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Aqara vs Roomba

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Roomba logo

Roomba

Software

iRobot's intelligent robot vacuum series

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; Roomba robot vacuums list from $399.99 up to $999.99 for the top combo model, and Affirm financing on iRobot.com carries rates up to 36 percent APR
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Roomba covers Smart Mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Roomba actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Roomba differ
AttributeAqaraRoomba
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsIOS, AndroidIOS, Android, Web
Founded20161990

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 Roomba

  • Smart Mapping
  • Auto-Empty Base
  • Multi-Room Navigation
  • Dirt Detect
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • Smart schedules
  • Web support

Both cover

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

Roomba

  • Automated vacuuming and mopping of home floorsnot Aqara
  • Scheduled cleaning managed through a connected appnot 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

Roomba

  • Robot vacuums list from $399.99 up to $999.99 for the top combo model, and Affirm financing on iRobot.com carries rates up to 36 percent APR

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

Roomba

On request
  • iRobot Select$29/month
    • Robot ownership
    • Extended warranty
    • Consumables

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

  • You need zigbee protocol.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want sensor ecosystem.
Aqara review

Choose Roomba if

  • You need smart mapping.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want auto-empty base.
Roomba review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Roomba better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Roomba at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Roomba?
Aqara starts at On request and Roomba at On request.
Does Aqara or Roomba run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Roomba runs on IOS, Android, Web.
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 Roomba is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Roomba cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Roomba covers Smart Mapping, Auto-Empty Base, Multi-Room Navigation, Dirt Detect. Both handle IFTTT, IOS support, Android support.
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