Door/Window Sensors

Discover the Best Door and Window Sensors for your Smart Home.

Outfitting your smart home with reliable contact sensors is essential, especially when security is your primary goal. Even if your intent is to use door and window sensors as simple triggers, you want a solid pick that will perform as advertised.

With countless options on the market, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming. In this article, we take a deep dive into the world of smart contact sensors compatible with Homey.

We'll explore a range of options, examining their features, reliability and Homey integration. Hopefully by the end of our best buy guide, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the best choices available, ensuring your smart home is not only connected but also secured.

What to look for in a contact sensor?

Smart contact sensors, also known as door and window sensors, are straightforward devices with minimal variation across models. Typically, they consist of two components: a sensor and a magnet. When these components are separated (e.g. door opened), the magnet prompts the device to respond.

While technical distinctions may be minimal, there's a broad range in communication protocols, shape, size, colors, and battery longevity among contact sensors. Here are a couple of key factors to consider when selecting a door and window sensor:

• Compatibility – Select a compatible motion sensor with your Homey Cloud, Homey Bridge or Homey Pro smart home platform.
• Size, Shape and Color – Contact sensors can be found in different shapes, dimensions and colors. Consider your installation location/position carefully and make sure it will fit and blend in with your door/window frames.
• Ease of Installation – Prioritize sensors that are easy to install and set up, preferably with adhesive backing or simple screw mounting options
• Battery Life – Consider the battery life of the contact sensor, or opt for a device that relies on easily replaceable and common battery types.
• Price – Deploying multiple sensors can strain your budget, so make an informed choice by considering the price-to-performance ratio highlighted in our article.

Brand	Model	Protocol	Battery Life	Price
Aeotec	Recessed Door Sensor 7	Z-Wave	3 years	€37.90
Aqara	Door and Window Sensor P2	Thread	3 years	€32.99
Eve	Door & Window	Thread	1 year	€39.95
Fibaro	Door/Window Sensor 2	Z-Wave	2 years	€39.95
Frient	Entry Sensor Pro	Zigbee	9 years	€29.95
Ikea	Parasoll Door/Window Sensor	Zigbee	3 years	€9.99
Philips	Secure Contact Sensor	Zigbee	2 years	€39.99
Ring Security	Contact Sensor v2	Z-Wave	3 years	€25.99
Sensative	Strips Guard 800	Z-Wave	10 years	€39.95
Shelly	BLU Door/Window Sensor	Bluetooth	5 years	€19.99
SwitchBot	Contact Sensor	Bluetooth	3 years	€29.99
ThirdReality	Door/Window Sensor	Zigbee	2 years	€20.00
Zooz	Open/Close Sensor	Z-Wave	1 year	€37.50

The Aeotec Recessed Door Sensor 7 is a very discreet smart home device designed to monitor the status of doors and windows. Installed within the frame, it remains virtually invisible while providing security and automation capabilities.

While the installation process for the Aeotec Recessed Contact Sensor may be more involved compared to other models, its single battery can last up to 3 years, reducing the frequency of replacements and the need to remove it from the door frame.

This recessed sensor relies on Z-Wave for talking to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro, a low-power communication protocol by design, suitable for these types of devices. Aeotec also offers a Zigbee-based Multipurpose Contact Sensor in their lineup, with vibration, tilt and temperature capabilities.

The P2 is Aqara's latest door and window sensor, designed to communicate over the next-generation Thread communication protocol. By using nearby Thread border routers, it can connect to your Homey Pro even from extended ranges, making installation easier and more flexible.

Although it maintains a sleek profile tailored to complement door frames, it stands out as one of the lengthiest contact sensors on our list, measuring at 77mm. This does allow the device to accommodate a better battery (CR123A), which can keep it going for up to 3 years.

The P2 comes with a sticker and a thin magnet, so you can easily install it on metal surfaces like metal door frames, fridge doors or front gates.

Side note: Aqara’s previous generation Door and Window Sensor is widely considered to be the best Zigbee contact sensor you can add to any smart home, characterized with very long battery life, miniscule footprint and integration compatibility.

As another Matter-enabled door/window sensor, consider the latest release by Eve, simply called Eve Door & Window. Just like the P2 model, it harnesses Thread technology to communicate with your Homey Pro, leveraging its network mesh capabilities.

Onboarding and setting up the Eve Door & Window sensor is a breeze, utilizing your smartphone's Bluetooth connection—a benefit of all Matter devices.

The Eve Door & Window features a very modern design with smooth edges, meant for indoor installation on door frames. It's one of the smallest devices on our list, making it barely noticeable when mounted, especially on white door frames.

Its power source is a single ER14250 battery, often referred as Half-AA battery which can keep the device going at a maximum of 1 year. This is a shorter lifespan than that of comparable devices on our best buy guide.

The Fibaro Door/Window Sensor 2, crafted by the renowned Polish smart home manufacturer of the same name, is a contact sensor utilizing Z-Wave technology—a communication protocol integrated across their product lineup.

Equipped with a temperature sensor, the Fibaro Door/Window Sensor also functions as an ambient sensor in its installed location, transmitting data to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro. Additionally, it comes with an anti-tamper mechanism, notifying you of any attempts to relocate the device.

Measuring at 71mm long and 18mm thick, it’s definitely among the largest devices on our list. However, the great thing about this sensor is that it’s available in 7 different colors, catering to a wide range of door and window color designs. When you match one of the colors to your door, the device seamlessly blends in, rendering its size inconsequential.

It’s powered by a single half-AA battery, which can keep it going for up to 2 years.

If battery life is of utmost importance to you, consider the Frient Entry Sensor Pro as your top pick. The company claims a whopping 9 years battery life on a set of AAA batteries, which is significantly more than any other device on our list.

While it may sound like an overstretch, the claim of 9 years of battery life for the Frient Entry Sensor Pro could be closer to the truth, thanks to the deep sleep mode that battery-powered Zigbee devices typically enter when idle.

The Entry Sensor Pro is equipped with an additional temperature and vibration sensor, which turns this device into an effective security sensor. To accommodate the batteries and extra features, Frient went for a very long but thin design of the Entry Sensor Pro in all-white color, which might be hard to conceal if you have wooden doors.

If you do not care about a temperature reading or an anti-tamper mechanism, Frient also offers the Entry Sensor, which is the same device without additional features at a lower price tag.

Following IKEA's familiar style, the PARASOLL stands out as a straightforward door and window sensor, devoid of any extra features. This device is purposefully made to function solely as a dependable contact sensor.

Because the device is not equipped with additional sensors or safety mechanisms, its price is held very low. At €9.99, it’s the most affordable contact sensor you can install in bulk in your smart home.

Powered by a single AAA battery, it's important to note that IKEA recommends using rechargeable 1.2V batteries instead of the standard 1.5V to avoid possible connectivity issues. It relies on Zigbee to communicate with your Homey and can leverage existing routers on your network for better range and stability.

The PARASOLL is the longest door and window sensor on our list, with the magnet matching the length of the main unit. At nearly 9cm long and color availability only in white, it can be hard to hide it out of sight.

If you are a fan of the Philips Hue smart home ecosystem, consider checking out their newest addition: the Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor for doors and windows.

It’s a beautiful and elegant smart sensor designed in two colors (black and white), meant to perform primarily as a security device. There is a small button in the middle which also acts as a visual indicator about the status of the sensor.

The Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor is characterized with a high-quality premium build, a battery life of two years and a reliable Zigbee connection. It seamlessly integrates with your Homey Pro through the Hue Bridge.

Unfortunately, the Secure Contact Sensor lacks any extra sensors or features, which is disappointing given its higher price compared to nearly all other devices on our list.

The second-generation Ring Contact Sensor is a key component of Ring's home security ecosystem. Designed to monitor doors and windows, it provides instant alerts to your smartphone or tablet when opened or closed.

With its sleek and compact design, it seamlessly blends into any home decor. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Ring Contact Sensor v2 offers improved battery life and upgraded Z-Wave connectivity, guaranteeing consistent and reliable performance over time.

With a lifespan of up to three years on a pair of CR2032 button batteries, the Ring Contact Sensor v2 boasts impressive longevity without occupying much space. As a result, it ranks among the most compact door and window sensors featured on our best buy guide.

The Sensative Strips Guard 800 is the game-changing magnetic sensor that monitors open/closed status changes in doors, windows, gates, and other openings in your home.

The discreet design and easy mounting with adhesive backing make this the sensor of choice for design-conscious individuals like architects or interior decorators. The Strip Guard 800 is only 3mm thick and is made to follow along the lines of your windows and doors, making it virtually invisible.

This sensor communicates over Z-Wave with your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro, leveraging the strengths of your mesh network, ensuring a reliable connection. Paired in Homey, it provides notifications for contact status, tamper and battery alarm, if it ever needs a replacement.

We say if it ever needs, because the Sensative Strips Guard claims an incredible 10-year battery life! While 10 years is a very long period, it's important to point out that changing the battery requires soldering skills, so it's not easy to replace.

The Strips are designed for both indoor and outdoor environments. They are waterproof and can withstand negative temperatures of -30°. This means that you will be able to monitor your doors and windows but also your garage or garden hut.

The smallest door and window sensor you can add to your Homey-powered smart home comes from Shelly, a company known for producing affordable, yet high quality and feature packed devices.

The Shelly BLU Door and Window sensor is tiny, measuring at just 35x35mm in width and height. You can get it in three colors: white, black or a nice wooden hue to match your door or window frame.

This sensor uses Bluetooth Low Energy to communicate with your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro, which makes it incredibly energy efficient. Even with its tilt and temperature sensor, it impressively lasts up to five years on just one CR2032 button battery.

Considering the additional features, great battery life and different color availability, the Shelly BLU Door and Window sensor is definitely the best value pick on our list.

SwitchBot fans should check out the company's Contact Sensor for simple yet effective monitoring of door/window openings in their homes. Similar to other SwitchBot devices, this sensor uses Bluetooth to connect and integrate seamlessly with your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro.

Alternatively, if you own their Hub 2, you can establish a direct connection to the Homey Cloud.
The sensor has an attractive, modern design with a sleek white LED indicator positioned at the center of the main unit. Additionally, its body is coated with an anti-UV layer to prevent the white color from fading to yellow when exposed to direct sunlight.

The SwitchBot Contact Sensor operates on standard AAA batteries, requiring replacement every three years. However, it lacks any additional sensors or features, which affects its affordability and overall value proposition compared to other options on our list.

ThirdReality devices are recognized by smart home enthusiasts for their simplicity, affordability, and straightforward functionality. Their Door/Window sensor is no exception.

Like most of their smart devices, the contact sensor uses Zigbee to connect to Homey Bridge or Homey Pro, while utilizing adjacent routers for improved range and stability. It’s very well optimized and performs commendably in a Zigbee network.

The ThirdReality Door/Window sensor can last up to two years on a good set of AAA batteries or even more if the device is not being excessively utilized.

There are no additional sensors or features, which makes the Thirdreality Door/Window a no frills, no complications, budget-friendly pick for a contact sensor.

If you prefer deploying Z-Wave devices instead of Zigbee, consider the Zooz Open/Close Sensor as a high quality and premium addition to your Homey-powered smart home.

The ZOOZ ZSE41, simply named as the Open/Close Sensor by the company, is a very compact and ultra-thin door and window sensor. It operates using Z-Wave technology, offering a maximum communication range of 100 meters in an open connection.

This sensor supports the highest level of Z-Wave S2 security to keep your network and your home safe. It also employs a feature known as SmartStart, commonly utilized in Z-Wave devices, which facilitates faster setup and onboarding process.

Should you decide to install this contact sensor outdoors, ZOOZ offers a neat weatherproof case accessory, capable of withstanding rain and other weather elements.

This particular model is powered by a single CR2032 battery, which might be its one downfall. Compared to other models, the ZOOZ can only live for one year on a single battery.

Long-range alternatives

If you're in search of door and window sensors offering extended connectivity range, capable of directly linking to Homey within a 100-meter radius, we suggest exploring options from Telldus, Trust (KlikAanKlikUit) or Cleverio. 

Operating on 433MHz radio protocol, both the Homey Bridge and Homey Pro seamlessly support these devices. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also typically run on common batteries, making them ideal for automating garage doors, windows in detached houses, or yard entry points.

Summary

No matter which model you decide to go for, your Homey can handle all of them. Depending on your main goal, you might prefer one model over another.

If security is your main concern, consider deploying a Z-Wave device like the Zooz Open/Close or Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor.

If you value battery life the most, the Frient Entry Sensor Pro along with the Shelly BLU Door and Window sensors should be on your short list.

If you are looking to future-proof your smart home, go for the Matter-enabled Aqara P2 or the newest Eve Door & Window Sensor. These two rely on Thread for connectivity – a next-generation communication protocol.

And lastly, if the door and window sensor you are installing must be completely hidden out of sight, get the Aeotec Recessed Contact Sensor.