SwitchBot adds affordable combined motion & presence sensor

SwitchBot has reportedly launched a new combined motion and presence sensor that brings presence-detection features down to the roughly €30 price point previously occupied by basic motion detectors. This marks another step in a trend where presence sensors increasingly replace classic motion-only devices in smart homes.

The new sensor appears to bundle traditional passive motion detection with an additional presence detection capability, offering more context-aware automation without a large price premium. That means rooms can detect not just movement but whether someone is present, enabling smarter lighting, HVAC, and security responses.

• Price tier: ~€30 (comparable to older motion-only sensors)
• Functionality: Motion + presence detection
• Implication: More affordable, context-aware home automation

Technical implementations of presence detection vary (BLE/Wi‑Fi device presence, radar/infrared improvements, or combined sensor fusion) and manufacturers are increasingly packing these features into compact, low-cost devices. SwitchBot’s offering follows this broader market shift and could accelerate replacements of legacy motion sensors in many homes.

For more details, check SwitchBot’s official site: https://www.switch-bot.com/.

Discussion: Would you replace a classic motion sensor with a combined presence sensor in your home? What automations would you enable?