Black Friday Deals: Aqara FP2 Just €58 – Discover More Discounts!

Determining whether someone is in a room is a key function of smart home technology, especially when it’s integrated with other connected devices, such as lighting. During the Black Friday week, Amazon is offering a variety of significant discounts in this area. Here are some of the best deals we’ve found.

First, it’s important to understand the difference between motion sensors and presence detectors. Motion sensors use infrared waves, which are energy efficient and ideal for detecting significant movements, like someone walking through a hallway. Presence detectors, on the other hand, use more precise millimeter waves that consume more energy. These devices are excellent at detecting a person in a room, even if they are stationary. Even minimal movements, such as those made by a sleeping person, can activate these sensors.

Motion Detectors

Motion detection is generally more affordable, as evidenced by the discount on Aqara’s P1, an outstanding Zigbee sensor. It requires either an Aqara hub to connect to HomeKit via Maison, or an open home automation system with its own Zigbee coordinator. I have used several of these, and they are all exceptionally reliable. The new version of the product also boasts impressive battery life, with a lifespan of up to five years. It is priced at 20€, down from 25€.

If you own an Apple TV 4K with Ethernet, a HomePod mini, or a HomePod 2, you might prefer the Matter version which operates via Thread. You won’t need any additional intermediary accessory, and this version works just as well, although it has a shorter battery life of two years and is priced higher at 29€, reduced from 34€. This remains an excellent choice if you do not have a compatible Zigbee network at home.

In the same category and with the same connectivity (Matter over Thread), the Eve Motion is offered at 35€ instead of 50€. It’s more expensive, but it has an advantage over the Aqara model: its IPX3 certification allows it to be used in a bathroom or even outdoors, provided it is placed in a sheltered environment. If you need an outdoor motion detector, even in the rain, the Onvis model I tested is currently on sale for 33.7€, down from 45€. Although it also uses Thread, it is based on Apple’s HomeKit protocol and will thus only work with Maison.

If you’re already invested in the SwitchBot ecosystem, their motion detector is also on sale, priced at 15€ instead of 18€. It’s a great deal for a device that performs well, but it requires a hub from the same brand or an open home automation system like Home Assistant.

Lastly, the motion detector from Meross is listed at 28.5€, down from 36€. Its main advantage is that it’s compatible with Matter via Wi-Fi, which should simplify its installation if you do not have Zigbee or Thread capabilities.

Presence Detectors

In the category of presence detectors for Apple’s Home app, Aqara’s FP2 continues to be a leading product. It connects via the home’s Wi-Fi and does not require any intermediary hub. However, it does need to be plugged into a power source and should therefore be placed near an outlet. Despite this, it’s an excellent product, arguably the most comprehensive in its category, and it is currently available at its historically lowest price of 58€, down from 83€.

Even though the product has been around for a few years, it remains highly versatile with the ability to manage different zones within the same room. This is helpful for large areas, allowing for different automations if presence is detected on the couch in front of the TV or around the dining room table, for example. Over time, Aqara has added new features to this model, such as sleep tracking by placing it above the bed and fall detection.

Aqara has updated its product by changing the support and making it easier to install in corners. The base price is slightly higher, so consider whether this is a good deal for you. This variant is currently on sale for 76.5€, down from 90€.

The FP1E, also by Aqara, is a simplified, less expensive presence detector. It lacks the zone management and additional features of the FP2 and relies on Zigbee, which means it requires either an Aqara hub or its own coordinator. However, the price is quite reasonable: 42.5€, down from 50€. I use mine in the kitchen, and although its detection capabilities are more limited, they are sufficient if you have a power source nearby.

While battery-operated presence detectors are becoming more common, they are evidently too new to be included in promotions. In fact, Aqara’s FP300, released just two weeks ago, is already out of stock…