This category contains smart sensors and detectors for homes and small commercial buildings: motion, door and window contact, smoke, water leak, temperature and air quality devices. Leading brands in our range include AJAX, EQ-3, AQARA and MILESIGHT.
Some products are stand-alone alarms, while others report to a hub or app.
How to choose a smart sensor or detector
Protocol and ecosystem. A sensor only works with a hub or system that speaks its language. AQARA devices use Zigbee, FIBARO and AEOTEC are built around Z-Wave, and AJAX and EQ-3 (Homematic IP) run on their own radio systems. Check what your existing hub, speaker or app supports before you buy.
What you want to detect. Motion sensors cover rooms and corridors, contact sensors watch doors and windows, and leak sensors belong under sinks, washing machines and water heaters. Smoke and carbon monoxide detection needs a dedicated alarm, and it should carry a recognised safety marking such as EN 14604 for smoke alarms.
Power and backup. Most wireless sensors run on coin cell or AA/AAA batteries, and life between changes depends on the model and how often it triggers. The hub or gateway usually needs mains power, so a battery backup is worth checking if power cuts are common where you live.
Location and environment. Indoor sensors are not built for rain, dust or extreme temperatures, so outdoor and workshop use calls for a suitable ingress protection rating. If you have pets, look for a motion sensor with pet tolerance, otherwise it may trigger all day.
Alerts or automation. Some detectors sound a local siren, while others only send a notification or trigger scenes such as turning on a light. Decide whether you need an alarm, a monitor or a trigger for other devices.
Brands we carry
- AJAX: wireless security systems in which sensors, sirens and keypads connect to a central hub and are managed from an app.
- EQ-3: maker of Homematic IP, a smart home system with its own range of window, motion, smoke and climate sensors.
- AQARA: Zigbee sensors that work with Apple Home, Google Home and Amazon Alexa through a compatible hub.
- MILESIGHT: IoT company known for LoRaWAN sensors used for monitoring in commercial and industrial settings.
- FIBARO: Z-Wave smart home brand with motion, flood, door and window and smoke sensors.
- NETATMO: French brand known for indoor air quality monitors and weather stations.
- AEOTEC: Z-Wave devices, including multisensors that combine several measurements in one unit.
- FIREANGEL: UK brand focused on smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.
- BOSCH: smart home smoke and motion detectors that form part of the Bosch Smart Home system.
Also in our range: ALLNET, MACLEAN and OSRAM.
Sensors and detectors FAQ
Do smart sensors need a hub?
Many do. Zigbee, Z-Wave and proprietary radio sensors normally connect through a hub or gateway, which links them to your app and other devices. Some sensors connect directly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but these suit only a few devices because each one uses your network and drains its battery faster.
Which is better for sensors: Zigbee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi?
None is better in every case, so choose the one your hub and other devices already use. Zigbee and Z-Wave are low-power mesh protocols designed for battery sensors. Wi-Fi is simpler to set up but is generally harder on batteries.
How long do smart sensor batteries last?
Typically from several months to a few years, depending on the model, battery type and how often it triggers. A door sensor on a rarely used door lasts longer than a motion sensor in a busy hallway. Check the manufacturer's stated battery life and whether the app warns you when it is running low.
Can a smart smoke detector replace a standard one?
Yes, as long as it meets the relevant smoke alarm standard, such as EN 14604. A smart smoke alarm adds phone notifications and links to other devices, but it should still sound locally when it detects smoke. Test it regularly, just as you would a standard alarm.
