Looking to upgrade your smart home with a reliable, Matter-compatible hub? The Aqara Hub M100 and Aqara Hub E1 are two excellent options from Aqara, a leading brand in smart home automation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Aqara Hub M100 vs E1, covering features, pricing, compatibility, and more to help you make an informed decision for your smart home. Whether you’re a beginner or a smart home enthusiast, this article will help you choose the perfect hub for your needs in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why Choose an Aqara Smart Home Hub?
Aqara hubs are renowned for their affordability, versatility, and compatibility with major smart home ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Home Assistant. Both the M100 and E1 use Zigbee 3.0 to connect devices, ensuring fast, stable, and energy-efficient communication. With the rise of the Matter standard, Aqara hubs are future-proof, making them ideal for integrating devices from different brands.
Aqara Hub M100: The Next-Gen Matter Controller
Launched in March 2025 in China and showcased at CES 2025, the Aqara Hub M100 is an entry-level smart home hub designed for modern smart homes. It supports Zigbee, Thread, and Wi-Fi 6, making it a versatile Matter Controller and Thread Border Router. Its compact, USB-A-powered design and 210° adjustable shaft make it easy to place anywhere in your home.
- Key Features: Matter bridging, Thread support, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz with WPA3), Zigbee 3.0, supports over 50 Matter device types.
- Pricing: SGD 69
- Availability: The M100 was officially launched on 24 April 2025 in Singapore
Aqara Hub E1: The Affordable Classic
The Aqara Hub E1, released in 2021, is a budget-friendly Zigbee hub known for its compact USB-A design and ease of use. While it lacks Thread and Matter support, it’s a reliable choice for Aqara Zigbee devices and integrates seamlessly with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
- Key Features: Zigbee 3.0, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz repeater (supports 2 devices), supports up to 128 devices with repeaters.
- Pricing: Approximately SGD 49
- Availability: Available in Singapore since 2021
Aqara Hub M100 vs E1: Head-to-Head Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of the Aqara Hub M100 and E1 to help you decide which is best for your smart home setup.
| Feature | Aqara Hub M100 | Aqara Hub E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols Supported | Zigbee 3.0, Thread, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz) | Zigbee 3.0, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz |
| Matter Compatibility | Yes (Matter Controller & Bridge) | No |
| Thread Support | Yes (Thread Border Router) | No |
| Device Capacity | Up to 128 (with repeaters) | Up to 128 (with repeaters) |
| Wi-Fi Repeater | No | Yes (2 devices) |
| Power Source | USB-A | USB-A |
| Design | Compact, 210° adjustable shaft | Compact, 210° adjustable shaft |
| Ecosystem Compatibility | Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, IFTTT |
| Pricing (2025) | SGD 69 | SGD 49 |
| Availability | China, Japan, expanding globally | Globally available |
Key Differences
- Matter & Thread Support: The M100 supports Matter and Thread, making it future-proof for integrating third-party devices. The E1 lacks these, limiting it to Aqara Zigbee devices.
- Wi-Fi Technology: The M100 uses Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more secure connections, while the E1 uses older Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz but doubles as a repeater.
- Pricing & Availability: The M100 is slightly cheaper but less widely available. The E1 is a proven, globally accessible option.
Which Hub Should You Buy?
Choose the Aqara Hub M100 if:
- You want a future-proof hub with Matter and Thread support.
- You plan to integrate third-party Matter-compatible devices.
- You need Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more secure connections.
Choose the Aqara Hub E1 if:
- You’re on a budget and only need to control Aqara Zigbee devices.
- You want a Wi-Fi repeater to extend your network.
- You prefer a widely available, proven hub.
Both hubs are available on passionhome.sg. Check out our latest deals!
Recent Reviews of Aqara Hub M100 (April 2025)
The Aqara Hub M100 has received positive feedback for its compact design and Matter compatibility. According to NotebookCheck, it’s an “entry-level hub with a compact design” that supports a wide range of devices. Users on Matter Alpha praise its Thread Border Router capabilities, making it ideal for modern smart homes.
Setting Up Your Aqara Hub M100 or E1
Both hubs are easy to set up using the Aqara Home app:
- Plug the hub into a USB-A power source.
- Download the Aqara Home app (iOS/Android).
- Follow the app’s instructions to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Add devices using Bluetooth (M100) or Zigbee pairing (E1).
- Integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa for voice control.
FAQs About Aqara Hub M100
What devices are compatible with the Aqara Hub M100?
What devices are compatible with the Aqara Hub M100?
The M100 supports Aqara Zigbee and Thread devices, as well as third-party Matter-compatible devices (over 50 types, including lights, switches, and sensors). It integrates with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and Home Assistant.
Does the Aqara Hub M100 support HomeKit?
Yes, the M100 is compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control connected devices via the Home app or Siri.
Can the M100 act as a Thread Border Router?
Yes, the M100 functions as a Thread Border Router, enabling seamless integration of Thread-based Matter devices into your smart home network.
Is the Aqara Hub M100 available globally?
As of April 2025, the M100 is available in China, Japan and Singapore, with global expansion underway. You can purchase from our store using this link.
How does the M100 compare to the Aqara Hub M3?
The M100 is an entry-level hub with a focus on affordability and compactness, while the M3 offers advanced features like Power over Ethernet, built-in storage, and a louder speaker. The M100 is better for beginners, while the M3 suits power users.
Does the M100 require an internet connection?
The M100 supports local control for many automations, but an internet connection is required for setup, remote control, and some ecosystem integrations.
Can I use multiple M100 hubs in one home?
Yes, you can use multiple M100 hubs to extend your network, especially in larger homes. They can work together seamlessly via the Aqara Home app.
What is the range of the Aqara Hub M100?
The M100 has a Zigbee range of about 20 meters (without walls). Adding repeaters like Aqara smart plugs or switches can extend this range.
Does the M100 support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the M100 uses Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz with WPA3) for faster and more secure connections compared to the E1’s standard Wi-Fi.
Can I migrate devices from an E1 to an M100?
Yes, Aqara’s migration tool allows you to transfer devices from an E1 to an M100 via the Aqara Home app, though you may need to re-pair some devices.
Conclusion
The Aqara Hub M100 is the go-to choice for 2025 if you want a future-proof, Matter-compatible hub with Thread and Wi-Fi 6 support. Its compact design and affordability make it perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The Aqara Hub E1, however, remains a solid budget option for Aqara Zigbee ecosystems, especially if you don’t need Matter or Thread. Shop both hubs on our store and start building your smart home today!