Exploring IKEA's PARASOLL and VALLHORN Sensors: A Smart Home Enthusiast's Experience

Recently, I had the pleasure of getting my hands on IKEA’s new PARASOLL door/window sensors and VALLHORN motion sensors. After months of anticipation, I couldn’t wait to replace my flaky Z-Wave sensors and some unreliable Sonoff contact sensors. The transition has been nothing short of impressive!

The PARASOLL sensors have quickly become my favorites. Their design is genius—slim and flexible, they mount effortlessly without needing a riser. The sensor can detect the magnet from the front or either side, up to about 2-3cm away. This flexibility was a game-changer for my bedroom casement windows, where bulky sensors just wouldn’t fit. The included strong mounting tape and screw options add to their versatility. My only minor gripe is that detaching the sensor from its base is a tad tricky, but it’s a small price to pay for such reliability.

The VALLHORN motion sensors, while not as charming as the PARASOLLS, still hold their own. They’re quick to respond and have a wide detection angle, which means I don’t have to fiddle with angles to get them just right. The sealed battery compartment is a nice touch, especially for bathroom use. Some users have reported false positives, but I’ve been using mine for a week without any issues. I’m curious to see how they perform with IKEA’s LADDA batteries, which are said to improve reliability.

Both sensors paired seamlessly with Zigbee2MQTT, and the fact that they’re Zigbee makes integration a breeze. I’m excited to see how they hold up over time. If you’re in the market for reliable, stylish sensors, I’d highly recommend giving these a try!