Professional Guide

Best Smart Motion Sensors for Home Lighting: 2025 Expert Review

OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

If you live in a busy household, you know the frustration: lights left on in empty rooms, electricity bills creeping up, or fumbling for a switch in the dark whilst carrying the shopping. Smart motion sensors are the standard solution, but they can be a headache if you pick the wrong ones.

In Leeds, we face specific challenges. Thick stone walls in our older back-to-back terraces can kill Wi-Fi signals, and wiring new power points for sensors isn't always feasible without chasing out brick. That is why choosing between battery-operated Zigbee sensors or mains-powered Wi-Fi units makes a massive difference.

In this review, I'm cutting through the marketing waffle to show you the best sensors I've encountered. We'll look at a budget-friendly starter, a serious 'presence' sensor that knows when you're sitting still, and a battery-powered workhorse that solves range issues.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Motion vs. Presence Detection"

The Theory

"All sensors detect you in the room."

The Reality

Standard PIR sensors only detect *movement*. If you sit still reading, the lights go out (the 'wave your arms' shuffle). Only Millimetre-Wave (mmWave) radar sensors detect 'presence' like breathing or typing.

The Spec: "Battery Life Claims"

The Theory

"Batteries last 1-2 years."

The Reality

This depends heavily on traffic. A sensor in a busy hallway or HMO kitchen will drain batteries much faster than one in a rarely used attic. Cold Yorkshire winters can also sap battery life in uninsulated spaces.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Tapo T100 Smart Motion Sensor

Budget Pick

Tapo

The Tapo T100 is an excellent entry point if you are already using TP-Link's ecosystem. Using Sub-1G frequency means it doesn't clutter your Wi-Fi network, but do note it requires a separate hub to function.

Price£13.98 (at time of writing)

TypeStandard PIR (Motion)

ProtocolSub-1G (Requires Tapo Hub)

RangeUp to 7m / 120°

The Good

Very affordable hardware
Magnetic mount makes positioning easy on door frames
Sub-1G range penetrates walls better than standard Wi-Fi

The Bad

Requires a Tapo Hub (sold separately)
Standard PIR only (lights may go off if you sit still)

Installer Tip:

Because these use magnets and adhesive, they are perfect for renters or listed buildings in Leeds where you can't drill into the joinery. Just make sure the surface is clean before sticking the 3M pad on, or it'll end up on the floor.

Priced at £13.98 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Meross Matter Presence Motion Sensor (Wired)

Quality Option

meross

This is a serious bit of kit using mmWave radar to detect stationary human presence, solving the annoyance of lights turning off whilst you're reading. It supports 'Matter', making it future-proof, but crucially, it requires a power cable.

Price£26.99 (at time of writing)

TypePIR + mmWave Radar + Light Sensor

ConnectionWi-Fi (Matter compatible)

PowerWired (USB-C)

The Good

Detects stationary occupants (no more waving hands)
Includes light sensor to prevent firing in daylight
Matter support works with Apple Home, Alexa, etc.

The Bad

Requires a power cable (not battery operated)
Wiring can be messy without professional installation

Installer Tip:

This needs a constant power supply via USB. In many Leeds homes, socket placement is low down. To install this neatly near the ceiling, you might need a socket spur adding at high level. Do not trail extension leads up the wall—it's unsightly and a trip hazard.

Priced at £26.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

SONOFF SNZB-03P Zigbee Motion Sensor

Problem-Solving

SONOFF

If you don't want to change batteries every six months, this is the one. With a 3-year battery life and Zigbee 3.0 protocol, it is ideal for creating a robust mesh network in larger properties or homes with thick internal walls.

Price£12.31 (at time of writing)

Battery LifeUp to 3 Years (CR2477)

ProtocolZigbee 3.0 (Hub Required)

Reset Time5 Seconds

The Good

Incredible 3-year battery life
Zigbee mesh helps signal pass through stone walls
Very fast 5-second detection reset

The Bad

Requires a Zigbee Hub/Bridge
Slightly bulkier than the Tapo due to larger battery

Installer Tip:

In solid brick Victorian terraces, Wi-Fi struggles to reach back rooms. Zigbee devices like this act as a 'mesh', passing the signal from device to device. If you have connectivity issues in the bathroom or extension, a Zigbee system is often the reliable answer.

Priced at £12.31 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to position a motion sensor?

Ideally, place it in a corner looking across the room or hallway, rather than facing the door directly. Avoid pointing them squarely at windows or radiators, as sudden heat changes or sunlight can cause false alarms. Detailed positioning is key to avoid 'blind spots'.

Do I need a neutral wire for smart lighting?

Not for the battery sensors listed here, but if you are installing smart switches to work with them, older UK homes (pre-2000s roughly) often lack a neutral wire at the switch. In that case, you might need 'No Neutral' capacitors or smart bulbs instead. If in doubt, ask a qualified electrician to check your consumer unit and wiring.

Will my cat trigger the alarm?

Standard PIR sensors can struggle with pets, especially if the cat climbs furniture. The Meross presence sensor has better filtering, and you can sometimes shield the bottom half of a PIR sensor with tape to stop it detecting floor-level movement, but no sensor is 100% pet-proof.

Zigbee vs Wi-Fi – which is better for older Leeds homes?

For older stone or brick properties, I generally favour Zigbee (like the Sonoff). It creates a mesh network where plugged-in devices boost the signal. Wi-Fi sensors can drop offline if they are too far from the router, especially through a chimney breast.

Can I install these myself?

Battery sensors (Tapo, Sonoff) are simple peel-and-stick DIY jobs. However, the mains-powered Meross sensor requires a power source. If you need a socket installing at high level or cables hiding, you should contact a professional like OR Electrics to ensure it complies with building regulations.

Are smart sensors expensive to run?

Negligible. The sensors themselves use tiny amounts of power. The savings come from them turning off 10 downlights in the kitchen that the kids left burning all day. The payback period is usually quite quick.

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