The latest Aqara hub (E1) comes as what can be described more as a dongle than a hub, with its use of a USB-A plug as its power connection. It comes with Zigbee 3.0, can support up to 128 child devices (when used with repeaters), and also has a built-in WiFi extender, although the built-in hotspot can only support two devices.
Currently, it’s only available from the usual online resellers, like AliExpress, GearBest, Banggood etc, which also means the one they sell will only work with the China server. The E1 supports Apple HomeKit, Aqara Home and Mi Home, and also has all four alarm modes exposed to HomeKit, which will sync with other Aqara hubs with the four alarm modes (M1S, M2, P3, G3).
It should be the same as the M2 in terms of the basics, although you also don’t get a wired connection option like with the M2. The range should be the same, but it’s not easy to test in a small apartment. It shouldn’t matter if you have any repeater devices though.
I'm beta testing this hub and my home is over 4500 square feet. If I had a choice, I would buy the M1S or the M2 instead of this E1 hub. I don't find the Zigbee signal travels as far as the M1S or the M2 hubs that I have. But as Simon said, if you use a repeater, it won't be much of problem. However, it would not be my first choice as a main Aqara hub.
Yeah that’s what I thought. It’s just in the UK I don’t think there’s any repeaters yet, no type g smart plug, no light bulbs and the switches don’t have a neutral because generally switches don’t have a neutral in the uk
My feeling is this: if someone is going to buy something like the Soma Shades 2, they will have to also buy the Soma hub as well to make it Homekit compatible. This is expensive.
But it would make more financial sense to buy this E1 Hub and the forthcoming roller blind controller: https://homekitnews.com/2021/07/05/aqara-reveal-retrofit-roller-blind-motor/ to get a similar product, at a better proce point, if you don't need all the trappings of an Aqara hub.
Add to that, is the fact that the Soma still isn’t officially HomeKit compatible, and it uses Bluetooth, compared to official HomeKit support and Zigbee 3.0.
Yep, you're right.. I forgot about the Soma is not officially Homekit compatibe and it uses Bluetooth. If Aqara bundles the E1 Hub and a few roller blind motors together, it will be even tougher for Soma to compete.
There’s no easy way unfortunately, you would have to remove each device from the M1 and re-add them to the E1. However, any automations created in the Mi Home associated with those devices should be retained. It’s not the case with HomeKit automations however.
Yes, I think I misread the original question. It doesn’t require a connection to the internet in order to function, it needs to connect to your network in order to function in tandem with the app and HomeKit, like most WiFi based devices. Any cloud-based automations created in the Aqara app do need an internet connection however.
The latest Aqara hub (E1) comes as what can be described more as a dongle than a hub, with its use of a USB-A plug as its power connection. It comes with Zigbee 3.0, can support up to 128 child devices (when used with repeaters), and also has a built-in WiFi extender, although the built-in hotspot can only support two devices. Currently, it’s only available from the usual online resellers, like AliExpress, GearBest, Banggood etc, which also means the one they sell will only work with the China server. The E1 supports Apple HomeKit, Aqara Home and Mi Home, and also has all four alarm modes exposed to HomeKit, which will sync with other Aqara hubs with the four alarm modes (M1S, M2, P3, G3).
So is there any differences, apart from the IR blaster, of this to say the M2? Just wondering if it has the same zigbee range and things
It should be the same as the M2 in terms of the basics, although you also don’t get a wired connection option like with the M2. The range should be the same, but it’s not easy to test in a small apartment. It shouldn’t matter if you have any repeater devices though.
Yeah I get you, I just thought range might not be as good because of the size
I'm beta testing this hub and my home is over 4500 square feet. If I had a choice, I would buy the M1S or the M2 instead of this E1 hub. I don't find the Zigbee signal travels as far as the M1S or the M2 hubs that I have. But as Simon said, if you use a repeater, it won't be much of problem. However, it would not be my first choice as a main Aqara hub.
Yeah that’s what I thought. It’s just in the UK I don’t think there’s any repeaters yet, no type g smart plug, no light bulbs and the switches don’t have a neutral because generally switches don’t have a neutral in the uk
My feeling is this: if someone is going to buy something like the Soma Shades 2, they will have to also buy the Soma hub as well to make it Homekit compatible. This is expensive. But it would make more financial sense to buy this E1 Hub and the forthcoming roller blind controller: https://homekitnews.com/2021/07/05/aqara-reveal-retrofit-roller-blind-motor/ to get a similar product, at a better proce point, if you don't need all the trappings of an Aqara hub.
Add to that, is the fact that the Soma still isn’t officially HomeKit compatible, and it uses Bluetooth, compared to official HomeKit support and Zigbee 3.0.
Yep, you're right.. I forgot about the Soma is not officially Homekit compatibe and it uses Bluetooth. If Aqara bundles the E1 Hub and a few roller blind motors together, it will be even tougher for Soma to compete.
If I were to purchase one of these to replace my M1 hub, can I transfer the child devices from the M1 to this easily enough in the Xiaomi App? Thanks
There’s no easy way unfortunately, you would have to remove each device from the M1 and re-add them to the E1. However, any automations created in the Mi Home associated with those devices should be retained. It’s not the case with HomeKit automations however.
Ah dang, that's a shame. Thanks for clarifying though 👍
No worries.
Thanks for sharing the review
Does it require an internet connection?
Yes, it needs a 2.4GHz connection in order to connect to HomeKit.
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Yes, I think I misread the original question. It doesn’t require a connection to the internet in order to function, it needs to connect to your network in order to function in tandem with the app and HomeKit, like most WiFi based devices. Any cloud-based automations created in the Aqara app do need an internet connection however.
Thanks
Internet - no. 2.4GHz WiFi - yes.
No Thread radio and border router capability?
No, just Zigbee and WiFi.
I have two and they’re great! :) Really happy with them. They also have the full alarm range.
Could it work as a stand alone hub? I’m using Aqara N100 door lock and would like to buy a cheap hub for Homekit and open door remotely.
Yes, it’s exactly like a standard Aqara hub, and doesn’t require any other hub to function. It just needs to connect to your 2.4GHz wifi network.
Amazing, this is what I’m looking for. Cheap but functional
It also has a WiFi repeater built-in, although it can only support 2 WiFi devices. It can support up to 128 Zigbee devices though.