Aqara FP2 vs. FP300: Which One is the Right Fit for Your Smart Home?

The variety of smart home sensors can be overwhelming, but Aqara's presence sensors often stand out. There are two most advanced models—the FP2 presence sensor and the FP300 multi-function presence sensor—offer unique solutions for smart home automation.

But which one is best for your smart home? This article explores the differences between the FP2 and FP300, covering core specifications, installation, sensing, coverage, and automation features. Read on to make an informed choice.

At a Glance: Core Specifications Comparison

Let's start with a quick look at the basic features of both sensors in a comparison table:

Installation & Power: Wired Precision vs. Wireless Freedom

FP2 Installation

Imagine setting up your smart home. If you pick the FP2, the installation might need a precise, wired connection. This wired setup is stable. It ensures the sensor is always powered and ready to detect you. It's like a reliable guard at a fixed post. For example, install it in a hallway. You want to detect movement for automatic light - on. The wired connection guarantees the sensor doesn't miss anything. But you need to plan around power outlets. You can't place it anywhere. You must find a spot near a power source.

FP300 Installation

The FP300 offers wireless freedom. It runs on 2 × CR2450 button - type batteries. They're replaceable. This means you can install it anywhere in your home. Ceiling, wall, or corner, it doesn't matter. The FP300 gives you flexibility. For example, monitor a hard - to - reach attic area or a small living room nook. The wireless nature makes installation easy. With a 3 - year battery life for Zigbee and 2 - year for Matter, you won't change batteries often.

Sensing Capabilities: Scene Master vs. Environment Pro

FP2 Sensing

The FP2 is a scene master. It's great at detecting you to trigger smart home scenes. Enter your living room. It can sense you. Then it can turn on the TV, adjust lighting, and play music. It creates seamless, personalized experiences. It uses millimeter - wave radar technology. It can detect people with slight movements. It also has zone positioning. You can automate different conditions in different zones, like beds and tables. One space can be divided into 30 small zones. It can recognize up to five targets (Multi - person Detection).

FP300 Sensing

The FP300 is an environment pro. Besides detecting you, it monitors the environment. With a 6 - meter detection range and 120° Field of View (FOV), it covers a wide area. It senses temperature and humidity changes, along with your movement. This is good for triggering smart home actions and maintaining a comfy living environment. For example, if room humidity is high, it can turn on a dehumidifier.

Coverage & Automation: Pinpoint Control vs. Whole - Room Awareness

FP2 Coverage and Automation

The FP2 offers pinpoint control. Its installation and sensing let it target specific areas. Have a small study or reading nook? The FP2 can be installed to detect only in that area. This allows precise automation. Sit at your desk in the study. The FP2 can turn on the desk lamp and adjust the room temperature.

FP300 Coverage and Automation

The FP300 has whole - room awareness. Its wider FOV and better environmental sensing work well in large spaces. In a big living room or multi - functional area, it can detect movement and environmental changes. This enables comprehensive automation. Someone enters the room? It can turn on all lights, adjust AC, and open curtains if it's daytime.

The Decision Matrix: Find Your Perfect Fit

You're a perfect candidate for the FP2 if:

• Safety - First: You have an elderly family member at home, and fall detection is your top priority. Picture this, your elderly parent is in the living room. The FP2, with its fall detection feature, can quickly alert you if a fall occurs. It's like having an extra pair of eyes, ensuring the safety of your loved ones.
• Zone - Specific Automations: You love creating highly specific, zone - based automations in a room. For instance, in your home theater room, you want the desk lamp near your popcorn - making area to turn on brightly, while the sofa light dims for that perfect movie - watching ambiance. The FP2's ability to divide a space into up to 30 small zones makes this possible.
• Multi - person Tracking: You often have gatherings in a common area, like a large family room. The FP2 can track up to five people simultaneously. So, whether it's a family game night or a small party, the sensor can accurately detect everyone's movements.
• Power - Outlet Accessible: The installation spot you have in mind has easy access to a power outlet. Since the FP2 is wired, this is a must. If you plan to install it in a hallway where there's a power socket nearby, it's a great fit.

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The FP300 is your ideal choice if:

• Wire - free and Flexible: You want an easy, wire - free installation with maximum placement flexg'gggty. The FP300, running on replaceable batteries, can be placed anywhere, even in those hard - to - reach spots.
• Large - room Environmental Monitoring: You need a comprehensive environmental monitor for a large room, such as a spacious living room or an open - plan office. The FP300 can sense temperature, humidity, and light, along with human presence. In a big living room, it can ensure the environment is always comfortable.
• Climate and Light - based Automations: You're into creating climate and light - based automations. For example, when the temperature rises in your living room and someone is present, you want the AC to kick in automatically. The FP300 can detect both temperature changes and human presence, making such automations possible.
• Non - standard Environments: You need a sensor for non - standard environments like a garage or attic. These areas might not have easy access to power outlets. The FP300's wireless nature and long - lasting battery life make it suitable for these places.

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FAQ

1. Can the FP2 work without an internet connection?

Yes, the FP2 can work without an internet connection for local automations. For example, in systems like HomeKit, it can perform local automations. This means that even if your internet goes down, certain smart home functions that you've set up locally can still operate. It's a great feature for maintaining the functionality of your smart home in case of network issues.

2. How does the FP300 handle pets to avoid false triggers?

The FP300 uses AI to filter out small animal movements. This is a really handy feature, especially if you have pets at home. You don't want your smart home system to be constantly triggered by your cat or dog moving around. The AI technology in the FP300 is designed to distinguish between human and small animal movements, ensuring that only relevant human - related events trigger your smart home automations.

3. Which one is better for a bathroom or kitchen?

If you're considering a bathroom or kitchen, both sensors have their advantages. The FP2 is a good choice because of its IPX5 rating, which protects it against moisture. Bathrooms and kitchens can be humid places, and the FP2's water - resistant design helps it function properly in such environments. On the other hand, the FP300 is great for these areas too, as it can sense humidity. In a kitchen, it can help you monitor and control the humidity levels to prevent mold growth. In a bathroom, it can trigger actions based on humidity changes, like turning on an exhaust fan. So, it really depends on whether your priority is moisture protection (FP2) or humidity sensing (FP300).

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Aqara sensors have strengths. The FP2 is great for small spaces with precise control needs. The FP300 is ideal for large areas that need comprehensive monitoring. Consider your home layout, automation goals, and installation preferences. Aqara's compatibility means either sensor can boost your smart home. Explore more Aqara sensors here. Take your smart home to the next level with the right Aqara sensor!