# EP1 vs EPL: Which Sensor is Right for You?

# EP1 vs EPL: Which Sensor is Right for You?

Not sure which Everything Presence sensor to choose? This guide compares the Everything Presence One (EP1) and Everything Presence Lite (EPL) to help you decide.

## Quick Comparison

| Feature | EP1 | EPL |
|---------|-----|-----|
| **Primary Strength** | Static presence detection | Real-time tracking & zones |
| **Best At** | Detecting very still people | Knowing where people are |
| **Max Range** | 25m | 6m  |
| **Zone Support** | No  | Yes (rectangles & polygons) |
| **Multi-target Tracking** | No  | Yes (up to 3 targets) |
| **PIR Sensor** | Yes | No  |
| **Temperature & Humidity** | Yes | No  |
| **Light Sensor** | Yes | Yes |
| **CO2 Module (optional)** | Yes | Yes |
| **SmartThings Support** | Yes | No  |
| **Homey Support** | Yes | Yes |
| **Home Assistant Support** | Yes | Yes |
| [**Zone Configurator**](/doc/6640e98e-2d8f-4cbe-a705-5d215371b372) **Support** | Yes (visualization) | Yes (full features) |

## Detection Approach

### EP1: Static Presence Detection

The EP1 is optimized for detecting **stationary people over long periods**. Its mmWave sensor combined with PIR excels at knowing someone is in a room, even when they're barely moving—reading a book, working at a desk, or sleeping.

**Key strengths:**

* Detects very still people for extended periods (hours)
* Long-range detection up to 25 meters
* Combines PIR (motion) and mmWave (presence) for reliable occupancy
* Built-in temperature, humidity, and light sensors

### EPL: Real-Time Tracking & Zones

The EPL tracks **where** people are in real-time, not just whether they're present. It reports X/Y coordinates, distance, speed, and angle for up to 3 people simultaneously.

**Key strengths:**

* Precise location tracking within a room
* Create detection zones (rectangles or custom polygons)
* Entry/exit zones for directional triggers
* Visual zone setup with the [Zone Configurator](/doc/6640e98e-2d8f-4cbe-a705-5d215371b372)
* Multi-person tracking (up to 3 targets)

## Zone Configurator

The [**Zone Configurator**](/doc/6640e98e-2d8f-4cbe-a705-5d215371b372) is a Home Assistant add-on that works with both devices:

| Feature | EP1 | EPL |
|---------|-----|-----|
| Live Dashboard | ✓ Environmental monitoring | ✓ Real-time tracking |
| Room Builder | ✓   | ✓   |
| Zone Editor | ✗   | ✓   |
| Entry/Exit Zones | ✗   | ✓   |
| Heatmap | ✗   | ✓   |
| Trail Recording | ✗   | ✓   |
| Comfort Index | ✓   | ✗   |
| Daily Statistics | ✓   | ✓   |

## When to Choose EP1

* You need to detect **very still people** reliably (sleeping, reading, meditating)
* You need **long-range detection** (up to 25m)
* You want **temperature and humidity monitoring** built-in
* You need **SmartThings compatibility**
* You want **PIR + mmWave combined** for maximum reliability
* You just need to know "is someone in this room?" — not where exactly

## When to Choose EPL

* You need to know **where** someone is, not just that they're present
* You want to create **specific zones** within a room (desk area, couch, doorway)
* You need **multi-person tracking** (up to 3 targets)
* You want to trigger different automations based on **which part of a room** someone is in
* You need **entry/exit detection** for directional triggers

## Common Use Cases

| Use Case | Recommended | Why |
|----------|-------------|-----|
| Bathroom occupancy | EP1         | Detects still person, longer range |
| Bedroom/sleep detection | EP1         | Best at detecting very still presence |
| Office with multiple desk zones | EPL         | Zone support for different areas |
| Living room couch vs TV area | EPL         | Separate zones for different spots |
| Long hallway | EP1         | 25m range |
| Room entry/exit counting | EPL         | Entry zone detection |
| Temperature-based HVAC control | EP1         | Built-in temp sensor |
| Simple lights on/off | Either      | Both detect presence reliably |

## Still Unsure?

* **Choose EP1** if detecting very still people reliably is your priority
* **Choose EPL** if knowing where someone is in the room matters

Both sensors integrate seamlessly with Home Assistant and can be tuned to your specific environment. Use the [**Zone Configurator**](/doc/6640e98e-2d8f-4cbe-a705-5d215371b372) to visualize sensor data and (for EPL) configure detection zones.

---

**Documents**

- [EP1 vs EPL: Which Sensor is Right for You?](https://docs.everythingsmart.io/s/products/doc/ep1-vs-epl-which-sensor-is-right-for-you-5B3RxiY3Kp)
- [Everything Presence One (EP1)](https://docs.everythingsmart.io/s/products/doc/everything-presence-one-ep1-3R178yZSUP)
- [Everything Presence Pro](https://docs.everythingsmart.io/s/products/doc/everything-presence-pro-nh3fIXmow9)
- [Everything Presence Lite (EPL)](https://docs.everythingsmart.io/s/products/doc/everything-presence-lite-epl-ZVnBzYzuX2)
- [Zone Configurator](https://docs.everythingsmart.io/s/products/doc/zone-configurator-93b9scGsa2)
- [Knowledge Base Articles](https://docs.everythingsmart.io/s/products/doc/knowledge-base-articles-KnRRmk4zvt)