Why contact sensors are useful
Contact sensors are very useful if you want to automate your HomeKit home. They are mainly installed for security reasons: you receive a notification when a window or door is opened. And if you are outdoors, you can check at a glance whether you have closed the windows and doors properly. This way you can keep track of all the important access points of your home. In this overview we introduce you to the best.
- Philips Hue contact sensor
- Eve Door & Window sensor
- Aqara Door & Window sensor
- IKEA Parasoll contact sensor
- More contact sensors
It is also useful to know whether housemates have arrived home safely or left on time to go to school or exercise. The iPhone and Apple Watch alert you when the front door has been opened and closed at the expected time. Energy saving also plays a role: by combining the sensor with a smart thermostat or radiator you can ensure that the heating is turned down when the windows are open. Window and door sensors are easy to mount on almost any surface and are versatile in use: from refrigerator to garage door, there is always an application. And with a home hub such as a HomePod, you also receive notifications outside your home. In short: a contact sensor is useful to have.
HomeBridge, Homey and Home Assistant
At iCulture we always prefer accessories that work with HomeKit. Have you purchased a sensor that does not work with this? Then there are often solutions, for example by using HomeBridge, Homey, Home Assistant and similar solutions.
Philips Hue contact sensor for windows and doors
One of the latest contact sensors is that of Philips Hue. It is part of the Philips Hue security system and can be combined with the cameras. You attach the sensor to windows, doors or cupboards, so that you can receive a notification when opening and closing. You can also automate this, for example by turning on the lights when the front door opens. The sensor is available in black and white. It is easy to stick to the door frame or window frame and runs on a battery. The contact sensor costs approximately €40 each or €70 for two pieces. Thanks to a firmware update released in November 2023, they also have HomeKit support.
Eve Door & Window Sensor
The Eve contact sensor has been available for a long time. There are two variants: the Bluetooth variant from 2015 is still excellent in many cases and works with HomeKit, while the newer Thread and Matter variant from 2023 is recommended if you want better range. The sensor measures 52 x 24 x 23 mm and is easy to install. The magnetic part can also be easily applied to walls and doors that are less flat. You can view the status in the Eve app or in the Home app. You can also combine it with other accessories.
Eve Door & Window Sensor:
- View at MediaMarkt
- View at Amazon
- View at tink
Aqara Door & Window sensors
If you are looking for a cheaper solution, Aqara is always a good choice. This cheapest sensor costs around 20 euros and is also suitable for HomeKit thanks to the connection with the Aqara hub. The connection is made via Zigbee, so they respond quickly if something is wrong. The sensor consumes little energy and lasts more than two years on a battery, under normal conditions.
A newer version is the Aqara P2 sensor, which we have tested extensively. This works with Matter-over-Thread and can be operated via the Home app. You also need the right hub for this. It costs around 30 euros.
IKEA Parasol
IKEA Parasoll is a relatively new window and door sensor from IKEA. It can be connected to the DIRIGERA hub from the same company, which also allows control via HomeKit. You will then receive notifications about opening and closing and can perform automations. IKEA Parasoll costs 10 euros at the well-known furniture store.
More window and door sensors (also without HomeKit)
Can’t make a choice yet? There are even more window and door sensors available that may better suit your interior and wishes:
- VOCOlinc contact sensor for windows and doors: works with HomeKit, difficult to obtain
- Nuki Door Sensor: available with the Nuki door lock, but does not offer automation options
- eufy Entry Sensor: no HomeKit, works with Alexa and Google, requires eufy Homebase
- Bosch Smart Home Door/Window Contact II Plus: no HomeKit, works with Alexa and Google and the Bosch system
- TP-Link Tapo T110 smart contact sensor: works with Siri Shortcuts, can be combined with TP-Link Tapo H100 hub
- Ring Alarm Door/Window Sensor 2.0: no HomeKit, intended to be combined with your Ring Alarm set
- Hombli Smart Contact Sensor: no HomeKit, available in white or black
- Fibaro Door/Window Sensor 2: no HomeKit, works with Z-Wave and can be controlled with, for example, Homey
If you receive a notification that a window or door has been opened, you naturally want to be able to immediately check whether someone is sneaking in. This can be done by installing a HomeKit camera. Such a camera is an ideal addition to your window and door sensors. View our overview of which cameras are available with HomeKit!
