MUST Have Aqara Smart Home Items In 2026!
It’s barely a month away before we say bye-bye to the year 2025. So, if you are thinking of starting or upgrading your smart home, these Aqara smart devices are your MUST HAVE! One of them is something that you are surely going to love!
Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410
So let’s start with this, the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410. This is the upgraded version of the Aqara Doorbell G4 that I have both at home and right here in the studio as well, which is essentially a camera and a doorbell. So it is a camera that can be activated when you want to, or if someone rings the doorbell. While the design looks the same, the major difference, or why should you get this?
First, as the name says, it has a built-in hub, so you don’t need to get a separate hub for this if this is your very first doorbell, like the previous G4 Doorbell which needed a hub for that.
And this isn’t some regular smart home hub, as it is Matter compatible and is a Zigbee hub as well. It also works with Apple’s HomeKit, Samsung’s SmartThings, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and even IFTTT.
This new one also has an upgraded 2K video quality instead of just 1080p on the G4. With a better 175° wide-angle and 4:3 aspect ratio. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz instead of just 2.4GHz previously, which, by the way, most smart home items only support 2.4GHz. So it’s nice that there is 5GHz added to this.
It also comes with Millimeter wave presence detection, which is way better and accurate compared to the previous PIR Motion Sensor. So the presence alert is so much better than getting alerts when nobody is there… (Or is there REALLY nobody there?)
Just like before, in the box, it comes with the Chime box, which has a very loud 95dB chime or alarm. You can insert the SD Card to record the video feed locally, it supports up to 512GB of storage.
You can even choose the cloud storage subscription too if you want to, which is called the Aqara HomeGuardian, more on that later.
But what is really lovely is that Aqara gives you the option to use your own local storage or even a NAS storage as well, and it doesn’t force you into a subscription service just like how other companies tend to do.
Just like before, you have two powering options: Either through 6 x AA batteries or through the wired option. Of course, through the wired option, you don’t have to think about changing batteries, and it also unlocks and allows 24 hours of continuous recording, which is also a huge win.
However, the battery option on my previous G4 used to give me about 6 months of use. The batteries do come inside of the box, alongside the USB-A to USB-C cable for the Chime Box, mounting screws, or even a screw driver, and an optional angle bracket.
Then like the Doorbell G4, there is also a security screw at the side to pop off the doorbell. Here is where you can put the batteries in, or connect the wires over at the screws for the wired power option.
Setup is very straightforward by using the Aqara App. It is very “idiot proof”, just follow the instructions and you are all set, super easy.
There are lots of great features over in the App, but the main ones that you will find useful are the things like the Voice Changer, so you can talk to anyone through the doorbell. You can change your voice accordingly to stay anonymous.
Here is where you can also view your triggered events, like lingerers, or when someone presses the doorbell. There is also a Privacy Mask if you need to set certain areas to be masked out in the recording. But most importantly, there is also the Tamper Detection, just in case someone is dumb to try to steal the doorbell.
And yes, there is so much more, so feel free to go through each and every one of the features in the app. Of course, since this is a smart home hub, you can add any devices to this as well.
So yes, this would be a good device to start with, especially if you don’t have an Aqara or a Zigbee hub.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
Speaking of hubs, the second device is also a hub, but it is more of a dedicated camera.
This is the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro. Unlike the G410 Doorbell, this one is meant to “live” outside your house, so it is a camera that gets all the proper Vitamin D. It is also more “hi-tech” than you’d expect from a typical outdoor camera.
First of all, it comes in two versions:
- a PoE version, or Power over Ethernet version, for those of you who want a cleaner, uninterrupted cable connection
- and also a Wi-Fi version, which connects normally, just like other security cameras.
But the magic isn’t just about the connection, it’s what the camera actually does.
Image quality-wise, this has a 4MP Quad HD camera, with a super wide 133° field of view, and a crazy bright f/1.0 aperture. Just to give you context, most outdoor cameras are around f/2.0 aperture value. So this one lets in up to 4x more light, which is perfect for low-light security. Which means, even at night, its True Color Night Vision is very good compared to seeing glowing white blobs walking past your gate.
And yes, you’ll be seeing real colors, real details, and a real face. So it can actually detect intruders from a longer distance, even when your porch or your area looks pitch-black.
Oh, then there’s also a dimmable spotlight on the camera itself and a 100 dB speaker for sirens and two-way talk. You can even add custom ringtones if you want to scare your neighbours a bit.
Since it is also a smart home hub as mentioned, it has similar integrations, so if your smart home range has always been limited indoors, this expands it to outdoors. It is also used for your other accessories, whether it’s for garden lights, outdoor sensors, or even fantastic automations to be used outdoors.
The camera also features a built-in NPU, so all of the AI detection is done locally, and it’s smart enough to recognize faces, vehicles, people, animals and packages.
On top of that, it also works even when your internet is down, which is exactly what you want for a security system as the G5 Pro still records, still detects, and still triggers your automations on the camera itself
There is also an encrypted eMMC on-device storage, with loop recording that replaces older files, once the storage is filled. But unfortunately, there is no 24/7 recording on this. But you can sync your recordings to your NAS, so you don’t really need to rely on monthly subscriptions.
In the app, you will find similar timeline alerts and voice-changing options, and many other camera-related features like Human, Lingerer, and AI Sound Detection, which is cool, where you can get alerts for baby crying, alarm sound, barking, and more.
There is a Timelapse video, which will go through a video feed of the day. The automations are also great, especially if you place this at your car porch, where you’ll have notifications or automations for your car. But since mine’s placed at the rooftop area, there are no cars parked over there.
As mentioned, there are two variants, which is the PoE model that gives you power + internet through a single cable, which is great for outdoor use and stable even if your Wi-Fi is weak outside. But if your home layout doesn’t support PoE, like our studio here, the Wi-Fi version supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with WPA3 for better security.
Both versions also come with a USB-C port if you prefer to power it that way.
Being outside, it also needs to “tahan” our Malaysian weather, right? Well, it does, because it is also IP65-rated, handles rain, dust, heat up to 50°C and cools down to -30°C if you ever decide to install this in Genting Highlands… which obviously is not -30°C but you get what I mean.
Then the stand is fully rotatable, and even uses a standard 1/4” thread. So you can mount this on anything – tripods, wall mounts, brackets, whatever works for your home or outside of your house.
In the box, it also comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, mounting screws, and a tool to open the back of the camera.
So yeah, if you want a high-quality outdoor security camera that also works as a multi-protocol smart home hub, the Aqara G5 Pro is basically doing 3 devices job in one.
Aqara Camera G100
Now, if the G5 Pro is the ”outdoor smart home command center”, this next one, the Aqara Camera G100 is more of a simple, no-nonsense security camera. For people who don’t need all those multi-protocol hub stuff, but want solid protection indoors or outdoors.
Think of this as the lighter, more affordable version of the G5 Pro, but still has many of the essentials that most people actually need
First, the biggest difference is that it is a 2K 3MP camera. But it comes with a much wider 140° field of view, so you get broader coverage, perfect if you’re covering a living room or a long corridor.
And just like the G5 Pro, it also works both day and night, but where it really stands out is that you get 2 night vision modes instead of one.
There’s the invisible infrared mode for discreet monitoring, and a color night vision mode with a spotlight if you want to light up the intruders, or your cat if he/she is being dramatic at 3am.
It’s still IP65-rated, so rain or shine is not an issue. But the G100 is smaller and a bit more compact compared to the chunkier, hub-based G5 Pro.
Then, while the G5 Pro has encrypted eMMC storage built in, this has a more “traditional setup” with an option of a microSD card up to 512GB. Plus, the option to back everything up to a NAS. Cloud storage is still end-to-end encrypted.
But if you want to have the extra features, Aqara’s HomeGuardian plan unlocks things like facial recognition, pet & vehicle detection, and integrated event timelines.
Even without the subscription, you still get local presence detection , motion detection, all done on-device. So basic security works even when your internet is down.
Just like the other Aqara cameras, you’ll also get the handy stuff like privacy masking, voice changing for two-way talk. Anti-theft lock, so no one can unbind the camera even if they steal it
Inside of the box, it comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable for power, and the mounting screws.
So overall, the G100 is for those who want a simple, compact, wide-angle 2K camera without needing all the hub capabilities of the G5 Pro. And at this price point, that makes it easier to add multiple units around your home.
Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300
And finally, we have something a little different, not a camera, not a doorbell but honestly, one of the smartest upgrades you can add to any smart home. This is the Aqara Presence Multi-Sensor FP300.
Unlike a normal motion sensor that only triggers when you move, this one uses Millimeter wave + PIR. So it can detect presence even if you’re sitting still, reading, working, watching TV, or just rocking your baby to sleep. This means, no more lights turning off, when you’re enjoying a quiet moment.
But the big win? This is one of the first battery-powered Millimeter wave sensors compared to the previous Presence sensors from Aqara, which were wired. And the battery lasts up to 2 whole years. You can literally place it anywhere – bedrooms, bathrooms, or even study rooms.
It’s also Matter-enabled, with Thread and Zigbee built in, so it works with any ecosystem you’re already using as mentioned earlier.
But of course, the question is: How do you actually use this daily? Well, with this, your lights truly feel “smart”.
Imagine this:
- Walking into the room? Lights on 💡
- Stop moving? Still on 💡
- Leave the room? Lights off!
Zero false triggers, even with pets or robot vacuums.
Then you could even do energy saving automations, your TNB bills will say “thank you boss”, like turning off the AC automatically when the room is empty, or even adjust the temperature based on the room.
How is that possible? Well, this FP300 has built-in light, temperature and humidity sensors. So this gives better bedroom and bathroom automations.
Imagine security improvements like triggering alarms or cameras when presence is detected, even if the person isn’t moving, something standard motion sensors can’t do.
Since it’s tiny and wireless, it comes with a joint bracket, you can mount it on walls, ceilings, and corners as well, or even magnetically stick it.
Once it’s set up, you will forget it’s there, until you wonder why your house finally behaves like a proper smart home.
Conclusion
So yeah, in conclusion, if you’re building a smart home from scratch or upgrading an old one, these can change everything!
[Watch the full video on YouTube here]
Related:
– If you want to see the automations I personally use at home, check that video out over here: 365 Days Later: My Ultimate HomeKit Smart Home Reveal – You Won’t Believe the Changes!
