Aqara · Commercial local hubs
Aqara Hub M3
Zigbee 3.0 · Thread · Matter · Wi-Fi · proprietary API · about $130
cloud optionalcloud optional
Protocols
Zigbee 3.0ThreadMatterWi-Fi
2.5 W
Idle power
$130
List price
~800
Devices (est.)
Specifications
| Category | Commercial local hubs |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Zigbee 3.0, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi |
| Cloud dependency | cloud optional |
| Local API | proprietary API |
| Voice assistants | Alexa, Google, Siri (HomeKit) |
| Open source | closed-source |
| Directly supported devices (est.) | ~800 |
| Idle power draw | ~2.5 W |
| Update outlook | actively maintained |
| List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026) | about $130 |
Best for: Matter / future-proofBest for: Apple ecosystemBest for: Tech enthusiast / tinkerer
Setup & gotchas
🌏 Local hub-and-child automations work offline, but remote access and some integrations still depend on Aqara China cloud.
Editorial take
Our hands-on read — the specs above are the sourced facts.
Strengths
- + Acts as a Zigbee 3.0 hub, Thread border router and Matter controller in one
- + Local automation engine keeps core routines running offline
- + Built-in IR blaster bridges older appliances and TVs
Trade-offs
- − Full cloud features route through Aqara servers in China
- − Matter bridging of Zigbee devices is still maturing
Related hubs
Frequently asked questions
Does the Aqara Hub M3 require the cloud?
Not for core control. The Aqara Hub M3 works locally (proprietary API); the cloud is optional and mainly adds remote access and extra features.
Which protocols and voice assistants does the Aqara Hub M3 support?
Protocols: Zigbee 3.0, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi. Voice: Alexa, Google, Siri (HomeKit). It directly supports an estimated 800 devices/brands.
How much does the Aqara Hub M3 cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $130 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 2.5 W. The hardware and firmware are closed-source.
Source & last checked
- Aqara official site: aqara.com/ ↗
- Sources last checked: 2026-07-20 · Prices: Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026
- Idle-power and device-count figures are vendor-claimed or community-measured estimates. Prices fluctuate. Details without warranty — check the current manufacturer spec sheet before buying.