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Smart Home · head to head

Aqara vs Automate.io

Aqara logo

Aqara

Smart Home

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Automate.io logo

Automate.io

Automation Integration

Connect and automate your cloud applications

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Automate.io has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 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; Automate.io no longer exists as a product. automate.io redirects to notion.com, which acquired the company and wound the integration service down
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Automate.io covers Multi-step automations.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Automate.io actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Automate.io differ
AttributeAqaraAutomate.io
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeusage-based
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidWeb, Mobile
CategorySmart HomeAutomation Integration
Founded20162014

Identical on both: 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 Aqara

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

Only in Automate.io

  • Multi-step automations
  • Conditional logic
  • Data mapping
  • Error handling
  • Scheduling
  • Webhooks
  • API integrations
  • 500+ apps

What people use each for

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

Aqara

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

Automate.io

  • Workflow Automationnot Aqara
  • Data Integrationnot Aqara
  • Process Automationnot Aqara
  • App Integrationnot Aqara
  • API Connectivitynot Aqara

Where each one falls short

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

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

Automate.io

  • No longer exists as a product. automate.io redirects to notion.com, which acquired the company and wound the integration service down
  • Existing automations were not portable to Notion, so users had to rebuild elsewhere

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Automate.io

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 250 tasks/month
    • 2 automations
  • Starter$15/month
    • 5000 tasks/month
    • Unlimited automations
    • Email support
  • Professional$50/month
    • Unlimited tasks
    • Priority support
    • Advanced features

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

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

Choose Automate.io if

  • You need multi-step automations.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want conditional logic.
Automate.io review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Automate.io better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Automate.io at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Automate.io?
Automate.io has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for Automate.io.
Does Aqara or Automate.io run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Automate.io runs on Web, Mobile.
Can I use Automate.io for free?
Yes. Automate.io has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Aqara starts at On request.
What is Aqara best used for?
Aqara is most often used for smart home sensors, switches and cameras on zigbee, automations across homekit, google home, alexa and smartthings, matter-based smart home setups, door locks and curtain controllers tied to routines. Of those, smart home sensors, switches and cameras on zigbee and automations across homekit, google home, alexa and smartthings are not what Automate.io is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Automate.io cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Automate.io covers Multi-step automations, Conditional logic, Data mapping, Error handling.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Aqara: Is Aqara a software service or a device company?

Aqara is primarily a smart home device manufacturer, not a SaaS platform. They sell hardware including hubs, sensors, cameras, door locks, lighting, and controls that integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Matter.

Source
Aqara: Where can I find pricing for Aqara products?

Aqara does not publish pricing details on their main website. You must visit their regional stores (us.aqara.com, eu.aqara.com) or visit the 'Where to Buy' section to see current pricing for individual devices.

Source
Aqara: Does Aqara offer software pricing or subscriptions?

Aqara primarily sells hardware, but they do offer Aqara Studio and Aqara Builder software for business customers to design and manage smart home solutions. Pricing for these software products is not published and requires contacting Aqara directly.

Source
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