Is the Aqara M3 Hub Worth the Upgrade?

In this video, we dive deep into the latest Aqara M3 Hub and compare it with its predecessor, the Aqara M2 Hub. 📱🏠 On paper, the M3 might look like just a minor upgrade, but we uncover some major improvements that could transform your smart home setup. From enhanced multi-protocol device support to advanced infrared capabilities and Matter compatibility, the M3 Hub packs a punch with features that make it a significant upgrade. We’ll take you through a detailed look at these features, including local control, privacy enhancements, and the powerful 360° infrared blaster. If you're considering upgrading your smart home hub, this video is a must-watch! 🚀🔍
Join us as we explore the benefits of the Aqara M3 Hub, showcasing its seamless integration with Zigbee, Bluetooth, and thread devices. We also discuss its impressive connectivity options, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) and dual-band Wi-Fi. 💡🔌 Whether you’re a seasoned, smart home enthusiast or just starting out, the M3 Hub offers incredible versatility and ease of use. Don't forget to check out the exclusive Father's Day deals in the description and pinned comment! Watch till the end for our overall thoughts and whether the Aqara M3 Hub is the right choice for your smart home needs. 👍🔧
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▶ Timestamps ⌚:
▶ Website: thissmart.house

[@ThisSmartHouse]

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[@HughD]

Nice job covering this. I appreciate the work by you and Aqara. I have the M3 and am looking forward to seeing more videos covering using Matter devices with the M3 and the other way around, plus examples of local automations. In other words, I'd like to see more of the advanced features actually working. Thanks again...

[@ThisSmartHouse]

Thanks! I wish I could have gotten any 3rd party Matter device to work with my M3 to test with.

[@vikylin]

very professional insights, thank you for sharing

[@ThisSmartHouse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Aitch135]

Will this connect to a Ecobee smart thermometer, and door camera?

[@tanookimarketing]

Disappointing that you didn't cover the issues with this device as there's multiple. Calls into question your honesty and integrity when almost every other reviewer did so.

[@muhdihsan93]

yup, compared to other reviewer that aqara sponsored, this guy seems to be hiding the issue

[@ThisSmartHouse]

What issues? I did the review 100% off my observations. The only problems I ran into I called out (Matter pairing).

[@The-Cat]

@@ThisSmartHouse what about connecting xiaomi devices ?

[@aaronbcollins2]

Thanks for the video. Quick odd question: Does the IR blaster work without an internet connection? I have the M2 and it requires the cloud for the IR blaster to work.

[@Bigglare]

Too bad they didn't open the M3 to Third Party Zigbee devices...

[@ThisSmartHouse]

Agreed 100%

[@Nosjamesmenzer]

So I an wondering how hard Is it to get the m3 hub IR blaster to work with home assistant Like being able to control IR devices through the hub using home assistant

[@TheBello2009]

Anyone knows if it is possible to add Xiaomi cameras to the M3 hub?

[@CarlRyds]

It would be if the ZigBee radio supported third party devices. I emailed Aqara and they said they have no plans to support third party Zigbee devices. Very disappointing.

[@ThisSmartHouse]

I have no idea why they wouldn't support it. That is my three majority of my Zigbee devices are on Zigbee2MQTT. I just keep my newer Aqara devices on the M3.

[@Bigglare]

@@ThisSmartHouse I have all my Zigbee lights on a Hue Bridge with Matter, and all my other Devices on Third Reality's Smart Bridge MZ1. The Proprietary Zigbee is enough to say No to this latest version. Local automation is already possible with Apple Home and Home Assistant.

[@CarlRyds]

@@ThisSmartHouse I wanted the M3 to be my one and only super hub for everything, it’s a shame because I know it can be done, they’re just choosing not to.

[@ThisSmartHouse]

@Bigglare Agreeed. But not everyone is ready to jump to Home Assistant.

[@Bigglare]

@@ThisSmartHouse Its a good thing for matter. Anyone can start with a proper non proprietary bridge like, Hue, third reality, ikea, and use Alexa, google, or apple home for local control, automation and voice assistants.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

SO IT IS WAAAY OVER PRICED when other matter/zigbee habs are half the price, only do aqara zigbee and ZERO third party zigbee!!!

[@cooliipie]

I only use Z Wave. What a huge miss!

[@ThisSmartHouse]

You can't win them all. If you included Z-wave it would drive the price up as well.

[@ThisSmartHouse]

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