Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) vs Aqara Hub M2

These hubs anchor different ecosystems: the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) runs Apple Home, the Aqara Hub M2 runs Aqara. The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) pairs more of this database directly — 1,824 devices against 232 for the Aqara Hub M2 — because of its radio coverage. Radio hardware differs: only the Aqara Hub M2 has a Zigbee radio; only the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) is a Thread border router. The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) runs automations locally without a cloud dependency; the other relies on cloud processing.

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Aqara Hub M2
Price (MSRP) $199
Ecosystem Apple Home Aqara
Matter controller Yes No
Thread border router Yes No
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 No
Subscription required for core features No No
Built-in voice assistant Siri
Ethernet port Yes Yes
Wi-Fi Yes Yes
Natively paired brands Aqara
Release year 2022 2021

What each hub actually pairs

Frequently asked questions

Which pairs more devices, the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) or the Aqara Hub M2?

The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation): 1,824 devices in this database pair directly, versus 232 for the Aqara Hub M2.

Can I run the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) and Aqara Hub M2 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.