My Smart Home Accessories
A tour of my smart home accessories, built around Apple HomeKit and five bridges. Aqara Hub M2 and M3 handle most Aqara devices, while Homebridge runs on my Synology NAS with several plugins to fill the remaining gaps.
Aqara
Aqara smart-home devices on Zigbee, from sensors and cameras to wall switches and hubs.
Aqara Curtain Driver E1 (Track Version) Review
Aqara's Curtain Driver E1 comes in Track and Rod versions, with the Track cheaper at S$138.90. Since my curtains use U-shaped rails, I went with the Track version, which also supports I-shaped rails, bought from Souky's stores.
My Smart Home Journey 2
Eight years on from my first smart home post, a move to a new house let me rebuild everything from scratch. With more options and cheaper accessories, I share how past experience and lifestyle shaped my HomeKit and Aqara choices.
Aqara Motion & Light Sensor P2 Review
The Aqara Motion & Light Sensor P2 is Aqara's second Matter device, a pricier alternative to the Motion Sensor P1 I use for toilet lighting. It retails for S$55 versus S$36 for the P1.
Aqara Door & Window Sensor P2 Review
The Aqara Door & Window Sensor P2 is Aqara's first Thread-based device with native Matter support, an alternative to the Zigbee T1. It retails for S$46.80 at Souky's Shopee shop versus S$33 for the T1.
Aqara Hub M3 Review
Launched in Singapore on 8th May 2024 for S$209, the Aqara Hub M3 is the direct successor to my Aqara Hub M2. Its key additions are acting as a Matter Controller and a Thread Border Router.
Aqara Smart Wall Switch Z1 Pro
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch Z1 Pro is Aqara's latest after the H1 and D1, starting at S$77. It comes in 1- to 4-gang, though the 4-gang's fourth button is actually a wireless switch.
Aqara Camera E1 Review
The Aqara Camera E1 is Aqara's latest security camera at S$99, essentially a stripped-down Camera Hub G3 costing about S$100 less. It drops the built-in Zigbee hub but still supports HomeKit Secure Video, with improved Wi-Fi.
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
I bought the Aqara Motion Sensor P1 for S$26 during 11/11, down from S$36. This battery-powered sensor runs on two CR2450 cells with a claimed five-year life, and it proved impressively responsive in use.
Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1
The Aqara Wireless Remote Switch H1 is a battery-powered, 2-gang wireless Zigbee switch, essentially the wireless version of the Smart Wall Switch H1 EU. Compatible with Apple HomeKit, it retails for S$39.90 at Souky's stores.
Aqara Water Leak Sensor
The Aqara Water Leak Sensor is an IP67 waterproof sensor that detects water and triggers automations. My use is simpler: alerting me when the drainage under my sink overflows. I paid S$26.90 for it.
Aqara Wireless Mini Switch
The Aqara Wireless Mini Switch is a no-frills button offering single, double, and long-press triggers. Powered by a CR2032 with a claimed two-year life, I bought it from Souky's Shopee store for S$27.90.
Aqara Smart Door Lock D200i Review
Thanks to Souky, I was among the first in Singapore to install the Aqara D200i Smart Door Lock, the global version of the China-only D200. It adds remote unlocking and Southeast Asia support, retailing for S$999.
Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor
The Aqara TVOC Air Quality Monitor measures temperature, humidity, and total volatile organic compounds. I bought it to watch the air in my newly renovated home, where fresh carpentry gives off chemical compounds.
Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor
I bought the Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor for S$22.75 during 9/9, down from S$27.90. This small HomeKit-compatible wireless sensor measures temperature, humidity, and air pressure, running about two years on a CR2032 battery.
Aqara Camera Hub G3 Review
Happy with my Google Nest Cams but wanting to drop Homebridge in my new house, I looked at integrating cameras natively into HomeKit. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is my test of a direct smart-home setup.
Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 Review
The much-awaited Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 launched in Singapore on 20th April 2023 for S$159. Unlike PIR motion sensors, its 60GHz mmWave radar detects actual presence, sensing multiple people and even someone sitting perfectly still.
Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Review
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 reached Singapore at S$209.90. It offers a 162-degree 1080p view with infrared night vision, runs on six AA batteries or a wired adapter, and supports up to a 512GB microSD.
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral)
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU is the third smart switch I'm evaluating, after MCO Touch Panel and Sonoff T2UK. I'm getting one to let Li Xiang compare tactile against touch switches.