Aqara Home

Features

Strong Zigbee-Based Ecosystem

Aqara uses Zigbee as the foundation for its device network, providing fast response times, low power use, and stable communication across sensors, switches, and controllers.

Growing Matter & Thread Support

Newer Aqara hubs support Matter and Thread, allowing devices to connect more reliably and work across platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings.

Reliable Local Automations

Aqara hubs process most automations locally, keeping routines responsive even when your internet connection is unstable. This improves reliability for lighting, security, and sensor-based actions.

Wide Range Of Smart Sensors & Controls

Aqara offers one of the largest collections of sensors and switches, including presence detection, leak monitoring, door and window sensors, climate tracking, and smart buttons.

Simple Setup In The Aqara Home App

The Aqara Home app makes pairing devices quick with QR codes and guided instructions. You can organize rooms, create scenes, and manage automations with minimal effort.

Flexible Scene & Automation Tools

Scenes let you group multiple actions into a single command, and the automation builder supports triggers such as motion, temperature, presence, and device activity.

Cross-Platform Voice Assistant Support

Aqara devices integrate with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant through compatible hubs, allowing voice-controlled access to lighting, security features, and routines.

Stable Remote Access & Monitoring

With an Aqara hub connected to your network, you can monitor devices and run automations remotely through the Aqara Home app, keeping tabs on your home from anywhere.

Integrations

Aqara

Compact Zigbee smart sensors

Aqara Smart Home Dashboards

Aqara dashboards give you a clear overview of your rooms, devices, and scenes within the Aqara Home app. The layout focuses on quick access to sensors, automations, and frequently used controls, making it easy to manage your system at a glance.

Aqara Home dashboard placeholder

Aqara Home Automations

Aqara automations let your devices react to motion, presence, temperature, and other sensor events with simple, reliable logic. You can build routines that adjust lighting, notify you of activity, or coordinate actions across multiple devices throughout your home.

When

Aqara Temperature Sensor Temperature in bedroom is above 74

And if (optional)

Aqara Presence Sensor Presence has been detected

Then do

Aqara Dual Relay Module Switch bedroom relay on for ceiling fan

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See How Aqara Home Stands Up Against Other Platforms

Each smart home platform offers different strengths in automation, connectivity, and device support. This comparison tool helps you understand how Aqara Home aligns with your goals by highlighting key differences across major ecosystems.

Device Compatibility

Aqara Home supports a wide range of Aqara-branded devices covering lighting, sensors, switches, curtains, cameras, and climate control. Many products also integrate with third-party ecosystems through Matter, Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.

Home Assistant supports thousands of smart devices across nearly every major brand and category. Its open-source nature and extensive integration library make it one of the most versatile platforms available.

Protocols Supported

Aqara primarily uses Zigbee for communication between devices and hubs, ensuring low-latency, energy-efficient connections. Newer hubs support Matter and Thread, allowing cross-platform connectivity and improved interoperability.

Home Assistant connects with almost every major protocol, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter, Thread, and Bluetooth. Additional support for APIs, MQTT, and custom integrations extends compatibility even further.

Ecosystem Size

The Aqara ecosystem is extensive within its own product family, with over a hundred devices across multiple categories. Compatibility with major smart home platforms further expands its overall reach.

With hundreds of native integrations and a thriving developer community, Home Assistant’s ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. Users can connect proprietary hubs and third-party systems under a single, unified platform.

Setup Process

Setup is handled through the Aqara Home app, which provides guided device pairing and room assignment. Hubs connect to Wi-Fi, allowing sensors and accessories to be added quickly via QR code or auto-detection.

Setup is more technical than plug-and-play but offers full flexibility. Installation varies by hardware, and once configured, devices integrate seamlessly through community-supported add-ons and guided setup flows.

Mobile App & Interface

The Aqara Home app offers a clean, organized interface for controlling devices, scenes, and automations. It balances simplicity for beginners with detailed configuration options for advanced users.

The Home Assistant Companion app provides local and remote control, notifications, and sensor data. Its Lovelace dashboard system gives users deep customization over layout, appearance, and functionality.

Voice Assistant Integration

Aqara supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice control through its hubs. Users can issue commands or run scenes hands-free across multiple platforms.

Home Assistant supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri through official integrations, along with its own local “Assist” voice control. Advanced users can add privacy-focused options like Rhasspy for local-only processing.

Automation Capabilities

Aqara Home features a robust automation engine where devices can respond to motion, temperature, time, or occupancy. Automations run locally through the hub, keeping response times fast and consistent.

Home Assistant’s automation engine supports simple routines and complex logic with triggers, conditions, and scripting. Users can build from templates or import community-created Blueprints for faster setup.

Remote Access

Users can control and monitor Aqara devices from anywhere through the Aqara Home app. Cloud connectivity ensures remote access without compromising local automation performance.

Users can access their Home Assistant setup locally or remotely through Nabu Casa’s cloud service, VPN, or self-hosted solutions. Core automations continue to function even when offline.

Customization

The platform allows detailed automation logic, custom scenes, and device grouping. While the app doesn’t support full scripting, it offers flexible control for real-world smart home setups.

Everything in Home Assistant can be customized, from dashboard design to automation logic and integrations. Users can build completely personalized interfaces and experiences tailored to their needs.

Cloud vs. Local Control

Most Aqara automations and device interactions run locally through the hub, ensuring reliability even without internet. Cloud services are used primarily for remote access and third-party integrations.

Home Assistant prioritizes local control to keep your data private and automations fast. Cloud services are optional, giving you the choice between full independence or added convenience.

Data Privacy

Aqara emphasizes user privacy by processing local data through its hubs whenever possible. Remote connections use encrypted communication to protect user information.

Because it’s open source and locally hosted, you decide where data is stored and who can access it. There are no hidden cloud dependencies or required external connections.

Security Standards

Aqara devices and hubs use AES encryption and secure pairing for data protection. Regular firmware updates strengthen system security and maintain compatibility with new standards.

Security depends on user configuration but is generally strong. Regular updates, encryption, and community transparency make it easy to maintain a secure setup.

Hub Requirement

A Zigbee or Matter-compatible Aqara hub is required to connect most devices. Each hub acts as a central controller, enabling automations and multi-platform connectivity.

A dedicated hub isn’t required, though most setups use a central device like a Raspberry Pi or server. USB radios or bridges may be needed to connect Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread devices.

Hardware Options

Aqara offers several hubs including the M2, M3, and E1, each supporting different protocols and connectivity options. These hubs can bridge Aqara devices to platforms like HomeKit or Google Home.

Home Assistant can run on Raspberry Pi, mini PCs, NAS units, or official hardware like the Home Assistant Green and Yellow. This flexibility lets users scale from basic setups to enterprise-grade control.

Pricing Model

The Aqara Home platform is free to use with no subscription required. Users only pay for hubs and devices, making it a cost-effective option for building a connected home.

The core software is free and open source. Optional paid services, like Nabu Casa for remote access and cloud-assisted voice control, add convenience without limiting local features.

Third-Party Integrations

Aqara integrates natively with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and Matter. Additional integrations can be enabled through compatible hubs or community-supported platforms like Home Assistant.

Home Assistant integrates with IFTTT, Node-RED, MQTT, and open APIs. Users can also build their own integrations or install thousands of community-made ones.

Community Support

Aqara maintains an active user community and detailed documentation through its website and forums. Third-party communities also share guides, device compatibility updates, and automation ideas.

An active global community drives development through forums, GitHub, and tutorials. Frequent updates and shared Blueprints make it easy for new users to find help and inspiration.

Future-Proofing

Aqara continues to expand its Matter and Thread support, ensuring long-term compatibility with future smart home standards. Ongoing firmware updates keep existing devices relevant and reliable.

Home Assistant evolves quickly with support for new standards like Matter and Thread. Its open-source foundation ensures adaptability and long-term compatibility across devices and protocols.