Best motion sensors

One of the best ways to add a motion sensor to your home is by using the TP-Link Tapo Smart Motion Sensor. It can be used to add a layer of security to your home, or it can be used as a nightlight. Assembling the sensor is easy –  all you need to do is mount it using the built-in magnets or 3M adhesive. 

When you stumble through the hallways at night, the sensor detects your movement and turns on any assigned smart lights. It can be set to light up as people come through and then turn off automatically two minutes after so your hallway isn’t lit up longer than it needs to be.

If you choose to use the motion sensor for security purposes, you can set it to trigger the Hub alarm, which will send you notifications via the Tapo app whenever motion is detected. Secure it on your patio or front yard to keep out any people or animals roaming the area. You’ll also receive an alert straight to your phone if anyone or anything triggers the alarm. If you do put the sensor outside, keep an eye on it, as it’s not water-resistant or weatherproof.

The Eve Motion Smart Motion and Light Sensor is ideal for those with a smart home ecosystem. Eve makes it easy to control any connected smart lights or appliances by adding rules and automations in the app. Unfortunately, the app is only available for iOS, however it's compatible with just about every smart home platform under the sun.

The Eve Motion sensor needs a hub to work, but if your home is mostly built up of smart products it's likely you already have one. It's compatible with most platforms, like the Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub (visit the Eve website to find a whole list of supported platforms).

The Eve sensor can capture motion from up to 9m away, which is longer than any pick on our list. It can also be used as an outdoor motion sensor, thanks to its IPX3 water resistance rating and wireless battery operation.

Eufy's security cameras and systems are popular for a reason, and their motion sensor is no different. Unfortunately, like many of Eufy’s doorbells and cameras, the Eufy Security Motion Sensor will need a Eufy Homebase to work. While the sensor itself is quite affordable, the Homebase is not. We’d highly recommend this sensor for anyone who already has a Eufy Homebase. Once you purchase the Homebase, you can connect up to 16 compatible cameras and up to 34 devices like sensors and smart locks. 

When the motion sensor is triggered, an intruder siren is emitted from the Homebase, and an alert is sent to the Eufy security app on your phone. The sensitivity of the sensor can also be tailored so it’s only triggered by humans, rather than your pets roaming around the home.

The ZISUYU Motion Sensor Night Light does exactly what it says on the tin. It will only turn on when it's dark enough and detects motion within 4m of the sensor. It will also automatically turn itself off after 30 seconds of no motion. At 20 lumens, the light is soft and perfect for kids who might wake up during the night for a glass of water. The light is not bright enough to light up a whole room, so we’d recommend placing it near any stairs, or outside your child’s bedroom, so they can safely travel from one place to another without being in complete darkness. 

The sensor is easy to install and can be mounted anywhere in your home with the 3M adhesive that’s included in your purchase. It’s also easy to maintain – it doesn't need a hub or a home base, just 3 x AAA batteries and it's good to go.