Aqara Hub M3 vs Aqara Hub M2: Is Upgrading Worth It

Aqara Hub M3, the latest flagship smart hub from Aqara, represents a substantial upgrade from the Hub M2. With support for Matter and Thread, it serves as a central control point for various smart devices, offering multi-protocol gateway capabilities.

Matter is an IP-based connectivity protocol for smart home devices, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. It aims to enhance interoperability and security in the smart home ecosystem by establishing a common communication standard. Matter facilitates seamless integration between devices from various manufacturers, making setup and control of smart home devices easier for consumers.

Thread is a low-power, secure, and scalable wireless networking protocol tailored for smart home devices. Utilizing open standards and IPv6 technology, Thread establishes a robust mesh network where devices can communicate directly, independent of a central hub or router. This decentralized architecture enhances network reliability, minimizes latency, and ensures device operation even in the event of node failures.

Matter over Thread merges the strengths of both protocols, utilizing Thread's efficient mesh networking to facilitate seamless communication among Matter-compatible devices. By leveraging Thread as the transport layer, Matter over Thread guarantees a reliable, responsive, and energy-efficient smart home environment. Devices supporting this combination can communicate directly, eliminating the necessity for a dedicated hub and minimizing potential failure points.

A Thread Border Router serves as a link between a Thread network and other IP-based networks like Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It allows Thread devices to interact with devices beyond the Thread network, enhancing the connectivity and interoperability of the smart home ecosystem. Thread Border Routers are essential in enabling the seamless integration of Thread-enabled devices with existing home networks and the broader internet.

The Aqara Hub M3 is a comprehensive smart home hub intended to act as the central control hub for various connected devices. It boasts support for multiple protocols such as Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter, ensuring exceptional compatibility and future readiness. Its capability to operate as a Matter controller and Thread Border Router enhances its flexibility and facilitates smooth integration with third-party Matter-compatible products.

The Aqara Hub M2, though not as feature-rich as its successor, is a competent smart home hub with a focus on Zigbee 3.0 support. Capable of handling up to 128 devices, it is ideal for larger smart home configurations. While Matter support was not included at launch, a subsequent update has made the M2 compatible with Matter, enabling integration with platforms like Home Assistant.

The Aqara Hub M3 stands out with its comprehensive support for multiple protocols, including Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and Matter. This wide-ranging compatibility makes the M3 a versatile Matter controller and Thread Border Router, enabling smooth integration with various devices, including third-party Matter-compatible products.

The Aqara Hub M2 is primarily centered around Zigbee 3.0 support, allowing it to handle up to 128 Zigbee devices. Although Matter support was not included at the initial launch, a subsequent update added Matter compatibility, enabling integration with platforms such as Home Assistant.

Both the M3 and M2 hubs come equipped with 360-degree infrared control, allowing for the management of IR signal-dependent devices. The Aqara Hub M3 enhances this feature by incorporating a two-way IR blaster, providing improved detection and synchronization with the Aqara Home app whenever a standard IR remote is utilized.

The Aqara Hub M3 offers 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz dual-band Wi-Fi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, enhancing flexibility and stability in connectivity. In contrast, the M2 features an Ethernet RJ-45 port and Wi-Fi connectivity limited to 2.4 GHz.The Aqara Hub M3 showcases a square, boxy design, departing from the rounded look of its predecessor. It provides multiple power options, such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) and an AC adapter, to accommodate different installation preferences.

On the other hand, the Aqara Hub M2 boasts a more compact, rounded design and is powered through a Micro-USB port. A notable feature of the Aqara Hub M3 is its capability to create a hub cluster and take charge of other Aqara Zigbee hubs. This allows the M3 to transform automations involving multiple hubs and child devices from cloud-based to edge-based execution, leading to enhanced stability and speed. Furthermore, the M3 supports failover, guaranteeing that automations remain operational even if one hub becomes offline.

The Aqara Hub M2 can be incorporated into an Aqara Hub M3 cluster, enabling it to leverage the advanced automation features. Additionally, it supports local automations that can operate independently of an internet connection.

The Aqara Hub M3 includes Thread support and acts as a Thread Border Router, allowing direct communication with Thread-enabled devices for a more reliable and efficient connection. Moreover, the M3 acts as a Matter controller, enabling the integration of Matter-compatible devices from other brands into the Aqara Home app and seamless integration of Aqara devices into other ecosystems.