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Software · head to head

Aqara vs Particle

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Particle logo

Particle

Software

Edge-to-cloud IoT platform for connected devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Particle 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; Particle paid capacity is sold in blocks of 100 devices rather than per device, so 101 devices costs the same as 200
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Particle covers Device OS.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Particle actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Particle differ
AttributeAqaraParticle
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidParticle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps
Founded20162013

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 Particle

  • Device OS
  • Cloud Platform
  • Device Management
  • OTA Updates
  • REST API
  • WebHooks
  • Integration marketplace
  • 3rd party services

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

Particle

  • Connecting cellular and wifi IoT devices to a managed cloud platformnot Aqara
  • Deploying firmware updates and collecting device telemetry at fleet scalenot 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

Particle

  • Paid capacity is sold in blocks of 100 devices rather than per device, so 101 devices costs the same as 200
  • The Basic block is $299 a month and the Plus block $599 a month
  • The free tier allows 100 devices and 100,000 data operations a month
  • Data operations are the billing unit, so chatty firmware costs more than the device count suggests
  • No overage rates are published at any tier, so exceeding an allowance has no stated cost

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

Particle

Free
  • MakerFree
    • 5 free devices
    • Cloud access
    • Basic features
  • Production$100/month
    • Unlimited devices
    • Advanced analytics
    • Enterprise 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 Particle if

  • You need device os.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Particle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps.
  • You also want cloud platform.
Particle review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Particle better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Particle at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Particle?
Particle has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for Particle.
Does Aqara or Particle run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Particle runs on Particle devices, Custom hardware, Cloud, Mobile apps.
Can I use Particle for free?
Yes. Particle 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 Particle is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Particle cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Particle covers Device OS, Cloud Platform, Device Management, OTA Updates.
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