Aqara Presence Sensor FP300 – Experience and Overview
I have been testing the Aqara FP300 since August and have explored most of its features. The sensor has been used primarily via Zigbee with the Aqara Home app, but I have also tested connectivity with Google Home, Apple Home, and Aqara Home using Matter/Thread. The setup process is quick and trouble-free, and switching between protocols works smoothly.
I mainly use the Aqara Home app because I prefer simple automations — and the FP300 has been stable in all scenarios I’ve tried. Unlike the FP2 model, the FP300 does not provide zone-mapping. Instead, it uses AI-based room learning (AI Spatial Learning) to recognize presence within a room. If you require advanced zoning or multi-area detection in large rooms or hallways, the FP2 is the better option.
Main Specifications
- Dimensions: 42 × 42 × 50 mm
- Power Supply: 2 × CR2450 coin-cell batteries
- Connectivity / Protocols: Zigbee and Thread (Matter-enabled)
- Sensors: PIR + 60 GHz mmWave radar for presence/motion; light, temperature and humidity sensors
- Battery Life: Up to around 3 years on Zigbee; approximately 2 years when using Thread/Matter
- Mounting: Fully wireless battery design; can be mounted on walls, ceilings, corners, or magnetic surfaces
- Detection Range: Up to about 6 meters (20 feet); uses AI algorithms to reduce false triggers
- Limitations vs FP2: No advanced multi-person tracking, no fall detection, no multi-zone mapping
Use Cases & Automation Examples
Lighting Control
- Automatic lighting in closets, laundry rooms, storage rooms and hallways
- Adjusts brightness based on time of day — bright during the day, dim in the evening, soft at night
- Creates a light path that follows your movement between rooms
Energy Management
- Reduces heating in unoccupied rooms
- Turns off electronics such as TVs and PCs when no presence is detected
Office & Workspace
- Ensures lights stay on even during minimal movement
- Works with smart plugs to reduce idle power usage
- Adjusts room temperature based on presence
Living Room
- Automatically manages lighting when entering or leaving the room
- “Movie Night” mode: dims lights, closes blinds, activates TV; prevents lights from turning back on during stillness
Bathroom & Laundry
- Activates ventilation or lighting when entering
- Prevents lights from turning off while stationary (e.g., standing still, folding clothes)
Bedroom
- Enables gentle wake-up with gradual lighting
- Supports soft nighttime guiding light when movement is detected
Security & Monitoring
- Can activate “Away Mode” when no presence is detected for a set time
- Can alert to unusual inactivity (useful for checking on elderly individuals)
Summary
The Aqara FP300 is a compact and flexible presence and environmental sensor supporting Zigbee, Thread, and Matter. With its combination of mmWave radar, PIR detection and environmental sensing, it offers accurate and responsive presence detection. In day-to-day smart home use, it has proven to be reliable, fast and easy to deploy.
For most room-automation tasks, the FP300 is excellent. However, if you need advanced zone-mapping, multi-person tracking or complex presence analytics, the FP2 remains the more capable option.
