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Software · head to head

Aqara vs Homey

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Homey logo

Homey

Software

Connect all your smart home devices in one app

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • 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; Homey homey Cloud without a subscription connects at most 5 devices
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Homey covers Multi-protocol support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Homey actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Homey differ
AttributeAqaraHomey
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsIOS, AndroidIOS, Android, Web
Founded20162014

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), 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
  • Home Assistant

Only in Homey

  • Multi-protocol support
  • Advanced flows
  • Voice control
  • Energy insights
  • Timeline
  • Zones
  • 1000+ apps
  • Web support

Both cover

  • Apple HomeKit
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant
  • Amazon Alexa
  • IFTTT
  • 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 Homey
  • Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot Homey
  • Matter-based smart home setupsnot Homey
  • Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot Homey

Homey

  • Bringing Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices from different brands into one appnot Aqara
  • Building home automations visually with Flownot Aqara
  • Charting device and sensor history through Insightsnot 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

Homey

  • Homey Cloud without a subscription connects at most 5 devices
  • Unlimited devices require the Homey Premium subscription at $2.99 per month
  • Advanced Flow, Insights, and Logic and Variables are locked behind Homey Premium
  • The free month of Premium is only offered to new subscribers signing up through iOS or Android

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

Homey

On request
  • Homey Pro$399/month
    • Local processing
    • 1000+ apps
    • Advanced flows
  • Homey Bridge$69/month
    • Cloud processing
    • 500+ apps
    • Basic flows

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

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

Choose Homey if

  • You need multi-protocol support.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want advanced flows.
Homey review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Homey better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Homey at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Homey?
Aqara starts at On request and Homey at On request.
Does Aqara or Homey run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Homey runs on IOS, Android, Web.
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 Homey is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Homey cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Homey covers Multi-protocol support, Advanced flows, Voice control, Energy insights. Both handle Apple HomeKit, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa.
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