Best Contact Sensors for Home Assistant (WATCH before you BUY!!)

[@makeitworktech]

Written version is here! What are your favorites? www.makeitwork-tech.com/best-contact-sensors-for-home-assistant/

[@FrankGraffagnino]

thank you for mentioning that you avoided products that rely on a connection to the cloud.

[@SlackerLabs]

Massive review! Well done! Love the detail on all the choices.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks Jeff, much appreciated! Thanks for the footage for the Ecolink!

[@GMoneyLove]

Top-notch reviews. I really appreciate the easy-to-understand and thoroughness of your videos... a great help for a newbie to home automation!

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks!! More coming! Smart Locks, and at some point smart bulbs!

[@frogjmon]

LPT re the Aeotec sensor, depending on the magnet sensitivity (I would recommend testing it first) you should be able to install it on the hinge side of the door or along the top of the door, not limited to near the door knob as shown in the video if you're really concerned about aesthetics.

[@makeitworktech]

Ah that's a good idea! Might give that a shot!

[@briguymaine]

That's how I have mounted mine... with the magnet in the door and the sensor in the door frame above. That keeps the sensor protected from weather, in the wooden frame instead of inside a metal door potentially, and truly out of sight. Rarely does anybody look up!

[@guentherh8807]

Great video. If you added the overview table of the written version to the end of the video it would be really amazing

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll try and do that for the next comparison!

[@Fconig1]

Thank you for these comparison videos, they are a massive time and money saver! I have another comparison idea for you, it seems there are no good ZigBee and zwave smart outlet comparisons (I have been searching for hours). All the ones that exist are for wifi based ones. Would love to see a comparison of smart outlets (the ones that plug into a existing outlet) with if they report energy use, are mesh network repeaters and what their listed max load is.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! Great idea! I'll add that one to the list, I hadn't thought of those. I also plan to do motion sensors as well

[@mariofonseca7150]

Totally did not expect to find Rocket League content in this video

[@makeitworktech]

Wait where?? The Displate on my door?

[@vegaswayne247]

I use these "10pcs RC-33 NC Recessed Wired Window Door Contact Sensor Alarm Magnetic Reed Switch White" from Amazon. They are cheaper by far than any of the ones you reviewed ($1.39/each) and don't need batteries. Connect them to and ESP 32 or 8266 board and use ESPHome to control them. They are also totally concealed when properly installed. It does require running wires through your attic.

[@makeitworktech]

That sounds like fun! I need to try messing with ESP boards... Never ventured to try

[@PoisonWaffle3]

Yes, generic NO/NC reed switches on an ESP work great! That's how I wired up my garage door open/closed sensors (instead of with ZigBee contract sensors) and I use the same ESP to control the relay that opens/closes the doors. The next upgrade to my garage door is to replace the ESP8266 with a PoE powered ESP32. ZigBee contact sensors are pretty darn handy for places where hardwired ones can't be cleanly installed though. Another alternative for things like closet lights is a mains voltage hinge switch. It's not smart, but gets the job done. Open the door, the switch closes and it physically turns on the light.

[@makeitworktech]

Cool ideas. I'll have to get an ESP32 to tinker! Yeah I agree, places like closets don't always need connected smart lighting

[@smccomas01]

@@makeitworktech Do it!!! It is satisfying, and frustrating at times building your own stuff.

[@goodcitizen4587]

Very cool, thanks for doing this. I'm using the Ecolink.

[@makeitworktech]

Nice! I converted my Ecolink into a bed sensor!

[@thierry3610]

Such an extensive & informative review, great work. Subbed!

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks very much!!

[@SakibIqbal0]

I would love to know which devices are capable of performing offline operations using the home assistant environment? Also, it would be beneficial in the future if you mention local operation compatibility for the other stuff you review. I really appreciate your great content. Thanks.

[@makeitworktech]

1:05 indicates that they are only Zigbee or Z-Wave devices only, which means they work locally. In all future reviews I have mentioned this. Thanks for watching!

[@VirtualReviewer]

you got me with that free subscription line bro, nice work.

[@makeitworktech]

Haha thanks dude!

[@mrunneals]

Many of these show up with a temp sensor or a tamper sensor when used with zigbee2mqtt instead of zha.

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah, I have contemplated switching to Z2M, but it is not the official integration for Zigbee in HA, and is not as clean and polished in my opinion. I actual run both of them, but for new users I still would recommend ZHA

[@JeroenTraa]

I really like your comparison videos. I would like to see a motion sensor comparison. I use a hacked aqara one but it has some bugs and I want to replace it.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! I am working on a motion sensor video but unfortunately it won't be released until January. There is one by digiblur that's ok, you could watch that one if you are hoping to buy one now!

[@BigTadger]

I've always found aqara works best for me especially speed wise it's instant with okay ish range

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah take is ok, but otherwise great products!

[@kristinespeer2852]

Does Aqaura have a set up video? I can’t find one. Does it cost money to use the connection program “zingbee”??

[@ufninuyasha]

I managed to snag a couple of the Aeotec Multipurpose Sensors a couple of months ago on Amazon. I think I got them for $36 each. I have them on my washer and dryer doors to trigger voice notifications on one of our Echo Dots when they are done based on the vibration sensors (have them set to trigger the automation after the vibration has stopped for a set time). I'm still messing with the conditions to get them to only trigger if the contact sensor is closed for a certain amount of time, but that doesn't seem to want to work as well as I'd like or how I thought the conditions worked. I'm also still trying to figure out a way to trigger the voice automation without the virtual button setup in SmartThings, but to trigger from HA instead so that I can stop using the SmartThings hub. The virtual buttons are the only things still being used on that hub since I migrated almost everything to HA.

[@makeitworktech]

Ah yes, the virtual button trick! You can use TTS in HA to trigger those notifications, and a helper can act like a virtual switch. Cool automation! I do washer and dryer notifications with smart plugs

[@ufninuyasha]

@@makeitworktech I actually JUST figured out how to use the "Call service" function in the Actions section when creating automations. That paired with the Alexa Media Player did the trick!

[@makeitworktech]

Awesome! There is so much I still don't know about HAn

[@narshimagoudpalakurla9651]

Subbed ! A good comparison of all perspectives .

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! 🙏

[@dominicschober7889]

subscribed for appreciation of your videos, great help!

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks!!

[@nvprophecy]

Amazing review! Thanks for doing this review.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks, glad it helped!

[@rhosk]

Great review - sub'd! I just purchased the Aqara door/window sensors (2) and a temp sensor with their M2 hub. I can't for the life of me include them in my Home Assistant. What integration do you have as featured in your video? Would love the battery status and open/closed feature!

[@makeitworktech]

Hi Ron, thanks! Glad it helped! I use ZHA (ZigBee Home Automation) for the ZigBee devices (Aqara and others) in Home Assistant. Instead of using a manufacturer's hub like Aqara's, I used a ZigBee USB radio like the Conbee ii. Plugging it into a USB port on your RPi or other Home Assistant device will cause it to show up as a detected device by ZHA in the devices and services page. I have a video detailing how to set it up if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6a9hGNjndhosJI

[@photelegy]

Are there Door/Window sensors which can also detect 3 states? I have a window with the functionality to tilt. So I would love to have a sensor which can sense this. E.g. when closed the sensors are

[@makeitworktech]

Looks like this one has tilt! I haven't ever tried it so can't say how well it works: amzn.to/39gh42r

[@photelegy]

@@makeitworktech Ok, thanks. But I think for this price I just buy 2 normal ones and combine them in HomeAssistant to have the tilt functionality.

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah, pretty expensive for what you getn

[@sandrofabbro9385]

Nice video, I have to say that in the list should be also xiaomi MCCGQ11LM with have also temperature sensor

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! Never seen that before! I'll have to check it out ✅

[@sebastianmontenegro7094]

Hi, Thx a lot for this video. Just amazing. I would like to know is if I need the Aqara hub or I can use my Philips bridge. I'll use it with home assistance but I need to know if I need the hub to configure it. Thx a lot

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! I'm not sure, I've never used a Huge bridge, but I think you need a supported ZigBee coordinator like Aqara hub or SmartThings Hub or HA with ZigBee stick

[@coedshowers]

I use my eco sensor terminals hooked to a rfid reader $20 on amazon .

[@bayork]

I have 4 of the Third Reality and 3 work perfect and the 4th is not reliable. But, the reason is my back Garage has a metal door, metal roof and metal on the inside. Anyone use a zigbee repeater or Amazon echo gen 4 as a repeater. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks

[@gregg2233]

I would have like to seen your review on the sensative strips. I am looking for an outdoor solution.

[@makeitworktech]

Ah yes, there were too many to choose from! Maybe I could do a part 2 at some point. How are the reviews for those?

[@nightsky549]

I bought the Zooz off of your reviews in this video. Thanks for the indepth review! Have you done any motion sensor comparisons? I’m working on an automatic Roomba zone kick off if motion is detected by the litter boxes.

[@makeitworktech]

Awesome, glad it helped! I'm working on motion sensor comparison now, but I haven't done one before. Don't wait on me! Haha

[@nightsky549]

@@makeitworktech I ended up going with Phillips Hue's - we'll see how that goes. Thanks again for the videos! I'm working through the Fully Kiosk ones now haha

[@makeitworktech]

Awesome! Hope it works well!

[@TheScottsman6]

Tried adding the Centralite to my zigbee HA system and the open/closed sensor wouldn’t work. Configure yes, temp and batt yes, open/closed nope. Suggestions?

[@makeitworktech]

Hmmm, is it there as a disabled sensor? Did you try to remove and re-pair it?

[@CNCPRINTBLOGSPOT]

Ive more than 10 aquara sensors like you'd showed, they are all loosing connection after a few weeks...bought aeotec for testing

[@makeitworktech]

Strange, maybe too far from the hub? Mine have been going strong for a long time!

[@CNCPRINTBLOGSPOT]

@@makeitworktech jop i think so too, 160 sqm. and no repeater in between.

[@Techlifeandmore]

What about the Ring contact sensor?

[@makeitworktech]

I couldn't source one at the time unfortunately.

[@Notmy00000]

I miss the Neo CoolCam Z-Wave Plus Sensor. there are two versions! a bit big but I don't mind

[@makeitworktech]

Never heard of it!

[@Notmy00000]

@@makeitworktech maybe only for the european market, renamed

[@anubhavjain700]

If talking about sonoff, Do we need zigbee hub or can we directly pair it with home assistant?

[@makeitworktech]

If you have a zigbee coordinator connected to your home assistant instance, no hub needed

[@SmartAktau]

Thank you!

[@makeitworktech]

You're welcome!

[@drumbyte]

I was expecting you to measure the magnetic distance of each sensor.

[@makeitworktech]

It's more about the magnet than the sensor I believe

[@alexcd5122]

What is the delay for each of them?

[@makeitworktech]

Not sure

[@nehajain2974]

I have a tuya based contact sensor. I have the local key, id and the ip address for it, I am not able to add it to local tuya in homeassistant. Please guide how can I add it via .yaml configuration to local tuya. Kindly guide.

[@makeitworktech]

Hi, the best guide I saw was my Mark Watt Tech, but I don't use local Tuya at all. Sorry about that!

[@nehajain2974]

@@makeitworktech OK thanks

[@demorez5]

my aquara door sensors paired via deconz/phoscon have a (very inaccurate) temperature sensor. i wonder if your version is without the sensor or ZHA is just not showing it

[@makeitworktech]

Apparently there is a new version of the Aqara door sensor that has a temp sensor inside. The one I reviewed in this video is the original

[@lsismeiro]

No scratching needed to remove from sight the brand, just a white tale. 😊

[@makeitworktech]

That works too 😂

[@2gnospam]

Did you try removing printed logos via acetone?

[@makeitworktech]

No I don't have any, but that's a good idea!

[@lucvandyck]

Thx for the video. My Aqara contact sensor also shows the temperature, but this is clearly not correct. It's attached to the garage door and it shows 21° while the outside temperature right now is 9°. Yours doesn't show this temperature sensor.

[@makeitworktech]

Hey Luc, you may have a different model Aqara sensor! I understand that they make one that has a temperature sensor, but I've never seen it

[@kerbalette156]

which zigbee bridge would you recommend to use with home assistant?

[@makeitworktech]

It depends on if you're in the US or not, and also what Zigbee integration you plan to use. If in the US and only using ZHA, the Nortek stick is great because it has both Zigbee and Z-Wave radios, but it isn't supported by Zigbee2MQTT. I've used the Conbee II without issues, as well as the Sonoff Zigbee 3.0, and am actually planning on testing the CC2531 which is cheapest. Any of these 3 are supported by ZHA and Z2M. Sonoff may have the longest range since it has an antenna, but I'm not sure

[@---nw9qu]

What do you use as your zigbee coordinator? I've been using a CC2531 usb stick on a raspberry pi, but it has started being problematic ( most my sensors will no longer pair).

[@makeitworktech]

I use a conbee ii on my test setup and a Nortek stick on my main (that one supports Zigbee and Z-Wave in one)

[@---nw9qu]

@@makeitworktech Thanks. Have you heard any good/bad reports of the Sonoff zigbee 3.0 dongle? I know it's TI chip based too, but is a later chipset. I want to try something else but want to keep it fairly inexpensive since I don't use a lot of zigbee.

[@makeitworktech]

I haven't either way! Maybe too soon to tell?

[@JohanKesti]

Never buying Aqara again. Had several aqua sensors and door sensors. Buggy as hell, they'll drop from the network and will not work when you need it to. Invest in some Z-wave sensors if you want the device to stay in grid. Have had a Fibaro sensor for three years and it has never dropped from the grid.

[@gregorymyres]

Aquara was a disaster for me. I couldn’t get them to connect consistently and I spent hundreds on them

[@makeitworktech]

Sorry to hear that! I have heard that they don't work well with some Zigbee repeaters, so if you have them at the edge of your mesh network, they may not communicate properly. I have had great experience with them so far

[@photelegy]

15:50 What are those "disabled enteties"?

[@makeitworktech]

Been sitting in my drawer, had to re-add this one! They are a bunch of entities that don't do anything. One is called "Any", another is "Cover Status", another is "Door State", another is "Battery Maintenance". None actually work when you enable them

[@photelegy]

@@makeitworktech Ok, thanks. I really hoped it would be some kind of magnet-strength value. I hoped to estimate the distance so I could have 3 states like window closed (2cm).

[@makeitworktech]

Ah that would be cool!

[@vigasan]

I made a wifi contact sensor for home assistant that is so thin that it is practically invisible

[@makeitworktech]

Awesome!

[@mmicky175]

Oh come where is Ring and Hue

[@makeitworktech]

Not sure Hue even had one back when I made this. Ring were too expensive I think. Been a while

[@mmicky175]

@@makeitworktech given the saga with Eufy you cannot be seriously recommending Chinese tech please

[@Illumiae]

Don't glue the magnets in! Wrap them in double-sided tape!

[@charlesdarwin6349]

Hive? Bosch? ….. why buy Chinese spyware?

[@makeitworktech]

🤣 I guess those systems haven't EVOLVED enough to work with Home Assistant. The Chinese can't spy on you when you use Home Assistant 😁

[@charlesdarwin6349]

@@makeitworktech after the balloon incident, why take the risk. By giving Chinese products access to your Wi-Fi, you are yourself creating a back door to PLA hackers

[@makeitworktech]

🚀🎈💨