Winner
19% OFF
Prime exclusive deal$129.99
$159.99
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Updated November 2026
Data from the official Aqara and BroadLink sites.
2026 verdict
A multi-protocol hub outclasses a lone IR blaster: the Aqara Hub M3 wins this comparison on rating, connectivity, protocols and integrations, combining Ethernet, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth, a Zigbee coordinator, a Thread border router and a Matter bridge with its built-in IR control, all reaching Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. The BroadLink RM5plus wins only on price, staying the cheaper option, though its own reviewers describe a difficult setup process and a factory lock that blocks local Home Assistant control, limitations the Aqara Hub M3 does not carry. Both learn IR commands from existing remotes, but only the Aqara Hub M3 does anything beyond infrared. If you're building a broader smart home around Zigbee, Thread or Matter devices and want IR folded into that same hub, the Aqara Hub M3 is the clearly stronger pick. The BroadLink RM5plus only makes sense if all you need is a cheap, standalone IR blaster.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz
- Ethernet
- Thread border router
- Zigbee coordinator
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
vs
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | Aqara Hub M3 | BroadLink RM5plus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $30.99 | BroadLink RM5plus |
| Rating | 4.0 | 3.7 | Aqara Hub M3 |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Aqara Hub M3 |
| Protocols | Bluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IR | IR | Aqara Hub M3 |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Aqara Hub M3 |
| Univeral Remote Control | YES | YES | Tie |
| Smart Learning | YES | YES | Tie |
| Local Control | YES | YES | Tie |
Winner
19% OFF
Prime exclusive deal$129.99
$159.99
- + Rating: 4.0
- + Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol
- + Protocols: Bluetooth, Zigbee Coordinator, Thread Border Router, Matter Bridge, IR
- - Price: $129.99 vs $30.99
$30.99
- + Price: $30.99
- - Rating: 3.7 vs 4.0
- - Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi vs 2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, Ethernet, Thread Protocol
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: the Aqara Hub M3 or the BroadLink RM5plus?
The Aqara Hub M3 wins overall, outscoring the BroadLink RM5plus on rating, connectivity, protocols and integrations thanks to its Zigbee, Thread and Matter support. The BroadLink RM5plus only wins on price.
What is the biggest difference between them?
The Aqara Hub M3 is a full multi-protocol smart-home hub (Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Bluetooth, Ethernet, WiFi) with IR as one of several functions. The BroadLink RM5plus is a standalone IR-only blaster with none of those additional protocols.
Does the BroadLink RM5plus work locally with Home Assistant?
Not reliably. It ships locked from the factory and does not support local LAN control. The Aqara Hub M3 integrates natively with Home Assistant along with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings.
Is the BroadLink RM5plus a good standalone IR blaster?
It can be, with reviewers praising its long-range infrared once set up, but it also draws complaints about a difficult first-time setup. The Aqara Hub M3 includes IR control too, alongside far more capability.
Who should buy the Aqara Hub M3?
Smart-home builders who want Zigbee, Thread and Matter support combined with IR control in one hub, bridging to Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or Home Assistant.
Who should buy the BroadLink RM5plus?
Only buyers who want the cheapest possible standalone IR blaster and have no interest in Zigbee, Thread or Matter support.
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