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Fitness & Wellness · head to head

Apple Fitness+ vs Aqara

Apple Fitness+ logo

Apple Fitness+

Fitness & Wellness

Guided workouts powered by Apple Watch

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Aqara logo

Aqara

IoT & Smart Home

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; Aqara a hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Aqara covers Zigbee protocol.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and Aqara actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Fitness+ and Aqara differ
AttributeApple Fitness+Aqara
Starting price$9.99/monthOn request
Pricing modelUnknownone-time
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, tvOSIOS, Android
CategoryFitness & WellnessIoT & Smart Home
Founded19762016

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Fitness+

  • Studio-style workouts
  • Real-time Apple Watch metrics
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Time to Walk
  • Meditation sessions
  • Apple Watch
  • Apple Music
  • Health app

Only in Aqara

  • Zigbee protocol
  • Sensor ecosystem
  • Automation scenes
  • Long battery life
  • Local processing
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Fitness+

  • Workout trackingnot Aqara
  • Nutrition managementnot Aqara
  • Health monitoringnot Aqara
  • Fitness coachingnot Aqara
  • Wellness improvementnot Aqara

Aqara

  • Smart home sensors, switches and cameras on Zigbeenot Apple Fitness+
  • Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot Apple Fitness+
  • Matter-based smart home setupsnot Apple Fitness+
  • Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot Apple Fitness+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Fitness+

  • Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
  • Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
  • No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
  • Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
  • Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps

Aqara

  • A hub is required for full functionality, and Matter accessories need a Matter controller such as the Hub M3 configured in Aqara Home first
  • Primarily a hardware company, so the app exists to run devices you have bought
  • Zigbee devices depend on the hub remaining supported

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Fitness+

$9.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.

Aqara

On request
  • Door Sensor$15/month
    • Zigbee
    • Long battery
    • Instant alerts
  • Motion Sensor$20/month
    • Light sensor
    • Adjustable sensitivity
    • Pet immune
  • Hub M2$60/month
    • Zigbee hub
    • IR control
    • HomeKit support

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Fitness+ if

  • You need studio-style workouts.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
  • You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Apple Fitness+ review

Choose Aqara if

  • You need zigbee protocol.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want sensor ecosystem.
Aqara review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Fitness+ or Aqara better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Aqara at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or Aqara?
Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Aqara at On request.
Does Apple Fitness+ or Aqara run on more platforms?
Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. Aqara runs on IOS, Android.
What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what Aqara is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Fitness+ do that Aqara cannot?
Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?

Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?

Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?

Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?

Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?

Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.

Source
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