Aqara review - sensors, switches and sockets for the smart home

In the era of popularization of Smart Home solutions, choosing the right devices is of utmost importance. Aqara Aqara has presented a range of low-cost and high-performance gadgets that will fill every nook and cranny and meet every need of a smart home. It is worth mentioning that Aqara is a long-term partner of Xiaomi Mi brand solutions in the US market.
Currently, the Aqara brand is owned by Lumi Technology and has recently become very popular in Europe. Actually, it all happened through Amazon stores and through partnership with Apple. At the moment, Aqara offers a wide range of devices, from motion sensors and indoor cameras to smart switches. Importantly, all products work with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.
Aqara Logo Click to enlarge!
Aqara Logo
Aqara system communicates between individual smart home devices using ZigBee standard. It is a specification for data transmission protocols in wireless mesh, cluster tree networks. Networks based on ZigBee are characterized by low power consumption, low data transfer rate (up to 250kbps) and range between nodes up to 100 meters.
Aqara is a rapidly growing ecosystem with a large product portfolio that currently includes: Read our reviews and learn more about the Aqara smart home system.
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Aqara HUB - control center

The heart (control center) of the entire Aqara ecosystem is the central HUB. This is an essential device because it is where all the other Aqara accessories will connect to and where automation and interaction can be performed. At the moment, the Hub function is performed by the following devices:

Aqara Hub M1S Click to enlarge!
Aqara Hub M1S
  • Aqara System Control Center
  • Up to 128 Aqara Zigbee devices can be connected to the HUB
  • The HUB connects compatible Aqara devices to Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Assistant, Yandex Alisa and more.
  • When paired with Aqara sensors, an audible alarm or night light.
  • It includes 18 LEDs for adjustable light color and brightness.

Aqara Hub M2 Click to enlarge!
Aqara Hub M2
  • The most advanced and futuristic smart home HUB
  • Up to 128 Aqara Zigbee devices can be connected to the HUB (gateway).
  • The multi-protocol gateway (Zigbee 3.0, IR, BLE) ensures maximum compatibility.
  • Connects compatible Aqara devices with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, Yandex Alisa and more
  • It can control infrared compatible devices such as air conditioners, TVs, heaters, lights, etc. And can integrate them with smart home automation.


Aqara Hub E1 Click to enlarge!
Aqara Hub E1
  • The smallest smart home gateway
  • Supports both classic and latest Aqara devices
  • Supports up to 128 ZigBee devices
  • Compatible with popular ecosystems like Home Kit, Google, IFTTT etc.


Aqara Camera HUB G2H Click to enlarge!
Aqara Camera HUB G2H
  • HomeKit camera with HUB/gateway functionality
  • Face recognition, 10-day iCloud storage at no extra charge
  • 40° wide-angle lens with 1080p Full HD sensor and IR Night Vision
  • Camera also works as a Zigbee gateway (hub) and connects Aqara Zigbee devices to HomeKit
  • HomeKit-enabled two-way audio and one-click video messaging.
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  • High-end camera with gesture detection and face recognition
  • The most powerful Zigbee 3.0 smart homeHUB/gateway
  • Control infrared-enabled devices

Aqara - switches, sensors, sockets

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Of course, to make our ecosystem coherent and functional, we need to arm our home with various sensors, switches, sockets and other elements that will help us automate processes. We connect all these elements to our HUB, which is a central control unit.

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  • Water detection and home protection
  • When the water level reaches above 0.5mm, the IP67 certified water sensor about it
  • The sensor will activate a gateway that will sound an alarm and send a notification to the user's phone


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  • Detects movement from a distance
  • Captures movement and detects unauthorized entry
  • Automatically turns lights on/off based on presence in the room
  • Detects the brightness in the room


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  • Detects vibration, tilting and falling
  • When placed on a window or door, the sensor alerts you when there is a knock on the door or a break-in through the window.
  • It can also be placed with your valuables and send notifications when an object has been moved


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  • Detects the open status of doors or windows in real-time
  • Detects unauthorized opening of doors and windows
  • Turns on/off lights, fan or curtains when a window or door is open
  • Compact and robust, easy to install and set up


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  • Monitors temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure in real time
  • Accurately monitors the temperature, humidity and air pressure in each room
  • Automatically turns on the fan or humidifier when the temperature reaches a certain threshold


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  • Small and functional air quality sensor
  • Measures total volatile organic compound (TVOC) levels
  • Energy efficient E-ink screen shows temperature, humidity and TVOC levels along with air quality rating.
  • Can run exhaust fans, air purifiers and open windows with Aqara controllers,


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  • One cube that controls everything
  • Up to 6 different ways to manually control your smart home
  • Each action can be customized to control a different smart home accessory or scene.


Aqara Wireless Mini Switch Click to enlarge!
Aqara Wireless Mini Switch
  • Controls smart accessories with a single button
  • Up to 3 different ways to manually control your smart home with a single press, double press or long press
  • Can function as a doorbell, light switch and controller to control various home devices


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  • Works with the Aqara H1 EU wall switch to create a 3-way switchconfiguration
  • Controls a single accessory or group of smart accessories with a single touch
  • Each button supports up to 3 different ways to manually control a smart home: single press, double press or long press
  • Connects directly to Aqara's Zigbee 3.0 controller and will work even if the gateway is not available.


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  • Flexible installation options and full smart home automation support.
  • Zigbee 3.0: the latest, most stable and energy-efficient smart home technology
  • Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, Yandex Alisa and more
  • Fits into almost any wall box


Aqara Smart Plug Click to enlarge!
Aqara Smart Plug
  • Controls home appliances from anywhere using your smartphone
  • Sets an on/off schedule for home appliances.
  • Monitors the energy consumption of your devices.
  • Ask Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant to control your devices.


Aqara Led Bulb Click to enlarge!
Aqara Led Bulb
  • An upgraded version of our classic E27 LED bulb
  • Our tunable white bulb has been updated with Zigbee wireless protocols 3.0 and Bluetooth, smoother and more customizable transition effects that will make it a best-in-class solution for those who need high-quality smart lighting.


Aqara Roller Shader Click to enlarge!
Aqara Roller Shader
  • Open and close the curtains with your smartphone, cube controller or wireless switch
  • Open/close your curtains with the touch of a button.
  • Adjust the curtains by voice
  • Ability to automatically adjust the curtain opening. Automatic Adjust curtain opening according to external light with dimmer function.


Aqara Roller Shade Driver Click to enlarge!
Aqara Roller Shade Driver
  • The easiest to install and most flexible roller shutter controller
  • Compatible with the most popular ecosystems and voice assistants: HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT, Alice
  • Most beaded cord roller shutters are supported with the many included adapters.
  • Simply screw the device to the wall, attach the adapter, insert the roller shutter bead cord and the device is ready to connect

Summary and conclusions

We have to admit that Aqara devices are a very interesting solution for building the whole Smart Home ecosystem. First of all, they are inexpensive and we have a whole range of different products that create a coherent whole. With the mobile application we can create advanced automation of individual devices and the only thing that limits us is our imagination. Aqara's Zigbee hubs, along with a growing number of compatible sensors and switches that work with Alexa, HomeKit and Google, are a must-have item for anyone serious about launching a smart home. The Aqara system offers a lot of great functionality for really little money. We invite you to buy!

Author:
Leszek Blaszczyk

Products from the article

Aqara Cube | Control cube | White, MFKZQ01LM
17,68 GBP

 with VAT

AQARA HUB M1S EU HM1S-G01 2343
0,00 GBP

 with VAT

AQARA G2H CAMERA CH-H01 2190
0,00 GBP

 with VAT

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