Sensereo MS-1: Reliable, Matter, Smoke Detection Made Simple

The Sensereo MS-1 redefines what a modern smoke alarm can do. Combining advanced infrared light–scattering technology with seamless Matter smart home integration.

The MS-1 delivers fast, accurate, and connected smoke detection for the next generation of intelligent homes. Whether you use Apple Home, Home Assistant, or Google Home, the MS-1 slots into your setup effortlessly.

Sensereo MS-1 Design and Technology

Straight out of the box, the MS-1 impresses with its compact size and clean, minimalist design, smaller and sleeker than most traditional alarms.

Beneath that understated exterior lies an advanced photoelectric sensor. The sensor employs an infrared emitting diode and a precisely engineered dark chamber to detect smoke with exceptional precision.

The maze like chamber design minimises false triggers from external light while remaining highly sensitive to slow, smouldering fires exactly the kind that most alarms miss until it’s too late. and 85 dB alarm, it’s definitely hard to miss when triggered.

Lifespan and Maintenance

Sensereo offer a seven year warranty, falling in line with the lifespan of the internal sealed battery. There is also a Matter-Thread communication battery (CR123A 3V) which is pre-installed and replaceable. You’ll receive a low-battery alert through your connected smart home app when the battery is low.

Sensereo MS-1 Smart Integration

With built-in Matter Thread connectivity, the MS-1 communicates instantly across your smart ecosystem. Alerts arrive simultaneously on your phone, smart hub, and any linked devices, allowing for automated responses, e.g. turning on lights or unlocking doors during an emergency.

Connecting to Apple HomeKit

Setup is refreshingly straightforward.

Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the “+” icon to add a new device.
Scan the QR code found on the back of the MS-1 (or use the copy in the manual).
Follow the on-screen prompts and select the room where you’ve installed it.

Within moments, the device is active and visible in HomeKit, no complicated steps or guesswork.

Finally, switch on the MS-1 using the small power toggle on the back. I was curious about an off button on a smoke alarm. Sensereo’s base plate design is quietly brilliant. Mount the MS-1, twist it to lock, and a notch on the baseplate engages the power ensuring the sensor activates the moment it’s secured. Setup doesn’t get easier than this.

If you are new to Apple Home see: Getting started with Apple HomeKit.

Connecting to Home Assistant

Pairing with Home Assistant is just as easy:

Put the MS-1 into pairing mode (via HomeKit or the device interface).
In Home Assistant, open the Matter integration section and choose “Add Device.”
Paste or enter the provided pairing code.

Within seconds, the MS-1 appears in your dashboard. The MS-1 comes wit a ‘Test/Hush’ button on the device however, you can even trigger a test directly from Home Assistant. As ever with Home Assistant all activity is logged automatically for future reference.

I decided to put the sensor to the test (along side my aging and discontinued Google Nest Protect). Burning cardboard in the wood burner with the door open seemed like a great idea at the time.

Within 10–20 seconds, both smoke detectors were sounding a substantial alarm. The MS-1 demonstrated impressive responsiveness in detecting smoke and triggering the alarm.

In hindsight, I should have provided advance notice to my family, who received alerts through Apple Home.

Sensereo MS-1 Conclusion

The MS-1 doesn’t try to do too much and that’s its strength. It detects smoke fast, sends alerts instantly, and integrates cleanly with your existing automations. In practice, that means you can set your lights to turn on, your speakers to announce a warning, or even your air purifiers to shut off when smoke is detected.

The Sensereo MS-1 Matter of Thread Smoke Alarm (Amazon Ad) nails the balance between simplicity and sophistication. It’s a smart smoke detector that doesn’t overcomplicate safety, and it plays beautifully with every major ecosystem thanks to Matter. Setup is painless, alerts are instant, and the infrared sensor tech just works.

We love the Sensereo MS-1 for: