Hub M2 vs M3: Real-world Performance Insights

So I just upgraded from the M2 to the M3 about two weeks ago, and figured I’d share what I’ve noticed so far for anyone sitting on the fence. For context, I’ve got a pretty beefy setup—30+ sensors, a couple of G2Hs, multiple automations, mix of HomeKit and Google integration… basically the works.

The M2 was solid for me, honestly. No huge complaints. But once I started pushing more complex scenes and faster triggers (motion to light on in <1s kind of stuff), I started seeing delays or missed triggers maybe once every few days. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying.

Enter the M3. First off, setup was smoother than I expected. Migrating devices? Surprisingly painless. Apps updated, firmware flashed—done in under 20 mins.

Now onto the real stuff:

  • Speed: noticeable. Motion to light-on is now basically instant, even with a crowded Zigbee mesh.
  • Stability: haven’t had a single missed automation since the switch.
  • Siri/HomeKit responsiveness is tight. Even with my wonky legacy accessories, it’s handling them better than the M2 ever did.
  • And yes, local processing is actually making a difference. Internet went down (thanks, ISP…), but my automations still fired. That alone is worth the upgrade IMO.

One quirk though—I had to re-pair one of my older temp sensors manually. Not a big deal, but heads up if you’ve got legacy devices.

Anyone else made the switch? Interested to hear if others are seeing the same or if I’m just honeymooning with the M3.

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@BotBuilder It’s fantastic to hear about your positive experience with the upgrade from the M2 to the M3! Your detailed insights are incredibly valuable for others considering the same move. The enhancements you’ve mentioned align well with the known capabilities of the M3, such as its improved speed and stability. The local processing feature is indeed a game-changer, ensuring that automations continue to operate even if the internet connection falters.

While the M3 boasts enhanced performance, it’s also noteworthy that migrating devices from the M2 was a smooth process for you, which is often a concern for users. Your experience with needing to re-pair an older temperature sensor is a helpful heads-up for those with legacy devices.

Thanks for sharing your real-world performance insights! It’s contributions like yours that enrich our community and help others make informed decisions. If others have made the switch, I’d love to hear how your experiences compare. Keep the conversation going!

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