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Aqara vs Blynk

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Blynk logo

Blynk

Software

IoT cloud platform with mobile app builder for connected devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Blynk 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; Blynk the free tier covers 5 devices, 1 user, 100,000 messages and one week of data retention
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Blynk covers Mobile App Builder.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Blynk actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Blynk differ
AttributeAqaraBlynk
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidIOS, Android, Web, Any IoT device
Founded20162012

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Blynk

  • Mobile App Builder
  • No-Code Interface
  • Real-Time Control
  • Cloud Storage
  • REST API
  • WebHooks
  • Mobile app
  • Cloud platform

Both cover

  • IOS support
  • Android support

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 Blynk
  • Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot Blynk
  • Matter-based smart home setupsnot Blynk
  • Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot Blynk

Blynk

  • Connecting IoT hardware to a hosted dashboard and mobile appnot Aqara
  • Over-the-air firmware updates to fleets of devicesnot Aqara
  • Automations triggered by device datanot Aqara
  • White-label device apps for a hardware productnot Aqara
  • Prototyping connected devices before committing to infrastructurenot 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

Blynk

  • The free tier covers 5 devices, 1 user, 100,000 messages and one week of data retention
  • Data retention is tiered all the way up, reaching 12 months only on Enterprise
  • Automations and webhooks are rationed, from 5 scenarios and 1 webhook on free to 100 or more on Production
  • Over-the-air update campaigns are capped by tier, at 2 shipments on free and Starter
  • Production plans run from $199 to $1,099 a month depending on device count

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

Blynk

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5 devices
    • Basic widgets
    • Cloud sync
  • Premium$5/month
    • Unlimited devices
    • Advanced widgets
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

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

Choose Blynk if

  • You need mobile app builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web, Any IoT device.
  • You also want no-code interface.
Blynk review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Blynk better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Blynk at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Blynk?
Blynk has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for Blynk.
Does Aqara or Blynk run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Blynk runs on IOS, Android, Web, Any IoT device.
Can I use Blynk for free?
Yes. Blynk 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 Blynk is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Blynk cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Blynk covers Mobile App Builder, No-Code Interface, Real-Time Control, Cloud Storage. Both handle IOS support, Android support.
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