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Software · head to head

Aqara vs IFTTT

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IFTTT logo

IFTTT

Software

Automate almost anything with IFTTT

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only IFTTT 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; IFTTT free plan limited to only 2 applets total
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, IFTTT covers If-then applets.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and IFTTT actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and IFTTT differ
AttributeAqaraIFTTT
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20162011

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 IFTTT

  • If-then applets
  • Webhooks
  • Smart home integration
  • Social media
  • Email notifications
  • Data logging
  • 650+ services
  • Smart home devices

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

IFTTT

  • Casual automation with up to 2 simple applets via free plannot Aqara
  • Power users requiring 20 applets and multi-action capabilities via Pro plannot Aqara
  • Advanced automation with unlimited applets and AI services via Pro+ plannot 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

IFTTT

  • Free plan limited to only 2 applets total
  • Free plan applets run at standard speed; fastest speeds require Pro tier
  • Free plan excludes webhooks, multi-action applets, and Twitter integrations
  • Free plan limited to 30-day onboarding support; paid plans offer ongoing customer support

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

IFTTT

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the IFTTT 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 IFTTT if

  • You need if-then applets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want webhooks.
IFTTT review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or IFTTT better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and IFTTT at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or IFTTT?
IFTTT has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for IFTTT.
Does Aqara or IFTTT run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. IFTTT runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use IFTTT for free?
Yes. IFTTT 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 IFTTT is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that IFTTT cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. IFTTT covers If-then applets, Webhooks, Smart home integration, Social media.
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