Aqara Hub M100 Launch

Aqara‘s newest hub is the Aqara Hub M100 – joining our very extensive portfolio of Zigbee and Thread hubs! This product follows in the Aqara Hub E1‘s footsteps – offering hub functionality in a basic and diminutive package, and at a very competitive price point.

If you’re familiar with Aqara products, you’ll know that Aqara Hubs tend to offer multiple functions in one product. For example, the Aqara Camera Hubs G2H and G3 offer camera plus hub functions, while the M2 and M3 offers air-con controller plus hub functions. Unlike most other hubs, the Aqara Hub M100 doesn’t offer any other functions, simply existing to give you hub functionality in a more affordable package.

Hub Functionality

In line with Aqara’s general direction towards Matter compatibility and more support for Thread devices, the Aqara Hub M100 now supports both Zigbee and Thread wireless standards. It’s also now a fully-compliant Matter Controller (not simply a Matter Bridge like the M2). That’s a big step up from the Aqara Hub E1.

Difference from the Aqara Hub E1

You’d be hard-pressed to tell the Hub M100 from the Hub E1 if you have them side-by-side. They’re physically identical – both feature the same slim, white, USB stick-like appearance, with a pivoting USB-A connector. They’re both compact, minimalist, and highly portable. The big difference is really the connectivity options.

	Aqara Hub M100	Aqara Hub E1
Zigbee Hub	Yes	Yes
Thread Border Router	Yes	No
Matter Controller	Yes	No
Wi-Fi Extender Function	No	Yes

We’d argue that the last function – being a Wi-Fi extender – isn’t really a great function in the first place, so we wouldn’t consider that a loss. The addition of Thread and Matter, on the other hand, is a big plus, especially in terms of future proofing.

Do you need it?

The answer depends on which group of users you belong to:

Are you happy with your existing Zigbee-based Aqara Home, with no intention or interest in adding more items? Then no.

Do you currently own a Thread-based Aqara device (U200; U300) without a hub, and find the other Thread-based hub options (M3; G5) too expensive? Then, yes, this should work well for you.

Are you currently building a smart home, and think you’ll be adding more devices in the future? Then yes, this M100 product warrants consideration (you may want to consider the other hubs, of course).

As always, if you want or need it, check the product out in our store. Or, if you want to see it in action or have more questions, talk to us or drop by our showroom at 24 Keong Saik Road!