Apple Home vs Xiaomi Home
Apple Home
apple.comXiaomi Home
mi.comSide by side
| Figure | Apple Home | Xiaomi Home |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Smart Home Apps | 8.3 (#11) | 7.7 (#16) |
| Spec score · Home automation platforms | 8.2 (#11) | 8.2 (#13) |
| Spec score · Home Automation | 8.3 (#12) | 7.7 (#23) |
| Camera integration | Yes | Yes |
| Energy monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Matter support | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Apple says Home app data is stored so Apple cannot read it, accessories are controlled by Apple devices instead of the cloud, and communications are end-to-end encrypted. | Xiaomi’s privacy policy says connecting and managing devices can involve collecting Wi-Fi, location, account sign-in, phone, and device information. |
| Purpose | The Home app lets people control smart home accessories across Apple devices. | Xiaomi describes the app as a way to manage intelligent devices, control them remotely, check their status, share access, and set up intelligent tasks. |
| Support | Apple provides instructions for adding accessories and links to troubleshooting and organization help. | For persistent Xiaomi Home Secure issues, Xiaomi directs users to submit feedback in the app or contact customer service. |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
Apple Home
Apple Home is a free app for controlling smart home accessories across Apple devices. Its Home tab groups accessories into categories such as Lights, Security, and Climate and displays their status. It supports compatible accessories for lighting, security, comfort, and entry, along with Matter, cameras, energy monitoring, and voice assistants. The app can show up to four cameras at once, while guest access can grant time-limited permissions for door locks, garage doors, and alarm systems. Accessories can be added by scanning a code or bringing an iPhone or iPad near them; Apple says they cannot be added to Home on Mac. A HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV can serve as a hub for remote access and automation. Examples include turning on lights at a set time, closing blinds when leaving, or adjusting a fan as temperature rises. Siri can also control accessories. Apple says Home data is stored so it cannot read it, accessories are controlled by Apple devices rather than the cloud, and communications are end-to-end encrypted. The app requires Apple devices and compatible accessories.
Xiaomi Home
Xiaomi Home is a free mobile app for managing intelligent devices. Users can control devices remotely, check their status, share access, and create tasks. Devices can be added through nearby-device detection or by searching for them manually. Smart Scenes can automate multiple devices using triggers such as time, weather, sensor data, or device status. Access can be shared from a device card or by inviting another member to the user's family in the app. Xiaomi lists Matter, Zigbee, voice assistant, camera, and energy-monitoring support. Users can link a Mi device with the app for Alexa control; Xiaomi also documents HomeKit support for the Mi Smart Home Hub and the Mi LED Smart Bulb (White & Color) with compatible firmware. The app works on Android and iOS phones and tablets, as well as Xiaomi TVs. Device support and app availability vary by region. Xiaomi says there is no PC version and it is not supported for direct use on Windows or macOS. Its privacy policy says device management can involve Wi-Fi, location, account sign-in, phone, and device information.