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Aqara vs Enphase Enlighten

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
E

Enphase Enlighten

Software

Microinverter monitoring and management platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Enphase Enlighten 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; Enphase Enlighten only works with Enphase microinverter systems, not compatible with other solar equipment
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Enphase Enlighten covers Real-time monitoring.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Enphase Enlighten actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Enphase Enlighten differ
AttributeAqaraEnphase Enlighten
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20162006

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 Enphase Enlighten

  • Real-time monitoring
  • Per-module performance
  • Alert notifications
  • Mobile app
  • API access
  • SunPower
  • Tesla
  • SSL encryption

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

Enphase Enlighten

  • System monitoringnot Aqara
  • Performance optimizationnot 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

Enphase Enlighten

  • Only works with Enphase microinverter systems, not compatible with other solar equipment
  • Requires 10-year paid subscription after initial free period for core monitoring
  • Cloud-based system requiring internet connection for real-time data access

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

Enphase Enlighten

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Enphase Enlighten review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

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

Choose Enphase Enlighten if

  • You need real-time monitoring.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want per-module performance.
Enphase Enlighten review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Enphase Enlighten better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Enphase Enlighten at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Enphase Enlighten?
Enphase Enlighten has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for Enphase Enlighten.
Does Aqara or Enphase Enlighten run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Enphase Enlighten runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Enphase Enlighten for free?
Yes. Enphase Enlighten 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 Enphase Enlighten is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Enphase Enlighten cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Enphase Enlighten covers Real-time monitoring, Per-module performance, Alert notifications, Mobile app.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Enphase Enlighten: Is Enphase Enlighten free to use?

The standard Enlighten app comes included with any Enphase microinverter system at no extra charge for the first 10 years from installation, after which it costs $49/year minimum.

Source
Enphase Enlighten: What is the cost for Enlighten Manager premium upgrade?

Enlighten Manager upgrade costs $9.99/month with month-to-month cancellation, or a one-time lifetime subscription is available through the Enphase store.

Source
Enphase Enlighten: What data does Enlighten monitor?

Enlighten pulls data from IQ Microinverters, the IQ Gateway, IQ Batteries, and Enphase EV chargers into a single monitoring view, showing near real-time panel-by-panel performance data.

Source
Enphase Enlighten: Does Enlighten send alerts for system issues?

Yes, Enlighten continuously monitors system performance and highlights deviations, with customers able to choose to receive alerts upon certain conditions.

Source
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