What Is The Best PIR Motion Sensor?

The best PIR motion sensor depends on your needs. There is not really a single PIR motion sensor that will work with all security systems. You should consider what alarm control panel you have and then choose a compatible sensor. A big distinction is whether the sensor will be hardwired or wireless.

Hardwired motion sensors wire-in directly with an alarm panel or with a wired to wireless converter. The advantage to a hardwired motion sensor is that you will never have to replace device batteries. However, these motions are more difficult to install because wires need to be run. In most cases, you will only use hardwired motion sensors with a hardwired panel. You can use hardwired motions with a wireless panel, but you will need a compatible wired to wireless converter. If you are looking for a hardwired motion sensor, then you should check out this FAQ, which discusses some of the best available hardwired indoor motion detecting sensors.

For the rest of this FAQ, we will focus on wireless motion sensors. With the rise of wireless alarm systems, wireless motion sensors have become the most popular option. In order to use a wireless motion sensor, your alarm control panel must have a wireless receiver. Most wireless alarm systems already have a wireless receiver built-in, while most hardwired panels need to have one added separately. Wireless motion sensors are a popular option for DIY users, as they are much easier to install than hardwired motion sensors. However, you will need to replace the batteries every few years.

If you do decide to go with a wireless motion sensor, you will need to consider the operating frequency of the sensor. It isn't enough to just have a panel with a wireless receiver. Each wireless receiver can only accept signals at a certain frequency. You must make sure that the wireless motion sensor you choose operates at the frequency compatible with the wireless receiver. This can usually be determined by the manufacturer of the panel, but there are some exceptions.

Below are some of our most favorite wireless alarm systems. We have listed some of the best wireless motion sensors compatible with each of these systems. If your system isn't on this list, then you can always contact us at support@alarmgrid.com to find a compatible sensor. Remember, the specifications between these sensors differ, so make sure you do your research and choose one based on your needs. Please note that not every compatible motion sensor is listed. These are just some of our favorites.

Resideo Lyric Alarm System: Honeywell SiXPIR, Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, Honeywell 5800PIR-COM, Honeywell 5800PIR-OD, Optex WNX-40HW

Resideo LYNX Touch System (L5100, L5200, L5210, L7000): Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, Honeywell 5800PIR-COM, Honeywell 5800PIR-OD, Optex WNX-40HW

Resideo VISTA Series System (15P, 20P, 21iP, 128BPT, 250BPT) w/ added 345 MHz wireless receiver: Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, Honeywell 5800PIR-COM, Honeywell 5800PIR-OD, Optex WNX-40HW

2GIG GC2 or 2GIG GC3: Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, Honeywell 5800PIR-COM, Honeywell 5800PIR-OD, 2GIG PIR1-345, Optex WNX-402G

Interlogix Simon Series (Simon XT, Simon XTi, Simon XTi-5): Qolsys IQ Motion-S, Interlogix TX-E721, Interlogix NX-482, Interlogix TX-2810-01-4

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz Version: DSC PG9914, DSC PG9994, DSC PG9984P, DSC PG9924, DSC PG9974P, DSC PG9904P, Qolsys IQ Motion-S, Interlogix TX-E721, Interlogix NX-482, Interlogix TX-2810-01-4

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 345 MHz Version: DSC PG9914, DSC PG9994, DSC PG9984P, DSC PG9924, DSC PG9974P, DSC PG9904P, Honeywell 5800PIR-RES, Honeywell 5800PIR-COM, Honeywell 5800PIR-OD, 2GIG PIR1-345, Optex WNX-40HW, Optex WNX-402G

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz Version: DSC PG9914, DSC PG9994, DSC PG9984P, DSC PG9924, DSC PG9974P, DSC PG9904P, DSC WS4904P, DSC WLS914-433

DSC PowerSeries NEO (HS2128NK, HS2064NK, HS2032NK, HS2016NK) w/ added PowerG wireless transceiver: DSC PG9914, DSC PG9994, DSC PG9984P, DSC PG9924, DSC PG9974P, DSC PG9904P