About Aqara
Aqara is a leading global smart home and Internet of Things solutions provider offering various home automation products ranging from multiple sensors and switches to curtain controllers and air quality monitors.
Show more ...Aqara FAQ's
LAN and Smart home basics
What devices make up a smart home?
A hub, sensors, cameras, and controllers form the essential foundation of a smart home.
What technology powers Aqara devices?
Aqara devices are powered by a combination of technologies, including Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Zigbee: This is a low-power, low-bandwidth mesh networking protocol that is used by many Aqara devices, such as sensors and switches. Zigbee is a mature and widely used technology in the smart home industry.
Thread: This newer protocol is designed to be more secure and reliable than Zigbee. Thread is also a mesh networking protocol, but it is designed to be more power-efficient and to have a longer range than Zigbee. Aqara is starting to incorporate Thread into its newer devices.
Matter: This is a new smart home standard that is designed to make it easier for devices from different manufacturers to work together. Matter is expected to become the dominant smart home standard in the future.
In addition to these core technologies, Aqara devices also use other technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to connect to the internet and to other devices.
How secure is a smart home?
Aqara devices prioritise security by utilising Zigbee, Thread, and the emerging Matter standard, all of which offer encryption and data protection. Zigbee and Thread, the foundation of Aqara's communication, are based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, with Thread distinguishing itself through the use of IPv6. Matter acts as a unifying layer for various smart home protocols.
Smart home product-specific questions
What are the different sizes of Aqara Hubs, and how do I choose?
Aqara hubs come in various sizes and capabilities, allowing you to choose the best fit for your smart home. The most feature-rich hubs support Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, and offer features like an IR blaster. Mid-range hubs offer a balance of features and a smaller size. For a compact and affordable option, there are smaller hubs available. Consider the number of devices you plan to connect, desired features, connectivity options, and your budget when selecting the right Aqara hub.
Why are sensors important in a smart home?
Sensors automate tasks like turning off lights when no motion is detected or notifying you of open doors/windows, enhancing security and energy efficiency.
Practical consideration
Can I upgrade an old home with Aqara smart technology?
Yes, Aqara solutions can modernise any home as long as a Wi-Fi network is available.
What are the advantages of Aqara curtain controllers?
Curtain controllers automate window treatments, allowing you to schedule opening and closing times for convenience and energy savings.
What is the difference between Zigbee/Thread and Wi-Fi-based smart home systems?
Zigbee or Thread offers low power consumption and secure communication, making them ideal for battery-operated devices, while Wi-Fi provides higher bandwidth but consumes more energy.
Can a smart home be hacked?
Aqara devices include advanced encryption to prevent hacking. However, securing your home network with strong passwords is crucial.
Can the Aqara Hub M3 connect Zigbee devices to the Matter platform?
Yes, the Aqara Hub M3 itself serves as a Matter Bridge, which can bridge Zigbee and IR devices to platforms that support Matter.
What is Panel Hub S1 Plus?
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus is a smart home control panel with full-screen display. It supports touchscreen and voice control, provides various personalised themes, and enables automated control of smart devices and scenes throughout the house, bringing a convenient and personalised smart home experience.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
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This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Nelspruit branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Nelspruit branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Nelspruit branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
Aqara Controllers (Aqara)
Aqara Lighting - LED Bulb T2 - Tunable White CCT - E27 Base | LB-L02E
Aqara Lighting - LED Strip T1 Extension Kit (1 Meter) | RLSE-K01D
Aqara Lighting - LED Strip T1, 2 Meters | RLS-K01D
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Nelspruit branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our branch.
Aqara Lighting - T1M Ceiling Light |CL-L02D
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our branch.
Aqara Single Switch Module T1 (No Neutral) | SSM-U02
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our branch.
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (No Neutral) | WS-EUK02
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Nelspruit branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our branch.
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral) | WS-EUK04
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Centurion branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Cape Town branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Durban branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our Nelspruit branch.
This item is available for shipping or collection from our branch.
Aqara FAQ's
LAN and Smart home basics
What devices make up a smart home?
A hub, sensors, cameras, and controllers form the essential foundation of a smart home.
What technology powers Aqara devices?
Aqara devices are powered by a combination of technologies, including Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Zigbee: This is a low-power, low-bandwidth mesh networking protocol that is used by many Aqara devices, such as sensors and switches. Zigbee is a mature and widely used technology in the smart home industry.
Thread: This newer protocol is designed to be more secure and reliable than Zigbee. Thread is also a mesh networking protocol, but it is designed to be more power-efficient and to have a longer range than Zigbee. Aqara is starting to incorporate Thread into its newer devices.
Matter: This is a new smart home standard that is designed to make it easier for devices from different manufacturers to work together. Matter is expected to become the dominant smart home standard in the future.
In addition to these core technologies, Aqara devices also use other technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to connect to the internet and to other devices.
How secure is a smart home?
Aqara devices prioritise security by utilising Zigbee, Thread, and the emerging Matter standard, all of which offer encryption and data protection. Zigbee and Thread, the foundation of Aqara's communication, are based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, with Thread distinguishing itself through the use of IPv6. Matter acts as a unifying layer for various smart home protocols.
Smart home product-specific questions
What are the different sizes of Aqara Hubs, and how do I choose?
Aqara hubs come in various sizes and capabilities, allowing you to choose the best fit for your smart home. The most feature-rich hubs support Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, and offer features like an IR blaster. Mid-range hubs offer a balance of features and a smaller size. For a compact and affordable option, there are smaller hubs available. Consider the number of devices you plan to connect, desired features, connectivity options, and your budget when selecting the right Aqara hub.
Why are sensors important in a smart home?
Sensors automate tasks like turning off lights when no motion is detected or notifying you of open doors/windows, enhancing security and energy efficiency.
Practical consideration
Can I upgrade an old home with Aqara smart technology?
Yes, Aqara solutions can modernise any home as long as a Wi-Fi network is available.
What are the advantages of Aqara curtain controllers?
Curtain controllers automate window treatments, allowing you to schedule opening and closing times for convenience and energy savings.
What is the difference between Zigbee/Thread and Wi-Fi-based smart home systems?
Zigbee or Thread offers low power consumption and secure communication, making them ideal for battery-operated devices, while Wi-Fi provides higher bandwidth but consumes more energy.
Can a smart home be hacked?
Aqara devices include advanced encryption to prevent hacking. However, securing your home network with strong passwords is crucial.
Can the Aqara Hub M3 connect Zigbee devices to the Matter platform?
Yes, the Aqara Hub M3 itself serves as a Matter Bridge, which can bridge Zigbee and IR devices to platforms that support Matter.
What is Panel Hub S1 Plus?
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus is a smart home control panel with full-screen display. It supports touchscreen and voice control, provides various personalised themes, and enables automated control of smart devices and scenes throughout the house, bringing a convenient and personalised smart home experience.