Aqara Hub M3 vs Samsung SmartThings Hub v2
These hubs anchor different ecosystems: the Aqara Hub M3 runs Aqara, the Samsung SmartThings Hub v2 runs SmartThings. The Samsung SmartThings Hub v2 pairs more of this database directly — 7,714 devices against 2,056 for the Aqara Hub M3 — because of its radio coverage. Radio hardware differs: only the Samsung SmartThings Hub v2 has Z-Wave; only the Aqara Hub M3 is a Thread border router. The Aqara Hub M3 runs automations locally without a cloud dependency; the other relies on cloud processing.
| Aqara Hub M3 | Samsung SmartThings Hub v2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $159.99 | — |
| Ecosystem | Aqara | SmartThings |
| Matter controller | Yes | No |
| Thread border router | Yes | No |
| Zigbee radio | built-in (same brand only) | built-in |
| Z-Wave radio | none | built-in |
| Bridges its devices into Matter | Yes | No |
| Local (no-cloud) control | Yes | No |
| Subscription required for core features | No | No |
| Ethernet port | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Battery backup | — | Yes |
| Natively paired brands | Aqara | — |
| Release year | 2024 | 2015 |
What each hub actually pairs
- Devices that work with the Aqara Hub M3 — 2,056 direct, 0 via bridge/add-on
- Devices that work with the Samsung SmartThings Hub v2 — 7,714 direct, 0 via bridge/add-on
Frequently asked questions
Which pairs more devices, the Aqara Hub M3 or the Samsung SmartThings Hub v2?
The Samsung SmartThings Hub v2: 7,714 devices in this database pair directly, versus 2,056 for the Aqara Hub M3.
Can I run the Aqara Hub M3 and Samsung SmartThings Hub v2 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.