14 best motion sensors

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Motion sensors are increasingly popular with modern home and apartment owners. These devices allow organizing the automatic switching on and off of the light, increasing the safety of the home, and remotely controlling “smart systems” at home. A wide range of innovative devices is presented on the Russian market. They differ in both cost and functionality. To choose the best option, you should get acquainted with the recommendations of our experts.

Selection recommendations

Installation site. One of the main selection criteria when buying a motion sensor is the location of its installation.

1. To mount the device outside the building, weather resistance is a prerequisite. First of all, the device must have a high level of dust and moisture protection, work in both heat and frost. External sensors are mounted under the roof or on the wall.
2. Indoor sensors are characterized by a shorter range and a low level of dust and moisture protection. They can be safely connected to household power.

Installation method. The motion detectors also differ in the type of installation.

1. Overhead models are installed on walls and ceilings. They have the widest range of applications, from indoor to outdoor installation.
2. Flush-mounted models are more difficult to install. A niche must be made in the wall or ceiling (as for a socket or a switch). In addition, some models require a 3-wire connection.

Type of food. The motion sensors require a current source to operate. There are wired and standalone models.

1. Most wired devices work from a 220 V network. Experts refer to the advantages of such models as uninterrupted and trouble-free operation. Of the shortcomings, the need to pull wires is noted.
2. Autonomous sensors are powered by batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries. There are devices where the current source is a solar battery. However, the life of batteries and accumulators is limited, which can lead to malfunctions in the smart home system.

Wave spectrum. The principle of operation of motion sensors is based on the transmission of waves of various spectra.

1. Infrared radiation is absolutely safe for humans. This spectrum of waves is the most popular today. But the device is able to work when animals appear in the coverage area.
2. Ultrasonic devices operate in the 20-60 kHz wavelength range. The disadvantage of this wavelength spectrum is that it scares away pets and fails when the intruder moves slowly.
3. Microwave devices use high frequency (1 GHz) radiation. The devices are compact in size, the waves pass through walls and obstacles. But such models are expensive.
4. Combined motion sensors combine the advantages of infrared and ultrasonic radiation.

Our review includes 14 of the best motion sensors. All of them are sold in the Russian trade network. When distributing positions, the editorial board of the magazine proceeded from the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of domestic consumers.

Rating of the best motion sensors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best motion sensors	1	STEINEL IHF 3D	RUB 11,690
	2	Schneider Electric UNICA MGU5.525.25ZD	RUB 8,808
	3	Legrand Valena Life 752370	RUB 8,940
	4	Schneider Electric SEDNA SDN2000321	RUB 4,149
	5	Legrand Valena Allure 752378	RUB 10,040
	6	Schneider Electric NU552544	RUB 4,705
	7	STEINEL SENSIQ S EVO BLACK	RUB 7,990
	8	Legrand 48946	RUB 1,971
	9	Philips Hue Motion sensor	RUB 3,590
	10	ORBIS OB134312,10А	RUB 1,949
	11	Xiaomi Mi Motion Sensor	800 RUB
	12	DIGMA DiSense M1 (WiFi)	RUB 1,190
	13	ERA MD 03	385 RUB

STEINEL IHF 3D

Rating: 4.9

The German STEINEL IHF 3D motion sensor (IP54) has the highest degree of protection. Experts recommend installing the device outdoors, it will withstand snow, rain, and direct sunlight. Another major advantage of the sensor is the viewing angle (360 degrees). The device is capable of detecting the slightest movement within a radius of 20 m. Thanks to its special anti-sneak protection, the sensor cannot be deceived by intruders using very slow movements. Compact dimensions allow you to easily find a secluded place for installation. The manufacturer has equipped his product with various settings, some of which are carried out only mechanically.

Russian consumers have no complaints about the work of the German motion sensor. The only downside is the high price.

Advantages

• high degree of dust and moisture protection;
• all-round view;
• anti-sneaking protection;
• compactness.

disadvantages

• high price.

Schneider Electric UNICA MGU5.525.25ZD

Rating: 4.8

Among the variety of hidden motion sensors, the attention of experts was attracted by the French development Schneider Electric UNICA MGU5.525.25ZD. It is part of the UNICA line, which also includes sockets, switches, frames. The device is intended for use inside the house, its degree of protection against dust and moisture is IP20. The device is connected to an electrical network with a voltage of up to 230 V. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of adjusting the trigger threshold for illumination, the maximum frontal radius of action is 10 m, to the side – 9 m. The model becomes the silver medalist of our review.

Domestic consumers liked the stylish appearance, work efficiency, good visibility. Of the minuses, there is a low degree of protection.

Advantages

• good sensitivity;
• adjustment of the response threshold;
• decent angle of coverage;
• stylish appearance.

disadvantages

• for internal use only.

Legrand Valena Life 752370

Rating: 4.7

Another well-known French manufacturer of sockets, switches and motion sensors Legrand has introduced a new series of Valena Life on the Russian market. The motion sensor under the article number 752370 boasts an adjustable illumination level (5-1275 lux), an adjustable shutdown delay (from 10 s to 10 minutes), the ability to connect 2 sensors in parallel. In standby mode, the networked model only consumes 0.035W of power. The product is inferior to the winner in the detection range (8 m). IP40 protection class indicates indoor use, while the model implies a hidden installation option.

Users praise the high-quality assembly, stylish design, and ease of settings. Of the minuses, they note the high price and limited scope.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• reliability;
• stylish design;
• availability of adjustments.

disadvantages

• high price;
• for internal use only.

Schneider Electric SEDNA SDN2000321

Rating: 4.6

The room (IP20) motion sensor Schneider Electric SEDNA SDN2000321 combines an adequate price and decent workmanship. The model is designed for wall installation with a three-wire connection to the household network. The consumer is given the opportunity to adjust the intensity of illumination within 5-1000 lux, set a time delay of up to 20 minutes. The device is capable of withstanding a maximum power of up to 2.3 kW. The maximum viewing angle is 180 degrees, the range of the model is limited to 8 m.

Domestic consumers liked the motion sensor for its high-quality manufacturing, reasonable price, convenient settings. The disadvantages include weak security and the absence of an LED indicator.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• dimming;
• time delay;
• wide viewing angle.

disadvantages

• weak dust and moisture protection;
• no LED indicator.

Legrand Valena Allure 752378

Rating: 4.5

Light indicator Valena Allure 752378 with a motion sensor from the French company Legrand closes the TOP-6 of our review. The device is designed for hidden installation, the manufacturer has equipped his product with screw clamps. The experts drew attention to the presence of an LED light bulb and an IR spectrum of waves. The model demonstrates a detection angle of 180 degrees, the range is 8 m for frontal appearance and 6 m to the side. The device should include a switchable sound signal in the asset.

Domestic users liked the motion sensor for its high-quality assembly, durability, and stylish appearance. Of the minuses, they note the high price and quick burnout of the light bulb.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• LED lights;
• large detection angle;
• stylish appearance.

disadvantages

• high price;
• the LED lamp burns out quickly.

Schneider Electric NU552544

Rating: 4.5

The Schneider Electric NU552544 motion sensor is equipped with a switch located on the front panel. The manufacturer has provided for a three-wire connection, so you cannot install the device instead of a conventional switch. The experts praised the high level of comfort and the potential for energy savings. The shutdown is carried out after a certain time (1-30 min) after the last activity in the surveillance area. The model can be praised for its good coverage, both forward and sideways, it fires at a distance of 8 m

On thematic forums, users praise the device for its reliability, ease of use, and a good overview. But the device cannot be installed in a security warning or alarm system.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• good coverage;
• slave sensors can be connected;
• does not respond to small animals.

disadvantages

• weak dust and moisture protection (IP21);
• not suitable for security systems.

STEINEL SENSIQ S EVO BLACK

Rating: 4.5

Many products for use in the “smart home” concept are produced by the German company STEINEL. They can be purchased individually or as a complete system. One of the important modules in such a kit will be the SENSIQ S EVO BLACK motion sensor. It is a device with a 300 degree field of view. The manufacturer has equipped its product with an anti-creeping function, experts note the reliability of the device's sealing (IP54). The switch-on delay ranges from 5 s to 15 minutes. The model can operate in a wide temperature range (-40 … + 40 ° C), which allows the sensor to be used both in a building and outdoors.

Domestic consumers speak flatteringly about the functionality of the device, reliability and a wide range of applications. The downside of the model, they consider the complexity of the setup.

Advantages

• multifunctionality;
• universality of application;
• good dust and moisture protection;
• reliability.

disadvantages

• complex settings.

Legrand 48946

Rating: 4.4

A wall or ceiling mount was provided by a French manufacturer for the Legrand 48946 passive IR motion sensor. To connect the device, a neutral conductor (3-wire connection) is required. The device has an adjustable threshold for illumination, setting the operating time. The maximum load level is limited to 1000 W, the current strength should not exceed 4.3 A. The maximum detection range is 8 m. The degree of dust and moisture protection (IP55) is high enough that it can be installed both inside buildings and outside.

Russian users are satisfied with the affordable price, workmanship and durability. Not all consumers like the design of the device.

Advantages

• good dust and moisture protection;
• affordable price;
• ease of settings;
• universality of application.

disadvantages

• humble design.

Philips Hue Motion sensor

Rating: 4.3

A stand-alone device that is responsible for lighting a room or area in front of an apartment is the Philips Hue Motion sensor. The model runs on 2 AAA batteries, which makes installation extremely easy. The experts included the device in our review for automatically adjusting the brightness of the lamps depending on the degree of illumination. The device saves on electricity, the light turns on when it approaches the sensor at a distance of 5 m. You can set up the lighting system using the Philips Hue mobile application. Communication with the sensor is via Wi-Fi.

However, not all Russian users can take full advantage of the device, since the device only supports the platform iOS.

Advantages

• autonomy;
• automatic adjustment of light brightness;
• control from a smartphone;
• simple settings.

disadvantages

• only supports platform iOS.

ORBIS OB134312,10А

Rating: 4.2

The Spanish company ORBIS has developed the OB134312 motion sensor to control the lighting system, alarm system or electrical appliances. It can operate both at positive temperatures (+ 40 ° C) and in frost (-20 ° C). The device is connected to a household power supply, the maximum current is limited to 10 A. Experts note a high level of dust and moisture protection (IP55), which allows the sensor to be operated even in heavy rain. The frontal detection area reaches 12 m, to the sides, the sensing distance is limited to 8 m. The maximum switching power threshold is 1000 W.

Domestic users refer to the disadvantages of the motion sensor only a limited viewing angle (140 degrees). There are no complaints about the workmanship.

Advantages

• tightness;
• long detection distance;
• high-quality assembly;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• small viewing angle.

Xiaomi Mi Motion Sensor

Rating: 4.1

The Chinese company Xiaomi is actively working on smart home systems. One of the important modules in them is the Mi Motion Sensor. The experts drew attention to the fact that in addition to the usual infrared radiation, the connector is also responsible for detecting movement (placed on the door). It is triggered when the door leaf is opened. To control the device, you need a smartphone with system Android at least version 7.0. Using the device, you can control the lighting system remotely or use the device as a security alarm.

The owners of the Chinese motion sensor are pleased with the affordable price, compact size and accurate performance. Of the minuses, the lack of LED backlighting is noted.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• easy installation and connection;
• wide scope;
• compactness.

disadvantages

• no LED backlight.

DIGMA DiSense M1 (WiFi)

Rating: 4.0

The DIGMA DiSense M1 motion sensor is very popular in our country. The device has a wireless connection with the Wi-Fi communication protocol. To control the sensor, you need a smartphone or tablet with the operating system iOS 8.0 or Android 4.1 and higher. You also need to install a proprietary application from Digma. The asset of the model should include an adequate price, ease of installation, beautiful appearance. The device can work in the “smart home” system. The motion sensor is powered by a DC battery. For the manufacture of the device, the manufacturer used plastic and PVC.

Users liked the modern design of the Chinese sensor, good work, convenient operation. Of the minuses, the complexity of the connection is noted.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• easy installation;
• stylish design;
• quality materials.

disadvantages

• the complexity of the connection.

ERA MD 03

Rating: 3.9

The Chinese motion sensor ERA MD 03 stands out at the most affordable price against the background of competitors. The device is designed for open mounting, it is connected to a household network. The total power of all devices should not exceed 1200 W. The device is based on the principle of passive infrared radiation. The illumination threshold is 3-2000 lux. The maximum operating range in different directions reaches 12 m. The scanning angle of the device is 180 degrees. Experts praised the sensor for its ease of installation and connection.

The model is in steady demand among Russian consumers. They praise the low price, ease of installation and connection. Of the shortcomings, the owners note spontaneous inclusion.

Advantages

• low price;
• wide threshold of operation for illumination;
• large coverage;
• easy to install and connect.

disadvantages

• cases of spontaneous inclusion are noted.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.