Big comparison of smart door and window sensors

Door and window sensors are among the simplest elements of today’s smart home. Their price is in the range of a few hundred crowns, and they do more than a good job. This basic element can help secure your home and keep track of every door or window. Thanks to their easy installation and simple connection to your app, we recommend sensors as part of the initial equipment for your home or business. There are already several different types and designs on the market, and some even offer additional features.

Let’s briefly describe selected types:

Aqara MCCGQ11LM is a compact wireless Zigbee door and window sensor that detects opening or closing via a magnetic contact. It is known for its reliability, fast response, and long battery life (up to 2 years on a single CR1632). The sensor is compatible with Aqara, HomeKit, and Home Assistant platforms (via Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA). Thanks to its small size, it is unobtrusive and easy to install using a sticker. It is suitable for smart home automation and basic window and door security.

Moes ZSS-GWM-C is a compact wireless Zigbee 3.0 sensor that instantly detects opening or closing and sends real-time notifications to the Tuya Smart, Smart Life, or HomeAssistant mobile app. It requires a Zigbee hub to operate. The sensor is powered by a CR2032 battery lasting up to 2 years, has an attractive design, and supports integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for smart home automation. Installation is easy, and the device is suitable for securing an apartment, house, or office.

Sonoff SNZB-04 is a wireless Zigbee 3.0 sensor powered by a CR2032 battery with up to 2 years of life. The sensor is compatible with eWeLink, Home Assistant, and Zigbee2MQTT platforms, allowing easy integration into a smart home and automation of various scenarios. Users appreciate the simple installation, reliable operation, and the ability to view event history in the app. It is suitable for security as well as for automating lighting or heating. This sensor is the predecessor of the following sensor (with the P suffix), and when compared, it is no longer really worth it-unless you are looking at the price.
Sonoff SNZB-04P is a modern Zigbee 3.0 sensor that evolved from the aforementioned SNZB-04. Compared to the old model, it offers significantly longer battery life thanks to the CR2477 battery (up to 5 years), improved design, and a stronger magnet, making installation easier even in less ideal conditions. The sensor features a tamper function (tamper alert), supports instant notifications to the app, and enables smart home automation. It is compatible with eWeLink, Home Assistant (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT), and other Zigbee hubs. The maximum installation distance between the sensor and magnet is 20 mm, and the device works reliably even during internet outages thanks to local scenes.
Aubess ZD08 (Tuya) is a compact wireless Zigbee 3.0 sensor powered by a standard CR2032 battery with up to 2 years of life. It is compatible with Tuya Smart and Smart Life apps, as well as Home Assistant platforms (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT). The sensor is sold in 2 variants, one of which supports the tamper function (tamper alert) and the other does not. It is easy to install using a sticker and is suitable for home security as well as for automating lighting or heating. It stands out for its small size and low price.
Obyčejný Zigbee door window detector is a smart sensor supporting the Zigbee 3.0 standard. It features a modern and unobtrusive design, easy installation without wiring, and very low power consumption. It is powered by 2x AAA batteries and lasts just over 1 year in normal operation (about 20 activations per day). The sensor detects magnet separation up to 15 mm. So if you don’t like button batteries and don’t need any special features for a low price, this will be your choice. It even includes a mounting kit for screwing on.

How do the sensors look after connecting to Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT?

We paired each sensor with Home Assistant and found out what information can be read from the sensors and what entities they contain.

Aqara MCCGQ11LM

Moes ZSS-GWM-C

Sonoff SNZB-04

Sonoff SNZB-04P

Aubess ZD08 (Tuya)

Obyčejný Zigbee door window detektor

Detailed comparison and experience

Aqara MCCGQ11LM

Pros

  • Long-term proven and reliable sensor with very compact dimensions.
  • Battery life often exceeds 2 years
  • Integrated temperature and outage sensor
  • Instant response when opening/closing (suitable for light automation, etc.) and very high-quality workmanship.
  • Spare set of adhesive pads included

Cons

  • Uses a less common CR1632 battery and older Zigbee version, which may mean worse compatibility in some networks, especially with a larger number of devices.
  • Unnecessarily large packaging, which is at least 3x larger than the second largest, and up to 7x larger than the smallest.

Moes ZSS-GWM-C

Pros

  • Uses a standard CR2032 button battery
  • Detection distance around 20 mm.
  • Offers basic features, including low battery warning.
  • Suitable for universal Zigbee networks where price and availability are a priority.
  • Nice design and small size

Cons

  • In Zigbee2MQTT it appears to have a tamper sensor, but physically it is not present.

Sonoff SNZB-04

Pros

  • Easy integration into various Zigbee ecosystems (Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT)
  • Low price

Cons

  • Slightly longer response time when opening (about 1 second), which can be a disadvantage for automations requiring instant reaction.
  • Occasional disconnection issues, but most users still rate it as reliable.
  • Rather large and boxy design

Sonoff SNZB-04P

Pros

  • Thanks to the larger battery (CR2477), it lasts up to 5 years.
  • Has a tamper function (tamper alert), which increases security.
  • Ideal for users who want minimal maintenance and higher security.
  • 2x better detection than the previous model (20mm)

Cons

  • The most expensive of those compared
  • Larger size (may not fit everywhere)

Aubess ZD08 (Tuya)

Klady

  • Very small, cheap, and easily available sensor with Zigbee 3.0 support.
  • Good compatibility with Home Assistant (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT)
  • Also offers tamper function, but its support depends on the integration used.

Zápory

  • Only 10mm detection distance

Generic Zigbee door window detektor

Pros

  • Classic Chinese Zigbee sensor, often sold under various brands.
  • Detection distance up to 15 mm
  • 2x AAA batteries – possibility to use rechargeable batteries
  • Design is modern, dimensions slightly larger than Aqara, but still compact.
  • Reliable, according to Z2MQTT the firmware is based on Sonoff SNZB-04

Cons

  • Size – due to the use of 2x AAA batteries
  • Actual tested detection is about 10mm
  • Batteries not included

Overall comparison table

Model Battery Zigbee Version Dimensions (mm) Battery Life Detection Distance Special Features Price (CZK)

Aqara MCCGQ11LM

CR1632 Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4) 41 × 22 × 11 ~2 years ~22 mm Miniature, temp sensor, outage counter/trigger 379,-

Moes ZSS-GWM-C

CR2032 Zigbee 3.0 40 × 26 × 13 1-2 years ~20 mm Battery warning 299,-

Sonoff SNZB-04

CR2032 Zigbee 3.0 47 × 27 × 13.5 1-2 years ~10 mm Battery warning 269,-

Sonoff SNZB-04P

CR2477 Zigbee 3.0 50.5 × 32 × 21.9 up to 5 years ~20 mm Tamper, very long life 449,-

Aubess ZD08 (Tuya)

CR2032 Zigbee 3.0 52 × 26 × 13 1-2 years ~10 mm Tamper (variant), battery warning from 249,-

Generic Zigbee door window detektor

2x AAA Zigbee 3.0 70 × 25 × 22 1-2 years up to 15 mm Battery warning 239,-

Final evaluation

Each of the selected sensors has its purpose; when choosing, at least one important parameter will always be decisive-price, size, or available features. If you are looking for a small capable sensor at a good price, Moes or Aubess is a good choice. If you require more features and quality and don't mind paying extra, then Sonoff SNZB-04P or Aqara is the clear option. However, all sensors perform their function flawlessly, all types have been tested long-term, and so far there have been no issues with functionality. Battery life, of course, depends a lot on usage-how often the sensor changes state and where it is placed.

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