Aqara Hub M3 Matter-Thread

The new Aqara Hub M3 is a Matter and Thread Border Router and ZigBee gateway in one, for all your Aqara modules or other Matter-Thread modules, and also works with, for example, Apple HomeKit. Easily connect your Aqara and Matter devices to the Hub, such as the new Matter-Thread Aqara Motion & Light Sensor P2 or Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2. You can also connect the new Aqara Smart Lock to this Hub via Matter over Thread. Finally, reliable HomeKit security with Aqara.

Aqara Hub M3

The Aqara Hub M3 is currently the new and best Hub from Aqara. In addition to the new hardware and an increase in memory to 8GB, the new Hub now includes Matter over Thread along with ZigBee, Bluetooth, and infrared. The old Hub M2 also supported Matter via a firmware update but is not a Thread Border Router like the M3. Thread is the smart home protocol from the Thread Group, allowing you to create a Thread mesh network, even with multiple Thread Border Routers, so various smart home accessories can communicate with each other.

Another development is Matter-over-Thread. With Matter using the Thread network in the home, devices from different manufacturers can work together. Thanks to Matter, you can use accessories that do not natively support HomeKit. Matter devices can connect via both Thread and WiFi. It is likely that Matter Sensors will primarily use Thread and Matter Actors will use WiFi. Aqara has also announced that they plan to make the M3's connectivity more open to include more Matter devices from other manufacturers. This could become the ultimate Matter-Thread-ZigBee hub!

The Aqara Hub M3 supports Matter, Thread, ZigBee 3.0, WiFi 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Bluetooth, and Infrared. You can use it in various ways: ZigBee 3.0 for your older Aqara devices, which will then be available through Matter. Matter over Thread for the new generation of Aqara devices or those from other brands (if profiles are available). And with Infrared, you can control devices like Audio & Video equipment or your air conditioner using the built-in 360° Infrared emitters, provided they are within line-of-sight of the M3 hub. The Aqara M3 Gateway also has an Ethernet port that supports POE (Power Over Ethernet) or can be connected to power via the USB-C port, and it has additional audio options. Aqara promises more stability, better automation, and improved handling of internet and network disruptions. For instance, a second Hub M3 can take over all functionalities in case of a failure of the first Hub M3. If both hubs fail, devices communicate with each other (ARK Technology), and all automations are executed locally with the Hub M3. Even if the internet goes down, the app will still work, and a Wireless Remote can control the Wall Switch. Check the video below for more information.

Setup is straightforward with MagicPair, and your old Aqara devices are seamlessly integrated. Note that the M3 does require an immediate update to build the hub cluster.

Works with

_{* European Aqara version, with European servers, not to be confused with Xiaomi
** Hue via Matter and Hue Bridge
*** HA via Matter or Apple HomeKit integration
**** Read more about Matter here}

FEATURES

_{Pros and Cons}

	Smart home Hub and Thread Border Router
	8GB internal memory
	European Version CE certified, with European server connection
	Works with Aqara Home App and Apple HomeKit
	Voice control via Siri, Google Home, or Alexa
	Matter, Thread, ZigBee 3.0, Bluetooth 5.1, 360° IR, and WiFi 2.4/5 GHz
	RJ45 POE Ethernet port, USB-C Power port (5V, 2A)
	Connect up to 128 Aqara devices
	Built-in speaker, e.g., for alarm or doorbell
	Easy installation via MagicPair
	Local automations continue to work without internet
	Dimensions 105 x 105 x 36.5mm
	Place on a surface or mount on the wall with wall plate and screws
	USB-C cable (no adapter)
	2-year carry-in warranty