Presence Sensor - Struggling to choose please HELP!

Hardware
1

Good morning everyone,

I'm currently working on a home renovation project and would like to install presence sensors (not just motion sensors) in every room.

Initially, I was considering the WZ-M100 Zigbee 24GHz ceiling-mounted, flush-installation sensors powered by 220V. They seemed like the perfect solution because they are fully integrated into the ceiling and permanently powered. However, after doing more research, I've found that many users complain about Zigbee network flooding issues.

I contacted the manufacturer, and they told me that firmware version 5.8 adds both adjustable distance detection and configurable reporting frequency, while the 24GHz version only supports adjustable distance detection.

I've also seen that there are various custom firmware options available, as well as a similar model called the MTG075.

In addition, I know there are now battery-powered solutions such as the FP300, as well as powered devices that aren't ceiling-mounted but are reportedly very capable, such as the FP2.

At this point, I'm a bit confused and would really appreciate advice from people who actually use these systems to understand which solution offers the best performance with the fewest compromises.

Ideally, I would like a sensor that is:

  • Ceiling-mounted and aesthetically discreet
  • Powered by 220V
  • Based on 24GHz radar technology for maximum accuracy
  • Integrated via Zigbee

However, I'm willing to compromise if there isn't a solution that meets all these requirements while still working reliably over Zigbee. I could also consider moving to a Wi-Fi-based solution with its own gateway and then integrating it into Home Assistant.

If you were in my position, what would you choose among all the available options and modifications currently on the market? Would you go for custom firmware? Would you give up Zigbee, 24GHz radar, or the clean ceiling-mounted aesthetic?

I'd love to hear about your experiences, recommendations, and ideas. Thanks in advance!

2

Please be careful with the mains-powered HA stuff from China. I know most of it doesn't meet the Australian safety standards, and probably others like CSA22.2. You don't want a little firestarter in your house and then to have insurance leave you high and dry.

Try to buy ones that have whatever regulatory mark that you require for your locale. They cost a little more but give you peace if mind.

3

I got three (well 1 other laying around. tuya thing that just wont show up with proper entities in HA)

all 3 are fine for their purpose and are on tcp network. The sensy's were ha recorder killers in the beginning, but are ok now.They are integrated with esp32 in ha and technically fully mature.
The fp2 is trhoough homekit device and also stable.
I would indeed not go for zigbee stuff for this type of devices.

for ceiling mount, the fp2 is (i think) only ok for 'fall detection' . The sensy's have more config options in that matter.

4

Even with the custom firmware to reduce flood do you suggest to avoid zigbee?

5

i would say yes, although i can't provide hard numbers, but zigbee isnt meant for data like this.