Smart Hub Comparison · UK 2026
Aqara Hub M2 vs Aqara Hub E1

Specs, pros and cons compared side by side

Both the Aqara Hub M2 and the Aqara Hub E1 are Zigbee 3.0 hubs. This head-to-head sets them side by side using the specs, pros and cons from our full reviews. Aqara specs come from our Aqara review, checked against Aqara’s own pages.

Quick verdict

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Aqara Hub M2

Pick it for: Built-in speaker for alarms and doorbell sounds (the E1: no speaker or buzzer) · Ethernet port as well as 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (the E1: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only)

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Aqara Hub E1

Pick it for: Plugs straight into a USB-A port rated above 2.5W (the M2: Micro-USB, 5V 1A)

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Quick comparison

Spec Aqara Hub M2 Aqara Hub E1
Connects devices Zigbee 3.0, up to 128 with repeaters Zigbee 3.0, up to 128
Matter and Thread Matter supported; no Thread No Thread
Network 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Ethernet 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Power Micro-USB 5V 1A USB-A plug, above 2.5W
Extras IR blaster, speaker, HomeKit alarm modes 2.4GHz Wi-Fi repeater, no speaker
Aqara Hub M2

Pros

  • IR blaster and speaker built in
  • Wired Ethernet option
  • HomeKit alarm modes
  • Local automations keep running offline

Cons

  • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
  • No Thread; Zigbee only
  • IR can send but not receive
Aqara Hub E1

Pros

  • Very small and easy to place
  • Powers from any USB-A port rated above 2.5W
  • Doubles as a small Wi-Fi repeater
  • Large Zigbee device capacity

Cons

  • No Thread or Matter controller
  • No speaker or buzzer for alarms
  • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only

Which should you buy?

Why choose the Aqara Hub M2

  • Built-in speaker for alarms and doorbell sounds (the E1: no speaker or buzzer)
  • Ethernet port as well as 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (the E1: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only)
Why choose the Aqara Hub E1

  • Plugs straight into a USB-A port rated above 2.5W (the M2: Micro-USB, 5V 1A)

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