Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Sensors + ideas

Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Sensors + ideas

There are a lot of indoor smart home sensors out there, but this video will help you sort through the mess and find the best ones for you. Plus I’ll share lots of sensor ideas along the way.

Links (affiliate):
–Contact Sensors–
Linkind: https://amzn.to/3tyaOaB
Aqara: https://amzn.to/2RtWL8D
Ecolink: https://amzn.to/2R2Alvd
Ring: https://amzn.to/3vMB2aB
SmartThings Multipurpose: https://amzn.to/2R0UCRF

–Motion Sensors–
IKEA: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/tradfri-wireless-motion-sensor-white-60377655/
Sonoff: https://amzn.to/2PTU3sn
SmartThings motion: https://amzn.to/3tsw0yx
Philips Hue: https://amzn.to/3b9nzBN
HomeSeer HSM200: https://amzn.to/2QZv4Vc
Aeotec 6 in 1: https://amzn.to/3toN9JA

–Less Recommended Sensors–
AGSHOME: https://amzn.to/3eWPJ4d
Wyze Sense: https://wyze.com/wyze-sense.html
Linkind: https://amzn.to/3b660Tp
Inovelli 4 in 1: https://inovelli.com/4-in-1-sensor-z-wave/
Zooz 4 in 1: https://amzn.to/3tsqT1c

My shirt: https://threadless.78cfvm.net/Xxmd2a

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss more smart home videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/SmartHomeSolver?sub_confirmation=1

MORE INFO on connecting the sensors to SmartThings:

1- Aqara: Add this device handler https://raw.githubusercontent.com/bspranger/Xiaomi/master/devicetypes/bspranger/xiaomi-aqara-door-window-sensor.src/xiaomi-aqara-door-window-sensor.groovy
Then hold down on the sensor button 3 seconds to put it into pairing mode. Scan for nearby devices and it will add it.

2- Linkind: Push the pin button for 3 to 5 seconds to put it into pairing mode. Then scan for nearby devices.
After adding it, go to the device type in the SmartThings IDE account.smartthings.com
Change the device type to SmartSense Open/Closed Sensor
Then you have to remove the device and re-add it using the pin button. After that it will work.

3- HomeSeer HSM200: Follow these instructions on adding the device handler https://docs.homeseer.com/display/HSPRODKB/How+To+Add+HSM200+to+SmartThings+Hub

4- Hue Motion Sensor: Here are some instructions on how to do it https://community.smartthings.com/t/hue-motion-sensor-use-st-hub-but-no-hue-bridge/137836

0:00 Intro
0:31 Contact Sensors
3:53 Motion Sensors
5:22 Advanced Motion Sensors
8:39 Less Recommended Sensors
9:55 Favorites
11:32 Sensor Tips
12:04 It’s getting hot in here

DISCOVER MORE
Next Level Automations: https://youtu.be/G_bsShHvmj8
25 Automation Ideas vol 2: https://youtu.be/jDaRPsvvcz4
12 Alexa Routines: https://youtu.be/QuByECkIXZs

MY SETUP & GEAR
See the list of everything I use in my smart home and other favorites:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/smarthomesolver

FOLLOW ME
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmartHomeSolver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthomesolver/

———-
MUSIC

The End by EVA

Disclaimer: Smart Home Solver was sent HomeSeer and Inovelli 4 in 1 sensors for unbiased reviews. As always, our opinions are 100% our own and not influenced.

50 Comments

  1. @suprarealistul on December 31, 2024 at 6:14 pm

    What app is shown at 11:05?

  2. @masonmansitomargiela1399 on December 31, 2024 at 6:16 pm

    I find myself coming back to this channel constantly, thanks for all the tips you have no idea how much you’ve helped me with my new home

  3. @duskmoss on December 31, 2024 at 6:18 pm

    Idea put a ground cable on to a door with a battery or something and get Simon thing to check for grounded things and it should work if the person is isolated from ground it only needs to change a slight amount of charge that would make it to where the
    Moment you touch the handle the light turns on

  4. @alainbourgault1937 on December 31, 2024 at 6:19 pm

    7:58

    Most windows blocks UVB. Depending on what the sensor is designed to detect, it’s potentially normal that your not seeing any changes. Try it outside, without the filtering of the window, see what it does.

  5. @marcvanheugten9472 on December 31, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    Great channel, need to watch more. I am thinking of a "smart/dumb" solution, but the distance might be too far for smart home devices. Problem: when I am in the garden I cannot see nor hear who is entering my premises, front door is locked, but side door is in use by us, but accessible by that person (might just be a relative without harm) and walks in. Idea: motionsensor and a bell/horn, to let me know someone’s coming. Any product idea’s?

  6. @Osiris.666 on December 31, 2024 at 6:23 pm

    Hi Reed thank you for your great work! I have purchased the Aqara door sensor after your recommendation. Question: can I prevent my blinds closing if the window is open or shut off my tado heating? If so how would I program that automation in homekit? Any help appreciated. Thank you, Ian

  7. @sulyluu on December 31, 2024 at 6:23 pm

    Love the video’s I cant seem to get my Aqara vibration sensor to do anything with smart things, I may need a differnt driver?
    I would love a video on navigating the new smartthings devices page.

  8. @rfosnot on December 31, 2024 at 6:24 pm

    Hi Reid, I want to automate my outdoor lights when someone enters the property. currently I have the nest hub and automated the outside lights to go on at dusk and off at dawn. I’d like to have them only come on when someone is on the property. What would you suggest? The goal is to increase the perimeter security. Thank you —

  9. @probablytheamaziiingtim2915 on December 31, 2024 at 6:24 pm

    8:00 the UV sensor didn’t work because windows block/Filter UV rays

  10. @ivan-j4l9x on December 31, 2024 at 6:26 pm

    Are there any cheep contact sensors that survive outdoors and work with home assistant?

  11. @garybaris139 on December 31, 2024 at 6:28 pm

    7:43 – Glass filters UV so I’m not sure what you were expecting by pointing the sensor to the outside through what is most likely at least a double glazed window. Do a proper test and take the sensor outside.

  12. @bartkimble9269 on December 31, 2024 at 6:28 pm

    Any outdoor motion sensors?

  13. @Dr.Stacker on December 31, 2024 at 6:28 pm

    what a bullshit american review, you guys sound like a website chat robot

  14. @aaronlozano7509 on December 31, 2024 at 6:28 pm

    Is Aqara hub needed for the sensors? Or can I skip it with Home Assistant?

  15. @erikwinkelman4668 on December 31, 2024 at 6:29 pm

    I ❤ Luna!

  16. @IndiaRoverMayank on December 31, 2024 at 6:31 pm

    Can you please make a 2023 version of this video. I am sure everyone would love this.

  17. @mugunthanvivek6312 on December 31, 2024 at 6:32 pm

    Sonoff motion sensors, temp sensor and door sensor are keep going unavailable. I’m using sonoff bridge in home assistant. Help.

  18. @tim66214 on December 31, 2024 at 6:32 pm

    I was watching your videos especially this one, So i bought through Amazon the Ring contact Sensors and i am not sure whats going on . Do you need the Ring Alarm system for those contact sensors to work or can you wired them up by themselves for Alexa? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

  19. @zeljkosabados247 on December 31, 2024 at 6:32 pm

    Hello. I would like to ask you to help me with a room. That room is bigger and in it I have one part of the kitchen, one part of the dining room and one part of the living room. I have smart switches installed everywhere. and i have google home mini installed. but I would like to install motion sensors or presence sensors. my idea is that when someone enters the space with the living room, the light turns on and turns off only when they leave it, so I would like to do the same with the dining room. I would like your advice on which sensors to use?

  20. @OurFamilyPrays538 on December 31, 2024 at 6:35 pm

    Please update this for 2023. Thanks

  21. @wardelldye1564 on December 31, 2024 at 6:36 pm

    I am using a TP-link Motion activated dimmer switch KS220M, ES20M in my bathroom. I would like to set up a routine using my Alexa Voice activation to communicate through the switch using the word “shower”. What I would like the routine to do is when I am ready to take a shower, I would like for the light to stay on for at least 15 minutes or longer.

    When I’m in the shower the light keeps going out after one minute, and I must constantly wave my hands to trigger the motion detector to get the light to turn back on while I am in the shower.

    Is there a way that I can create a routine to trigger the light for the light to stay on while I am in the shower for at least 15 minutes or longer.

    I am also using a Smart Things controller as well as Alexa.

  22. @cobalt01snet on December 31, 2024 at 6:37 pm

    you forgot about homeseer motions sensor, works great

  23. @MrKenstar2 on December 31, 2024 at 6:37 pm

    I’ll stick with yo link. Flawless

  24. @scottrellwi on December 31, 2024 at 6:39 pm

    Interested to see the third reality night light in this list.

  25. @daviddonnelly8406 on December 31, 2024 at 6:42 pm

    I just installed Home Assistant (NEWBIE) and can not get the motion detected from either an IRIS or a TRADFRI motion sensor to trigger on or off a 46201 / ZW4008 By GE/Enbrighten light switch. I have verified the sensors will turn on / off 14294 / ZW3005 By GE – so the sensors are good and I can turn on / off the light from the HA dashboard – but not via automation. Have reviewed all logs – no errors, trace shows all is good. I am stumped – your help pls.

  26. @whitecloud2313 on December 31, 2024 at 6:43 pm

    You can stick on your alarms with gorilla mounting putty it’ll last you forever you need no tapes to restick them and you could put them anywhere better than the tape to use😊

  27. @ctlspl on December 31, 2024 at 6:44 pm

    Hue for light and Aqara for windows. Best setup!

  28. @jmcgraw1 on December 31, 2024 at 6:47 pm

    Good Day,
    I currently have three systems used to automate my home:

    Nest: Front Door Camera, Two Outside Cameras, Three Smoke Detectors, 2 Nest Displays, 5 Nest Mini, Thermostat.

    Wyze: 7 Cameras (Pool Shed, 2 baby room, upstairs hallway, Garage, Living Room, My antique car remotely)

    Wemo: 11 Devices, (Controlling 8 lights, 2 Air purifiers, Garage Door Opener)

    My Wifi system is a UniFi Network, with four access points throughout my home.

    I’m looking to add a water sensor to my system.

    My question is what’s the best water sensor device that would work with my current Nest system (Google Home)?
    I want to be notify through Google, we have a elderly mother in law living with us.
    Thanks…

  29. @kare2share on December 31, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    Great job on covering most of the common sensors, you may want to consider including a water/leak sensor which is bery important to prevent leaks.

  30. @Centerfiremedia on December 31, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    Glass (Window pane) cuts out UV radiation.

  31. @PhilWarner on December 31, 2024 at 6:49 pm

    Can’t wait for the 2024 Sensor Review!

  32. @dman38 on December 31, 2024 at 6:50 pm

    I need something to trigger bedroom lights when we enter it. Right now I have to turn on via the app on my phone, or a smart speaker once we’re in. I’d rather the lights turn themselves on as we walk in. Door sensor would do that, but I don’t want the lights to turn off if my wife and I are both in the room, and one of us decides to leave the room for some reason. So I would think a motion sensor would be the better alternative for those scenarios. However, I also don’t want the lights to turn on if in the middle of the night one of us has to get out of bed. Can the motion sensors be set to not activate/deactivate during specific time periods?

  33. @ml.2770 on December 31, 2024 at 6:50 pm

    That sonoff motion sensor is pure garbage.

  34. @smaloneytuba85 on December 31, 2024 at 6:51 pm

    The UV didn’t change because it doesn’t go through the window…. I bet if you took it outside it would work fine.

  35. @D3xiii on December 31, 2024 at 6:56 pm

    What software do you use on your PC ? <3

  36. @Tom-lu9gj on December 31, 2024 at 6:57 pm

    No Sonoff contact sensor?

  37. @billgates3699 on December 31, 2024 at 6:58 pm

    I sure love remembering to pull all of these sensors down to plug them in and charge them. Truly we are living in the future. 🙄

  38. @eyhtwozed2606 on December 31, 2024 at 6:59 pm

    Can you use a zigbee sensor to automate a wifi smart plug?

  39. @adairjanney7109 on December 31, 2024 at 7:00 pm

    Must be nice to have that kind of money

  40. @ravimoonen on December 31, 2024 at 7:01 pm

    7:55 , glass actually blocks uv light so that could make sense

  41. @karimlahri7760 on December 31, 2024 at 7:01 pm

    like the features, setup was difficult for some of my devices (August Door lock, https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxhB5YOMNj04GuoAosExygP4cH-dKeb4aB Bose speaker)… but all switches and outlets (5), thermostat, tankless water heater. Unfortunately all I can do is turn on/off Bose. It doesn’t support volume or changing channels, but I believe that is due to the particular speaker I have…. Worth getting if you already have other devices to use it with… I don’t sit around and ask Alexa questions much so that doesn’t really matter to me….

  42. @johnphillips1781 on December 31, 2024 at 7:03 pm

    What sensor would be good for detecting the vibrations of a forced air furnace. I want to turn on a remote blower on when the furnace comes on.

  43. @b16crxt on December 31, 2024 at 7:04 pm

    Just picked up the homeseer hsm200 and REALLY would love to know how you set it up to show colors based on your home status. Even if it’s a link to a blog or something.

  44. @CplcDesbiens on December 31, 2024 at 7:07 pm

    Hi, until you publish an updated version of this video 😉, which contact sensor do you recommend today for someone who doesn’t have a hub yet and plan on using google home? Thank you in advance.

  45. @sergheyzaporojanu6872 on December 31, 2024 at 7:08 pm

    hey! so i have a smart window opener installed and fully operating on Google home and Smart Living apps.
    Now I am wandering of a smarter automation. Is there any chance to make it wind sensor driven?

    1) The Smart Switch has extra few wire pins and they seem to be dedicated for some sensor like anemometer. Do you have any idea on what to buy and how to connect it to be able to shut my window when it’s a windy day? 

    2) I also want to make it self open when there is too much CO2 in the room. Can you advise any solution for that option?

  46. @seanleeduncan on December 31, 2024 at 7:09 pm

    2023 update please 🙏

  47. @viltur83 on December 31, 2024 at 7:09 pm

    Did some one tell him that glass is black in the uv spectrum

  48. @sobisas on December 31, 2024 at 7:10 pm

    Do you have any reviews for Nexxt products?

  49. @peterlarsen4809 on December 31, 2024 at 7:10 pm

    Hey Reid, when you are not testing how many hubs do you run day to day. It seems like you need to run multiple hubs to make a smart home.

  50. @charlesdarwin6349 on December 31, 2024 at 7:11 pm

    Hive? Bosch??

    Also UV light cannot penetrate glass

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