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For most large rooms, the Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 is the strongest single-device choice. It combines 60–64 GHz mmWave radar, up to 30 configurable zones, tracking for up to five people, and Home Assistant support through HomeKit Controller. Choose the Apollo MSR-2 instead if you want a compact, ESPHome-oriented multisensor with light, UV, optional CO2, RGB and buzzer features. Everything Presence One and Lite are sensible ready-made local alternatives, particularly when you want to compare PIR and mmWave behavior.
Presence sensors matter because mmWave radar can continue detecting a person who is sitting still, while a conventional PIR sensor generally reacts only when heat moves across its field of view. None of these devices is automatically accurate in every room: their published ranges are nominal, placement and calibration are critical, and there is no standardized independent cross-brand accuracy benchmark.
What a presence sensor does that a PIR cannot
A PIR motion sensor notices changes in infrared heat. It is inexpensive and excellent for a person entering a room, but a stationary person can eventually disappear from its logic. A mmWave presence sensor emits radio waves and analyzes reflected signals, allowing it to detect smaller movements such as breathing, shifting posture or hand movement. That makes it useful for keeping lights, heating or ventilation active while someone reads, works at a desk or sleeps.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPresence is not the same as identity, video recognition or a medical measurement. Radar can report that a person is occupying a zone, but it does not provide a camera image. Furniture, fans, curtains, reflective surfaces and pets can create unwanted reflections or movement. Treat every range and zone figure as a manufacturer specification, not a promise of reliable performance in your room.
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Quick comparison
| Sensor | Home Assistant integration | Published detection capability | Zones and people | Extra hardware | Power and connectivity | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 | HomeKit Controller; no Aqara hub required | Up to 15 m maximum range; 60–64 GHz radar | Up to 30 configurable zones; up to five people; room coverage up to 40 m² | Fall-detection function when ceiling-mounted; IPX5 protection | Wired USB-C, continuous power; 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 | Large rooms needing multi-zone, multi-person tracking |
| Apollo MSR-2 | ESPHome-oriented and designed for Home Assistant; certified in the Works With Home Assistant program in 2025 | About 6 m nominal distance with LD2410B radar | Three adjustable zones and nine radar gates | LUX, UV, optional CO2, RGB LED and piezo buzzer | ESP32-C3-MINI controller; local-first ESPHome workflow | Compact multisensor for users who will tune radar settings |
| Everything Presence One | Ready-made ESPHome-style device | Radar module and nominal range vary by kit; exact current figures are not stated in the available specifications | Comparison data distinguishes radar zones and includes PIR hardware | PIR plus mmWave combination | Verify the current kit, firmware and power details before purchase | Buyers comparing PIR response with radar presence |
| Everything Presence Lite | Ready-made ESPHome-style device | Radar module and nominal range vary by kit; exact current figures are not stated in the available specifications | Zone support differs from the One; verify the current product information | MmWave-focused kit configuration | Verify the current kit, firmware and power details before purchase | Smaller or simpler local installations |
Prices, inventory and retailer coverage change by country and are not established here. Check the current product page and Home Assistant setup instructions before ordering.
Aqara Presence Sensor FP2: best for large, multi-zone rooms
What it offers
The FP2 is the clearest choice when one device must cover a substantial room. Aqara specifies coverage of up to 40 m², as many as 30 configurable zones and tracking for up to five people. You can assign zones to a desk, sofa, bed, doorway or other areas and trigger different automations from each area.
Its 60–64 GHz radar has a stated maximum range of 15 m. That is a laboratory-style specification, not a guarantee that a 15 m room will work without dead spots. Wall material, mounting angle and furniture can reduce useful coverage.
Home Assistant and local operation
The FP2 can be added directly to Home Assistant with the HomeKit Controller integration, and an Aqara hub is not required for that path. Aqara also describes automations that continue when the internet is unavailable. The device uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, so plan for Wi-Fi coverage at its mounting point.
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Power, mounting and safety limits
USB-C is wired power, not a battery option. The sensor must remain continuously powered, so decide where a cable and power adapter will live before choosing a ceiling or wall position. Aqara requires ceiling mounting for its fall-detection feature. Fall detection is intended to send a notification; it is not a medical device and should not replace a monitored safety system.
Who should choose it
- Owners of open-plan living rooms, studios or other spaces where many zones are useful.
- Households that need several people tracked at once.
- Anyone prepared to provide permanent USB-C power and calibrate the installation.
Aqara announced FP2 availability through its Amazon brand stores in North America and Europe on April 20, 2023. That historical announcement does not establish current stock or price, so verify availability in your country.
Apollo MSR-2: best compact Home Assistant multisensor
Hardware and sensing
Apollo describes the MSR-2 as a compact, versatile mmWave multisensor for Home Assistant. Its documented configuration uses an LD2410B radar, an ESP32-C3-MINI controller, about 6 m of nominal detection distance, three adjustable zones and nine radar gates.
In addition to presence, the device can expose illuminance (LUX) and ultraviolet readings. An optional CO2 sensor adds air-quality data, while an RGB LED and piezo buzzer can provide local status or alerts. Optional components affect both price and configuration complexity.
Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Integration and certification
The MSR-2 follows an ESPHome-oriented, local Home Assistant workflow rather than relying on a vendor cloud service for ordinary automations. Home Assistant announced on February 27, 2025 that Apollo had joined the Works With Home Assistant program and that the MSR-2 was one of three certified Apollo devices.
Trade-offs
Its approximately 6 m nominal distance is shorter than the FP2’s published 15 m maximum, making room scale an important decision. Three zones and nine gates are useful for a desk, chair and doorway, but they provide less granularity than the FP2’s 30 zones. The reward is a smaller sensor with more environmental data and an integration style familiar to Home Assistant users who are comfortable adjusting ESPHome settings.
Everything Presence One and Lite: ready-made local alternatives
Everything Presence One and Everything Presence Lite are separate kits, not two names for the same hardware. Apollo’s comparison identifies different radar modules, nominal ranges and zone support for the two models; the One also includes PIR hardware. Because those values and firmware details can change, consult the current kit information before treating a number as current.
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When the One makes sense
The One is the more relevant option when you specifically want PIR and mmWave in one ready-made ESPHome-style device. PIR can provide a fast movement signal while radar maintains a presence state, giving you two signals to combine in Home Assistant.
Rank #4
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When the Lite makes sense
The Lite is useful when you want a simpler or smaller local kit and do not need every feature of the One. Confirm its current radar module, zone behavior, power arrangement and firmware support before purchase.
Neither model can be declared the most accurate: no controlled, standardized cross-brand test establishes that ranking.
Other models to consider
Apollo’s comparison also lists the Apollo MTR-1, Screek Human Sensor 1U, Screek Human Sensor 2A, Aqara FP1 and Aqara FP2. These are secondary choices when a particular radar module, room size, zone count or budget fits better than the three main families above.
- Choose by room size: compare the vendor’s nominal range with the distance to the farthest expected occupant, then leave margin for walls and furniture.
- Choose by zone detail: a large open room benefits from more configurable zones; a small office may need only a few gates.
- Choose by integration: HomeKit Controller is the FP2 path, while ESPHome is central to the Apollo and Everything Presence approach.
- Choose by extra data: select the MSR-2 when LUX, UV, optional CO2, RGB or buzzer outputs are useful.
How to choose for each room
Open-plan living room
Start with the FP2 when one sensor must distinguish a sofa, dining area, work area and passage. Its 30-zone limit and five-person specification are valuable when occupants move between areas. If the room is smaller and you prefer ESPHome, an MSR-2 or Everything Presence kit may be easier to position.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Home office
An MSR-2 is often a practical fit for a desk and doorway within roughly its 6 m nominal distance. Configure a desk zone and a door or circulation zone separately so a brief entry does not keep every office automation active.
Bedroom
MmWave is useful because a sleeping or resting person may not trigger PIR. Keep sensitivity conservative around the bed and validate timeout behavior overnight. Do not treat presence or fall notifications as medical monitoring.
Hallway or entry
Use a PIR or door contact alongside radar when immediate entry and exit detection matters. Radar is valuable for maintaining an occupied state, but a separate fast trigger can make lighting feel more responsive.
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1. Plan power and network access
- Mark the intended mounting point and confirm that continuous power can reach it. The FP2 specifically requires wired USB-C power.
- Check 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi coverage where an FP2 will operate. For ESPHome devices, confirm that your Home Assistant network can reach the device during provisioning and normal operation.
- Decide which physical areas deserve separate entities: for example, desk, sofa, bed, doorway and open floor.
2. Mount with a clear view
- Aim the radar across the area you want to measure rather than through a large moving object.
- Avoid placing it directly behind or beside fans, curtains, oscillating displays and other moving or reflective surfaces.
- Use ceiling mounting only when you need the FP2’s fall-detection function, and follow the manufacturer’s placement guidance.
3. Add the device using its supported path
- For FP2, open Home Assistant and use Settings > Devices & services > Add integration > HomeKit Device, then select the discovered sensor and complete pairing.
- For ESPHome-oriented devices, provision or adopt the device through the ESPHome integration and confirm that its radar, zone and auxiliary entities appear.
- Name entities by physical location, such as
living_room_sofa_presence, so automations remain understandable.
4. Define meaningful zones
Draw zones around places where an automation should change state, not arbitrary slices of the room. A desk, sofa, bed and doorway are usually more useful than a grid of equally sized rectangles. Keep a person from standing exactly on a boundary when testing; overlapping or adjacent zones can otherwise produce confusing transitions.
5. Tune gates, sensitivity and timeouts
Start with the manufacturer’s defaults, then adjust one setting at a time. Increase sensitivity only when a stationary person drops out. Reduce sensitivity or narrow a zone when a fan, curtain, reflective cabinet or pet causes false presence. Set a timeout long enough to avoid lights switching off during normal stillness, but short enough that an empty room clears promptly.
6. Test with real conditions
- Walk into the room, sit down and remain still for several minutes.
- Move between each configured zone and observe whether Home Assistant changes the intended entity.
- Leave the room through the normal exit and measure how long the occupancy state takes to clear.
- Repeat with furniture, pets, fans and ordinary network conditions present.
- Run automations only after the sensor behaves consistently at the times and locations that matter.
Common problems and fixes
The sensor misses someone sitting still
- Move the unit so the person is not hidden behind furniture.
- Increase sensitivity or adjust radar gates gradually.
- Check that the person is inside the active zone and within the useful, not merely maximum, range.
- Use a second sensor or PIR if the room geometry creates unavoidable blind spots.
Lights stay on in an empty room
- Inspect for moving curtains, fans, screens or reflective surfaces.
- Reduce sensitivity and narrow the affected zone.
- Shorten the clear timeout only after confirming that still occupants remain detected long enough.
- Check whether a pet is entering the zone and combine radar with a door or PIR condition.
Zone changes are unstable
- Reposition the sensor to avoid a zone boundary passing through a chair or doorway.
- Recalibrate after moving furniture.
- Use fewer, larger zones until the basic occupancy state is stable, then add detail.
The device disappears from Home Assistant
- Confirm continuous power, especially for the USB-C FP2.
- Check 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi signal and local network reachability.
- For ESPHome units, verify that the device still has the expected address and that the ESPHome integration reports it online.
Privacy, cloud dependence and reliability
Radar does not create a camera image, which is a privacy advantage in bedrooms, bathrooms and rented spaces. Integration method still matters: the FP2 is paired through HomeKit Controller and Aqara says its automations can continue without internet access, while ESPHome-oriented devices are intended for local Home Assistant control. Review firmware behavior and network requirements for the exact model you buy rather than assuming every feature is local.
Reliability comes from installation as much as hardware. A nominal 15 m or 6 m figure does not describe every wall, angle or furnishing. There is no authoritative independent benchmark that proves one of these brands is universally more accurate, so judge performance in the room where the automation will run.
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Buying checklist
- Is the room within the sensor’s useful range, with margin for walls and furniture?
- Do you need many zones or only a single occupied/not-occupied state?
- Must the system track multiple people?
- Do you need LUX, UV, CO2, RGB or buzzer features?
- Can you provide permanent power at the mounting point?
- Does your preferred integration use HomeKit Controller or ESPHome?
- Will you combine radar with PIR or a door sensor for faster transitions?
- Have you checked current country availability, firmware and retailer stock?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
