A PIR sensor, or a passive infrared sensor, is an electronic device that can detect motion in its vicinity.
They are essential components in many security systems, and they’re widely used in homes, offices, and public spaces.
If you’re upgrading your home security, check out our Ultimate Smart Home Security Guide for more information on smart security.
When it comes to choosing the sensor that’s right for you, the number of options on the market can make it a daunting task, but fear not! We’re here to help.
In this article, we will review some of the best PIR sensors available in the UK.
Best Options At A Glance
Product Summaries
SEBSON IP20 Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor Indoor
- Brand - SEBSON
- Dimensions - 7.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Weight - 140 g
- Range - 6m
- Special Feature - Flush Fitting
Firstly we have the entry level SEBSON Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor Indoor. It’s currently selling for £11/$14 on Amazon.
This PIR sensor from SEBSON is a perfect fit if you’re looking for an indoor ceiling mounted sensor.
The sensor detects movements in a range of up to 6m with a detection angle of 360°. This is great because it will be triggered when someone enters a room no matter the direction that they enter from.
Interestingly, this sensor features an automatic duty cycle which helps to save power. You can set this sensor to automatically turn off after a pre-set time between 10 seconds and 15 minutes. As soon as motion is detected, the device will switch on automatically.
If you’re in the market for an energy efficient indoor motion detector, this sensor from SEBSON is a great choice.
Buy the SEBSON Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor Indoor from Amazon for only £11/$14:
SEBSON IP65 Wall/Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor
- Brand - SEBSON
- Dimensions - 8.3 x 8.3 x 12.1 cm
- Weight - 175 g
- Range - 24m
- Special Feature - Programmable
Next we have the SEBSON IP65 Wall/Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor . It’s currently selling for £22/$29 on Amazon.
This model is fully programmable, giving you control over switch-on sensitivity, detection range and light duration. When ceiling-mounted, the sensor offers a 360-degree field of view with a selectable range between 10 and 24 metres. When fitted on a wall, it provides a focused 180-degree angle with a range of 5 to 12 metres, making it easy to tailor to different outdoor spaces.
The unit supports a maximum load of 1,200W for traditional bulbs and 600W for LEDs and energy-saving lights, so it’s compatible with most home or workshop lighting setups.
You can also adjust the ambient light threshold from 0.1 to 2,000 LUX, allowing the sensor to activate only when needed. The head can be tilted vertically by 180 degrees for precise positioning.
If you want an outdoor PIR sensor that’s flexible, easy to set up and suitable for a wide range of lighting systems, this option from SEBSON is a dependable choice.
Buy the SEBSON IP65 Wall/Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor from Amazon for only £22/$29:
Lepro Outdoor PIR Sensor with Security Light
- Brand - Lepro
- Dimensions - 21.2 x 23.7 x 4.7 cm
- Weight - 840 g
- Range - 10m
- Special Feature - Security Light
Another great PIR sensor is the Lepro Outdoor PIR Sensor with Security Light. It’s currently selling for £31/$37 on Amazon.
This device from Lepro is a PIR sensor combined with a security light, and it’s perfect for outdoor use.
It’s made of die-cast aluminium casing and tempered glass with a protection grade of IP65. The device is rust-proof and surface-treated with high-quality electrostatic adsorption, making it perfect for use in a garden or courtyard.
The included 50W LED flood light generates a saving of more than 85% when compared to a traditional 350W incandescent light bulb. This makes the combined Lepro light and sensor both convenient and cost effective.
Lepro’s PIR sensor is highly adjustable as well. The sensing distance, sensing angle direction, sensing time and illumination can be manually set and adjusted. This makes the system extremely versatile with a wide range of application.
If you’re in the market for a PIR sensor and accompanying security light, look no further than this device from Lepro.
Buy the Lepro Outdoor PIR Sensor with Security Light from Amazon for only £31/$37:
Steinel IS 140-2 PIR Motion Sensor
- Brand - Steinel
- Dimensions - 7 x 8.6 x 9.5 cm
- Weight - 170 g
- Range - 14m
- Special Feature - 140 Degree Angle
Next we have the Steinel IS 140-2 PIR Motion Sensor. It’s currently selling for £37/$46 on Amazon.
As you would expect from a Steinel sensor, the IS 140-2 is really impressive.
It has a long range of 14m (the longest range of any sensor on this list) and a detection angle of 140°. The optical system can swivel 180° and tilt up to 90° for exact adjustment of the detection zone. The detection zone can then be customised even further using the shrouds provided.
The use of innovative spherical Fresnel lenses allows this sensor to detect people with greater precision than many of it’s closest competitors. This in combination with the high level of customisation allows you to create an extremely reliable detection system.
Similarly to some of the other sensors on this list, the 140-2 has an automatic turn off setting. You can adjust the sensor to turn off between 8 seconds and 35 minutes after a detection, ensuring that you have the ideal balance of safety and energy efficiency.
If you’re looking for a highly customisable sensor from a respected brand, the 140-2 from Steinel is an ideal choice.
Buy the Steinel IS 140-2 PIR Motion Sensor from Amazon for only £37/$46:
Steinel IS 240-2 PIR Motion Sensor
- Brand - Steinel
- Dimensions - 9 x 6 x 10 cm
- Weight - 160 g
- Range - 12m
- Special Feature - DUO Sensor
Finally we have the Steinel IS 240-2 PIR Motion Sensor. It’s currently selling for £92/$114 on Amazon.
The IS 240-2 is essentially a slightly higher-end version of the 140-2 with a wider detection angle.
It has an impressive detection angle of 240°, making it the perfect solution for watching over the fronts of large buildings and external corners. It has the capability to reliably monitor every inch of areas as large as 230 m²!
As with some of the other PIR sensors on this list, both the time and twilight threshold can be adjusted to suit your needs. Using the easily accessible control dial, you can ensure that your sensor is operating at the correct times of day and staying on for the required amount of time.
Interestingly, the IS 240-2 actually uses 2 sensitive infrared sensors to guarantee accurate and reliable operation. This is one of the main features that makes it stand out from it’s closest competition.
If you’re looking for a high-end PIR sensor that covers all bases, look no further than the IS 240-2 from Steinel.
Buy the Steinel IS 240-2 PIR Motion Sensor from Amazon for only £92/$114:
🔦 Best PIR Motion Sensors for Home & Outdoor Use
This table allows you to compare key factors like PIR detection rage, detection angle and price at a glance. Here’s some of our favourites:
SEBSON IP20 Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor Indoor – £, compact 360 degree indoor sensor with flush fitting
Best for low cost indoor automation with simple, efficient motion detection.
SEBSON IP65 Wall/Ceiling Mounted PIR Sensor – £, programmable outdoor PIR with long range and adjustable settings
Best for flexible installations where you need customisable detection and higher power support.
Lepro Outdoor PIR Sensor with Security Light – £, PIR sensor combined with a bright 50W LED floodlight
Best for users wanting a complete security light system that saves energy and works well in outdoor spaces.
Steinel IS 140-2 PIR Motion Sensor – ££, long range adjustable PIR with precise Fresnel lens detection
Best for homeowners who want pinpoint accuracy and a wide range of adjustment options.
Steinel IS 240-2 PIR Motion Sensor – £££, ultra wide 240 degree sensor with dual infrared modules
Best for monitoring large building fronts or corners with high coverage and strong reliability.
FAQs
When selecting a PIR sensor for home security, some of the most important factors are the detection range and sensitivity – these determine how your sensor will detect potential threats, so it’s critical to look for a system with sufficient range for your home and ideally adjustable sensitivity.
For outdoor use, ensure that your system is weatherproof and can withstand UK weather conditions. If you search for outdoor PIR sensors, or select from the models on this list, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Compatibility with existing alarm systems or smart home setups can also enhance the functionality of your sensor. For example, compatibility with a traditional alarm system could allow your sensor to trigger an audible alarm or even alert the authorities of a potential intruder.
Lastly, look for energy-efficient models to reduce energy costs. Most modern models should be fairly efficient, but it’s always worth shopping for one that will keep costs to a minimum.
PIR sensors are generally straightforward to install, especially for basic models. Most sensors will come with mounting brackets or adhesive options for easy installation on a wall or ceiling. Some systems may need require some wiring, but there are many battery-operated models available. After your sensor is on your wall and ceiling and wired if necessary, you may need to adjust some basic setting like trigger range or sensitivity. This is usually easily done and well described by the manufacturer’s setup instructions.
PIR motion sensors are a great way to protect your home from intruders and improve your peace of mind. If you choose the right model, they’re energy efficient, easy to install, and can deter potential threats without any involvement from the homeowner.
Thanks for reading our article covering the best PIR sensor UK. If you’re interested in motion sensors, you might want to take a look at our article covering the Best Security Light With Motion Sensor.
If you want to make your home security smarter with the next generation of security devices, check out our article on Smart Home Security.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or queries that you’d like us to take a look at – we’d be happy to help.
