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Today, Aqara launched its Black Friday sale, which includes some of its most popular options. I have reviewed all the below, and they are all excellent. I personally continue to use the Aqara Smart Lock U200 and Hub M3.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Video Doorbell G4 (Chime Included), 1080p FHD HomeKit... |
£83.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Discounted Price: £83.99
- RRP: £119.99
- Discount: 30%
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is a versatile smart doorbell that stands out as the first battery-powered doorbell with HomeKit Secure Video support. It offers dual power options, allowing for both battery and wired installation.
Key Features
Video and Audio
- 1080p HD video recording with a 162° wide-angle camera
- Two-way audio communication
- Night vision capabilities
- 16:9 aspect ratio field of view
Smart Home Integration
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Google Assistant, and Alexa
- Local AI facial recognition
- Motion detection with customisable zones
- Supports automation through HomeKit
Hardware Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.2 x 6.5 x 3 cm
- Weight: 231g
- Battery life: Up to 4 months using 6 AA batteries
- IPX3 weather resistance
Additional Features
- Includes indoor chime repeater with 95 dB speaker
- Voice-changing capability and privacy zone masking
- Free 7-day cloud storage
- Local storage via microSD card support
- Customisable ringtones and volume settings#
Aqara Smart Lock U200
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Lock U200 (Fingerprint Keypad Included), Matter... |
£189.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Discounted Price: £189.99
- RRP: £269.99
- Discount: 30%
The Aqara Smart Lock U200 is a modern retrofit smart lock that mounts over existing euro cylinder locks, similar to the Yale Linus and Nuki designs.
Key Features
Core Functionality
- Works as a smart key turner that fits over existing lock mechanisms
- Supports Matter over Thread protocol, unique among smart locks
- Multiple unlocking methods including fingerprint, password, NFC, and Apple Home Keys
- Includes keypad with fingerprint scanner as standard
Technical Specifications
- IPX5 waterproof rating for the keypad
- Operating temperature range: -15°C to 66°C
- Supports Thread and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- Rechargeable battery with up to 6 months life
Installation and Setup
The lock installation is straightforward, involving:
- Mounting bracket attachment using 3M tape and small screws
- Lock mechanism fixing to the backplate
- Compatible with euro cylinder multi-point locking systems common in UK homes
Compatibility
The lock works with:
- European standard mortise locks
- Select Scandinavian cylinders
- Emergency function cylinders that allow external key access
- Various smart home platforms through Matter integration
The U200 represents a significant addition to the smart lock market, particularly notable for its Thread support and inclusion of a fingerprint scanner keypad as standard equipment.
Aqara Hub M3
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Hub M3 for Home Automation, Matter Controller,... |
£99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Discounted Price: £99.99
- RRP: £129.99
- Discount: 23%
The Aqara Hub M3 is a significant advancement in smart home technology, serving as a bridge between Aqara’s Zigbee and Thread devices and the Matter ecosystem.
Key Features
Connectivity & Processing
- Supports Matter and multi-protocol connectivity
- Features dual-band Wi-Fi and RJ45 port with PoE support
- Implements edge computing for local automation control
Smart Home Integration
- Functions as a Thread Border Router
- Enables IR controller integration through Matter
- Allows integration with Philips Hue devices and Sonos speakers
Performance Analysis
The hub performs reliably after initial setup, though some users experienced connection issues during migration from the M2 hub. These issues can typically be resolved by repairing a few devices.
Notable Improvements
- Local automation processing
- Enhanced connectivity options
- Secure data storage with on-device encryption
Priced at £130, the M3 represents a considerable increase from the M2’s £45 price point. While the added Thread support and Matter compatibility justify some of this increase, the limited Matter device support currently restricts its potential as a universal smart home hub.
The new discounted price makes it much more appealing.
Aqara Presence Sensor FP2
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Presence Sensor FP2, mmWave Radar Wired Motion Sensor,... |
£58.09 | Buy on Amazon |
- Discounted Price: £58.09
- RRP: £82.99
- Discount: 30%
The Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 is a sophisticated presence detection device that offers advanced features beyond basic motion sensing.
Key Features
Hardware Capabilities
- Uses mmWave radar technology with Wi-Fi connectivity
- Detection range up to 8 meters with 120° field of view
- Can monitor rooms up to 40 sqm when wall/corner mounted
Advanced Functions
- Zone positioning capabilities
- Multi-person detection
- Fall detection functionality
- Sleep monitoring features
- Built-in light sensing
Technical Specifications
Connectivity
- Operates via Wi-Fi without requiring an Aqara hub
- Compatible with Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home
- Powered through USB-C (5V1A)
Comparison to FP1E
| Feature | FP2 | FP1E |
| Protocol | Wi-Fi | Zigbee |
| Hub Required | No | Yes |
| Detection Range | 8m | 6m |
| Special Features | Fall detection, Sleep monitoring | Basic presence detection |
| Installation | Wall/corner mount | Multiple options |
Usage Scenarios
The FP2 is particularly suited for:
- Larger living spaces with multiple occupants
- Areas requiring detailed presence monitoring
- Spaces where fall detection is beneficial
The device is more complex to set up compared to the FP1E but offers significantly more advanced features, making it better suited for users requiring detailed presence monitoring and additional safety features.
Aqara Radiator Thermostat E1
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqara Smart Radiator Thermostat E1, REQUIRES AQARA ZIGBEE... |
£39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Discounted Price: £39.99
- RRP: £54.99
- Discount: 27%
The Aqara Radiator Thermostat E1 is a Zigbee-enabled smart TRV that offers advanced heating control capabilities at a competitive price point.
Key Features
Hardware Specifications
- Zigbee 3.0 connectivity with future Matter support
- Backlit display with manual dial control
- Powered by AA batteries with 1-year battery life
- Built-in temperature sensor
Smart Functions
- Configurable smart schedules with three time zones
- Geofencing capabilities
- Door and window detection
- Freeze protection
- External temperature sensor compatibility
- Advanced automation options through If/Then programming
Integration Options
The thermostat works with:
- Aqara Home
- Apple HomeKit
- Home Assistant
- Google Home
- Alexa
- IFTTT
Performance
Strengths
- Straightforward installation process
- Competitive pricing at £55
- Advanced automation capabilities
- Reliable operation after initial setup
Limitations
- Limited scheduling options with only three time slots
- No dedicated boiler thermostat integration
- Some initial firmware-related temperature detection issues
- Complex automation setup for advanced features
At £55, the E1 is competitively priced among smart TRVs. The system can be started with an affordable Aqara hub (E1 hub at £26), making it an economical entry point into smart heating control. The new Black Friday pricing makes it a great buy.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
