Three presence sensors with different jobs
The FP300, FP2 and FP1E all belong in a discussion about presence detection.
That doesn’t make them interchangeable.
Choosing between them becomes easier when you stop asking:
Which is the best Aqara presence sensor?
and instead ask:
What do I need the sensor to do in this room?
Aqara FP300 — flexible multi-sensing
The FP300 combines PIR and 60GHz mmWave presence sensing.
Aqara also specifies:
- temperature;
- humidity;
- ambient light;
- Zigbee;
- Thread;
- two CR2450 batteries.
That combination makes the FP300 particularly interesting where you want more than a single presence entity and don’t want to run a permanent USB power cable to the sensor.
Home Assistant currently lists the FP300 in Aqara’s Works with Home Assistant programme.
Consider the FP300 when:
You value flexible placement.
You want presence plus environmental information.
Battery operation suits the room.
You want a newer multi-protocol sensor architecture.
Aqara FP2 — advanced room zones
The FP2 targets a different problem.
It is a powered Wi-Fi presence sensor designed around advanced spatial detection, including configurable zones.
That can enable one physical sensor to distinguish activity in different parts of a room.
For example:
Desk zone occupied → office task-lighting scene.
Sofa zone occupied → entertainment scene.
Room vacant → switch appropriate equipment off.
This makes the FP2 particularly interesting for larger or multifunctional rooms.
The trade-off is that it requires continuous power and its integration architecture differs from the FP300/FP1E.
Consider the FP2 when:
You need zones.
The room has multiple activity areas.
Permanent power is acceptable.
Detailed spatial automation is more important than battery placement.
Aqara FP1E — focused presence detection
The FP1E is a powered 60GHz mmWave presence sensor using Zigbee.
It occupies a simpler position in the range.
You don’t necessarily need zones or a collection of environmental sensors.
You need reliable room-presence information.
Aqara specifies Zigbee connectivity and USB power for the FP1E, and Home Assistant currently includes it in Aqara’s Works with Home Assistant programme through the supported architecture.
Consider the FP1E when:
You want a dedicated presence sensor.
Permanent power is available.
You don’t need FP2-style room zoning.
You don’t specifically need FP300’s battery/multi-sensor combination.
Quick decision
Need advanced room zones? Look closely at FP2.
Need flexible battery placement plus environmental sensing? Look closely at FP300.
Need a focused powered presence sensor? Look closely at FP1E.
That’s more useful than declaring an overall winner.
What about Home Assistant?
All three can participate in Home Assistant-oriented installations, but do not assume the integration route is identical.
FP300 and FP1E appear in Home Assistant’s current Aqara/Works with Home Assistant programme documentation.
FP2 uses a different architecture and should be configured according to its supported integration method rather than being treated as another Zigbee sensor.
That distinction will be retained on Hive’s product and guide content.
What about pets?
Presence sensors can react differently depending on installation, configuration and environment.
Don’t promise that a particular sensor will “ignore pets” in every room.
Placement, detection settings and room conditions matter.
Where pet behaviour is important, test and tune the actual installation rather than relying on a universal claim.
Which one should I buy?
Choose by room requirement:
A large living room with distinct zones has different needs from a small office.
A location without convenient power has different requirements from one with a nearby USB supply.
A room where temperature and humidity are also useful has different requirements from one where you need only occupancy.
That is why Hive stocks different presence products rather than one universal sensor.
FAQ
Does the FP300 need permanent power?
No. Aqara specifies two CR2450 batteries.
Does the FP2 use batteries?
No. It is designed as a continuously powered sensor.
Which one supports zones?
The FP2 is the model aimed at advanced zone/spatial presence applications.
Which is simplest for dedicated presence?
FP1E is a strong candidate when you want a powered dedicated presence role without needing FP2-style zones or FP300’s multi-sensing package.
Which is best for Home Assistant?
Choose based on the automation and integration architecture rather than an overall ranking. The three models have different capabilities and integration routes.
Next steps
Shop Aqara FP300 Shop Aqara FP2 Shop Aqara FP1E Read Motion Sensor vs Presence Sensor
