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Aqara vs Johnson Controls Metasys

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Johnson Controls Metasys logo

Johnson Controls Metasys

Software

Building management and control system platform

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; Johnson Controls Metasys a Metasys server supports 1,300 devices and 65,000 objects, so larger estates require additional servers
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Johnson Controls Metasys covers HVAC control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Johnson Controls Metasys actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Johnson Controls Metasys differ
AttributeAqaraJohnson Controls Metasys
Pricing modelone-timequote
PlatformsIOS, AndroidWeb, Mobile
Founded20161885

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
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant

Only in Johnson Controls Metasys

  • HVAC control
  • Building automation
  • Energy management
  • Security integration
  • Analytics dashboard
  • SOC2
  • SSL encryption
  • On-premise deployment

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

Johnson Controls Metasys

  • Building automation for offices, data centres, hospitals and universitiesnot Aqara
  • Managing multi site campuses from one building management systemnot Aqara
  • Meeting compliance and reporting requirements for regulated facilitiesnot 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

Johnson Controls Metasys

  • A Metasys server supports 1,300 devices and 65,000 objects, so larger estates require additional servers
  • No hardware requirement, licensing model, subscription term or price is published on the product page; the routes offered are a demo booking and a contact form

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

Johnson Controls Metasys

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Johnson Controls Metasys 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 Johnson Controls Metasys if

  • You need hvac control.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want building automation.
Johnson Controls Metasys review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Johnson Controls Metasys better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Johnson Controls Metasys at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Johnson Controls Metasys?
Aqara starts at On request and Johnson Controls Metasys at On request.
Does Aqara or Johnson Controls Metasys run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Johnson Controls Metasys runs on Web, Mobile.
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 Johnson Controls Metasys is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Johnson Controls Metasys cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Johnson Controls Metasys covers HVAC control, Building automation, Energy management, Security integration.
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