Battery powered presence sensors are finally here — and they’re a big deal for smart homes.
In this video on Mark’s Tech Vlogs, I compare the new battery powered presence sensors from Aqara, Meross, and SwitchBot, looking at real-world use after weeks (and months) of testing.
Unlike traditional motion sensors, presence sensors can detect you even when you’re not moving, making them perfect for lighting, bathroom automations, and whole-home smart setups. Until recently, most presence sensors needed USB power — which made placement awkward. That’s now changed.
Purchase Links:
Switchbot Presence Sensor: https://geni.us/PsB6rQB
Meross MS605 Presence Sensor: https://bit.ly/4p4wlEc (Save 10% with code marktech10)
Aqara FP300: https://geni.us/12nE8ui
Aqara M3 Hub: https://geni.us/dY4D7
Aqara’s Matter Hub (£20): https://geni.us/Mi36
Switchbot Hub: https://geni.us/AhiPA
In this video I cover:
Design & mounting options
Price comparison
Battery life (real usage, not just specs)
Matter, Thread & Zigbee support
Apple Home, Home Assistant & Alexa compatibility
Built-in sensors (presence, light, temperature & humidity)
Bathroom suitability & IP ratings
Automation setup in Apple Home, Home Assistant & Aqara
Speed, reliability & false positives
Which one you should buy — and why
I’ve been using:
SwitchBot for 6 months
Aqara FP300 for 2 months
Meross MS605 for 1 month
Each has strengths, but one clearly stands out depending on where you plan to use it.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction and how long I’ve tested for
01:15 Design
02:13 Price
02:44 Specifications and Battery Life
06:20 Setup
06:44 Automations
09:07 Using all 3
10:20 Which is best and which to buy?
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