Aqara's smart home products use four main communication technologies: Zigbee, Thread, Wi-Fi, and PoE. The following summary outlines the characteristics of each.
Aqara Zigbee-based products
Connection and Compatibility:
Aqara Zigbee devices operate only through an Aqara or other Zigbee hub, as they are not standalone Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
All Aqara hubs support Aqara Zigbee products.
The hubs support Zigbee 3.0 communication and can integrate with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT.
Advantages:
Low power consumption, ideal for battery-powered sensors.
Stable mesh network—more devices improve coverage.
Typically fast response time and long battery life.
Aqara Zigbee devices work best with Aqara’s own hubs for full functionality. However, thanks to the Zigbee 3.0 standard, these devices are increasingly compatible with other manufacturers’ gateways. The aim of Zigbee 3.0 is to unify various brands' devices, enabling cross-platform interoperability in smart home systems.
As a result, many Aqara sensors, switches, and other devices can directly connect to platforms like Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, deCONZ, or Amazon Echo devices with Zigbee hubs — even without an Aqara hub.
In such systems, core functionalities like motion detection, temperature and humidity sensing, and door/window contact detection work reliably and can be used in automations.
However, some manufacturer-specific features (e.g., firmware updates, advanced settings) may not be available. Open platforms such as Home Assistant with a Zigbee coordinator often offer the highest compatibility and allow detailed integration with other brands' devices.
Aqara Thread-based products
Connection and Compatibility:
Thread is a newer IP-based mesh technology gaining popularity due to the Matter standard.
Aqara Thread products (e.g., Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2) are compatible with Matter-compliant Thread Border Routers, such as:
Apple HomePod (2nd gen, mini)
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
Aqara Hub M3, Aqara M100 Hub
Aqara also offers several multiprotocol products supporting both Zigbee 3.0 and Thread.
Advantages:
Matter support → vendor-independent ecosystem
Fast and reliable mesh networking without Wi-Fi congestion
Enhanced security through IP-based communication
Thanks to the combination of Matter and Thread, Aqara Thread-compatible devices offer broad ecosystem compatibility—even without an Aqara hub. Thread is a low-power, IP-based mesh network where devices connect through a Thread Border Router.
Compatible Ecosystems and Thread Border Routers:
Apple Home
Border Routers: HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K (2nd gen or later)
Aqara Thread devices appear automatically in the Home app via Matter integration.
Google Home
Border Routers: Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Wifi Pro
Thread devices are recognized by the Google Home app and integrated via Matter.
Amazon Alexa
Certain newer Echo devices support Thread. Matter-over-Thread support is being rolled out gradually.
Samsung SmartThings
Aeotec SmartThings Hub supports Thread and can accommodate Aqara Matter/Thread devices.
Aqara Wi-Fi products
Connection and Compatibility:
Aqara devices using Wi-Fi are primarily cameras and other bandwidth-intensive products.
These connect directly to the Wi-Fi network and do not require a hub.
Examples: Aqara Camera Hub G3, Aqara Video Doorbell G4, etc.
Support integration with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
Advantages:
Easy setup with no hub required
Direct access and control via mobile app
Ideal for cameras and video doorbells
Aqara PoE (Power over Ethernet) Products
Connection and Compatibility:
Products using PoE (e.g., G5 camera) receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable.
Compatible with PoE switches or injectors.
Ideal for setups requiring a stable wired network and continuous power.
Advantages:
Reliable connection, no interference or Wi-Fi dropout
Professional-grade installation for larger systems
Ideal for industrial environments or larger smart home hubs
Aqara smart home protocol summary
Type | Hub / gateway | Platform compatibility | Notes |
Zigbee | Aqara hubs | HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT | Battery-friendly sensors, fast network |
Thread | Thread Border Router | Matter, HomeKit, Alexa, Google, SmartThings | Future-proof, |
Wi-Fi | Standalone Device | HomeKit, Alexa, Google | Direct control, no hub |
PoE | Ethernet + PoE Switch | Aqara, HomeKit, Alexa, Google | Stable power + data connection |