The Ajax range has four indoor motion detectors that look alike: MotionProtect, MotionProtect Plus, MotionCam and MotionCam PhOD. They all detect a presence, but they do not answer the same question. This guide compares them, gives the prices incl. VAT and explains how to choose according to your room, your hub and your budget.
In short
- MotionProtect: the basic detector, for most rooms.
- MotionProtect Plus: the same, with a second technology against false alerts.
- MotionCam: detects and sends photos on every alarm.
- MotionCam PhOD: detects and takes a photo on demand.
Comparison table
| Model | Price incl. VAT | Technology | Photos | Compatible hubs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MotionProtect | €79.34 | Passive infrared (PIR), 12 m | No | Hub, Hub 2, Hub 2 4G, Hub 2 Plus |
| MotionProtect Plus | €109.51 | PIR + microwave | No | Hub, Hub 2, Hub 2 4G, Hub 2 Plus |
| MotionCam | €174.00 | PIR + photo sensor | On every alarm | Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus |
| MotionCam PhOD | €192.80 | PIR + photo sensor | On demand | Hub 2, Hub 2 Plus |
Prices are indicative: the price shown on the product page prevails.
MotionProtect: the default choice
The MotionProtect uses a passive infrared sensor with a 12 m range. It detects the heat of a body crossing its field. Pet immunity is adjustable, so you can keep a cat or small dog at home with the alarm armed. It runs for several years on a battery.
Choose it for a hallway, living room, bedroom, office or stockroom. It is the most affordable and most common detector: in an apartment, two or three are usually enough.
MotionProtect Plus: for difficult rooms
The MotionProtect Plus combines infrared and microwave. For an alarm to trigger, both technologies must confirm the movement. This limits false alerts in rooms where infrared alone can be fooled:
- a conservatory exposed to the sun;
- a garage with draughts;
- a room near a radiator or an air conditioner.
It costs €30 more than the MotionProtect. Do not put it everywhere: keep it for problem rooms.
MotionCam: see before acting
The MotionCam adds a photo sensor to the motion detector. On every alarm, it takes a series of photos and sends them to the app. You know immediately whether the alert comes from an intruder, a pet or a family member who came home early.
This photo verification has two practical benefits. It avoids needless trips, and it lets a monitoring service confirm the alarm on images before calling the emergency services. The MotionCam is the right choice for the entrance hall, a shop or a home left empty part of the year.
It is compatible with the Hub 2 and Hub 2 Plus hubs. It does not work with the first-generation Hub.
MotionCam PhOD: the photo when you ask for it
The MotionCam PhOD (photo on demand) detects motion like the others. The difference: the photo is not taken on every alarm, but when you request it from the app. You can therefore look into a room remotely.
This model suits you if you want to check a place on demand, such as a premises or a second home. It costs €18.80 more than the MotionCam. Like it, it is only compatible with the Hub 2 and Hub 2 Plus.
How to choose by room
| Situation | Recommended model |
|---|---|
| Studio or small apartment, tight budget | MotionProtect |
| Conservatory, garage, sunlit room | MotionProtect Plus |
| Entrance hall of a house | MotionCam |
| Shop with monitoring | MotionCam |
| Home unoccupied part of the year | MotionCam or MotionCam PhOD |
| Checking a place remotely | MotionCam PhOD |
A balanced setup mixes models: one MotionCam on the main passage, MotionProtect in the other rooms. This keeps the budget reasonable while providing a photo where it matters.
Budget example
For an apartment with three motion detectors:
- 3 MotionProtect: €238.02 incl. VAT;
- 1 MotionCam and 2 MotionProtect: €332.68 incl. VAT, that is €94.66 more to get a photo on every alarm in the hall.
The extra cost stays modest compared with the whole system. For the other items, see the price of an Ajax alarm by setup.
Hub compatibility
The MotionProtect and MotionProtect Plus pair with every Ajax hub in the current range. The MotionCam and MotionCam PhOD require a Hub 2 or a Hub 2 Plus, because photo verification goes through these hubs.
If you start from a first-generation Hub, you can therefore fit MotionProtect detectors but not MotionCam. In that case, moving to the Ajax Hub 2 hub is the simple route. Detectors already installed re-pair on the new Hub. To choose between Hub 2 and Hub 2 Plus, see Hub 2 or Hub 2 Plus. All Ajax hubs are grouped in one collection.
Common mounting tips
- Mount the detector at about 2.4 m high.
- Place it so the intruder crosses the detection field.
- Avoid a sunlit window, a radiator, an air conditioner and a curtain.
- Test the Jeweller signal in the app before drilling.
- For a MotionCam, also check the viewing angle: it must cover the access, not a bare wall.
The guide which Ajax detectors to choose details room-by-room mounting and the number of devices to plan for.
And outdoors?
None of these four models is designed for outdoor use. For a terrace or garden, the range offers the MotionProtect Outdoor (€273.69 incl. VAT) and the MotionCam Outdoor (€334.02 incl. VAT). Their dual infrared and anti-masking detect before the intruder reaches the building.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MotionProtect and MotionCam?
The MotionCam sends photos on every alarm. The MotionProtect only reports the movement.
Does the MotionCam work with a first-generation Hub?
No. It requires a Hub 2 or a Hub 2 Plus.
Is the MotionProtect Plus worth the extra cost?
Yes in a room with draughts or strong sunlight. In an ordinary room, the MotionProtect is enough.
Is a subscription needed to receive photos?
No. Photo verification is included in the app. Only monitoring, which is optional, is paid, from €21.78 per month incl. VAT.
How many motion detectors for a house?
Plan 4 to 6 detectors in total for a detached house, door contacts included.
Going further
Discover our selection of Ajax alarms in Belgium and all the Ajax detectors. For professional approved installation, see installation and services or call 0800 37 087.