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MQTT vs Aqara

MQTT logo

MQTT

Software

Lightweight messaging protocol for IoT devices

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only MQTT has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MQTT mQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol maintained by a standards committee, not sold by a vendor; there is no company-controlled price list, subscription, or edition to compare because implementations are independent open source or commercial products built on the spec; 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
  • They diverge on capability: MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe, Aqara covers Zigbee protocol.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MQTT and Aqara actually diverge.

Attributes where MQTT and Aqara differ
AttributeMQTTAqara
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsAny platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computingIOS, Android
Founded19992016

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 MQTT

  • Publish-Subscribe
  • Lightweight
  • QoS Levels
  • Retained Messages
  • IoT platforms
  • Home automation
  • Cloud services
  • Edge devices

Only in Aqara

  • Zigbee protocol
  • Sensor ecosystem
  • Automation scenes
  • Long battery life
  • Local processing
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Apple HomeKit
  • Google Assistant

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MQTT

  • IoT messagingnot Aqara
  • Sensor datanot Aqara
  • Real-time updatesnot Aqara
  • Device telemetrynot Aqara

Aqara

  • Smart home sensors, switches and cameras on Zigbeenot MQTT
  • Automations across HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThingsnot MQTT
  • Matter-based smart home setupsnot MQTT
  • Door locks and curtain controllers tied to routinesnot MQTT

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MQTT

  • MQTT is an OASIS standard messaging protocol maintained by a standards committee, not sold by a vendor; there is no company-controlled price list, subscription, or edition to compare because implementations are independent open source or commercial products built on the spec

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

Pricing, plan by plan

MQTT

Free
  • Open ProtocolFree
    • Publish-subscribe
    • Lightweight
    • QoS levels

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

Which should you pick?

Choose MQTT if

  • You need publish-subscribe.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Any platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing.
  • You also want lightweight.
MQTT review

Choose Aqara if

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

Questions people ask

Is MQTT or Aqara better?
Neither clearly leads. MQTT starts at Free and Aqara at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MQTT or Aqara?
MQTT has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for MQTT and On request for Aqara.
Does MQTT or Aqara run on more platforms?
MQTT runs on Any platform, Embedded devices, Cloud, Edge computing. Aqara runs on IOS, Android.
Can I use MQTT for free?
Yes. MQTT has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Aqara starts at On request.
What is MQTT best used for?
MQTT is most often used for iot messaging, sensor data, real-time updates, device telemetry. Of those, iot messaging and sensor data are not what Aqara is typically brought in for.
What can MQTT do that Aqara cannot?
MQTT covers Publish-Subscribe, Lightweight, QoS Levels, Retained Messages. Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life.
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