$40 – $55
Matter-enabled motion and light sensor with Thread connectivity, IPX3 water resistance for indoor/outdoor use.
You prioritize privacy with local-only operation
No cloud required. All data stays local. Thread communication is local mesh. No account needed.
You want light sensor exposed to HomeKit
Ambient light sensor available in Apple Home for automations. Unlike Aqara, light levels are accessible.
You need outdoor or weather-resistant placement
IPX3 water resistant - protected from rain showers and splashes. Works indoors or outdoors.
You want the best HomeKit motion sensor without a hub
Native Thread/Matter support. No hub required. Near-instantaneous response via Thread mesh. Considered the best HomeKit motion sensor.
You use Android or Google Home primarily
No Android app available despite promises since 2022. Limited to Apple ecosystem for configuration.
You want the cheapest option
At ~$40, more expensive than Aqara ($25) or Hue. Premium for hub-free Thread operation.
You need flexible mounting options
Limited mounting options compared to competitors. May need creative solutions for some installations.
Settings sometimes take multiple tries to apply. Toggling options occasionally fails on first attempt.
ReviewsNo Android app available. Cannot configure sensor without iOS device. Google Home control works but no Eve app.
Eve SupportRequires Thread border router (HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K). Without border router, falls back to slower Bluetooth.
Product SpecsBattery life with Thread can be shorter than Zigbee alternatives. AAA batteries may need more frequent replacement.
User ReportsNo Android app - iOS only for configuration
widespreadCause: Eve has not released Android app despite years of promises
Higher price than Zigbee alternatives
commonCause: Thread technology and hub-free design command premium pricing
Limited mounting options
occasionalCause: Design prioritizes aesthetics over versatile mounting
Eve app settings sometimes fail to apply
occasionalCause: App communication issues - usually works on retry
Requires Thread border router for best performance
widespreadCause: Falls back to Bluetooth without HomePod/Apple TV 4K
Not having a Thread border router (HomePod Mini/Apple TV 4K)
Sensor uses Bluetooth instead of Thread - slower response and shorter range
Tip: Ensure you have HomePod Mini, HomePod, or Apple TV 4K for Thread mesh networking benefits.
Trying to configure with Android device
Cannot access Eve app settings or advanced configuration
Tip: Must use iOS device for initial setup and configuration. Google Home control works after.
Installing in fully exposed outdoor location
IPX3 protects from splashes but not submersion or heavy rain exposure
Tip: Install under eaves or in semi-protected outdoor locations for best longevity.
Nothing - fully local operation. No Eve account required. No cloud dependency.
Everything. Thread mesh is local. HomeKit automations run locally. All data stays on device.
None sent to cloud. Motion and light data stored locally only.
Best-in-class privacy. No cloud. No account. No data collection. Fully local.
120° FOV, 9m (30ft) detection range. IPX3 water resistant. Thread mesh for instant response. Uses 2x AAA batteries.
Requires Thread border router for optimal performance. Without it, uses Bluetooth with reduced range/speed.
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
If: Want cheaper option with 5-year battery
Philips Hue Motion Sensor
If: Need temperature sensor or magnetic mount
Onvis Motion Sensor
If: Want similar Thread/HomeKit but different design
You want the best privacy-focused HomeKit motion sensor
No cloud, no account, fully local. Thread for instant response. Best for privacy-conscious Apple users.
You are on a tight budget
At $40, costs more than Aqara ($25). If you have Aqara hub, their sensor is better value.
You need outdoor motion detection
IPX3 rating for rain protection. 9m range. Works well for covered outdoor areas.
You use Android primarily
No Android app for configuration. Need iOS device for setup. Not ideal for Android households.
Yes, unlike Aqara. The ambient light sensor is exposed to HomeKit for automations based on brightness levels.
Source: Product Features120° field of view with 9 meter (30 foot) detection range. Suitable for most rooms and outdoor areas.
Source: Product SpecsIPX3 water resistant - protected from rain showers and splashes. Not for submerged or heavily exposed locations.
Source: Product SpecsPartially. No Eve app for Android. Can control via Google Home with Matter but cannot configure settings without iOS device.
Source: Eve SupportNo hub required. Connects directly via Thread/Bluetooth. For best performance, have a Thread border router (HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K).
Source: Eve Product Page