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Aqara vs Z-Wave Alliance

Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Z-Wave Alliance logo

Z-Wave Alliance

Software

Wireless communication protocol for smart home devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Z-Wave Alliance 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; Z-Wave Alliance manufacturers must hold a Manufacturer ID, which costs $7,500 per year for two MIDs and a further $7,500 per year for each additional MID
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Z-Wave Alliance actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Z-Wave Alliance differ
AttributeAqaraZ-Wave Alliance
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, AndroidZ-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh
Founded20162001

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 Z-Wave Alliance

  • Mesh Networking
  • AES-128 Security
  • Low Power
  • Interoperable
  • Smart home hubs
  • Home automation
  • Device integration
  • Standards compliant

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

Z-Wave Alliance

  • Sub-GHz mesh networking for smart home locks, sensors and lightingnot Aqara
  • Long range low power device control in residential and commercial buildingsnot Aqara
  • Building interoperable certified smart home productsnot 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

Z-Wave Alliance

  • Manufacturers must hold a Manufacturer ID, which costs $7,500 per year for two MIDs and a further $7,500 per year for each additional MID
  • The MID fee is waived only in year 3 for Accelerator members and applies in full from year 4
  • Certifying products and using the Z-Wave certification requires Z-Wave Alliance membership
  • Participation in specific working groups and committees depends on membership level
  • At most two Contributor Member representatives may sit on the Board, for one-year terms voted by the existing Board

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

Z-Wave Alliance

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Mesh networking
    • Security
    • Interoperability

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

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

Choose Z-Wave Alliance if

  • You need mesh networking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh.
  • You also want aes-128 security.
Z-Wave Alliance review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Z-Wave Alliance better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Z-Wave Alliance at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Z-Wave Alliance?
Z-Wave Alliance has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Aqara and Free for Z-Wave Alliance.
Does Aqara or Z-Wave Alliance run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Z-Wave Alliance runs on Z-Wave devices, Hubs, Controllers, Wireless mesh.
Can I use Z-Wave Alliance for free?
Yes. Z-Wave Alliance 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 Z-Wave Alliance is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Z-Wave Alliance cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Z-Wave Alliance covers Mesh Networking, AES-128 Security, Low Power, Interoperable.
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