Aqara Home vs IKEA Home smart
Aqara Home
aqara.comIKEA Home smart
ikea.comSide by side
| Figure | Aqara Home | IKEA Home smart |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Home Automation | 8.7 (#5) | 7.9 (#18) |
| Spec score · Home automation platforms | 8.5 (#7) | 7.9 (#17) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Hub requirement | Aqara says a hub may be required for certain ecosystems or functions, and asks users to check individual product details for compatibility. | DIRIGERA is recommended for connecting new and older IKEA devices, while the guide says Matter devices do not require it. |
| 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 | Yes |
| Platforms | Aqara's Hub page identifies Aqara Home app control on iOS and Android. | The app is available from the Apple App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android. |
| Purpose | Aqara Home manages and controls Aqara smart devices and supports home automation. | IKEA Home smart lets people control IKEA smart home products through an app, hub, remotes, voice, or motion sensors. |
| Security updates | Aqara says security updates generally include patches, vulnerability fixes, and other security improvements, and are maintained for at least two years from launch for certain device models. | IKEA says it will provide DIRIGERA and TRÅDFRI gateway software support, including security updates, for three years after purchase. |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
| Zigbee support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
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.
IKEA Home smart
IKEA Home smart is a free Android and iOS app for controlling IKEA smart-home products through the app, DIRIGERA hub, remotes, voice assistants or motion sensors. With DIRIGERA, users can manage lighting, blinds, sound, air purifiers, outlets, sensors and accessories. The app places devices in rooms, groups lights, creates scenes and routines, and schedules actions with timers. IKEA says it works with Google Home, Apple Home and Alexa. Matter-enabled IKEA devices can be added through compatible smart-home apps and controlled across platforms. DIRIGERA is recommended for connecting new and older IKEA devices, although Matter devices do not require it; the hub needs Wi-Fi and a router cable. IKEA says basic functions such as switching lights on and off are designed to work without internet or a remote server. Gateway software receives security updates for three years after purchase, while connected smart products receive support for five years.