I currently use Ring Doorbells and security system. I haven’t really run into any issues, however I’ve been reading some concerning info about security and sharing video footage. ring also doesn’t support HomeKit. Has anyone made the switch from Ring to Aqara for their doorbell and/or security and how do you like it?
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I have not made the switch as I was starting fresh on my smart home.
Two main reasons why I went with Aqara and a bonus one in the mean time.
#1. As you mention, no HomeKit support. If I were more into the Google ecosystem, then it wouldn’t have been an issue. As an Apple-centric user, the integration feels very good to me. Nothing’s perfect…
#2. I have a G4 doorbell and what tipped me into the buy category here was that it didn’t require a subscription with local storage for data. Also preferred the chunky look with big doorbell button compared to the oval shaped options out there.
With the new products that continue to come out, I’m more and more excited about the Aqara ecosystem of products. Feels like they have a very strong product design team.
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I agree with your last statement.
I’m cautious about trying different brands for home automation because it means yet another app and sometimes another hub entirely.
While I did need to get a thread router to work with the U400 lock, it will work for other non Aqara devices so it was a smart purchase.
I’ll probably get the doorbell soon and see how I like it. Will be great having it in HomeKit
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As a former RING customer who ended up with Guardian security after moving, and after a lot of research, I’m convinced that the flexibility and the compatibility with Apple products is what sold me on Aqara. Aqara’s matter over thread compatibility swayed me. I’m new to the Aqara products but I found it very easy to connect other Matter compatible products to my New Aqara Hub. I have some cameras on order and plan to get the door locks, sensors, and other items also.
I liked Ring but it is limited on smart home integration and compatibility with other products.
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We currently have a ring doorbell, one interior camera and four exterior cameras. I would really, really like to ditch them all. When the solar outdoor camera comes out in the US I will likely buy one and start testing it. And when I get the W200 I will also likely go ahead and swap out the doorbell for an Aqara. I want local control and Apple Home and Ring just isn’t that.
I don’t have Ring and never will.
I have tons of smart home devices but Aqara is by far the best! They have an incredible ecosystem that keeps building.
Their products are high quality, work very well, receive consistent updates that actually make improvements and they are very reasonably priced.
The worst thing about Aqara is not all their products are available in all markets.
I did and I’m so happy I did, especially if you’re an Apple user!
I came here for the W200 Thermostat, but now I’m eyeing the G4 Doorbell. My current Ring is acting up and only works intermittently, so I’m looking for something more reliable.
Has anyone switched from Ring to the G4? I’d love to know if the connection is more stable and how the local storage compares.