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Zigbee Smart home - Best Buy Tips


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What is a smart home without digital ears and eyes? Sensors are the digital version of those.
With the sensor data, you can make conditions, act on it and control other devices.

On this page you’ll find the sensors, actuators, and other (Zigbee) home automation hardware I use in my own home and that has worked very reliably for me.

If you need some home automation inspiration, you can check my home automation ideas section!

I’ve been ordering most of my smart home products from AliExpress for years now: good prices, reliable products that last for years, fast shipping (sometimes under a week), and a huge selection.

When a product is also available on Amazon, I also added a link to it.
All the Amazon products are also bundled on these Amazon US and Amazon NL pages.

> Go direct to the sensor section on this page.

Aqara contact sensor pir motion sensor human Presence detection sensor Aqara temperature and humidity sensor


Table of Contents

NOTE 1: Almost all hardware links on this page are devices I also use myself.
Most of the links are affiliate links, you pay the same price AND support my blog a bit.

NOTE 2: I advise these products based on my personal experience.
I run my network with a CC2652 Zigbee adapter and Zigbee2MQTT.
With other hardware combinations it may not run with the same experience.

> Go direct to the sensor section on this page.

Why I chose Zigbee

On the market, there are different types of protocols to create a smart home network. Like Zigbee, Thread, WiFi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave and Matter. All with their pros and cons. You can use different protocols next to each other. I chose one protocol: Zigbee.

zigbee

This is why I chose Zigbee:

  • There is a wide range of sensor and actuator types available;
  • Every Zigbee device works in your network, regardless of manufacturer;
  • The prices are low;
  • It works locally, no internet is required;
  • You can even link buttons directly to (a group of) lamps without the need of a hub;
  • Not dependent on the manufacturer’s app, cloud or other software. When a manufacturer goes bankrupt, you can still use your devices.
  • It works as a mesh network, you can reach devices far away from the coordinator as long as there are enough active hops in between;
  • The standard is an open protocol, you don’t pay license fees (for Z-Wave you do) to use it;
  • No compatibility issues between older and newer Zigbee versions;
  • Zigbee2MQTT is actively developed, and every release adds support for new Zigbee devices;

A reason not to choose Zigbee? I don’t know :)

Zigbee coordinator

Slaesh's CC2652RB stick

I’ve run my Zigbee network non-stop since 2020 with the Slaesh’s CC2652RB stick (Slae website) | CC2652RB without any issue, it’s a very reliable stick. My network has grown to 140+ devices, and it still runs fast.

Sonoff ZBDongle-E Zigbee 3.0 dongle Plus

To avoid interference with Bluetooth or WiFi, it’s better to move the stick away from the server. This is recommended for every stick. You can use a USB-A extension cable (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

Home server

If you’re looking for (upgrade) hardware where you can run Home Assistant and other services on, then you can take a look at this page: Which hardware to run Home Assistant on?
I explain which options are available and clarify common terms. I hope this gives you more information to make a good choice.

Zigbee sensors and actuators

This section contains sensors which I advise, mostly based on my personal experience with them.

Contact sensor

contact sensor

A contact sensor can be placed to check whether doors and windows are open or closed. The sensor only knows those two states. The contact sensor works with a “reed switch”. The circuit is normally open, but when a magnet is nearby, the internal metal closes it.

The sensor can also be attached to other sensors that expose an open or closed circuit. With this behavior, you can also create a seat occupancy sensor or a water leak sensor.

Best option:
Zigbee Contact sensor - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | MCCGQ11LM aka T1. They are small and have a long battery life.

Aqara contact sensor

Cheaper option:
Zigbee Contact sensor - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | ZD08 Small and cheaper.

Tuya contact sensor

2xAAA battery option:
Zigbee Contact sensor 2xAAA powered - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | ZD06 Battery powered, bigger, cheaper.

Motion sensor

pir + mmWave human motion and presence sensor A human presence sensor.
It combines a PIR sensor, mmWave radar, and a brightness sensor. It’s wireless and 2x AAA battery powered.
The PIR sensor detects a person and activates the mmWave radar sensor. This helps avoid detecting animals. It can also detect people who are sitting still or lying in bed.

Zigbee Human motion + presence + lux sensor - Hoazee (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | ZG-204ZM

pir motion sensor The traditional motion sensors work with PIR, which stands for Passive InfraRed. This sensor detects objects that emit heat, like humans and animals.

I like the Aqara motion sensor a lot. It’s fast and reliable. With the stand you can point it in a specific direction, so it doesn’t ‘see’ the whole room.

If I want to cover a whole room, I use a different type of PIR sensor which you can stick in the center of the ceiling and it looks in all directions.

Best option:
Zigbee motion sensor beam, WITH LIGHT SENSOR - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | RTCGQ11LM / P1

motion sensor


Alternative option:
Zigbee motion sensor beam - Xiaomi (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | RTCGQ01LM

All direction option:
Zigbee motion sensor all directions - Tuya (AliExpress) | IH012-RT01

2xAAA battery option:
Zigbee / WiFi motion sensor PIR, AAA powered - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon US) | ZP01


Presence detection sensor

A presence sensor does not need a direct line of sight. It uses radar to detect people (and pets). You can even hide it in a closet, and it will still detect presence. It can even detect a person who isn’t moving, for example, someone sitting on a couch or chair.
Ideal for the living room, bedrooms and home office.

Best option:
human Presence detection sensor The Aqara FP300 is a new battery-powered sensor with PIR and mmWave radar. It can detect people up to 6 meters away and also measures light, temperature, and humidity. It can be configured with multiple zones where you can detect people.

Zigbee or Thread (Matter) - Aqara FP300 (Amazon NL) | FP300

Cheaper option:
human Presence detection sensor Zigbee / WiFi human Presence detection sensor (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | ZY-M100-24G




Temperature sensor

Aqara temperature and humidity sensor

A temperature sensor is a simple sensor that measures both temperature and humidity in a room. This sensor is useful for automations, like taking action if someone is in the shower, or in summer when it becomes cooler outside than inside.

Best option:
Zigbee temperature and humidity sensor - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) (Banggood) | WSDCGQ11LM

Cheaper option:
Zigbee temperature and humidity sensor - Tuya / Thirdreality (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | RSH-HS06

2xAAA battery option:
Zigbee / WiFi temperature and humidity sensor 2xAAA powered - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | WSD500A Battery powered, bigger, cheaper.
This sensor can be converted into an outlet sensor.
Battery powered temperature and humidity sensor

With display option:
Zigbee / WiFi temperature and humidity sensor 2xAAA powered with display. The width is 7 cm and the height is 2,6 cm.
(AliExpress) (Not available on Amazon US) Model: ZY-TH01Pro Battery powered temperature and humidity sensor with display

Water-resistant option:

Zigbee water-resistant (IP65) aquarium/pool/bath water temperature sensor with a probe and display. (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

Model: SNZB-02LD Battery: CR2477 | SNZB-02LD

Battery powered temperature and humidity sensor with display


Light intensity sensor

Light intensity / lux sensor

A light intensity sensor (lux sensor) measures the amount of light.
Useful to enable the lights when it becomes dark outside.

Best option:
Zigbee lux sensor - Aqara T1 (AliExpress) | GZCGQ11LM Very reliable, very long battery life, quick response on small light changes, more expensive.


Leak sensor

Each leak sensor has two metal contacts. When these contacts come into contact with water, current flows from one contact to the other and the circuit closes. The sensor sends a signal “water detected”! Water conducts the current and air doesn’t.

The Aqara leak sensor has two metal screw contacts on the back of the sensor that measure whether there is water. This sensor is completely water-resistant. It has a small size and the battery lasts a very long time. That makes it more expensive, but also very reliable.

It can also be used to create other binary sensors, like the chair occupancy sensor.

Best option:
Leak sensor - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | SJCGQ11LM

Aqara leak sensor

leak sensor Cheaper option:
Another leak sensor is the one with a wire, this sensor itself isn’t water-resistant, only the other end of the cable may become wet. This one runs on two common AAA batteries, which make the sensor fairly big but cheaper to buy.

Zigbee leak sensor (AliExpress) (Not available on Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | TS0207


Pressure sensor

zigbee pressure sensor

A strip with pressure sensors in it.
I have a separate page explaining how I created my own Zigbee chair occupancy sensor.

Suitable for chairs, carpets, beds, and sofas:

  • Compact and convenient, with multiple pressure sensing points
  • Flexible, lightweight, bend-resistant
  • Power input: CR2032 battery


Zigbee pressure sensor - Tuya (AliExpress)

Alternative: larger Zigbee pressure mat sensor - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon US)

Lights

GU10

Zigbee smart gu10 light

Zigbee GU10 full color light with RGB, 5W, and an E14 fitting. (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) |


Bulb

Zigbee smart bulb

You can replace a normal E27 bulb with a Zigbee variant. With the colored version, you can use the light color to indicate different states.

Zigbee light bulb dimmable colored (AliExpress) (Amazon US) | CK-BL702-AL-01

 

Bulb socket

smart bulb socket An easy solution: screw it between the original socket and the lamp to make the lamp controllable.

WiFi / Zigbee smart light bulb socket (AliExpress) (Amazon US)

 

 

LED strip

LED strip

This LED strip is available in different versions:

  • Indoor no waterproof (IP20) / Outdoor waterproof (IP65)
  • 5 / 10 meter
  • RGB White or RGB Warm White


Zigbee RGB 5m LED strip (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | TS0503B


WiFi ESP32 WLED RGB 3-30m LED strip (AliExpress) This one supports over 100 dynamic effects. These are controllable via the WLED API or app.

Buttons

Wall switch

Zigbee Moes wall switch

Zigbee wall switch - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | QBKG41LM

Zigbee wall switch - Moes (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | ZS-EUB


Wall dimmer

Zigbee dimmers

This Zigbee dimmer replaces an original wall dimmer module.
An easy way to make a dimmable group of GU10 lights smart.

ECO-DIM.07 LED dimmer press/turn 0-200W - EcoDim (manufacturer site with links to different shops) | Eco-Dim.07

ECO-DIM.01 LED dimmer press/turn 0-300W - EcoDim (Amazon NL)

Other EcoDimZigbee devices - EcoDim (manufacturer site with links to different shops)


Portable button

Zigbee button

These buttons can trigger multiple scenarios because they support three press types: single, double, and long press.

Best option:
Zigbee button - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | WXKG11LM

Cheaper option:
Small Zigbee button - Tuya / Loginovo (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | ZG-101ZL

Vibration sensor

Zigbee button

This sensor can measure vibrations and rotations in the X, Y, and Z directions.

Zigbee vibration sensor - Aqara (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | DJT11LM



USB adapter switch

Zigbee USB adapter switch

This actuator can toggle the power state of each USB port individually.
The first port can also be used to switch USB data access on and off, while the other two only provide USB power.

Zigbee / WiFi USB adapter switch - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | TS0003

Zigbee / WiFi USB adapter switch - Sonoff (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

Check also the dedicated page about this device.


Plant soil sensor

Zigbee soil sensor Do your plants have enough water? You place this sensor in the soil near the plant, and it detects whether the soil is too dry or the temperature is too high.

Powered by two AAA batteries.

Make sure you select the Zigbee version:
Zigbee soil humidity sensor - Tuya (AliExpress) | TS0601_soil_3

Alternative: Zigbee soil humidity sensor - Tuya (AliExpress)

Outdoor sensors

There are also outdoor sensors and actuators available, like water-resistant sockets, LED strips, rain sensors, etc…

There is a separate page where you can find them: Outdoor sensors - Best Buy Tips


Air quality sensor

Air quality sensor

This 6-in-1 sensor can detect six environmental parameters:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • PM2.5
  • VOC of poisonous gas
  • Formaldehyde (not really accurate)
  • CO2 (not really accurate, then you need a dedicated one)

All these values can affect the health of your home environment.

Normally, you would need a separate sensor for each parameter.

Because the price is low, there are some downsides in sensor precision: the formaldehyde and CO2 readings are not as accurate as dedicated sensors. For the other parameters, it is a good overall air quality sensor to show whether you need some fresh air indoors.

Zigbee / WiFi Air quality sensor - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | TS0601


Smoke detector

smoke detector

The device can detect smoke and has an 85 dB alarm.

Zigbee smoke detector - Heiman (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | HS1SA

Battery: CR123A


Infrared remote control

Zigbee IR remote control

These devices can learn infrared remote-control signals and send them again via Zigbee. This way you can create automations for air conditioners, fans, lights, etc.

I have a dedicated page: Zigbee infrared transmitter / receiver on how to program and use this device to replace and automate the original remote control. Controlled by Home Assistant.

Zigbee IR remote control - Moes (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) | UFO-R11

WiFi option: WiFi IR remote control RM4 Mini - Broadlink (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

Cheaper WiFi option: WiFi IR remote control - Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

Infrared + RF + 433MHz + 315MHz remote control

WiFi IR + RF + 433 + 315 remote control

This WiFi device supports a wide range of wireless protocols, like infrared, RF, 433MHz, and 315MHz. It can learn signals from the original remote control and retransmit them via WiFi.
This way you can create automations for air conditioners, fans, lights, etc.

WiFi IR + RF + 433 + 315 remote control - Moes (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL) Model: RF-R1 / UFO-R2-RF


Radiator Thermostat

Zigbee radiator thermostat

With this radiator thermostat valve, it is possible to open and close the radiator in steps.
You can also schedule a full week of target temperatures.

Zigbee smart radiator thermostat - Moes / Tuya (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | TV02
Zigbee smart radiator thermostat W600 - Aqara (Amazon NL) | Aqara WT-A03E


Smart socket

BlitzWolf SHP-15 smart socket

Smart sockets are useful for making traditional “dumb” devices smart, like a standing lamp with a plug.

Sockets are always connected to power, which makes this socket also a hub in the Zigbee network and extends the range and coverage of your network. You can also place a smart socket in a strategic spot with poor coverage to improve this.

A smart plug with power consumption metrics can be useful to detect a machine’s state from its power draw. This can be used for washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, etc.

I use the European Zigbee BlitzWolf EU SHP-13 and SHP-15, which also measure power consumption. It has a physical button to switch the state, and can handle 3680 W and 16 A, which is enough for washing machines and dryers. It took me a while to find the right smart socket for this purpose, but the ones I use have run for years without any issues.

Zigbee smart power socket with power measurement - BlitzWolf EU SHP-15 (Banggood) (AliExpress) | TS011F_plug_3

Zigbee smart power socket with power measurement - BlitzWolf EU SHP-13 (Banggood) | TS0121


Power strip

Zigbee power strip Zigbee power strip with 4x outlets (max. 16A) and 2x USB-A (5V 2.1A).

Each outlet and the two USB ports can be controlled independently. A cheaper solution than four single smart sockets.

  • Suitable for EU/US/JP
  • With overload protection switch
  • Extension cable 1.5m
  • Manual master switch
  • LED indicator for each socket


Zigbee power strip with 4 outlets and 2 USB ports - BORUIDAPLS / LELLKI (AliExpress) (AliExpress) (Amazon NL) | SM-0306E-2W



Zigbee power strip Another Zigbee power strip with 4x outlets (max. 16A 4000W) and 2x USB-A (5V 3A) fast charging.

Each outlet can be controlled independently, with a light indicator. The two USB ports are controlled together. A cheaper solution than four single smart sockets.

  • Physical button for each socket
  • Suitable for EU
  • Overload protection
  • Extension cable 1.8m
  • Manual master switch
  • LED indicator for each socket


Zigbee power strip with 4 outlets and 2 USB ports - Lellki (AliExpress)

| E220-KR4N0Z0-HA (WP33)


Smart Curtains

If you’re looking for a U-rail solution, you can look at Slide - Smart Curtains.


Google Coral USB

Google Coral

USB accelerator to handle heavy image-processing tasks, like human detection with Frigate.

Coral USB - Google (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)


Batteries

The advantage of many Zigbee sensors is that they work completely wirelessly. You can place them everywhere without wiring. Most of the devices run for years on a single battery, but every now and then you need to replace them. Before you start using a new sensor, check which battery it uses and order a few in advance. When it runs out of power, you can replace it immediately with a new battery.

These are common types of batteries used by the above-mentioned sensors:

Battery eliminators

battery eliminator

A battery eliminator (aka battery replacement) is, as the name suggests, a replacement for battery-powered devices to connect them to mains power. This saves you from buying new batteries. The big advantage is also that you can now control them with your home automations by adding a smart plug between the device and the wall outlet. You also don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn them off again. There are different variants, including replacements for AA or AAA batteries and versions with a plug or USB connector. The advantage of a USB connector is that you can plug several into a powered USB hub to control multiple devices.

I use these a lot for all kinds of Christmas decorations.

AA battery replacement with USB (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

AAA battery replacement with USB (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

AA battery replacement with power socket EU (AliExpress)

AAA battery replacement with power socket EU (AliExpress)

CR2032 battery replacement with USB (AliExpress) (Amazon US)

USB A or C to clips 3V (same voltage as two batteries)

battery eliminator


Cables

Micro USB power cable

USB-A to micro USB cable to power the ESP.

Micro USB cable
Micro USB cable (AliExpress) (Amazon US) (Amazon NL)

USB-C power cable

USB-A to USB-C cable to power the ESP.

USB C cable
USB-A to USB-C cable (AliExpress) (Amazon US)

USB-C to USB-C

USB-C to USB-C power cable with 90-degree connectors.

USB C to USB C cable
USB-C to USB-C power cable (AliExpress) (Amazon US)

USB-A extension cable

Useful for moving your Zigbee stick away from your server for better range and less interference.

extension cable
USB A Extension Cable Male to Female (AliExpress) (Amazon US)


Power

Adapters

5V USB EU power adapter to power your USB devices.

5V USB EU power adapter

5V 2A EU USB power adapter (AliExpress)

5V 2A EU USB power adapter (AliExpress)

5V EU USB power adapter to power multiple USB devices, with fast charging and 3.1A.

5V EU USB power adapter

5V USB EU power adapter (AliExpress) (Amazon US)


Battery powered with PIR

Not connected, but still smart because it has a PIR sensor in it.

Lights

Very useful for closets or stairs where no power is available.

Battery powered PIR lights

Battery powered PIR lights (AliExpress) (Amazon US)


Automatic soap dispenser

Battery powered automatic soap dispenser With this automatic soap dispenser, you can wash your hands much faster without touching the dispenser. It has been a must-have in my kitchen since the first time I used one. It contains a PIR sensor to detect when your hand is nearby, and then it dispenses a small amount of foam soap. The amount can be set in four levels.

The dispenser contains soap already mixed with water, so foam comes out of it. You don’t need to create the foam yourself, which saves water, time, and soap.

I use several of them around the house. In the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.

Make sure you select the foam version and not the normal liquid one!

Battery powered automatic soap dispenser (AliExpress) (Amazon US)




That’s it for the indoor sensors. See also my Outdoor sensors - Best Buy Tips

You can also check out ESPHome DIY sensors buy tips for hardware tips to create your own sensors.

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