The Aqara P1 Motion Sensor may not be the newest model on the market-especially with the recent release of the Aqara P2 – but it remains one of the best budget-friendly Zigbee motion sensors available in 2025. With solid features like a built-in lux sensor, long battery life, and wide compatibility, the P1 continues to deliver excellent value for smart home users.
Positives: Why We Still Recommend It
Compact Design & Long Battery Life
The P1 features a small, discreet form factor that blends easily into most spaces. Powered by a CR2450 coin cell battery, it can run for up to 6 months depending on usage-ideal for low-maintenance setups.
Zigbee 3.0 Compatibility
It pairs seamlessly with Aqara’s own hubs, but also plays nicely with popular Zigbee platforms such as: Aqara Hubs (M2, M1S, etc.), SmartThings, Amazon Alexa Zigbee Hubs, Home Assistant via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT
Apple HomeKit Support
Thanks to Aqara’s strong Apple integration, the P1 works smoothly with HomeKit when connected to a supported Aqara Hub. This makes it a standout choice for iOS users.
Built-in Light (Lux) Sensor
The inclusion of a lux sensor means the P1 can detect ambient light levels—allowing your automations to differentiate between day and night. Perfect for smart lighting routines that only trigger in the dark.
Flexible Mounting
Aqara includes a universal swivel base, allowing you to easily rotate and angle the sensor in nearly any direction. This makes it great for precise coverage in tricky areas like hallways or staircases.
Negatives: What You Should Know
Limited Motion Sensitivity Settings
Out of the box, motion sensitivity and detection range are not adjustable unless supported through your Zigbee hub or platform. Fine-tuning may be limited compared to some newer models.
No IP Rating
There’s no water or dust resistance, so the P1 is not rated for outdoor use. You’ll want to keep it indoors or well-protected if installing near windows or entryways.
Regional Compatibility
Beware of China-only models. Some Aqara hubs are locked to the Mainland China region, and not all features work globally. Always make sure you’re buying the Global version for full compatibility and multilingual support.
Aqara Software & Ecosystem
Aqara isn’t just about great hardware—the Aqara app is one of the most polished smart home apps available today. It offers a clean interface, reliable automation, and deep integration with the entire Aqara ecosystem. The P1 integrates seamlessly for automations, schedules, and HomeKit support.
That said, Aqara’s ecosystem is closed: while you can control Aqara devices from other hubs (via Zigbee or cloud integrations), you cannot control third-party devices from within the Aqara app. If you’re mixing ecosystems (e.g., Philips Hue, IKEA, Sonoff), Home Assistant or Zigbee2MQTT will give you more flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The Aqara P1 motion sensor might be a step behind the brand-new P2, but it remains a top-tier choice for most smart home setups-especially if you’re mixing devices across brands using platforms like Home Assistant.
It’s compact, reliable, and brings key features like lux sensing and Zigbee compatibility in a wallet-friendly package. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-fuss motion sensor to use across Zigbee ecosystems, this is still my number one pick.
If you’re looking to build a system with Apple HomeKit or Home Assistant, and want something that “just works”, this is easily one of the most recommended motion sensors in 2025.
Common FAQs
Can I control lights without a hub?
No. You’ll need either an Aqara Zigbee hub or another Zigbee-compatible hub to control lights with the P1 sensor.
Do I need an Aqara hub?
Not necessarily. The P1 works well with a variety of Zigbee hubs. In our tests, it was compatible with: SmartThings, Amazon Alexa Zigbee Hubs, Home Assistant via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT
Does it work with Home Assistant?
Yes, it integrates smoothly with both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT (Z2M).
Can I use it with Apple HomeKit?
Yes, but only when connected through an Aqara Zigbee Hub that supports HomeKit.
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