Full review
Longer notes from the same comments we summarized above.
What people reported
Early owner feedback, while limited on the specific "Starter Kit" components, highlights both capabilities and frustrations of individual Aqara sensors. Some users found specific sensors, like the FP300 and FP2 presence sensors, to be extremely capable and accurate, providing instant detection. When integrated with Home Assistant, the FP2 can expose individual detection zones created within the Aqara app.
Problems people mention
Many owners ran into significant challenges, particularly with HomeKit integration. Users reported a "nightmare" experience with constant connection drops and HomeKit failing to work reliably after migrating from other smart home systems. A common issue is the necessity of an Aqara hub or the Aqara app to access full settings like sensor sensitivity or to initially set up detection zones, even when using Matter or HomeKit. Some found their FP2 presence sensors were "straight up not working" for basic presence detection and would get stuck in a single state for hours. There were also reports of individual physical sensors appearing as multiple devices in HomeKit, making management difficult. Users spent an excessive amount of time trying to configure their devices, leading to frustration.
Where owners disagree
While some praised the accuracy and instant detection of the FP2 presence sensor, others found the same sensor to be unreliable and buggy, failing to perform basic functions.
Who it's for
The Aqara Sensor Starter Kit may suit users who are comfortable with advanced smart home configurations and are willing to troubleshoot. It could be a good fit for those who already have or are planning to purchase an Aqara hub to unlock full sensor functionality and desire detailed sensor data in systems like Home Assistant. However, potential buyers should be aware of reported HomeKit integration difficulties and the potential for unreliable performance.
