Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 Review – A Matter Over Thread Sensor that’s Cheaper than the Eve Motion Sensor

The Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 is the third product Aqara has launched that has native Matter support which is achieved through the thread protocol.

It joins the Door and Window Sensor P2 and the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2.

I’m not sure why they released this after the other two, as I feel it’s one of the more useful sensors you can own, but I am glad they have finally launched it.

Specification / Features

• Native Matter Support: With the arrival of the Matter era, users no longer need to worry about different ecosystems and technical protocols, and only need a Matter app, Matter-compatible Thread Border Router and Matter Controller. This means that connections across ecosystems and platforms become simpler and easier.
• Independent Light Sensor: P2 features a built-in light sensor to monitor area illumination levels, with a detection range of 0-1500lux. It can adjust the brightness and temperature of lighting based on different light levels throughout the day.
• High-Precision and Wide Angle: Explore P2 featuring a Wide Viewing Angle, with a 170° detection angle and up to 7 m (extendable to 10 m with Aqara Home) range using PIR Tech. Includes a 360-degree adjustable stand for precise motion detection in targeted areas.
• Locally Convenient and Energy-Efficient: Saving energy is no longer a hassle or effort. Let P2 effortlessly and swiftly make adjustments and automate tasks. For example, it automatically turns on lights and exhaust fans in the bathroom upon detecting someone, and switches them off when no one is present. No more worries about inadvertently leaving home energy sources on.
• Local and Remote Alarm: Place the Aqara Motion & Light Sensor P2 in key locations at home to help detect and monitor anomalies. Receive alerts via app or speaker, and link with other smart products to create a more comprehensive security setup.
• Easy to Install and Place Everywhere: The sensor includes an adjustable stand for easy wall, ceiling, or horizontal installation, allowing precise P2 positioning for specific area monitoring, like over a desktop. The Motion and Light Sensor P2 is powered by a CR2450 Lithium battery, which makes its battery life one of the longest among Matter over Thread sensors.
• Exclusive Features of Aqara Home: After connecting the P2 to the Hub M3 and integrating it with the Aqara Home app (iOS/Android), it will gain enhanced functionalities. These include improved automations, customisable detection timeout and sensitivity settings, motion indication, a local alert system, and more.

Integrating with Home Assistant and SkyConnect

Similar to all the Matter-based devices I have tried to integrate with Home Assistant, I had some issues getting the P2 to connect.

Aqara originally advised me that this is because it uses Bluetooth for the onboarding process. The fact is that it consistently happens with Home Assistant and SkyConnect but not as much with the Google Nest WiFi Pro, indicating the problem is the SkyConnect and not any of the Aqara devices or other Matter-enabled devices.

Once I got the sensor to add to Home Assistant, everything worked as expected, and the sensor provided illuminance and occupancy information as well as battery life diagnostics.

Integrating with SmartThings / Google Home

When placing the P2 sensor into pairing mode, I would get pop-ups for SmartThings to add the sensor. This took a couple of attempts, but it was less problematic than Home Assistant.

Finally, I was able to pair it up with the Google Nest WiFi Pro without any problems.

Commissioning Mode / Shared Connection with Other Matter Controllers

With both SmartThings and Home Assistant, you can share the device with another Matter controller. Because it is already paired with a Thread Border Router, you don’t need to worry about pairing it with another Thread Border Router.

With Home Assistant, where you share the device, it will set up a new QR code for you to add the sensor to any other Matter controller.

I am not sure how much use this will be as the aim of Matter/Thread is to reduce the need for multiple controllers and unify all your smart home devices, but the option is there, and I am sure it will be useful, especially while Matter/Thread become more established.

Home Assistant Settings & Performance

Apart from the Matter over Thread functionality, this is just a basic motion sensor with an excellent battery life.

For both SmartThings and Home Assistant, you can use motion, illuminance and battery life as triggers for automation.

I have found that it is just as accurate and responsive as the older Aqara sensors I have.

It will be better with Aqara M3 Hub

One issue that will inevitably plague many Matter over Thread devices is the limited functionality when used with third-party hubs. Third-party hubs may work with the default settings, but any changes or advanced features typically require you to connect to one of the brand’s hubs.

Currently, Aqara lacks a hub with Thread, but this is expected to change soon with the launch of the much anticipated Hub M3, which was unveiled at CES 2024. This is a multi-protocol hub that supports Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared.#

Additionally, the M3 also boasts 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection for extra flexibility and stability.

Price and Alternative Options

The Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 is available to buy now for £34 on Amazon.

The older, non-Zigbee-based P1 sensor is priced at £25, and a 10% off voucher is available.

The much more advanced Presence Sensor FP2 is £83 with 15% off available. This requires USB for power and connects to your WiFi.

Eve is the only other reputable brand I know of that has a Matter of Thread sensor. The Eve Motion (Matter) Sensor is priced at £45.

There is the Avatar Matter over Thread PIR Motion Sensor, which is listed at £24, but I can’t find it available anywhere.

The Qingping Motion & Light Sensor works with Thread, but is not Matter. It instead uses Apple HomeKit. It is just £25, but it has some mixed reviews.

Overall

There is not a great deal to write about when reviewing the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2.

It is a motion sensor with an excellent battery life, and it works with Matter of Thread.

There is currently only one other product that directly competes with this, the Eve Motion (Matter) Sensor, which costs 80% more. Furthermore, the Aqara has a 170° field of view vs 120°. The out-of-box detection range is lower at 7m vs up to 9m on the Eve, but once the Aqara Hub M3 is launched, you should be able to adjust this up to 10m.

Overall, if you specifically want a motion and light sensor that works with Matter over Thread, then the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 is the best option on the market at the moment, in my opinion.