Reviews

Aqara Door and Window Sensor

In this review we discuss the impressive original Aqara Door and Window Sensor, and how they've have expanded my HomeKit setup.

Oct 10, 2024

Over the years I’ve been adding more smart devices to my home setup, and Aqara quickly became one of my go-to brands for HomeKit-compatible devices. I decided to expand my system by installing two Aqara Door and Window Sensors, and still to this day I have been really impressed with their performance. So, if you’re considering enhancing your smart home with Aqara products, here’s a detailed review based on my personal experience.

A Smart Home Game-Changer: Aqara Door and Window Sensors

First off, if you’re already invested in the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, the Aqara Door and Window Sensors are a fantastic addition. These little gadgets allow you to automate everyday tasks seamlessly. For example, they can detect when a door or window opens or closes, which can trigger other smart actions like turning lights on or adjusting your heating. Sounds pretty cool, right?

What stands out to me most about these sensors is just how tiny and unobtrusive they are. I mean, they’re so compact that once you’ve attached them to your doors or windows, you barely notice they’re there. The sensors come with an adhesive strip, making installation as simple as peeling and sticking them into place. No drilling or complicated setups—just stick, sync, and go.

Battery Life: No Need to Worry for Years

One of the key concerns with any smart home device is how often you’ll need to replace or recharge its battery. Well, Aqara has nailed it here. Each sensor runs on a CR1632 battery, and the company claims a battery life of about two years. That’s pretty solid for something you don’t really want to fuss over too often. I haven’t had them long enough to test that claim, but if they live up to Aqara's estimation, it’s one less thing to worry about in your smart home routine. I’ll be keeping an eye on how they perform over time, and I’m hopeful they’ll meet or exceed expectations.

Seamless Integration with Apple HomeKit

Another major perk of the Aqara sensors is how easily they integrate with Apple HomeKit—though you do need an Aqara hub to make it all work. These sensors have been superseded with the P2 version which has Matter support so no longer require an Aqara Hub https://www.aqara.com/en/product/door-and-window-sensor-p2/. If you’re already using other Aqara devices, chances are you’ve got the hub in place. In my case, I use the Aqara Camera G2H hub, which pairs seamlessly with the Aqara iOS app. Once synced, these sensors appear in the Apple Home app, allowing you to easily assign automations and triggers to them.

For example, I’ve attached one of the sensors to my back door. Anytime the door opens or closes, I get a notification through the Home app. The other sensor is fixed to the front door, where I’ve set up an automation that switches on the entrance light if the door is opened during the night. It’s the kind of small yet highly practical automation that adds a real touch of convenience to everyday life.

Added Features with the Aqara App

While most of my automations are managed through the Apple Home app, there’s a really handy feature in the Aqara app that I haven’t found in HomeKit yet. The Aqara app allows you to trigger notifications or actions if a door or window stays open for a certain amount of time. This is perfect for situations like leaving a door slightly ajar when you’re not aware of it. I’ve set it up to notify me if either door has been open for more than a few minutes—so helpful!

Customisation and Automations

The flexibility of these sensors in a HomeKit environment is what truly makes them shine. Want to trigger a security system when a window is opened? Done. Looking to control the lights as you walk into a room by opening a door? You’ve got it. The sensors are incredibly versatile when it comes to automations, and they respond quickly, which is crucial for real-time notifications and actions. The instant a door or window opens, the system reacts, which means no annoying delays in turning on lights or getting alerts.

Another thing I love is that despite their small size, these sensors offer big possibilities for more complex automations. With some creativity, you could integrate them into larger automation schemes—like pairing them with Aqara motion sensors or other HomeKit-compatible devices to create layers of automated responses that enhance both security and convenience around the house.

Smart Home Without the Bulk

I can’t overstate how much I appreciate the compact size of these sensors. In the world of smart home devices, we’ve all seen some clunky-looking gadgets that take away from the aesthetic of our homes. Aqara’s sensors are refreshingly small and discreet, so they don’t mess with your decor. That’s been a huge plus for me, especially since they’re so easy to hide on a door frame or window ledge. Once installed, they just blend in without calling attention to themselves. It’s that perfect combination of smart functionality and minimalist design that I look for in tech products.

Future Plans: Expanding My Smart Home Setup

I’m planning to buy more of these sensors to add to windows in my home. They’ve made everyday automations feel like second nature, and I’m eager to see what other creative ways I can use them. From boosting home security to adding more energy-efficient lighting controls, the possibilities feel endless.

And let’s talk about the price—at £16.99 per sensor (at the time of writing), these are an absolute steal. For such a small investment, the value you get in terms of smart home automation is impressive. When compared to other smart home sensors on the market, Aqara offers a robust and reliable option at a price point that’s hard to beat.

Specifications:

Model: MCCG011LM
Dimensions: 41 × 22 × 11 mm (1.61 × 0.87 × 0.43 in)
Wireless Protocol: Zigbee
Battery: CR1632
Operating Temperature: -10°C ~ +50°C (14°F ~ 122°F)
Operating Humidity: 0 ~ 95% RH, no condensation
What’s in the Box: Sensor Unit × 1, Magnet × 1, Sticker × 4, Quick Start Guide × 1

The Verdict: Aqara Door and Window Sensors Are a Must-Have

If you’re looking to take your smart home to the next level, I highly recommend giving the Aqara Door and Window Sensors a try. They’re reliable, easy to install, and packed with features that make automating your home a breeze. Whether you’re using them for security purposes, energy efficiency, or just to make everyday tasks simpler, these sensors are up to the job.

The compact design, great battery life, and seamless HomeKit integration make them a no-brainer for anyone who’s serious about smart home automation. Paired with Aqara’s app and hub, they become even more versatile, giving you more options to customise your automations to suit your needs.

In short, Aqara has done it again. I’ve been impressed with their other products, and these sensors are no exception. They’re a small but mighty addition to my growing smart home system, and I’m confident they’ll continue to impress for years to come.