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IR Remote Controls · Head to head

Aqara Hub M3 vs BroadLink RM4 Pro

Full Smart IR Remote Controls comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aqara and BroadLink sites.
2026 verdict
Radio blinds or a Zigbee network? The Aqara Hub M3 is the stronger smart home hub of the two, with Zigbee, Thread, Ethernet and Apple Home support that the BroadLink RM4 Pro does not offer.
Aqara Hub M3
Winner
Aqara Hub M3
$139.99$159.9913% OFF
The BroadLink RM4 Pro keeps one thing the Aqara lacks: RF, so it can learn fixed-code 433MHz remotes for blinds, fans and RF outlets as well as infrared, and it is the lower cost box. Its owners warn that rolling-code and proprietary RF devices often will not work, so check a device's frequency before counting on it. Both learn IR remotes and work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. Choose the Aqara Hub M3 to run an Aqara Zigbee or Thread home with local automations, and the BroadLink RM4 Pro to put existing IR and RF remotes on your phone.
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FeatureAqara Hub M3BroadLink RM4 ProWinner
Price$139.99$44.99BroadLink RM4 Pro
Rating4.13.9Aqara Hub M3
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol2.4 GHz WiFiAqara Hub M3
ProtocolsBluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IRIR, RFAqara 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

RF support

The BroadLink RM4 Pro sends RF as well as infrared, which covers blinds, curtains, fans and outlets with fixed-code 433MHz remotes. The Aqara Hub M3 has no RF, so a radio remote stays a radio remote unless the device also speaks Zigbee, Thread or Matter.

Zigbee, Thread and Matter

The Aqara Hub M3 is a Zigbee coordinator, a Thread border router and a Matter bridge, so it can run a whole network of sensors, locks and switches. The BroadLink RM4 Pro is a Wi-Fi blaster only and cannot pair any of those devices.

Network connection

The Aqara Hub M3 connects over Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi, which keeps it on a stable link. The BroadLink RM4 Pro joins 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, and some owners report it dropping offline until the app is opened.

Apple Home and SmartThings

The Aqara Hub M3 works with Apple Home and SmartThings alongside Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. The BroadLink RM4 Pro skips both, so Apple users would have to route it through Home Assistant.

Which one to buy if

Winner
13% OFF
$139.99
$159.99
  • + Rating: 4.1
  • + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol
  • + Protocols: Bluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IR
  • - Price: $139.99 vs $44.99

What owners say

Owners of both devices like how quickly Alexa and Google Home act on their commands. Aqara Hub M3 owners single out how many radios one box replaces, the Matter bridge that feeds Aqara locks and sensors into Home Assistant and HomeKit, the alarm speaker and helpful support, while they complain that Zigbee pairing is limited to Aqara devices, that range in a large home needs extra hubs and that the app is busy and phone-only; a few mention IR not configuring every AC remote. BroadLink RM4 Pro owners praise handling IR and RF in one tiny box, fully local control through Home Assistant and choosing it over a Logitech Harmony, but report RF failures with rolling-code fans and garage openers, awkward app English and devices that drop offline until the app is reopened.

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Aqara Hub M3
  • BroadLink RM4 Pro

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Aqara Hub M3, as a smart home hub. It adds Zigbee, Thread, Matter bridging, Ethernet, Apple Home and SmartThings to an IR blaster. The BroadLink RM4 Pro is the better pick only if you need to control RF remotes, which the Aqara cannot do.

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

The Aqara Hub M3 is a multi-protocol hub that runs Zigbee and Thread devices, while the BroadLink RM4 Pro is a Wi-Fi blaster that sends both infrared and RF signals from your existing remotes.

Can the Aqara Hub M3 control RF devices?

No. The Aqara Hub M3 has an IR blaster but no RF. The BroadLink RM4 Pro handles both IR and fixed-code 433MHz RF remotes, though owners warn that rolling-code and proprietary RF devices often do not work.

Do the Aqara Hub M3 and the BroadLink RM4 Pro work with Home Assistant?

Yes, both do. The Aqara Hub M3 can bridge Aqara devices into Home Assistant over Matter, and the BroadLink RM4 Pro has a Home Assistant integration that sends IR and RF commands locally.

Who should buy the Aqara Hub M3?

Anyone building a Zigbee or Thread smart home around Aqara sensors, locks and switches who wants local automations, Ethernet and support for Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant.

Who should buy the BroadLink RM4 Pro?

People with TVs and ACs on infrared plus blinds, fans or outlets on fixed-code RF remotes who want them all on the phone and on Alexa or Google Home, at a lower cost than a full hub.

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