Original model
Aqara's G2H offers a solid HomeKit Secure Video camera experience plus Zigbee hub functionality, making it a great value-for-money buy. If you are just getting set up with a HomeKit smart security system, it will be a great start and opens the door to Aqara's world of affordable sensors.
For
- HomeKit-compatible
- HomeKit Secure Video support
- 1080p HD resolution
- Zigbee hub functionality
- Compact design
Against
- Alarm features not exposed to HomeKit
- 32GB microSD support
- Micro-USB power
- Clunky Aqara app
Upgraded version
As the name suggests, the Pro version of Aqara's G2H Camera Hub offers all of the original model's smarts and then some. Proper Security System support is a boon for HomeKit users as are other quality of life improvements like increased storage and connected device limits. It also offers Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility.
For
- Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google assistant
- HomeKit Secure Video and Security System support
- 1080p HD resolution
- 146-degree wide-angle view
- Zigbee hub functionality
- Compact design
- 512GB microSD support
Against
- Micro-USB power
- Clunky Aqara app
There are plenty of great HomeKit cameras on the market but Aqara stands out by offering some of the most affordable and functional options. Its Camera Hub G2H has been a top-pick of ours since it debuted in 2020 and the new Pro version builds on its success. For some, the Pro model will fill some of the holes in the original's spec list, whereas others may be able to save a few bucks by foregoing the new advancements.
Aqara Camera Hub G2H vs. Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro: Breaking it down
If you couldn't guess by the names alone, the Aqara Camera Hub G2H and Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro are incredibly similar products though there are some differences that could affect your real-world usage. Here are how the specs compare to help you decide which to get.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Aqara Camera Hub G2H | Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | HomeKit | HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| HomeKit Secure Video | Yes | Yes |
| HomeKit Security System | No | Yes |
| Resolution | 1080p HD | 1080p HD |
| Night vision | Yes | Yes |
| Field of view | 140 degrees | 146 degrees |
| Activity zones | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way audio | Yes | Yes |
| Hub capability | Zigbee 3.0 (up to 64 devices) | Zigbee 3.0 (up to 128 devices) |
| Storage | iCloud, MicroSD (up to 32GB) | iCloud, MicroSD (up to 512GB), NAS |
| Power | Micro-USB | Micro-USB |
Aqara Camera Hub G2H vs. Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro: More platforms and features in the Pro model
Visually, the cameras are basically identical so there are no points to be scored either way on the looks front. The design remains cute and compact in the Pro model and it only comes in white regardless of which model you go for.
The unchanged exterior of the G2H Pro does hide some notable improvements on the inside, mostly in terms of compatibility. The biggest change is that the G2H Pro offers support for all the major smart home platforms including HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant compared to the HomeKit-only approach of the original model. That's essential for users of these smart platforms that want an affordable indoor camera.
The G2H Pro offers quality-of-life features upgrades and additional platform support for the same starting price.
There's reason for HomeKit users to rejoice too, though, with added support for HomeKit Security System modes. That means users can customize their experience based on Home, Away, and Night alarm modes.
Other improvements in the Pro model include a wider 146-degree field of view, upgraded microSD card support (now up to 512GB), support for NAS storage, and the ability to connect up to 128 Aqara devices and sensors to the built-in Zigbee hub (up from 64 in the previous-gen model).
Aqara Camera Hub G2H vs. Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro: Save a few bucks with the original version
Though there are important improvements in the Pro model, the Aqara Camera Hub G2H is still one of the best HomeKit cameras you can buy.
The improvements aren't enough to warrant ditching your existing G2H for a G2H Pro.
With the arrival of a new model, the original version is also available at a discount while supplies last making it a great pickup if you don't want to spend a dollar more than you have to.
The improvements for HomeKit users most likely aren't enough of a reason to ditch your existing G2H if you have one, unless you're really frustrated by the 32GB microSD card limit or are running up against that 64 device limit for the hub functionality.
Aqara Camera Hub G2H vs. Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro: Which should you buy?
The Aqara Camera Hub G2H Pro looks set to replace the original G2H entirely, coming in at the original model's regular MSRP and with Aqara now having removed the G2H's product page from its official website, so your best bet is to buy the newer G2H Pro. The Pro model improves in the areas that the original model fell short without sacrificing any of the positive features of the original product.
That being said, if you can find a really good deal on the original G2H then it is still a great device and you won't regret adding one to your HomeKit smart home setup. Additionally, if you already own the original G2H and don't care much for the upgrades, sticking with it definitely won't hurt.
Slightly improved all-around
Coming in at the same retail price with a bolstered feature set, there's really no reason not to opt for the Pro model. It's also available to Alexa and Google Assistant users for the first time.
Grab one on sale
If you want to spend the least possible on your HomeKit security camera, the G2H is still a great product and you won't regret picking one up if you can score a discount on one.
