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 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:

Smart Home Central Unit (Hub MS1, Hub MS2, Hub E1)
Switches and sockets (Smart Wall Switch H1 Double Rocker, Smart Wall Switch H1 Single Rocker, Smart Plug )
Lighting (LED Light Bulb)
Sensors (Motion Sensor, Motion Sensor P1, Door and Window Sensor, Temperature and Humidity Sensor, Water Leak Sensor, Vibration Sensor, TVOC Air Quality Monitor)
Indoor cameras (Camera Hub G2H, Camera Hub G2H Pro, Camera Hub G3)
Roller shutter control (Roller Shade Controller, Roller Shade Driver E1)
Remote control (Cube, Wireless Mini Switch, Wireless Remote Switch Double Rocker, Wireless Remote Switch Single Rocker, Wireless Remote Switch H1 Double Rocker)

Read our reviews and learn more about the Aqara smart home system.

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

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

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 E1 Hub

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

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.

Aqara Camera Hub G3

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

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.

Aqara Water Leak Sensor

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

Aqara Motion Sensor

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

Aqara Vibration Sensor

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

Aqara Door and Window Sensor

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

Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor

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

Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor

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,

Aqara Cube Controller

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

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

Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1 (Double Rocker)

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.

Aqara Single Switch Module T1

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

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 E1

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 Shade Controller

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 E1

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

Call us at (+48) 34 361 04 48 or write to [email protected]

Products from the article

Aqara Single Switch Module T1 | Switch module | no Neutral, Zigbee, EU, SSM-U02

26,62 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Hub E1 | Smart Home Gateway | Zigbee, WiFi, HE1-G01

24,70 GBP

with VAT

AQARA G3 CAMERA GATEWAY HUB ZIGBEE 3.0 HOMEKIT

97,47 GBP

with VAT

Aqara LED Light Bulb | Smart LED Bulb | Tunable White, ZNLDP12LM

14,02 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1 White | Wireless Wall Switch | 2 Buttons, WRS-R02

24,70 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Hub M2 | Smart Home Gateway | Zigbee, Homekit, EU

53,43 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wall Double Switch H1 | Switch module | with Neutral, Zigbee 3.0, EU, WS-EUK04

36,19 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wall Single Switch H1 | Switch module | no Neutral, Zigbee 3.0, EU, WS-EUK01

36,19 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Vibration Sensor | Vibration Detector | White, DJT11LM

17,04 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wall Double Switch H1 | Switch module | no Neutral, Zigbee 3.0, EU, WS-EUK02

38,11 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Cube | Control cube | White, MFKZQ01LM

17,09 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Hub M1S | Smart Home Gateway | Zigbee, Homekit, EU

36,60 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Curtain rolling shutter motor | Roller Shutter Controller | Zigbee, SRSC-M01

95,56 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Smart Plug EU | Remote Control Plug | White, SP-EUC01

26,62 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Window & Door Sensor | Sensor for Window and Door | White, MCCGQ11LM

17,09 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Water Leak Sensor | Water Sensor | White, SJCGQ11LM

17,09 GBP

with VAT

Aqara G2H Camera Hub | IP Camera | 1080p, Zigbee, CH-H01

49,57 GBP

with VAT

AQARA ROLLER SHADE DRIVER E1 RSD-M01 5085

53,43 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wireless Remote Switch Double Rocker | Wireless Wall Switch | White, 2 Buttons, WXKG02LM

17,97 GBP

with VAT

Aqara G2H Pro Camera Hub | IP Camera | 1080p, Zigbee, CH-C01

66,83 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Motion Sensor | Motion and Light Sensor | White, RTCGQ11LM

17,04 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Temperature & Humidity Sensor | Temperature and humidity sensor | White, WSDCGQ11LM

17,09 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wireless Mini Switch | Wireless Switch | White, 1 Button, WXKG11LM

15,17 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Single Switch Module T1 | Switch module | with Neutral, Zigbee, EU, SSM-U01

26,69 GBP

with VAT

Aqara Wall Single Switch H1 | Switch module | with Neutral, Zigbee 3.0, EU, WS-EUK03

32,36 GBP

with VAT