Apple HomePod (2nd generation) vs Aqara Hub M3
These hubs anchor different ecosystems: the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) runs Apple Home, the Aqara Hub M3 runs Aqara. The Aqara Hub M3 pairs more of this database directly — 2,056 devices against 1,824 for the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) — because of its radio coverage. Radio hardware differs: only the Aqara Hub M3 has a Zigbee radio.
| Apple HomePod (2nd generation) | Aqara Hub M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $349 | $159.99 |
| Ecosystem | Apple Home | Aqara |
| Matter controller | Yes | Yes |
| Thread border router | Yes | Yes |
| Zigbee radio | none | built-in (same brand only) |
| Z-Wave radio | none | none |
| Bridges its devices into Matter | No | Yes |
| Local (no-cloud) control | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription required for core features | No | No |
| Built-in voice assistant | Siri | — |
| Ethernet port | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Natively paired brands | — | Aqara |
| Release year | 2023 | 2024 |
What each hub actually pairs
- Devices that work with the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) — 1,824 direct, 5,397 via bridge/add-on
- Devices that work with the Aqara Hub M3 — 2,056 direct, 0 via bridge/add-on
Frequently asked questions
Which pairs more devices, the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) or the Aqara Hub M3?
The Aqara Hub M3: 2,056 devices in this database pair directly, versus 1,824 for the Apple HomePod (2nd generation).
Can I run the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) and Aqara Hub M3 together?
Usually yes. Matter's multi-admin lets the same Matter device join several controllers at once, and Thread border routers from different vendors share one mesh. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, though, pair to exactly one hub at a time.