When I first launched this website in April 2018, the original Aqara hub (now known as the M1) was not yet available. Similar Xiaomi hubs were around but lacked official HomeKit compatibility. Hubs themselves were not new, with earlier iterations like the 1st and 2nd gen Philips Hue Bridges already in the market. Aqara introduced its first hub in August 2018 in China, gradually expanding to other regions, including the UK, bringing with it sensors, the Aqara Hub M2, and the Camera Hub G2H. Newer Aqara hubs continue to emerge steadily.

This article aims to guide newcomers to smart homes, especially those focusing on Apple Home, who may find the extensive options and regional differences between Aqara hubs bewildering. Misunderstandings can lead to spending on incompatible devices. While exhaustive coverage of each hub is impossible, I hope to clarify their capabilities, limitations, and regional suitability to save you time and money.

For those already familiar with Aqara, a common question is which devices are exposed to Apple Home. Initially straightforward with one Aqara hub, certification complexities arise with new hubs. Each new hub requires certified child devices to undergo re-certification, even if they were compatible with an older hub. This can be confusing, e.g., an Aqara US smart wall switch might work with the Aqara hub but not yet with the Aqara G2H camera hub. Certification is a lengthy process, adding to the confusion.

Due to constraints, I cannot update on real-time compatibility across hubs (except the original Aqara Hub). Collaborating with other Aqara users may help confirm device compatibility across all hubs. This article aims to assist beginners confused by the varied options. A video below offers a basic overview of common hubs for an easier start.

This article also covers a non-Aqara hub to explain its relation with Aqara products. Except for one, all hubs mentioned are Aqara branded, including one made by Aqara’s parent company (Lumi United), compatible with many Aqara sensors and switches. It is advisable to buy a hub suitable for your region for optimal support and compatibility. Let's dive in...

AQARA HUB (M1)

Uses WiFi 2.4 GHz to connect to your network/HomeKit

• Can support up to 32 child devices
• Uses Zigbee to connect to child devices (not Zigbee 3.0)
• Uses a built-in plug
• Available in variants for China (Type I), Europe (Type C), North America (Type B), and Hong Kong/UK (Type G, not officially on sale in UK)
• Works with Apple Home, Mi Home, and Aqara Home apps
• Two alarm modes — Off and Away (not synced with HomeKit)
• Includes audio speaker (for alarm) and LED ring light

This hub initiated Aqara's journey, predating the official HomeKit-compatible Xiaomi hubs.

If your hub lacks the Aqara logo in the center, it's not Aqara, therefore not Apple Home compatible. Xiaomi hubs look similar but won't work with Apple Home. Aqara Hub uses WiFi to connect to your network and HomeKit home. It comes with a HomeKit QR code for easy pairing and is advisable to initially add it to the Aqara Home app. In HomeKit, it displays as a light (LED ring) and a security system (alarm).

You can add the Aqara hub to Aqara Home or Mi Home apps but not both. Although Aqara is recommended, Mi Home might be preferable if you own various Xiaomi smart home products. It will be visible in HomeKit either way. This hub supports up to 32 child devices using an older Zigbee version. It does not support Bluetooth or WiFi devices. Often, Xiaomi Bluetooth or WiFi products can't be added to this hub directly; they work via automations instead.

The Aqara hub primarily lists its own brand devices, but many Mi/Mijia branded sensors and switches also work, visible in the Mi Home app. For a comprehensive list of compatible devices, check our Aqara 101 article.

AQARA HUB M1S (Gen 1 & 2)

Uses WiFi 2.4 GHz to connect to your network/HomeKit

• Supports up to 128* child devices
• Uses Zigbee 3.0 to connect to child devices
• Uses a built-in plug
• Available in variants for China (Type I), Europe (Type C), and North America (Type B)
• Works with Apple Home, Mi Home, and Aqara Home apps
• Four alarm modes — Off, Away, Home, Night/Sleep (syncs with HomeKit)
• Includes audio speaker (for alarm) and LED ring light

The Aqara Hub M1S is an upgraded version of the original hub, featuring Zigbee 3.0 compatibility, making it compatible with both older Zigbee devices and newer 3.0 versions. It has an improved LED ring and different onboard sounds, including voice prompts. Be careful to identify the M1S model correctly as it looks similar to the older hub.

* The gateway supports up to 32 Zigbee terminal devices. Additional devices require Zigbee relay devices, expanding the gateway's capability to 128 Zigbee sub-devices. Relay devices are typically neutral wire products.

AQARA HUB M2

Uses WiFi 2.4 GHz or Wired Ethernet to connect to your network/HomeKit

• Supports up to 128* child devices
• Uses Zigbee 3.0 to connect to child devices
• Includes an infrared transmitter (not exposed to HomeKit)
• Uses a Micro-USB port with any USB type power supply
• Available in variants for China (Type A), Europe (Type C), North America
• Works with Apple Home and Aqara Home apps
• Four alarm modes — Off, Away, Home, Night/Sleep (syncs with HomeKit)
• Includes audio speaker (for alarm)

* The gateway supports up to 32 Zigbee terminal devices. Additional devices require Zigbee relay devices, expanding the gateway's capability to 128 Zigbee sub-devices.

The Aqara M2, announced in July 2019, is now available in the UK, EU, and US. Unlike previous models, it uses USB power with a micro-USB port, avoiding regional plug issues. It also has an Ethernet port for a wired connection or 2.4GHz WiFi for a wireless connection. In HomeKit, the M2 is identified as a hub and alarm system.

Included is an Infrared transmitter to control IR-based devices (e.g., TVs, AC units) through the Aqara Home app using Siri Shortcuts. While not officially supported by HomeKit, it can still be useful. The M2 also features Bluetooth 5.0, likely for initial pairing of certain devices rather than Bluetooth hub functionality.

AQARA P3 AC COMPANION

Uses WiFi 2.4 GHz to connect to your network/HomeKit

• Supports up to 128* child devices
• Uses Zigbee 3.0 to connect to child devices
• Has a larger built-in 16A plug
• Includes an infrared transmitter (not exposed to HomeKit, except for AC units)
• Only available in China, with Type I, 16A plug
• Works with Apple Home, Mi Home, and Aqara Home apps
• Four alarm modes — Off, Away, Home, Night/Sleep (syncs with HomeKit)
• Includes audio speaker (for alarm)

The Aqara P3 is an enhanced smart plug meant for AC units requiring more power with Chinese 16A plugs. It controls your AC using an infrared transmitter, exposing it as a thermostat in HomeKit, allowing basic AC controls. Other IR devices can be controlled, although not exposed to HomeKit. The P3 supports up to 128 child devices via Zigbee 3.0.

AQARA CAMERA HUB G2H

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