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Software · head to head

Aqara vs Pop

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Pop logo

Pop

Software

Lightweight screen sharing and recording

From
Free
Rated
-

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.

Attributes where Aqara and Pop differ
AttributeAqaraPop
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timefreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidWeb, Chrome extension, Desktop
Founded20162020

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.

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