Software · head to head
Aqara vs Pop
The short version
- Only Pop has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Pop covers Screen sharing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Aqara and Pop actually diverge.
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 Pop
- Screen sharing
- Recording
- Instant links
- Minimal interface
- Chat
- Slack
- Web support
- Chrome extension 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 Pop
- Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot Pop
- Matter-based smart home setupsnot Pop
- Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot Pop
Pop
- Video Conferencingnot Aqara
- Team Collaborationnot Aqara
- Project Managementnot 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
Pop
Nothing recorded yet. See the Pop review.
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
Pop
Free- FreeFree
- Instant sharing
- Recording
- Basic features
- Pro$9.99/month
- Advanced features
- Priority support
Which should you pick?
Choose Aqara if
- You need zigbee protocol.
- You work on IOS, Android.
- You also want sensor ecosystem.
Choose Pop if
- You need screen sharing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Chrome extension, Desktop.
- You also want recording.
Questions people ask
- Is Aqara or Pop better?
- Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Pop at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Aqara or Pop?
- Pop has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for Pop.
- Does Aqara or Pop run on more platforms?
- Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Pop runs on Web, Chrome extension, Desktop.
- Can I use Pop for free?
- Yes. Pop 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 Pop is typically brought in for.
- What can Aqara do that Pop cannot?
- Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Pop covers Screen sharing, Recording, Instant links, Minimal interface.
Related pages
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