This innovative plug is remarkably energy-efficient, especially when in Thread-only mode, which reduces idle consumption while enhancing the mesh Thread network by routing the packets. It also provides real-time and historical usage data via the Aqara app, which aids in automating electrical appliances to minimize power wastage. It can detect the status of the associated device, triggering Aqara Home automations as needed.

Building on the success of the Aqara Hub M2, the M3 retains key features such as Zigbee hub functionality and an infrared blaster, while also incorporating Thread and Bluetooth protocols. This inclusion elevates the M3 to serve as both a Matter controller and a Thread Border Router, establishing it as a central command centre for both current and future smart homes. The M3 comes with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection, offering both adaptability and steadfastness.

The M3 hub is integral to the Matter-enable Aqara ecosystem. Users can now incorporate third-party Matter devices into the Aqara Home ecosystem, alongside Aqara accessories, for an integrated smart home experience using a single product. However, this assumes users' willingness to remain within the bounds of their own platform. The M3 also provides exposure to connected IR devices, facilitating user control over their infrared ACs and TVs through Aqara Home or any Matter ecosystems they prefer.

The M3 hub is designed to support decentralised operation, offering edge functionalities for local control and automation. Its vast eMMC storage facilitates local, end-to-end encrypted data storage and native automation processing, reducing system lag and decreasing reliance on cloud services. The M3 can connect to the Aqara Home app via a local area network (LAN), ensuring uninterruptible control over the Aqara system during cloud service or internet disruptions. The M3 also offers dynamic leadership and automatic backup. By deploying additional M3 hubs to the network, automation can be auto-replicated, equipping the new hub to step in if the leading M3 fails. In the future, the M3 hub is set to support bonding between Aqara Thread devices, enabling some automations to remain active even in the absence of a hub. Such features assure users of continuous local connectivity.

While the Aqara Hub M3 may have been long-awaited, it has begun shipping to consumers in China. Unfortunately, international users will have to wait for it until Q2 2024.