Smart Home · Smart Motion Sensors
What's the difference between a PIR motion sensor and an mmWave presence sensor?
Reviewer consensus
PIR (passive infrared) sensors like the Philips Hue and Aqara P1 detect movement by sensing heat changes, so they're reliable, battery-friendly, and cheap, but they can miss a person sitting still. mmWave radar sensors like the Aqara FP2 and FP1E detect tiny movements and even a stationary body, enabling true 'presence' automations, but they're pricier, usually need wired power, and verified-purchase reviewers report a steeper setup curve.

