Aqara Hub M3 (Black)
2024
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
Hub
Aqara Hub M3 (Black) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Aqara Hub M3 (Black) lands at 87 and Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) at 83. That puts Aqara Hub M3 (Black) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Aqara Hub M3 (Black) if…
- ✓Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
- ✓App-based setup
- ✓Works with major voice assistants
Pick Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) if…
- ✓Matter support (modern)
- ✓Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
- ✓Automations
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testEcosystem
Aqara Hub M3 (Black)Compared on the ecosystem sub-score
Aqara Hub M3 (Black) leads on ecosystem (87 vs 83).
Ease of use
TieCompared on the ease of use sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Features
Aqara Hub M3 (Black)Compared on the features sub-score
Aqara Hub M3 (Black) leads on features (85 vs 81).
Value for money
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) more score per dollar ($99 vs $129).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Aqara Hub M3 (Black) | Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Color | Black | — |
Aqara Hub M3 (Black)
- +Matter/Thread support (modern SKUs)
- +App-based setup
- +Works with major voice assistants
- −Subscription sometimes required
- −Cloud dependency on many
- −Ecosystem lock-in
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
- +Matter support (modern)
- +Zigbee/Thread radios (most)
- +Automations
- −App quality varies
- −Cloud dependency on some
- −Ecosystem lock-in
FAQ: Aqara Hub M3 (Black) vs Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
Which is better, Aqara Hub M3 (Black) or Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)? +
Aqara Hub M3 (Black) scores 87 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Aqara Hub M3 (Black) worth the price? +
At $129, Aqara Hub M3 (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in ecosystem.
Is Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) worth the price? +
At $99, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) delivers a Specdex score of 83 — strongest in ease.
Does Aqara Hub M3 (Black) or Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for ecosystem, Aqara Hub M3 (Black) or Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)? +
Aqara Hub M3 (Black) — leads on ecosystem (87 vs 83). Compared on the ecosystem sub-score.
Which is better for features, Aqara Hub M3 (Black) or Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)? +
Aqara Hub M3 (Black) — leads on features (85 vs 81). Compared on the features sub-score.