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Aqara Smart Home Hub M3
Private Smart Home
Our verdict
The hub to buy if you want automations that keep running when the internet drops, and you would rather not build the system yourself.
In stock · Last verified: 2026-08-28
We send you to Amazon and open your local store. A specific product may not be available in every country — if not, Amazon shows you a similar option.
Best for
- Automations that must work without internet
- Homes mixing Zigbee, Thread and Matter devices
- Replacing an infrared remote you keep losing
Not ideal for
- A first, cheap experiment with smart home
- People who want a polished app above all
Pros
- Runs automations locally, not in the cloud
- Zigbee, Thread and Matter in one box
- Built-in infrared control for old appliances
- No subscription for any core function
Cons
- Around 160 dollars, five times the entry hub
- The Aqara app works but is a chore to use
- Some features still route through Aqara's servers
Key specifications
| Protocols | Zigbee, Thread, Matter |
|---|---|
| Local automation | Yes |
| Infrared blaster | Yes |
| Subscription | Not required |
| Typical price | 159.99 USD |
Alternatives
Aeotec · Aeotec Smart Home Hub
The one to get if your house already has Z-Wave devices in the walls.
Comparison →Aqara · Aqara Smart Hub M100
The small, cheap Aqara hub, with a rating that is worth reading about first.
Comparison →View full analysis
Why we recommend it
There are two ways to escape the subscription-and-cloud model. One is to run your own server, which works but is a project. The other is to buy a hub that stores and executes automations on the device itself, and the M3 is the strongest of those on Amazon. It speaks Zigbee, Thread and Matter, so it talks to almost anything sold today, and it adds an infrared blaster that lets it control an old air conditioner or TV that has no smart anything. The important part is what happens when your router goes down: with local automations, the lights still come on. The trade is price, at around 160 dollars it costs five times the small M100, and Aqara's app is still the weakest part of the package.
Buying advice
Buy it for the local execution, not for the feature list. Before ordering, check which protocol your existing devices use: if they are Z-Wave, this hub will not see them and the Aeotec is your answer instead. If you have nothing yet, start here and add sensors one at a time.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens when the internet goes down?
- Automations stored on the hub keep running. Remote access from your phone outside the house stops until the connection returns.
- Does it work with Apple Home and Alexa?
- Yes, through Matter. That is the whole point of Matter: the hub stops being tied to one company's assistant.
- Do I need a subscription?
- No. Local automation, device control and the infrared blaster all work without paying anything monthly.