

[@wktaylor11]

@@AutomateYourLife I wondered if it might be a chip shortage/supply chain issue thing. Almost everything I see is unavailable for Aeotech. Thank you for answering, I really like your videos, they are super helpful!!!! I have the V2 hub, do I need to worry about upgrading it to the V3 next year, or will this one do everything I need?

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@wktaylor11 You should be good for now...I can't tell you for sure, but I think you may see a reason next year to upgrade to a new Aeotec. Still, hold until we see where the new Edge program goes out to and what happens with Matter and SmartThings

[@alvinleongcf]

Hey Brian, going to use smartthings with hue lights. Deciding to use hue motion sensors or smartthings motion sensor or smartthings multipurpose sensors? Any difference in setting the automations within these 3 devices? Would it be more settings using the hue sensors since it is hue lights?

[@AutomateYourLife]

If you have an ST Motion Sensor or multipurpose sensor, they natively are local devices. The Hue Motion sensor can be local with an edge driver now, but that takes some research and a few moments of your time. Hue Sensor for Hue lights doesn't mean anything if you're using ST...other than the stats I mention here.

[@BBalasa]

Great Review with fine details , I was particularly interested in the cool down period. You generally dont get that information from the product catalogue.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Right? And that's SUCH a big deal! Glad folks are finding this format useful.

[@thibDave]

As always you offer sound advice and a well organized presentation. 👍🏼

[@AutomateYourLife]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@mr.t595]

Hi , do you know if ikea work direct with echo plus? ( no through ikea hub)

[@AutomateYourLife]

I do know! Answer: Saturday.

[@jeremygilroy5593]

Hey, I believe ur a fellow Albertian....I'm in Calgary. Come back to this video as I was having a problem with my ERIA motion sensor. I picked it up as per your recommendation but I had a lot of problems with it falsing and causing my alarm system to go off. I've come back to it resetting it and trying again and wondering what driver you're using that you find works the best. Also an you also point me in the direction of the best video to use for understanding on how to load edge drivers into my V2 and V3 hubs? Again I'm a big fan of your videos and watch everyone, each one is very informative

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hmmmmmm, this sucks. Sorry man. It sounds like to me that you've got a bad one if it thinks it's seeing things that aren't there. The other option is you've got it pointed at something that's providing heat that's moving. Remember, PIR sees infrared, which can be heat in some cases. So my advice would be to try and take it out of the alarm system for a bit and then point it at a wall to see if it's falsely triggering. If it still is, I'd talk to Eria direct and get a new one. As for Edge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX_MZ3V_nbyCq5I Thanks too! And hi!

[@jeremygilroy5593]

@@AutomateYourLife Hey Brian, thanks for responding so quickly. I did take the motion sensor out of the security and that's why I'm doing every add back in with new drivers. Can you recommend the best device handler for the ERIA motion sensor. What specific handler are you using? Are you using one of the edge drivers for the ERIA?

[@Zedve]

Hey there. Sorry but i will need to correct (or not) some things about the Aqara motion sensor. I'm using Homey and not SmartThings. But the cooldown time on homey, you can program this from 1 sec to almost endless. The Aqara motion sensor also works fine on repeater. Pairing, no problems discovered. Here on homey it is not cloud connected. I can control it localy. For my bathroom automation, i needed a motion sensor that i can program with a very small cooldown time. This one did the trick. No soldering needed. Just a setting in homey. Hope i helped out in some way with my bad english.

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's a great feature with Honey there having that option. Must be something with ST then!

[@Zedve]

Definitely check this product out. I think you will like it. homey.app

[@antben]

Which one would you recommend to monitor the amount of time per day of human presence in a room? Thanks

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think you want a presence sensor to know that :) So none!

[@rafaeldelange]

Is the Aeotec Tri sensor working as good as the Smartthings V3 sensor? Or does it have the same lag as the 6 in 1? I cannot buy the V3 anymore anywhere. What is the best alterative for the V3?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I did just do a 30 minute review of a bunch of them! It should be in here for you to figure. Also, it's going to depend on your exact use case, which I broke down towards the end. The Tri Sensor is very similar to the Aeotec in this video, so I'd follow that part of the review and just take out the extra sensors and I think you'll get the flavor there.

[@etzard]

Good balance of technical to feature explanations.... Nice!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh thanks!

[@theimpulse77]

New to home automation and I'm working on getting my head around everything. When you talk about the Aqara sensor not working well, does that mean in this situation because you're pairing it to a Smartthings hub? Would it possibly work better if it were paired to an Aqara hub?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Exactly! Those Aqara sensors work great with an Aqara hub :) However, this situation has changed a bit and soon enough the Aqara ones will work with SmartThings. We'll see how well though!

[@theimpulse77]

@@AutomateYourLife Awesome thanks! I have an Aqara hub on the way with some of their stuff and I want to get into the SmartThings system soon. This whole thing is crazy! lol

[@DELCOJAWN]

Thanks Brian...this topic definitely needed some coverage. 👍

[@AutomateYourLife]

You bet! Thanks John!

[@garethjones5068]

You really do these videos better than anyone else Bri 👌

[@AutomateYourLife]

I need some better subjects in the photos...do you know any!?

[@modogo2000]

The Samsung SmartThings V3 Motion is it still available I can't find it in amazon or other online shop ?

[@AutomateYourLife]

You'll need this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGHLk6awmK6tY5I and then this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIfTmpebp7Ohb68 to understand the full picture!

[@modogo2000]

@@AutomateYourLife thank you

[@BBalasa]

Superb Review of the range of sensors , my second view gave me more answers than my first view.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Great that it's helping you still. It really does take a bit of time to get through this stuff and pick the right thing! Glad you're putting in the time to get it right.

[@heidijakobsen766]

I'm confused. We have Philips Hue system but would like a cheaper sensor. But when I look at several videos, they said it wasn't compatible with hue bulbs. Is that a general thing with these sensors?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hue only really allows their own sensors in to their app and platform. That's why I use another hub like SmartThings to allow me to bring it all together in their app instead. I can control Hue lights in the SmartThings app and through their hub, with these (and many more) sensors.

[@ContentComposer]

If I add Philips Hue motion sensor to Smartthings, is there any more a possibility to return it to Philips hue hub later?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I've done it many times! And to Alexa!

[@michaelabram9463]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for great content as usual!

[@AutomateYourLife]

I knew you were looking for it! Don't ask me how 🤣

[@at681]

Any recommendations for outdoor motion sensors? Or outdoor smart home devices in general?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Right at the end there I talked about the Hue Outdoor Motion sensor. I'd do that :) You need an outdoor sensor for the outdoors. There are reasons PIR in this format doesn't work right out there correctly.

[@at681]

@@AutomateYourLife Thanks! I was considering the Hue Outdoor Motion sensor. Wasn't sure if there were better or cheaper options out there. Even considered using an indoor one outdoors and trying a DIY waterproof solution. Hue Outdoor sensor it is.

[@ojw629]

Where can I buy the SmartThings motion sensor? Is it the same as the aotec

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yep! Just get the Aeotec one. Samsung stopped making it themselves and pushed it to Aeotec.

[@londonerr7430]

Which ones are quickest to respond to turn on the lights?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Watch the demos if you want to really get down to it, but most of these are the same. There's 1 or 2 that react a little slower, and I state that in the video.

[@niravniel561]

Myabe its not related to this video, but can you recommend on a security siren that work Zigbee (my whole devices are zigbee) and have some different chime that I can use, for door open etc ? thanks for the help

[@AutomateYourLife]

I actually haven't tested a zigbee siren. I have a couple of Z-Wave ones and I'm actually testing a Zooz one that I'm SUPER excited about.

[@niravniel561]

@@AutomateYourLife Zooz is DOME siren ? I read that it need a specific DH in order to work with few chime, is that correct?

[@arkainnovationtaha2853]

Like anything else, you see the $10 products and $50 products which all look like they do the same thing. Thanks for making the differences clear and sharing suggestions about what part of the house they make more sense to use.

[@AutomateYourLife]

You are so welcome! Thank you!

[@trinoalfaro]

Hi, Bryan ! As usual, a very informative video. Please, help me with this question: Which of the mentioned motion sensors work with the zigbee hub that’s included with the Amazon Echo 4th gen ?

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's an upcoming video! I will flip these all over now and put them into Alexa :)

[@dnoland77]

@@AutomateYourLife Please do. Since Sylvania quit making their zigbee sensors, I have been unable to find a good replacement. Wyze is way too slow to respond.

[@TristynRusselo]

PRO TIP : for users with pets, mount the motion sensor at or above waist height (or above dog's height) and angle the sensor towards the ceiling. I stick the magent of samsung motion sensors on the top screw of a wall switch and angle the sensor about 30 degrees from horizontal, this allows the sensor to see straight across the room at 4.5 feet high. anything below that level is not seen. Flat (horizontal) on a table/counter top works too.

[@mikehatley736]

Great vid Brian. Can't wait for the contact sensor comparison. It'll be hard to beet the Smartthings multi sensor.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Right!?

[@firasf4178]

Can we get the same video for door sensors! Keep up the good work!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yep! It's been a long time coming but we're working on it.

[@nothinbutnetz]

How does the Echo Flex motion sensor compare?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Well they don't go into SmartThings! While I can make it trigger things in SmartThings with some of our other methods, it's not something that integrates directly and that's a big problem for overall reliability. I'll showcase some Alexa motion sensors soon...and that one will be in there! So stay tuned :)

[@diegowlp]

Quick question people, I have the Echo with Hub (4th gen), will all of these work?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Stay tuned. Video on it's way :)

[@diegowlp]

​@@AutomateYourLife I bought this SONOFF one, took me 90 minutes to finally hook into alexa's hub.

[@christ5351]

Great video. Is a new smart things hub going to be available again this year ? Or would a smarthings hub v2 be ok to buy. I found a home monitoring kit that has the v2 hub in it

[@AutomateYourLife]

I wouldn't be buying a V2 right now. The new Aeotec hubs are just coming out! So hold just a bit longer 😀

[@christ5351]

Aeotec is the company that took over the smart things name right ?

[@Moneymallenclosure]

Good effort, nice and informative content Keep up the good work💪

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks, will do!

[@Tiraz7]

Are there any Google Home updates that will help with the google timers and alarms? Like for instance If i set a timer in room A and then i go to room B. I cannot check my timer there. I'll have to go back to room A to check my timer... So annoying this needs to get updated I mean with so many people working from home people setting lunch and break timers and cannot check their timers as they go around the house.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Nothing I've heard yet. There's a new interface coming in for those alarms, but that's it.

[@J-ce3oi]

I really wanted someone I trust to do a video on these thank you! I am actually looking to replace my Philips hue motion used to work very well but recently became unresponsive around 30% of the time. I am considering a ceiling mounted motion sensor I feel like I need the fastest and biggest angle for the stairs otherwise you'll be half way down when it turns on :) Thanks for the video!

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'm so happy to fulfill both of those things (trust and the video)! So I actually do a few to cover my stairs. I have one on the underside of a railing and one at the corner. Was considering a 3rd to cover the top but that's just a design thing :)

[@karllaun2427]

Is there a SmartThings sensor suitable for use outdoors? I want to use one for my front porch to turn on the light and notify when someone approaches. It would be sheltered for the most part.

[@AutomateYourLife]

There is. I'm actually testing one at the moment. Most sensors like these will give you false readings though outdoors, as there's a lot of IR light changes outdoors right?

[@fvntn]

Could you please tell us the name?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Zooz

[@HeyTechi]

For the price, it's hard to beat the IKEA sensor! Plus, it works for us HomeKit enthusiasts! Great video!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Techi - How are you bringing the Ikea sensor into HK? What's your method?

[@MarkRowsey]

I really appreciate this timely and super through review. I have been looking for a motion sensor to add to the ST one I have. This really helped!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh I'm so happy it's going to help you Mark!

[@WoottonRivers]

Great video! There are so many videos about bulbs - it's nice to have a comparison about some sensors. Really useful! Could you do contact sensors too?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yep! It's definitely coming. I'm a little behind on getting the contact sensors in, but it'll come!

[@clellbritt3434]

So what happens to the devices needing a DH when ST gets rid of the GUI? I've heard that is happening sometime?

[@AutomateYourLife]

That should coincide with DTH's being available for many more devices. At least, that's what I'm expecting from Samsung. :) Also, do it now so you don't lose that IDE before you have the DH in there!

[@RobReacts1]

I use the Aqara motion sensors. They can take a few attempts to connect to ST hub but work so well and only cost like £10 or less!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Some people just seem to have such great success with these. I just haven't and I wonder if it's my sensors specifically!

[@RobReacts1]

@@AutomateYourLife my thing also was that I couldn't justify £20+ on a motion sensor. But your certainly right about them being tricky to pair. I had to get a device handler and they just take a few tries pressing the tiny button.

[@SirCharlesLikesChurros]

Which one has the shortest cooldown? And is there a non-battery motion sensor that can just be plugged in to an outlet? I'm guessing if there is, that one would have like 1 second cooldown right?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Soooo this video has all the cooldowns in it doesn't it? Plus there's a spreadsheet. There's also a plug in one in this video. If you can't find what you want here, check this other video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGXlXadmrGGn7M

[@SirCharlesLikesChurros]

@@AutomateYourLife The video was great, but it is pretty old(in tech perspective hahaha) so I thought I'd asked in case there was a new brand that had come out with a better cooldown or if any of the ones you showed had gotten a better cooldown after a software update or new version release.

[@xterra4hire]

What are good cheap window and door sensors for smartthings

[@AutomateYourLife]

Coming :)

[@darrenlangdon8801]

Great video Brian as always, I have ordered a Aeotec Tri Sensor today to use in my ST setup. Looking to use the lux sensor on it primarily, the Tri sensor is a little cheaper than the Multisensor 6. I hope that it will be as reliable as the 6. Perfect timing for this video for me, thanks again!

[@AutomateYourLife]

It should be just as good! The two sensors are very similar, so you're good!

[@michaelthorington3315]

Any thoughts on the Winx z wave sensor?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Zero! Haven't tried it!

[@timshields6572]

Thank you for including Tradfri...working well for me.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh good Tim!

[@clanholmes]

Great to see. hoping to see a similar video for the multipurpose sensors

[@AutomateYourLife]

yeahhhh, I'm a little behind on that but It's in the works!

[@richchapman5011]

I brought a Philips sensor as it has the light level sensor built in that I brought for a hallway as in the winter time the SmartThings sensor wasn’t an ideal solution. I use it via the hue hub thought. The only thing Is the call down time. You mentioned approx 20 secs but the one I have seems a lot longer than that. Have you came across this using the Philips hub? Yet again Brian another great video, well done mate.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Rich - I haven't actually tried it in the Hue Hub itself! LOL! Soooo, I don't know that cooldown time! I imagine Philips isn't as interested in making automations change all that often because they're only focused on lighting. That's where Samsung has a broader focus and may use the full capabilities of the sensor.

[@thejoshchannel]

Can you check the SmartThings Motion Sensor again? In my tests, the cool down is 15 seconds. I have timed when the app shows no motion and it was 15 seconds. I could be wrong, but that was my test results.

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's actually the stated cooldown in specifications, so I know you're right technically. What happened though was I experienced 20 seconds solidly and I couldn't ignore it. So I'm happy you're getting 15, but I wasn't after a fresh pairing and working with it.

[@BartTech]

Thanx for this great video!

[@AutomateYourLife]

My pleasure!

[@richardglazer7813]

Have you tried the Shelly motion detector. Supposedly it does not go to sleep.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Haven't! Shipping is $70 USD up to Canada and I won't do that.

[@stigs1073]

Why didn't you bring the Fibaro motion sensor in this test?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Had to save something for the next one 😃

[@stigs1073]

@@AutomateYourLife great! when is the next video?

[@stkjuarez]

How to get the smartthings hub this days??

[@AutomateYourLife]

Soon! Did you see this video of ours? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIfTmpebp7Ohb68

[@johnsimpson9753]

Hi Brian great video didn’t mention that the Samsung sensors only work with certain brands of battery is this the same for the others that use the CR battery

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think that's likely a voltage or amperage issue more than a battery incompatibility. There'd be no way for the sensor to know the type of battery. I've heard of this but never experienced it and I'd like to test it further. Which ones did you have trouble with John? I'd love a link to try it all out and do some testing.

[@johnsimpson9753]

@@AutomateYourLife for the Samsung sensors I thought only Duracell or Panasonic worked as they have a slightly different profile and other makes often don’t sit right and won’t power the sensor correctly

[@AutomateYourLife]

I've bought some pretty generic stuff...so I dunno

[@johnsimpson9753]

@@AutomateYourLife I apologise it’s the door sensors that have the disc battery that I have issues with the motion sensors are ok just shows how little I’ve had to change them , here in the uk I use an Aurora sensor and down lighting in the bathroom and a Samsung sensor and Aurora lights in the kitchen linked with the Aurora dimmer controls all work really well in design the Aurora look like the Samsung but take AA batteries I look at the device handler to see if I can get anymore out of it like I said great video

[@NikiHeyligenGrana]

Great video, very useful. Could you do a similar video on the SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor and alternatives? I'm not really happy with the Fibaro alternative and the SmartThings one is no longer available, so I'm wondering what you think :).

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yep! It's on the schedule!😀 Thanks!

[@darrenkent1092]

What about the Lutron Caseta motion sensor?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Didn't consider it! Should I?

[@darrenkent1092]

@@AutomateYourLife I know my Lutron caseta switches are solid - no problems at all. And now they have a motion sensor, so I am thinking about buying it to replace my plug-in WeMo motion sensors that are just so unreliable. The Lutron system can be controlled with Smartthings, Google Home, and Alexa too.

[@rodneyalberta2020]

looking for one in my car any ideas

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think you want a z wave one then! Otherwise just check features for what you're looking to do

[@LisaSargent03]

What are they like with pets? My cat and dog set off my hue hallway light on the sensor. This is why I am wondering if ring or simplisafe might have a problem.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Every single one of these are going to go off with a pet. Constantly. You'd have to think about placement with animals for sure. That's why I liked the SmartThings Vision! It wasn't perfect, but did filter out some animal movements. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXu5fK14rtijpJI SmartThings only though.

[@LisaSargent03]

@@AutomateYourLife I have them at head height. I know they do say turn the simplisafe sensor up the other way if you have pets. I wonder if other sensors would work with that simple trick.

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@LisaSargent03 totally! That's the field of view measurement I give for each of these sensors!

[@benhaze1010]

So much good information in this review!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Glad you think so! Thanks Ben!

[@raymondbailey2142]

Looking for a way to set up motion sensors with out my cats turning the lights on and off when they walk in/out of the room.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Something I'm working on actually.

[@raymondbailey2142]

@@AutomateYourLife I'm wondering about giving the sensors tunnel vision by putting them in some sort of closure that blocks the bottom and sides of it thereby narrowing its field of vision?

[@faengelm]

Very comprehensive review. I appreciated the side by side comparison and timeline for review. Is there a reason you left out the Fibaro "eyeball" ? I know this was a SmartThings hub focused review, but could you do another one focused on Amazon Echo Zigbee hubs ?

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's on the list to do Frank! I'm gonna take most of these and see if I can do a similar video on the Echoes! I'm sure we'll learn a lot!

[@AutomateYourLife]

As for the eyeball - 1. They didn't respond and 2. They didn't have any stock that I could just buy some and 3. Some frustration from some of our Patrons and friends of the channel with those not working in ST right now. Odd stuff actually.

[@EsotericArctos]

The Philips Sensor also has a Light Sensor as well. Not sure on the others. Did the light sensor come into Samsung as well? I find my hue sensors also have had batteries last over 2 years. I know they are expensive but they seem to still be pretty decent.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sadly, the hue sensor didn't come in with the light. It looks like there's a few folks who figured it out though in the comments. I'm thinking I could make some adjustments in the device handler, so it sounds like it's possible. I'm glad to hear that battery setup goes for so long! It seems so rock solid.

[@EsotericArctos]

@@AutomateYourLife Despite PAul Hibberts dislike of Hue, the products are reliable and they do just work. Just darn expensive.

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@EsotericArctos they do just work...and well

[@EsotericArctos]

@@AutomateYourLife I've worked out what causes the Hue Sensor red light to flash when it detects motion. It is something to do with Philips customisation of ZigBee ZLL / 3.0. If the Hue Sensor is connected directly to the SmartThings (or other non hue bridge) it has some kind of incomplete message that causes the red led to flash. As soon as there is a link to a hue device on the network, even when not using the hue bridge the red LED will not flash. Something weird in the way Philips have customised this. It doesn't affect how they work though.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh wow!!! Now that I hear that... Alexa's hub didn't cause that to occur even once, so that's a very interesting distinction!

[@RocketBoom1966]

Excellent review as usual Brian, thank you. I've had three Samsung motion sensors for about 18 months. Two were unreliable from new, one of those has recently failed. That leaves only one still working. Shame, as you rightly mentioned they are good devices. I have a few Aqara/Xiaomi sensors on order as replacements.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Neil - I gotta say...that's not typical of those motion sensors from Samsung direct. I wonder what's going on around your place... I'd maaaaaaaaaaaaaybe suggest you look at heavy wireless signals rolling through your place. These might be useful videos for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmWzdZmliNZsj5I and kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl6mhqF8g9ufo8U The death of one...well that's a whole other story. But yeah, maybe check out your WiFi or maybe even your neighbours WiFi signal impacting you. Something is going on there. Here's another video with another couple of tools: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6fapX2Pd86ci68

[@RocketBoom1966]

@@AutomateYourLife Thank you, excellent advice. I will look into that.

[@BoardGameQC]

Can someone help me? I'm fairly now to Smartghings and to Smart home devices. I want a smart sensor for my hallway, and I want the lights to turn off maybe a few seconds after motion is not detected. But I want them to be turned on again if motion is detect after the lights go off. What devices should I be looking for? Thanks :)

[@AutomateYourLife]

You want the shortest cooldown time possible. So when you look at the screens in this video, that's what you pick :)

[@BoardGameQC]

@@AutomateYourLife thank you! Really appreciate your help! Is there one that you would personally recommend for that? My two concerns are integration with ST and battery life

[@RonKJeffries]

Useful review. I wish you had done a crisp summary in a table. Zigbee vs Zwave , Price Other sensors e.g. temperature, light Sleep time between motion events Range Angle of view

[@AutomateYourLife]

automatelife.net/8-samsung-smartthings-motion-sensor-options-compared/ :)

[@ChrisSavageEngineer]

Here's an interesting question...the Google Home Hub has a light sensor in it which dims the display based on ambient room light. Can that sensor be read by other devices to control lights?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Sadly, Google has never opened that option up. You'll be disappointed all over the place when you ask about Google sensors on their products

[@hometechUK]

I so want a motion sensor but Google stops me from getting one, untill a motion sensor can trigger a Google Routine. Will this ever happen, this year?

[@plumberken2008]

I want this too, a motion or a contact sensor

[@AutomateYourLife]

It must.

[@HughD]

Great job, Brian. You've got some sharp viewers because if I make comments w/o reading theirs first, I'll find any issues of mine have likely been addressed. I like the idea of trying these with the new Echo. It's also good to see which ones show up in the Alexa app as available for routines. YoLink has their LoRa sensor which takes care of almost all range issues. It doesn't show up in SmartThings but does in Alexa and IFTTT. We like having a motion sensor in the mailbox and have Alexa announce it when it's opened. It's a residential metal box at the street at the end of our driveway about 40 feet from the house. Zigbee and Zwave won't work because of the metal box and that's a community rules thing. Ring has a Zwave motion/mailbox sensor, too, with an antenna that is stuck to the outside rear of the mailbox for range purposes. I also like having a motion sensor in my car which has to stay outside in the driveway because I have too many toys. Of course, you can use some camera motion sensors as triggers for Alexa, too. Keep up the good work, Brian! Hmmm...90K subscribers...you're getting close!!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

You're bang on with the whole sharp viewers comment. Man...the comments here (yours included) are very technical and very adept. I better have my stuff together! As for the LoRa stuff...I gotta call those guys! They left me a number finally.

[@BusinessButlers]

I have two Aqara motion sensors and using the most recommended Device Handler for SmartThings, the sensor is pretty much instantaneous and not a 2 minute delay. I suspect therefore that the delay is set by the handler and is not hard wired into the device. I have one in my living room and it is set to turn on an uplighter if I detects my entering the room. I dozed off in my chair and since I didn't move, it switched off the uplighter (another routine ( set up) . I was not fully asleep so I waved my hands immediately and it switched the uplighter back on straight away. I do not know for certain if that isn't a feature of the Alexa Routines I used where you can specify the time period if motion is not deteted before triggering the routine action step. So I am pretty satisfied that my little Aqara motion sensors are doing great. The only disapointments of Aquara products and SmartThings is that the prominsing little multifunction button they have will not detect all 11 of the different triggers and Alexa cannot see it at all, so it is practically useless except if you do the routine within SmartThings but v few of my Wifi devices (plugs, switches, bulbs) are linked to SmartThings so I cannot use those in a SmartThings routine. Oh and the dinky little temperature and humidity sensor works well, is visible in Alexa BUT it cannot currently be used as a trigger in Alexa routines (whereas the Aqara motion sensors and their door/window sensor can be used as triggers.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh I think what you're confusing there is the difference between a cooldown and a delay. The response is instantaneous, but I have a cooldown of 2 minutes to re-see another motion trigger. Some others have said that it's been 1 minute for them, but I've had others tell me 2 minutes is what they experience as well. Sounds like you're ready for our next video about these sensors in Alexa!

[@boocoo28]

I’m curious to know what your thoughts are on the Wyze motion sensor for $8

[@AutomateYourLife]

The original Wyze Sense has been bad in terms of reliability, and you really can't take the system outside of Wyze to do automation. I wouldn't!

[@boocoo28]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks so much for the quick response. Thanks for all you do and the time you spend to help educate the rest of us.

[@Streetwiz2009]

Great Video Bryan, As always, Informative, concise, and I can tell that took a lot of time and effort to pull together. so a big thankyou.. it's really interesting with the cooldown period.. I have brought a few different pir sensors, Aqara and Sonoff among them. however, I have them paired to my home assistant install rather than through my smart things hub. and they work fine with a pretty good range using a CC2531. I have however taken to building my own with d1 mini's where I have power available so I can use an inexpensive USB plug and with those, there is zero cool off period. and of course, it's all local control. Keep up the great work.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'm interested to try what you've done and get deeper into what's actually going on with some of these sensors. I think I need to start getting into the 1s and 0s...literally...on the boards of these

[@Streetwiz2009]

@@AutomateYourLife let me know when you do. and if there's anything you need give me a holla on twitter @streetwiztech

[@jasonperry6046]

Have you seen the inovelli devices? It sits somewhere between the Aotec and the rest of the devices.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yep! We'll do another run of products at some point. This one I wanted to focus a bit more around the SmartThings v3 one but we'll get there!

[@jasonperry6046]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks for the reply. I am currently on the hunt for a sensor with very low lag to turn my lights on (this is why I found this video). I have the inovelli one but am not satisfied for this function. It could also be my ST hub or lifx bulb but I am determined to find a combination that is reliable and has the light on before I reach for a switch.

[@AutomateYourLife]

@@jasonperry6046 there is no lag with the 3 ones in this video (hue/ST/Eria) when used with the smart lighting smart app

[@jasonperry6046]

@@AutomateYourLife should have got the ST sensor when it was in stock in Canada. Looks like I am ofter the hue sensor now. Eria is too bright.

[@nos4nus1]

Q: What about the Wyze motion sensor? Is it possible to use the Ring motion sensor? I want to put sensors in my bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and garage. And...do I have to use ST? Because I stuck with a Wink hub (for now)

[@AutomateYourLife]

All the answers to Wyze/Ring are dependent on the hub you use, so it's tough for me to answer. Wyze doesn't go into anything but Wyze, and they don't even sell the basic sensor anymore. Sooo...drop the idea of that one entirely

[@brunocastelo74]

Hi Bryan. Another great home automation video. I use the 3x1 multisensor (motion + lux + temp) NeoCoolcam. Very nice z-wave device, reliable but not local execution. I use krlaframboise brilliant DH. Very easy to pair with ST as well. Ohhh the z-wave!! For you and Paul :)

[@AutomateYourLife]

ahahahhaha! OH THE Z-WAVE! That's it...I think that's in the next video!

[@patgahagan6605]

Great video, have you done a similar review of humidity sensors. I'd like to set up a bathroom fan controlled by smartthings humidity levels.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I haven't! But I think with the response on this video I'll do one eventually. Only the Aeotec has Humidity in this review I believe. :)

[@paul9387]

Hello Brian 👋 these smartthing sensors are the most useful and valuable devices in my arsenal I believe. Have on top of my stairs one at the bottom, both linked via V3 hub with my lutron staircase hub/switch. We have two months old daughter and going up and down at night or when it's dark carrying her without extra activity like turning the light on or off is amazing. They always, literally always turn on that light, without any lag. Wifes approval is to the max, and that matters most as we know from experience 😎😉

[@AutomateYourLife]

Oh my gosh...it's so important in that situation you described Paul. You need it working, every time, and you need it to be fast like you said. I'm so happy to hear this is enhancing your life!

[@paul9387]

@@AutomateYourLife this is a simple automation, but works well. This one reach for a switch is so unnecessary when you are holding a baby. Of course Alexa can turn it on, but why speak if can do nothing right? 😎

[@PeterEidegren]

Great review, as always! I totally agree that the Samsung motion sensor is the gold standard. They work flawlessly over time. I had to switch out all of my Fibaro motion sensors (to the smartthings ones) as they became unreliable over time. They just stopped working. I do not know why, but they did. I did reconnect them to the Smartthings hub but over time the just fell of the grid. Take care!

[@AutomateYourLife]

You're not the only person to say this Peter. I don't know what's up with those Fibaro sensors but it's not good right now for sure!

[@stevencjones5236]

Why not GE ZW6302 Motion Sensor? Of sensors I've tried, it has fastest response time, and can be powered via Micro-USB to avoid using batteries.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I'll put that on the list for the next one too!

[@escasa]

So, what happened to the "real" 3 in one sensors ssansung brand. I just have the opportunity of bought two or them

[@AutomateYourLife]

To get the full story, you'd need this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGHLk6awmK6tY5I and this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIfTmpebp7Ohb68 If you can buy them, go for it! They're fantastic!

[@berylwhite2983]

Sonoff plugs work really well with Miss a wow we got a college education in sensors today! Someone did their homework. That is an excellent video congratulations! That one there is good enough for a Pulitzer Prize

[@AutomateYourLife]

A Pulitzer! I'll wait for mine! :)

[@HydroKyl240COG]

I’ve been dying for this video, bruh.

[@AutomateYourLife]

I figured there was a few out there! :)

[@mohsinmalikuk]

Great Video! Would love to see a vid comparing wifi sensors that work with Alexa and need no hub.

[@AutomateYourLife]

On its way actually :)

[@mohsinmalikuk]

@@AutomateYourLife wooooohooooo!!! Will be keeping an eye out for that.

[@mynus6436]

Great video! I was looking for a comparison as I need more ST units. I would love to see this into a series with other products like window/door sensors, water sensors, temp sensors, etc. I think maybe I'll just wait until Aeotec launches their ST clones in the US, hopefully not with the Aeotec prices. I just want an all in one ecosystem that works with Google products (I have hubs, cameras, doorbells, protect, detects, secures) and has powerful automations for alerts, lighting, motion, etc.

[@AutomateYourLife]

That's actually the plan! It'll be a series of products to showcase the best and brightest of each device type in ST (and likely Alexa too). You folks are far too smart though and have asked for that next step on this video many times! ;)

[@WatchRob]

This video is 4 months old, when do the new Aeotec SmartThings sensors come out!!

[@AutomateYourLife]

Ohhhh you know what Rob. I just saw them a few days ago at Best Buy but then they were pulled. It's soon.

[@WatchRob]

@@AutomateYourLife Amen! I have been waiting to add a couple multipurpose sensors and a motion sensor for my garage. Thanks and keep us posted! And keep up the great work!

[@andywatkinson9079]

I use fibaro. Not on the list?

[@AutomateYourLife]

It'll be in the next one! How are you finding them Andy?

[@andywatkinson9079]

@@AutomateYourLife kinda cool lookong. The eyeball. A couple of false positive in 18 months. Expensive. Long lasting. Have had to reset a couple also over that period.. dropped connection. Overall. Not bad.

[@TristynRusselo]

TP-Kasa (tp link) is going to be releasing a bunch of SmartThings replacements. The were announced for CES. They even are going to release a wall switch /motion sensor combo.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Yessir!

[@niravniel561]

Hi, I'm having lots of xiaomi motion sensors as well as Aqara motion sensors and some of them are going through repeaters, one even on my front yard , and they are working really well.

[@AutomateYourLife]

Thanks for letting us know sir! That's great news. Not sure why mine just still won't work well at all.

[@niravniel561]

@@AutomateYourLife My repeaters are also from china so maybe thats why they are working well. Also, do you have any idea where I can buy Smartthings motion sensors? the link you have provided says its currently unavailable

[@garybenhart]

Why did you review/compare the Aeotec Multisensor 6 ($ 60.99) instead of the Aeotec TriSensor ($ 44.99), which is a more comparable device to the zigbee devices that were included in your review? The Aeotec TriSensor only measures motion, temperature and light.

[@AutomateYourLife]

ehhhh, I like the multi!

[@DELCOJAWN]

@@AutomateYourLife Sounds like Gary wants to buy you the TriSensor for your next sensor review to me....lol

[@garybenhart]

Unfortunately, a novice smart home viewer will watch this video and easily think that z-wave devices are a lot more expensive than zigbee devices, like double or triple the price. That can easily happen when you don't carefully review/compare similar products. Many of the products being reviewed here are also off-brands (certainly not Aeotec).

[@MrOzzy281]

Why did Samsung stop producing the v3 sensor?

[@AutomateYourLife]

I think this will help ya kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIfTmpebp7Ohb68

[@MrOzzy281]

@@AutomateYourLife thanks. I have a v3 motion sensor, is there a way to use this without buying the ST hub? I only really want to connect it to my WiFi as a security thing linked to an app on my phone for notifications. When I try to add it to the ST app it says I need a hub, is it supported on other apps?

[@iordan02]

My usage of the Multisensor 6 is seriously impaired by the fact that, apart from the motion sensor, all the other sensors send out reports only once every hour when the multisensor is battery-powered. You say you used it in very complex automations. Do you always use it connected with the USB cable?

[@AutomateYourLife]

Hey Alex - Did you turn down that setting to 8 minutes? That might help!

[@iordan02]

@@AutomateYourLife which parameter are you referring? Parameters 41-45 are the ones that set a threshold for automatic reporting for each sensor, but that only works when the MultiSensor is plugged in (according to the manual). For the Aeotec TriSensor this feature works just fine on battery, but not for the MultiSensor.