If you are starting to build a smart home with Aqara , don’t buy individual devices simply because they look useful or interesting. First decide how you want your smart home to work and which platform you want to use .
1. Choose your main platform first
Decide whether you want to primarily use Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant, or Aqara Home . Then choose your devices accordingly.
Aqara uses several technologies, including Zigbee, Thread, Wi-Fi and Matter , and not every device supports every platform or every feature. (aqara.com)
2. Choose your hub carefully
For a larger installation, it makes sense to start with a hub that supports multiple protocols and has good long-term potential. For example, the Aqara Hub M3 supports Zigbee 3.0, Thread and Matter. (eu.aqara.com)
3. Check the technology behind every device
Before buying, check:
- Zigbee, Thread, Wi-Fi or Matter?
- Does it require a hub?
- Does it work with your chosen platform?
- Are all features available outside Aqara Home?
- Battery, USB or mains powered?
- Indoor or outdoor use?
The last point is especially important with sensors. A battery-powered PIR sensor is very different from a permanently powered mmWave presence sensor.
4. Don’t rely on batteries for everything
Battery-powered devices are ideal for door/window sensors, buttons, temperature sensors and simple motion sensors.
More advanced sensors may require continuous power, so think about power supply and cable routing before deciding where to install them —especially in an already finished building.
5. Start with simple automations
Don’t create dozens of complicated rules immediately. Start with useful everyday automations, such as:
Door opens → hallway light turns on.
Nobody is home → unnecessary lights turn off.
It’s dark + someone enters → orientation lighting turns on.
Window opens → heating turns off.
Once the system has proven reliable, add more advanced automations.
6. Think long-term
Avoid building your entire smart home around a single ecosystem without considering future compatibility. Matter is increasingly important for connecting devices from different manufacturers and platforms. (aqara.com)
Most important rule:
Don’t buy a device because of what it can do. Buy it because of what you want your home to do.
First decide what you want to automate—lighting, heating, blinds, security, presence, temperature, windows, irrigation, air conditioning, etc.—and only then choose the sensors, switches, relays and hubs you actually need.