The FP300 seems like a pretty good, battery-powered sensor that should work nicely for things like lighting and basic occupancy. We’ll have to see how it stacks up against the FP2 (wired) presence sensor, but since it doesn’t have zone-based detection or the ability to count or track things very precisely, I’d consider it a smart occupancy sensor rather than the FP2 mmWave tracker. Hopefully, since it doesn’t have zone detection, it won’t have as many issues with ghosting as the FP2 does, especially since it still has problems after a year of use.

This sensor stands out because it is completely battery-powered! It uses two CR2450 batteries that you can easily replace. In Zigbee mode, it should last about three years, and in Thread mode, up to two years. However, since it is not very old, we do not have much information about how long it will last in the long run.

The FP300 also brings together several other sensors in one: temperature, humidity and whether someone is around or moving. This is a bit more than the wired FP2. As you would expect with all Aqara products, setting it up and getting it connected is pretty good. I am hoping for a little better setup than the FP2, which was a bit tricky to get right.

With a detection range of about six metres and a 120° field of view, this should be enough for most rooms. It uses PIR and 60GHz mmWave radar to detect both movement and when someone is still there, which should help reduce false alarms. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the FP2, especially in terms of how quickly it registers when someone is present and when they leave the room.

Dual-Protocol Support

Zigbee Mode:

Using the Zigbee protocol, you can access special features in the Aqara Home app and still use Matter with an Aqara Hub.

Thread Mode:

You can connect it to many different platforms using the Matter framework, like Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant, SmartThings, Homey and more.

The FP300 lets you tweak its settings quite a bit through the Aqara Home app when it’s in Zigbee mode. You can change how it detects things and how far it can see, switch on or off the light, temperature and humidity sensors and even adjust how often it samples and reports these things. Plus, you can set an absence delay timer.

Where to put it

Just like the FP2, you can put the sensor in lots of different spots—on walls, ceilings, corners or even magnetic surfaces. But since it’s battery-powered, the possibilities are even more exciting! As with the FP2, you’ll find a metal plate, a screw kit and everything you need inside the box.

For now, I shall be disappointed that I will not be able to obtain this sensor for some time. It’s not only because they’re out of stock, but also because Aqara hasn’t gotten back to me about working together. Thanks, Aqara, I’ll try not to take it personally :-)

If you feel like joining me in the wait, then the FP300 sensor can be purchased here

But once they’re back in stock, I’ll definitely be writing a review of my experiences. I have a few spots in the house that are currently covered by regular motion sensors and don’t really need the fancy zone detection. They just need a smart presence sensor.