mmWave presence sensors are changing the game in smart home automation. Unlike traditional PIR motion sensors, mmWave sensors can detect subtle movement — like breathing — making them ideal for bedrooms, offices, and bathrooms where accurate presence detection matters.
We’ve spent hours researching the most popular mmWave sensors used with Home Assistant in 2025, analyzing real-world feedback from forums, reviews, and spec sheets. This guide breaks down our findings to help you pick the right sensor — whether you’re a plug-and-play user or a DIY tinkerer.
What Is an mmWave Presence Sensor?
mmWave (millimeter-wave) sensors use high-frequency radar to detect motion and presence, even without line-of-sight. Unlike PIR (Passive Infrared), mmWave can track micro-movements — like someone sitting still or lying in bed.
This makes them perfect for use cases like:
- Accurate room occupancy for automations
- Triggering lights, HVAC, or media based on presence
- Zone-based detection for multi-occupant rooms
Why Choose mmWave Over PIR?
| Feature | mmWave | PIR |
|---|---|---|
| Detects Micro-Movements | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wall/Ceiling Penetration | ✅ (limited) | ❌ |
| Zone Detection | ✅ (some models) | ❌ |
| False Negatives (e.g., person sitting still) | ✅ Rare | ❌ Common |
Top mmWave Presence Sensors for Home Assistant (2025)
These are the top sensors based on integration quality, accuracy, and feedback from the Home Assistant community.
| Sensor | Protocol | Zones | Power | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara FP2 | Wi-Fi | ✅ Yes | USB-C | Plug-and-play with Apple/HA |
| Tuya ZY-M100 | Zigbee | ❌ No | USB-C | Budget Zigbee setups |
| LD2410C (DIY) | UART / Bluetooth | ✅ Yes (via ESPHome) | 5V | ESPHome enthusiasts |
| Everything Presence One | Wi-Fi + PIR | ✅ Yes | USB-C | Feature-rich hybrid sensor |
What the Community Is Saying
Aqara FP2
Feedback from the Home Assistant community is generally positive, especially among those looking for a high-accuracy, plug-and-play solution. Many users praise its ability to reliably detect subtle presence (such as someone sleeping) and to define specific zones for more advanced automations. This zoning capability — set via the Aqara app and then imported into Home Assistant — is one of its standout features. According to users on Reddit, it performs well even in larger rooms if placed correctly.
However, some criticism has emerged over time. Users have reported issues with slow zone clearing and stuck presence, especially if the device is mounted too low or in a cluttered room. Firmware updates have mitigated some of these complaints, including introducing a local-only mode — no longer requiring Aqara’s cloud service once set up (source).
Tuya ZY-M100
The ZY-M100 is often recommended as a cost-effective Zigbee alternative. It lacks advanced features like zoning, but users on platforms like Reddit and the HA forums frequently cite its reliability for basic presence detection.
It integrates well with Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA and requires minimal configuration. While it won’t detect a person lying motionless on a couch, it’s fast and dependable when someone enters or leaves the room. That makes it ideal for entryway lights, bathrooms, or non-critical areas where perfect zoning isn’t needed.
LD2410C / MSR-2
Among enthusiasts and DIYers, the LD2410C — often paired with an ESP32 and ESPHome — is viewed as a best-in-class option for precision and customization. Users like this detailed post highlight how zone distances and sensitivity can be finely tuned via YAML.
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive among those comfortable with the setup process. It’s not plug-and-play: you’ll need to flash firmware, configure ESPHome, and potentially fiddle with physical positioning. But the reward is a responsive, zoned presence sensor that can outperform many commercial products when dialed in. Common praise includes its low cost and high flexibility.
Everything Presence One
This relatively new entrant combines mmWave with PIR fallback and includes multiple environment sensors (light, temperature, humidity, air quality). Community feedback is still emerging, but initial reviews from shop buyers and discussions on forums suggest a strong impression.
Its dual-sensor approach is seen as a smart solution to mmWave’s occasional latency or stuck states. By including a PIR sensor, it avoids cases where the radar thinks someone is still in the room after they’ve left. Because it’s ESPHome-native out of the box, it integrates well with HA. Users also appreciate the compact design and bundled sensors, which allow it to act as a mini environmental hub — potentially replacing multiple devices.
How to Integrate With Home Assistant
- Aqara FP2: Native support via HomeKit Controller or custom integrations. Zone setup via Aqara app, then imported into HA.
- Tuya ZY-M100: Works with Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA. Simple config, no zones.
- LD2410C: Flash via ESPHome. YAML config needed. Highly customizable, but not plug-and-play.
- Everything Presence One: Connects via ESPHome. Dual-sensor logic handled via HA automations.
What We Recommend
If you want plug-and-play: Aqara FP2 is the most user-friendly, with zone support and great UI. It’s not the cheapest, but it works well out of the box.
If you’re on a budget: Tuya ZY-M100 gets the job done for under $25. No zones, but reliable basic presence detection with Zigbee.
If you’re a DIY fan: The LD2410C paired with an ESP32 board is flexible, affordable, and well-supported via ESPHome.
If you want the most features: Everything Presence One offers rich data and redundancy — great for high-accuracy setups.
Final Thoughts
mmWave sensors bring a new level of accuracy to smart home presence detection. While they’re not all created equal, even entry-level models can dramatically improve your automations. Whether you want seamless plug-and-play or a hobbyist’s playground, there’s an mmWave option that fits.
This guide is based on our independent research from public documentation, user forums, and product testing videos. We may earn a commission when you purchase through affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
