Aqara Smart Hub E1: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Control (With Surprising Results!)

19 Sep, 20247651 read

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Is the Aqara Smart Hub E1 the key to unlocking your smart home dreams? We dive deep into this tiny but mighty hub, analyzing its performance, pros and cons, and real user experiences. Get ready for surprises, because this little guy packs a punch (and maybe some quirks too!)

<html> <head></head> <body> Hey there, fellow smart home enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the world of <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a>? This little fella promises to be the brains of your smart home operation, connecting your devices and letting you control them all with a single app (or maybe more, depending on your tech preferences…stay tuned!) But before you hit that “Add to Cart” button, let’s take a closer look at this tiny titan and see if it lives up to the hype. We’re gonna go through the whole shebang - everything from unboxing and setup to real user experiences, and of course, we’ll answer the burning question: Is the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> worth your hard-earned cash? The Lowdown on the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> The <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> is a compact, USB-powered Zigbee hub that promises to seamlessly integrate with your existing smart home ecosystem. It supports <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>HomeKit</a>, <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Alexa</a>, <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Google Assistant</a>, and even <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>IFTTT</a>, giving you ultimate flexibility in how you control your connected devices. Plus, it's small enough to fit into any corner of your home. What People Are Saying: Alright, let's get real. This hub has got a 4.2 star rating on Amazon, and that's a pretty decent score. But what do actual users have to say? Let’s take a peek at some real-life reviews: <ul> <li>Daniel: “This thing worked great. No issues setting up. Now I’m able to unlock my door from anywhere.” – Boom! Easy setup and remote control? That's what we're talking about.</li> <li>William Stringer: “I wasn’t even sure if I needed this or not, but I bought it. It is not very expensive but it works extremely well.” – Budget-friendly and effective? Looks like <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> has got a winner here.</li> <li>Jose Fernando Gomez Marin: “Super” – Concise, but effective! We're sensing some serious smart home satisfaction.</li> <li>Trunq22: “This was a bit tricky to configure. For some reason my door lock just wouldn’t sync and the firmware kept getting stuck while updating.” – Uh oh! Sounds like a bit of a bumpy start for some users.</li> <li>Robert G Alfano: “I bought the E1 Hub and 3 <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> U100 smart locks for my new home. So far, no matter what I tried to do, I can not connect up this hub to my wireless router. I’ve been in touch with <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> support via email only, and I’m not impressed.” – Yikes! Connection issues and less than stellar customer support are definitely red flags.</li> <li>JorgeLamo: “I bought this to give me remote control access to my U100 <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Smart Lock</a>. I had trouble trying to add the unit in the app. Helpful things I learned on Reddit forums: Wifi: I have an Eero mesh system ( 6E-Pro units) So I unplugged all of the units except my main router and put the network in 2.4ghz mode during setup. This allowed the unit to connect to my wifi.” – Reddit to the rescue! A bit of troubleshooting can often get things working, but it’s good to know the support community is there if you need it.</li> <li>TzTerriTzTerri: “I have an <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> temperature sensor and a remote switch on my backyard’s bird enclosure. But both items were going offline because the Zigbee signal from the hub in my living room was not strong enough.” – A little bird told us… Signal strength can be an issue, especially if you have a large home or if your devices are far apart.</li> <li>Pig &.: "Easy to setup with iphone but not Android. First time failed to setup after adding the hub to the apple homekit and it didn't continue binding to the app. Was very confused and I thought to give it a second try and it worked then. So i'd think not very user intuitive and reliable but at least iphone worked. After then I was trying to add it to google home. Despite it says it supported google home, whenever I linked the aqara account it just says no devices found and it says it's a "temporary" issue. It asked me to wait for several minutes to retry. I believed it and waited for 1 day. Nope it didn't work. Tech support responded after I sent an email asking about it and they mentioned "hub e1 and switch button cannot work in google home". I don't think they mentioned this in the product page at all. Well it is useless to have the switch button and hub then because I can't use it to control other lights. So I initiated the return and accidentally found home assistant. I do have home assistant configured on my local server. Tried that and it worked flawlessly. Overall I think it's ok and it works only if you do home assistant. Two stars off not because it's not working with Google Home, but because they never explained it.” – Android users, beware! This review highlights some compatibility issues and lack of clarity from <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>.</li> </ul> The Goods and the Not-So-Goods: Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the questionable: The Good: <ul> <li>Small and Mighty: The <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> is incredibly compact, making it super easy to find a spot for it in your home.</li> <li>Zigbee Goodness: This hub supports Zigbee 3.0, which means it's compatible with a wide range of Zigbee smart devices.</li> <li>Multiple Control Options: You can control your smart home devices using the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> app, <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>HomeKit</a>, <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Alexa</a>, <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Google Assistant</a>, or <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>IFTTT</a>, giving you flexibility and control.</li> <li>Cost-effective: It’s a pretty affordable way to get started with a smart home system.</li> </ul> The Not-So-Good: <ul> <li>Connection Issues: Several users reported difficulties connecting the hub to their Wi-Fi network.</li> <li>Firmware Update Headaches: Some users experienced issues with firmware updates, which can be a real pain.</li> <li>Android Compatibility Concerns: Android users have reported setup and functionality issues, so if you’re an Android fan, you might want to proceed with caution.</li> <li>Limited Customer Support: Some users expressed disappointment with <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>’s customer support.</li> </ul> Unboxing and Setting Up Your <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a>: Alright, you've taken the plunge and ordered the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a>. Now what? <ol> <li>Unboxing: Open the box (carefully, of course!), and you’ll find the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a>, a USB cable, and a quick start guide.</li> <li>Plugging In: Find a spot for your new hub and plug it in using the provided USB cable. You’ll need a USB-A port for this, so make sure you have a power source ready.</li> <li>Downloading the App: Download the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> app from the App Store or Google Play. (Remember, some users reported issues with Android, so just keep that in mind.)</li> <li>Adding the Hub: Follow the instructions in the app to add the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> to your account. It usually involves pressing the button on the hub and waiting for it to be recognized by your phone.</li> <li>Adding Your Devices: Once your hub is set up, you can start adding your Zigbee smart devices to the app.</li> </ol> From Unboxing to Bliss (Hopefully!): Once your hub is set up, you can start adding your Zigbee devices to the app. Follow the prompts to add each device, which usually involves pairing it with the hub. The Verdict? So, is the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> worth it? It's a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's a compact, affordable hub that offers a decent range of features and compatibility with various smart home ecosystems. It’s a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly way to expand their smart home. However, the potential connection issues, firmware update problems, and compatibility issues with Android devices are definitely things to consider. If you're a tech-savvy user, you might be able to overcome these challenges, but if you’re looking for a plug-and-play experience, you might want to look elsewhere. The Bottom Line: The <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> is a solid entry-level hub that offers a lot of features for the price. However, its performance and user experience can vary, so it's important to be aware of the potential issues before you buy. Ready to take the plunge? Find the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a> here: [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20">Buy On Amazon</a>] Let us know in the comments if you’ve used the <a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/<a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a>-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'><a target='_blank' href='https://www.amazon.com/Aqara-Protocol-Interface-Transmission-Compatible/dp/B09BJCNCKM/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=insgoods-20'>Aqara</a> Smart Hub E1</a>, and share your experiences. Did it live up to the hype? Or did you encounter any issues? Happy smarthoming! </body> </html>

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Aqara Smart Hub E1: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Control (With Surprising Results!)

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