Honeywell 5800PIR-RES Review: Strong Detection, Some Drawbacks
A professional installer didn’t hold back, stating bluntly: “Do not buy the 5800PIR-RES. This is the one you want” — referring to another model with more features. Yet the Honeywell Intrusion 5800PIR-RES Wireless PIR still earns high marks from residential users for its ease of installation and strong motion detection. Averaging 8/10 in overall satisfaction, it’s praised as a “great product for the price” by Amazon buyers, but scrutiny reveals important limitations.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy installation with no jumpers or switches | Lacks self-test and selectable pet immunity |
| Compact, paintable design for discreet placement | Fewer advanced features than other 5800 models |
| Pet immunity up to 80 lbs, effective for many households | Confusion between 5800PIR-RES and fully featured 5800PIR versions |
| Automatic walk test mode saves installer time | No UV-protected lens |
| Long battery life with end-user replaceable CR123A lithium battery | Some sellers charging premium for entry-level hardware |
Claims vs Reality
Honeywell markets the 5800PIR-RES as “fast and easy to install” and “ideal where aesthetics or discretion are critical.” Digging deeper into user reports, that claim holds up: a verified buyer on Amazon noted, “As advertised. Installed in mere minutes. Works great. No false alarms.” The easy-open case and no PCB removal genuinely streamline the process.
The brand also promotes “pet immunity up to 80 lbs.” While this is accurate in terms of detection performance, multiple professionals point out limitations. One Amazon reviewer, identifying themselves as a fire/security company owner, warned: “It has built-in pet immunity that you cannot turn off,” contrasting it with higher-end models offering adjustable sensitivity. For homes without pets or with smaller animals, that’s fine — but in cases requiring maximum security, fixed immunity could be a drawback.
Marketing materials emphasize “longer battery life” and reduced service calls. From user accounts, this claim has merit. Reddit threads highlight fewer install errors thanks to the automatic walk-test mode, and Trustpilot entries show satisfaction with battery longevity, often up to four years. However, the lack of self-test — a feature in other 5800 variants — means no automated alert if the device stops working, contradicting the notion of comprehensive reliability.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The stand-out praise spans multiple platforms: ease of installation. Trustpilot comments highlight that “installation is easy, with no jumpers, switches or disassembly, fewer mounting restrictions and an automatic walk-test mode.” For DIY homeowners, this means less technical intimidation and fewer mistakes. On Amazon, one buyer shared, “Installed in mere minutes… works flawlessly with my Vivint system,” showing broad compatibility with popular alarm systems.
Discretion and design also win wide approval. Dealers and end-users on Reddit point out the ability to “custom-paint the motion detectors to match any setting,” appealing to those mindful of interior aesthetics. Being “50% smaller than the older 5890PI” makes it easier to blend into wall space without drawing attention.
Battery performance gets consistent praise. A Trustpilot user explained that “end-user replaceable batteries” lead to lower maintenance costs, a benefit for long-term homeowners who prefer minimal upkeep. For security installers, the extended life reduces callbacks and maintenance schedules.
Common Complaints
A recurring frustration is confusion between models. The professional installer on Amazon cautioned that sellers “will be very deceptive” by pricing the 5800PIR-RES like the fully featured 5800PIR. This leads to buyer regret when they expect advanced functions such as self-test, selectable pet sensitivity, or UV-protected lenses — which the RES version lacks.
While pet immunity is praised, it’s divisive when fixed. Households needing flexibility report that adjustable immunity in higher-end models is critical. Without it, the RES risks missing certain intrusions or producing delayed detection in very specific scenarios.
Another sore spot: missing durability features. The lack of a UV-protected lens was noted by multiple sources, potentially affecting longevity in bright or sunlit rooms. Professionals point out that environments with high light exposure might lead to more false alarms in comparison to other models with “black bug guard” enhancements.
Divisive Features
Pet immunity itself splits opinion. For dog owners with large breeds, the built-in 80 lbs threshold is a godsend. But for security purists or those in high-risk areas, removing pet immunity entirely would provide greater sensitivity. Contradictory feedback emerges: some appreciate fewer false alarms, others lament potential blind spots.
The compact design, while discreet, creates mixed feelings among installers who prefer larger units for commercial applications. Reddit discussions note the absence of cold temperature alerts and self-tests in the RES model, features regarded as valuable by those protecting garages, basements, or unheated properties.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot analysis reveals no reports of outright scams, but knowledge gaps cause disappointment. The Amazon installer review functions as a cautionary note against misrepresentation: buyers should “make sure that is what you get” and return mistaken models promptly.
Long-term durability gets decent marks from residential users. A SafeHomeCentral reviewer noted that the unit “works perfectly” months after installation, and others describe flawless performance without false triggers over extended periods. However, reliability concerns stem from the lack of self-test; without this, detection failure could go unnoticed until manually checked.
Alternatives
The most direct alternatives within Honeywell’s range are the 5800PIR and 5800PIR-COM. The 5800PIR includes selectable pet immunity and a self-test function, making it more suitable for those demanding advanced monitoring. The 5800PIR-COM extends coverage significantly with its long-range lens options and operates in extremes from -4°F to 131°F, suiting commercial or unheated environments. As the installer on Amazon concluded, “This is the unit you want for your house” — pointing to the fully featured version over the RES when budget allows.
Price & Value
On Amazon US, the 5800PIR-RES sells for around $31.99, with eBay ranging broadly from $25 to $45 depending on condition. However, listings sometimes inflate toward $70+ where scarcity or bundling occurs. Community advice stresses verifying the exact model before paying, as overpaying for entry-level hardware is a common pitfall. Resale value holds moderately, especially for sealed units, but used models trend toward the $20–$30 mark.
FAQ
Q: Can the pet immunity be turned off on the 5800PIR-RES?
A: No. Unlike higher-end Honeywell PIR units, the RES model has fixed pet immunity up to 80 lbs, which cannot be adjusted or disabled.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Most users report up to four years of battery life from the CR123A lithium cell, with end-user replacement straightforward thanks to the easy-open case.
Q: Is the 5800PIR-RES compatible with third-party alarm systems?
A: Yes. Verified buyers have successfully paired it with systems like Vivint and Honeywell’s own Lynx and Vista, provided the frequency matches (345 MHz).
Q: Does it include a self-testing feature?
A: No. Self-testing is reserved for fully featured models like the 5800PIR. The RES relies on manual testing during installation or routine checks.
Q: Can it be used outdoors?
A: Not recommended. It lacks UV protection and weatherproofing found in Honeywell’s dedicated outdoor sensors, so its design favors indoor environments.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a homeowner seeking a compact, easy-to-install motion sensor with consistent pet immunity for everyday use. Avoid if you need adjustable sensitivity, self-test capabilities, or are installing in challenging environments. Pro tip from community: Verify you’re buying the exact model advertised — and compare with the fully featured 5800PIR before committing.
