Aqara Home vs Google Home
Aqara Home
aqara.comGoogle Home
home.google.comSide by side
| Figure | Aqara Home | Google Home |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Home Security Camera Apps | 8.7 (#2) | 9.0 (#1) |
| Spec score · Smart Home Apps | 8.7 (#5) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Spec score · Home Automation | 8.7 (#5) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Spec score · Home automation platforms | 8.5 (#7) | 9.4 (#1) |
| Automations | Automations can use device triggers and conditions under “IF” and actions under “THEN.” | The app lets users schedule and customize automations, such as turning on cameras at night or starting a vacuum in the morning. |
| Camera integration | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Local control | Aqara says users who control devices only within their home network do not need an internet connection, and personal data is not transferred to Aqara to enable those smart home functions. | Yes |
| Matter support | Yes | Google Home supports Matter devices, allowing compatible products from different ecosystems to work together through a Matter hub. |
| Purpose | Aqara Home manages and controls Aqara smart devices and supports home automation. | Google Home brings compatible smart devices together in one app to set them up, control them, and automate the home. |
| Support | Aqara's US store lists FAQ, contact, user manuals, installation videos, and lifetime customer support. | The Google Play listing provides app support by email at [email protected]. |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Google Home
- Free Google Home appFree
- Google Home Premium Standard$10 a month
- Google Home Premium Standard$10 a month
- Google Home Premium Advanced$20 a month
- Google Home Premium Advanced$20 a month
In their own words
Aqara Home
Aqara Home is an Android and iOS app for adding Aqara devices and viewing or controlling them. It supports remote control, device grouping, schedules, real-time notifications, automations, and scenes. Automations can use device triggers and conditions to determine actions; scenes can gather multiple automations or serve as an automation result. The app also offers device upgrades, sub-device setup, and additional settings for documented HomeKit devices. Aqara lists compatibility with Matter, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Clova, Alice, IFTTT, and Home Connect Plus, although compatibility varies by product. A hub may be required for some ecosystems or functions; Advanced Matter Bridging requires a compatible Aqara hub. After devices are added in Aqara Home, OAuth 2.0 or interface authorization can provide device viewing and control permissions. The app is free. Aqara says communications between Apple devices and Aqara devices are end-to-end encrypted when using Apple Home. Users should check Aqara’s product activation region policy for regional details.
Google Home
Google Home brings compatible smart devices into one app for setup, control, and home automation. The dashboard can pin favorite devices and show camera feeds, alerts, and activity from connected first- and third-party products. Compatibility includes Google and Nest devices, Matter devices, and thousands of partner products carrying the Works with Google Home badge. Automations can come from suggestions, be drafted with Gemini from text, or be built in an editor with starters, conditions, and actions. Gemini for Home supports natural spoken requests, including multiple requests in one go. On the web, users can monitor cameras and doorbells, adjust devices, run automations, and create them with a script editor. The app is available on Android and iOS, and the service has a free plan. A Matter hub is needed to manage Matter devices while away from home. Many features also require the app, Wi-Fi, and internet access; availability can vary by country and language. Premium Standard is $10/month or $100/year, and Premium Advanced is $20/month or $200/year.