IR Remote Controls · Head to head

Aqara Hub M3 vs BroadLink RM4 Mini

Full Smart IR Remote Controls comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from the official Aqara and BroadLink sites.
2026 verdict
Full hub or pocket blaster? The Aqara Hub M3 is the more capable smart home device here, pairing its IR blaster with Zigbee, Thread, Ethernet and Apple Home and SmartThings support.
Aqara Hub M3
Winner
Aqara Hub M3
$139.99$159.9913% OFFPrime exclusive deal
Buy on Amazon USA
The BroadLink RM4 Mini costs far less and does one job well: its owners describe a wide IR signal that reaches a whole room and voice commands that fire almost instantly through Alexa and Google Home. Both learn existing remotes and both work with Home Assistant, but only the Aqara Hub M3 can coordinate Zigbee sensors, act as a Thread border router and bridge Aqara devices over Matter. Buy the BroadLink RM4 Mini if all you want is voice control of a TV or air conditioner, and the Aqara Hub M3 if the IR blaster is one part of a larger Aqara smart home.
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FeatureAqara Hub M3BroadLink RM4 MiniWinner
Price$139.99$25.99BroadLink RM4 Mini
Rating4.14.2BroadLink RM4 Mini
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol2.4 GHz WiFiAqara Hub M3
ProtocolsBluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IRIRAqara Hub M3
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Home AssistantAqara Hub M3
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Univeral Remote ControlYESYESTie
Smart LearningYESYESTie

What the differences mean

What it controls

The BroadLink RM4 Mini only sends infrared, so it controls TVs, air conditioners and set-top boxes. The Aqara Hub M3 does that too and also runs Zigbee and Thread sensors, locks and switches, which makes it the centre of a smart home rather than a remote.

Apple Home and SmartThings

The Aqara Hub M3 works with Apple Home and SmartThings. The BroadLink RM4 Mini does not, and reaches Apple users only through Home Assistant.

Network connection

The Aqara Hub M3 can be wired over Ethernet or join 2.4 or 5 GHz Wi-Fi. The BroadLink RM4 Mini is 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, which is fine for most routers but gives it no wired option.

Size

The BroadLink RM4 Mini is a 48 mm cube with a wall plate that hides almost anywhere, while the Aqara Hub M3 is a 105 mm square box closer to a streaming player in size.

Which one to buy if

Winner
Aqara

Aqara Hub M3

13% OFF
Prime exclusive deal
$139.99
$159.99
Buy on Amazon USA
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol
  • + Protocols: Bluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IR
  • + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
  • - Price: $139.99 vs $25.99
  • - Rating: 4.1 vs 4.2
BroadLink

BroadLink RM4 Mini

Prime exclusive deal
$25.99
Buy on Amazon USA
  • + Price: $25.99
  • + Rating: 4.2
  • - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol
  • - Protocols: IR vs Bluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IR

What owners say

Owners of both devices agree that setup is quick and that voice commands through Alexa and Google Home respond fast. Aqara Hub M3 owners single out how many radios one box replaces, local automations that feel instant and a Matter bridge into HomeKit and Home Assistant, while they complain about Zigbee pairing limited to Aqara devices, a busy phone-only app and pricey accessories, with a few noting that IR did not configure every AC remote. BroadLink RM4 Mini owners talk about its low price, an IR signal that reaches devices from almost any placement and running a mini-split from the next room, and their complaints are cloud dependence by default, firmware that blocks third-party apps, technical local setup in Home Assistant and no power adapter in the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Aqara Hub M3 or BroadLink RM4 Mini?

The Aqara Hub M3, if you want a smart home hub: it adds Zigbee, Thread, Matter bridging, Ethernet, Apple Home and SmartThings to an IR blaster. The BroadLink RM4 Mini is the better value if you only need infrared control of a TV or air conditioner.

What is the biggest difference between the Aqara Hub M3 and the BroadLink RM4 Mini?

The Aqara Hub M3 is a multi-protocol hub with an IR blaster built in, while the BroadLink RM4 Mini is only an IR blaster. That also makes the BroadLink RM4 Mini much smaller and less expensive.

Is the BroadLink RM4 Mini cheaper than the Aqara Hub M3?

Yes. The BroadLink RM4 Mini is a low cost infrared blaster, while the Aqara Hub M3 is a flagship multi-protocol hub, and it is priced like one.

Do the Aqara Hub M3 and the BroadLink RM4 Mini work with Alexa and Google Home?

Yes, both work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. Only the Aqara Hub M3 also works with Apple Home and SmartThings.

Who should buy the Aqara Hub M3?

Anyone building a Zigbee or Thread home around Aqara sensors, locks and switches who wants local automations and one hub that also controls IR devices.

Who should buy the BroadLink RM4 Mini?

Alexa and Google Home users who want to control a TV, set-top box or air conditioner by voice on a budget, or replace a lost AC remote.

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