Aqara Smart Hubs – Selection Guide

If you just want to test a few Aqara sensors, the Hub E1 or the newer M100 is enough. Both are affordable, easy to set up (plug & play), and handle basic automations. The M100 also features Thread and Matter support, making it more future-proof.

Aqara directly supports migration from Hub E1 to M100 via the Aqara Home app – allowing you to transfer most settings and paired devices without rebuilding your system from scratch. However, migration is only available within the Aqara app, not across other ecosystems.

The M100 is the smallest and most affordable, without IR control or PoE, supporting up to 20+20 devices. The M200 adds 360° infrared control, PoE power, and a speaker, increasing capacity to 40+40 devices. The M3 is the flagship model with features matching the M200, but with capacity for up to 127 devices and more advanced local processing (acting as an edge hub).

No. All three cameras feature a built-in Zigbee (and potentially Thread) hub, allowing you to connect additional Aqara sensors and switches directly without an additional hub device. Adding a standalone hub is only necessary if you need to cover a larger range or connect more devices than the camera can handle on its own.

Models M100, M200, and M3 process automations locally directly on the device, meaning standard routines (e.g., sensor detects open door → turns on light) continue to work during internet outages. However, remote control outside your home network and cloud notifications always require an active internet connection.

The most common causes are excessive distance from the hub, a depleted sensor battery, or a sensor that was previously paired with another hub and needs to be factory reset first. For models with Wi-Fi 5 GHz support (e.g., M100, M200), try temporarily disabling the router's 5 GHz band – some Aqara devices pair reliably only over 2.4 GHz.

Yes, most models (M100, M200, M3, S1 Plus, as well as the G2H PRO/G350/G5 PRO/G410 cameras) support Matter, allowing them to be added to Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. The Hub E1 lacks this integration and functions strictly within the Aqara Home app.

A Thread Border Router bridges low-energy Thread mesh networks with your home Wi-Fi/LAN network. This enables Thread devices (like newer Matter sensors) to communicate with the app and the internet, while the hub simultaneously extends the Thread network coverage for other nearby devices – including those from third-party manufacturers.

Features and image quality are identical – the only difference lies in the power/connection method. The PoE version is ideal if you are installing the camera in an area with weak Wi-Fi signal or want a single cable to handle both power and data. The WiFi version offers more flexible placement without needing to run an Ethernet cable.

As a guide: the E1 handles a small number of basic Zigbee devices, the M100 up to 20 Zigbee + 20 Thread devices, the M200 up to 40 + 40, the M3 up to 127 Zigbee/Thread devices, and the G2H PRO camera hub also supports up to 128 devices. When planning a larger smart home setup with dozens of sensors, it is recommended to opt for the M3.

Yes, the Aqara Home app lets you manage multiple hubs (e.g., combining an M3 in the living room and a G2H PRO camera in the hallway) under a single home profile and account, including cross-hub automations across different devices.