Aqara Hub M3 vs Aqara Hub M2: Is it Worth Upgrading to the Hub M3?

As the smart home industry continues to evolve, consumers are faced with an increasingly complex landscape of devices, protocols, and ecosystems. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Aqara’s smart hubs, comparing the Aqara Hub M3 to its predecessor, the Aqara Hub M2. We’ll explore the key differences, features, and benefits of each hub, helping you decide whether upgrading to the Hub M3 is worth the investment.

Key Differences at a Glance

The Aqara Hub M3 builds upon the solid foundation laid by the Hub M2, introducing several significant upgrades and enhancements:

• Thread Support and Thread Border Router Functionality: The M3 embraces the cutting-edge Thread protocol, enabling seamless connectivity with the latest Matter and Thread-compatible sensors from Aqara.
• Hub Cluster and Self-Healing Capabilities: The Hub M3 can act as a master controller, overseeing child hubs to improve connectivity in larger homes and increase the overall device limit. It also features self-healing technology, ensuring uninterrupted operation even if one hub goes offline.
• Localization of Cross-Hub Automation: Automations previously executed in the cloud now transition to local execution, allowing the network to function independently of internet connectivity.
• Versatile Power Options: The M3 introduces USB-C power and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), providing greater flexibility in placement and installation.
• Enhanced Wi-Fi Capabilities: With Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and 5 GHz support, along with WPA3 security, the M3 delivers improved responsiveness and network performance.
• Price: The Aqara Hub M3 has a significant price hike compared to the M2, priced at £130 vs. £54.

What is Matter?

Matter is a unified, IP-based connectivity protocol for smart home devices. Developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance), Matter aims to create a more interoperable and secure smart home ecosystem. By providing a common language for devices to communicate, Matter enables seamless integration between products from different manufacturers, simplifying the setup and control of smart home devices for consumers.

What is Thread?

Thread is a low-power, secure, and scalable wireless networking protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. Built on open standards and IPv6 technology, Thread creates a resilient mesh network that allows devices to communicate directly with each other, without relying on a central hub or router. This decentralized approach improves network reliability, reduces latency, and enables devices to continue functioning even if individual nodes fail.

What is Matter over Thread?

Matter over Thread combines the benefits of both protocols, leveraging Thread’s efficient mesh networking capabilities to enable seamless communication between Matter-compatible devices. By utilizing Thread as the underlying transport layer, Matter over Thread ensures a robust, responsive, and energy-efficient smart home experience. Devices supporting Matter over Thread can communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for a dedicated hub and reducing potential points of failure.

Product Overview

The Aqara Hub M3 is a feature-rich smart home hub designed to serve as the central control point for a wide array of connected devices. With support for multiple protocols, including Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter, the M3 offers unparalleled compatibility and future-proofing. Its ability to function as a Matter controller and Thread Border Router further enhances its versatility and enables seamless integration with third-party Matter-compatible products.

Aqara Hub M2

The Aqara Hub M2, while lacking some of the advanced features of its successor, remains a capable smart home hub in its own right. Focusing primarily on Zigbee 3.0 support, the M2 can manage up to 128 devices, making it well-suited for extensive smart home setups. Although not initially launched with Matter support, the M2 received a subsequent update enabling Matter compatibility, allowing for integration with other platforms such as Home Assistant.

Specifications Comparison

Key Features and Differences

Protocols and Compatibility

The Aqara Hub M3 distinguishes itself through its extensive multi-protocol support, encompassing Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter. This broad compatibility positions the M3 as a versatile Matter controller and Thread Border Router, facilitating seamless integration with a diverse range of devices, including third-party Matter-compatible products.

Infrared Control and Connectivity

Both the M3 and M2 hubs feature 360-degree infrared control, enabling the management of devices that rely on IR signals. In terms of connectivity, the Aqara Hub M3 boasts 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz dual-band Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, providing greater flexibility and stability.

Design and Power Supply

The Aqara Hub M3 sports a square, boxy design, marking a departure from the rounded aesthetic of its predecessor. It offers multiple power options, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) and an AC adapter, catering to various installation preferences.

Hub Cluster Functionality and Local Automations

One of the standout features of the Aqara Hub M3 is its ability to form a hub cluster and assume leadership over other Aqara Zigbee hubs. This enables the M3 to convert automations involving multiple hubs and child devices from cloud-based to edge-based execution, resulting in improved stability and speed. Additionally, the M3 supports failover, ensuring that automations continue to function even if one hub goes offline.

Thread and Matter Support

The Aqara Hub M3 incorporates Thread support and functions as a Thread Border Router. This enables direct communication with Thread-enabled devices, resulting in a more reliable and efficient connection.

Price

Aqara has consistently positioned its hubs as affordable options for those looking to embark on their smart home journey. The Aqara Hub M2, priced at just £54, represents an attractive entry point for individuals interested in exploring the possibilities of a connected home.

On the other hand, the Aqara Hub M3 comes with a significantly higher price tag of £130. While this may seem steep compared to its predecessor, the M3’s advanced features and capabilities justify the increased cost for those seeking a more comprehensive and future-proof smart home solution.

Conclusion

With its extensive protocol support, including Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter, the M3 is well-equipped to handle the diverse and evolving needs of a modern smart home. Its ability to function as a Thread Border Router and Matter controller further solidifies its position as a future-proof investment.

However, the Aqara Hub M2 should not be overlooked, particularly for those primarily focused on Zigbee connectivity and compatibility within the Aqara ecosystem. While it may lack some of the advanced features of its successor, the M2 remains a capable and affordable option for those just starting their smart home journey.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aqara Hub M3 and Aqara Hub M2 will depend on individual needs, budget, and the desired level of future-proofing. As Aqara continues to shift its focus towards Thread and Matter, the M3 presents a compelling option for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of smart home technology.

Aqara Hub M3

Smart Home Automation

Thread and Matter

Aqara Hub M2

Smart Home Devices