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IR Remote Controls · Head to head

Aqara Hub M3 vs BroadLink RM5plus

Full Smart IR Remote Controls comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official Aqara and BroadLink sites.
2026 verdict
Aqara Hub M3
Winner
Aqara Hub M3
$139.99$159.9913% OFF
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
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.
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FeatureAqara Hub M3BroadLink RM5plusWinner
Price$139.99$30.99BroadLink RM5plus
Rating4.03.4Aqara 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, IRIRAqara Hub M3
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Home AssistantAqara Hub M3
Univeral Remote ControlYESYESTie
Smart LearningYESYESTie
Winner
Aqara

Aqara Hub M3

13% OFF
$139.99
$159.99
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
  • + 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: $139.99 vs $30.99

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 RM5plus

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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.

Full comparison table

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