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Smart Home · head to head

Aqara vs Homey

Aqara logo

Aqara

Smart Home

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Homey logo

Homey

Smart Home

Connect all your smart home devices in one app

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; Homey homey Cloud without a subscription connects at most 5 devices
  • They diverge on capability: Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Homey covers Multi-protocol support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aqara and Homey actually diverge.

Attributes where Aqara and Homey differ
AttributeAqaraHomey
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsIOS, AndroidIOS, Android, Web
Founded20162014

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

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
  • Home Assistant

Only in Homey

  • Multi-protocol support
  • Advanced flows
  • Voice control
  • Energy insights
  • Timeline
  • Zones
  • 1000+ apps
  • Web support

Both cover

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

Homey

  • Bringing Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices from different brands into one appnot Aqara
  • Building home automations visually with Flownot Aqara
  • Charting device and sensor history through Insightsnot 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

Homey

  • Homey Cloud without a subscription connects at most 5 devices
  • Unlimited devices require the Homey Premium subscription at $2.99 per month
  • Advanced Flow, Insights, and Logic and Variables are locked behind Homey Premium
  • The free month of Premium is only offered to new subscribers signing up through iOS or Android

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

Homey

On request
  • Homey Pro$399/month
    • Local processing
    • 1000+ apps
    • Advanced flows
  • Homey Bridge$69/month
    • Cloud processing
    • 500+ apps
    • Basic flows

Which should you pick?

Choose Aqara if

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

Choose Homey if

  • You need multi-protocol support.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want advanced flows.
Homey review

Questions people ask

Is Aqara or Homey better?
Neither clearly leads. Aqara starts at On request and Homey at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aqara or Homey?
Aqara starts at On request and Homey at On request.
Does Aqara or Homey run on more platforms?
Aqara runs on IOS, Android. Homey 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 Homey is typically brought in for.
What can Aqara do that Homey cannot?
Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Homey covers Multi-protocol support, Advanced flows, Voice control, Energy insights. Both handle Apple HomeKit, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Aqara: Is Aqara a software service or a device company?

Aqara is primarily a smart home device manufacturer, not a SaaS platform. They sell hardware including hubs, sensors, cameras, door locks, lighting, and controls that integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Matter.

Source
Homey: Is there a monthly subscription for Homey Pro or just a one-time payment?

Homey Pro costs 449 euros as a one-time purchase with no recurring monthly fees. The only optional recurring cost is 10 euros per year for cloud backups.

Source
Aqara: Where can I find pricing for Aqara products?

Aqara does not publish pricing details on their main website. You must visit their regional stores (us.aqara.com, eu.aqara.com) or visit the 'Where to Buy' section to see current pricing for individual devices.

Source
Homey: What are the limits for Homey Cloud's free tier?

The free tier of Homey Cloud supports up to 5 connected devices. To add more devices, you need to upgrade to the paid subscription at 2.99 euros per month.

Source
Aqara: Does Aqara offer software pricing or subscriptions?

Aqara primarily sells hardware, but they do offer Aqara Studio and Aqara Builder software for business customers to design and manage smart home solutions. Pricing for these software products is not published and requires contacting Aqara directly.

Source
Homey: What's the cost difference between Homey Cloud and Homey Pro over a year?

Homey Cloud costs 35.88 euros per year (2.99 euros per month). Homey Pro costs 449 euros upfront with no monthly fees, but includes all features and is a one-time purchase.

Source
Homey: How long will Homey Pro receive software updates?

Homey Pro will receive software updates until at least June 2031, ensuring continued improvements and security patches.

Source
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