The Aqara Door and Window Sensor T1 may not be the latest in Aqara’s lineup (with the T2 now offering Matter and Thread support), but the T1 still holds its ground as a compact, affordable, and reliable Zigbee sensor—especially if you’re already using Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or an Aqara smart hub.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the T1 a great budget sensor—and where it shows its age.
Positives: What We Like About the T1
- Compact and Discreet Design: The Aqara T1 sensor is incredibly small and lightweight, making it ideal for discreet placement on doors, windows, or cabinets. Its CR1632 coin cell battery can last around 6 months, depending on usage and environment.
- Zigbee Compatibility: The Aqara T1 works with a wide range of Zigbee 3.0 hubs, including: (Aqara Hubs (M1S, M2), SmartThings, Home Assistant (ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT), Amazon Echo devices with Zigbee support
- HomeKit Support: The T1 integrates seamlessly into Apple HomeKit, as long as you’re using a compatible Aqara Hub. This makes it one of the most HomeKit-friendly door sensors available at this price point.
Negatives: Where the T1 Falls Short
- No IP Rating: The Aqara T1 is not weatherproof and doesn’t have an IP rating, so it’s not suitable for outdoor use or humid environments.
- Unreliable Battery Reporting: Both in the Aqara app and in Home Assistant, the battery percentage readings can be inconsistent. While it still performs well in practice, this is something to keep in mind for battery-critical automations.
- Not Suitable for All Door Types: Due to its small size and magnetic alignment, the T1 may not mount cleanly on certain door frames or sliding mechanisms without additional adhesive pads or mounting tweaks.
Aqara Software & Ecosystem
The Aqara app continues to be one of the most user-friendly and polished smart home apps on the market. Automations, scenes, and integrations are easy to manage, and the entire Aqara ecosystem works cohesively with little fuss.
That said, Aqara’s ecosystem has one limitation: while you can control Aqara devices from other hubs (like Home Assistant or Alexa), you can’t control third-party Zigbee devices from within the Aqara app. So if you’re mixing ecosystems, you’ll get better results through a unified platform like Home Assistant.
Final Thoughts
While the Aqara T1 Door Sensor is no longer the flagship model (with the T2 introducing Matter and Thread support), it remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective sensors for basic automations. If you’re not ready to adopt Matter or just need a simple open/close detection sensor, the T1 is still a top recommendation.
It’s ideal for:
- Users already in the Aqara ecosystem
- Home Assistant setups using Zigbee (ZHA/Z2M)
- HomeKit users with an Aqara hub
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for performance over the latest protocols
If you don’t need Matter, the Aqara T1 remains a smart, affordable choice in 2025.
Common FAQs
Do I need an Aqara hub?
Not necessarily. It works with any Zigbee 3.0 hub. In our tests, it paired successfully with: Amazon Echo Zigbee hubs, Aqara Hubs (M1S, M2), SmartThings, Home Assistant (ZHA & Zigbee2MQTT)
Does it work with Home Assistant?
Yes. The T1 performs well with both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT, with open/close status reliably detected.
Can I use it with Apple HomeKit?
Yes, but only if paired with an Aqara Hub that supports HomeKit (e.g., Aqara M2 or M1S).
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