Akara manufactures a range of HomeKit-compatible smart home devices for multiple regions around the world. This review looks at four of Akara’s latest products, including its temperature and humidity sensor and newly-released Hub M2, as well as the Wireless Remote Switch H1 and Smart Wall Switch H1, which launched today.
With these new accessories, I was able to add to the HomeKit setup I built with some of Akara’s devices earlier this year and test out the company’s new additions to the smart home.
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While Akara has its own app to control and set up accessories, they can be controlled, automated and fully managed through Apple’s Home app.
M2 hub
Akara Hub M2 works as a smart home control center for a wide range of Akara sensors, controllers and other child devices using the ZigBee 3.0 protocol, connecting up to 128 devices.
In terms of design, the Hub M2– has glossy black plastic on the sides and matte black plastic on top. The overall look is slim and as good as a smart home hub, though the matte top surface seems to have attracted some blemishes out of the box. The bottom of the device has a thick rubberised base to help keep it steady on surfaces and a handy ‘HomeKit’ pairing code sticker.
The back of the Hub M2 has an Ethernet RJ45 port, a micro-USB port for power and a standard USB port. Although it comes with a micro-USB cable that is about a meter long, it would be easier to connect it to a longer cable if needed. I was disappointed that the M2 didn’t come with a power adapter, which meant I had to find another USB power adapter to use. Akara also says that it is possible to power the Hub M2 from a 5V power bank.
The Hub M2 lets users choose whether to use the Ethernet RJ45 port, which Akara says provides added stability and faster response time, or a Wi-Fi connection if the hub isn’t close to an available Ethernet port.
The Hub M2 integrates seamlessly with the Home app, starting with a simple scan of the HomeKit code on the base. The initial pairing process was quick and any subsequent devices paired with the Hub M2 automatically appear in Apple’s Home app for minimal hassle.
The Hub M2 also supports four native HomeKit alarm modes and features a surprisingly loud built-in speaker. The speaker isn’t particularly clear, but its quality is adequate for short vigils and can easily project across a large room. Like other Akara hubs, the Hub M2– uses its speaker to talk you through the setup process and pair other accessories, but it can also be used to provide alerts through automation.
Also, there are many features that aren’t directly usable through the Home app since Apple doesn’t yet support them, such as the Hub M2’s built-in IR transmitter, which can control existing IR home appliances such as TVs. However, it is possible to use the Hub M2’s IR transmitter via an Apple shortcut, which triggers an action in the Aqara app.
H1 double rocker switch
Akara today launched two new smart home double rocker switches for the European market, the Smart Wall Switch H1 and the Wireless Remote Switch H1. The switches support round European wall boxes and 86mm square wall boxes.
The Smart Wall Switch H1 is installed in place of a standard wall switch and can be used to control light switches, ceiling fans and more as part of your smart home setup. It has a sturdy metal backplate and comes with screws for installation. The Smart Wall Switch H1 features overheating protection, overload protection and power monitoring.
I thought the installation instructions for the Smart Wall Switch H1 could be better, but most users will benefit from the help of a qualified electrician anyway.
The Wireless Remote Switch H1 shares the design of the Smart Wall Switch H1, but does not need to be plugged into a wall socket to work. Instead of wired terminals, the back of the switch is flat and has two rubberized bars to help grip a surface, and an adhesive pad inside the box to stick the switch to a wall. Akara also suggests that it is possible to drill into the back of the switch’s plastic housing so that it can be screwed directly into the wall if desired.
It was very difficult to pry off the back of the unit to replace the battery, even with a flathead screwdriver, but users won’t have to do this often because the Wireless Remote Switch H1 has a five-year battery life.
The switches have a satin plastic finish and are very clicky and tactile. At the bottom of each rocker is a small blue LED that flashes to confirm a click. The overall design is thin and discreet, which is ideal for a switch.
Both H1 switches connect using the latest Zigbee 3.0 protocol and are paired by holding down one of the rockers until detected by the Akara hub.
You can configure actions or scenes triggered by the H1’s rocker switch in the Home app, or use the Akara app if you want to map complex actions like long or double presses. A Smart Wall Switch H1 and a Wireless Remote Switch H1 can also be used to upgrade an existing two-way setup.
I personally like the versatility of the Wireless Remote Switch H1, but if you’re looking for a permanent smart replacement for a wall light switch, the Smart Wall Switch H1 is an ideal solution.
Temperature and humidity sensors
The Akara temperature and humidity sensor is incredibly compact and lightweight, featuring the same minimalist design as Akara’s other accessories, making it easy to tuck away inconspicuously.
Pressing the small button on top of the sensor, the blue LED flashes and it almost instantly pairs with the Akara Hub and appears in the Home app.
The Home app is able to display the temperature and humidity from the sensors, and it seems to update throughout the day without delay. The sensor can also detect air quality, but the Home app doesn’t support this data yet. Using multiple sensors will show the average temperature in the Home app.
bottom line
Like other Akara accessories, the company continues to set high standards for design, easy pairing and reliability. Aqara’s support for HomeKit– and its focus on seamless integration into the Home app—outpaces many other smart home brands, but the company still clearly recognizes the importance of quick pairing to networks and good responsiveness.
It’s a shame that Apple’s Home app still doesn’t support some Aqara features like air quality or IR control, but it’s good to know that the accessories are future-proof if support is added in the future.
The Hub M2 is the most fully featured smart home hub I’ve used, and seems like a must-have for any user with multiple Aqara accessories, even if it’s a little pricier than the competition at $57.99. The multifunction H1 rockers are ideal for upgrading manual wall switches to a smart setup, and the $19.99 temperature and humidity sensor is affordable and reliable.
How to buy
Aqara’s full range of HomeKit accessories is available in the US through Amazon.
- Hub M2 – $57.99 (currently out of stock but expected to be back soon)
- Temperature and Humidity Sensor – $19.99 (currently out of stock but expected to be back soon)
The Smart Wall Switch H1 and Wireless Remote Switch H1 are not available in the US as they are designed for the UK and EU markets. For customers in these regions, Akara devices are available through third-party distributors.
Note: Provided by Aqara MacRumors For the purpose of this review, a wireless remote switch H1, with smart wall switch H1, temperature and humidity sensor and M2 hub. No other compensation was received.
