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Software · head to head

SwitchBot vs Aqara

SwitchBot logo

SwitchBot

Software

Simple automation for any device

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Aqara logo

Aqara

Software

Smart home sensors and automation ecosystem

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SwitchBot switchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo; 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: SwitchBot covers Button automation, Aqara covers Zigbee protocol.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SwitchBot and Aqara actually diverge.

Attributes where SwitchBot and Aqara differ
AttributeSwitchBotAqara
Founded20152016

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (one-time), free tier (No), platforms (IOS, Android), 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 SwitchBot

  • Button automation
  • IR control
  • Schedules
  • Sensors
  • Scene automation
  • Voice control
  • SmartThings

Only in Aqara

  • Zigbee protocol
  • Sensor ecosystem
  • Automation scenes
  • Long battery life
  • Local processing
  • Home Assistant

Both cover

  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant
  • Apple HomeKit
  • IFTTT
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

SwitchBot

  • Retrofit automationnot Aqara
  • Curtain controlnot Aqara
  • AC controlnot Aqara
  • Simple automationnot Aqara

Aqara

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

Where each one falls short

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

SwitchBot

  • SwitchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo

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

SwitchBot

On request
  • Bot$29/month
    • Button pusher
    • Schedule
    • Voice control
  • Curtain$89/month
    • Solar powered option
    • Light sensor
    • Schedule
  • Hub Mini$39/month
    • IR control
    • Cloud access
    • Voice assistants

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 SwitchBot if

  • You need button automation.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want ir control.
SwitchBot review

Choose Aqara if

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

Questions people ask

Is SwitchBot or Aqara better?
Neither clearly leads. SwitchBot starts at On request and Aqara at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SwitchBot or Aqara?
SwitchBot starts at On request and Aqara at On request.
Does SwitchBot or Aqara run on more platforms?
Both run on IOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is SwitchBot best used for?
SwitchBot is most often used for retrofit automation, curtain control, ac control, simple automation. Of those, retrofit automation and curtain control are not what Aqara is typically brought in for.
What can SwitchBot do that Aqara cannot?
SwitchBot covers Button automation, IR control, Schedules, Sensors. Aqara covers Zigbee protocol, Sensor ecosystem, Automation scenes, Long battery life. Both handle Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT.
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