Hubitat
Hubitat Elevation C-8
Local-only · Zigbee + Z-Wave + Matter
88
/ 100
From $169
VS
Aqara Hub M3 wins by 2
Aqara
Aqara Hub M3
Matter Bridge · Thread · Zigbee 3.0
90
/ 100
From $129
Specdex verdict
Aqara Hub M3 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Hubitat Elevation C-8 lands at 88 and Aqara Hub M3 at 90. That puts Aqara Hub M3 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Hubitat Elevation C-8 if…
- ✓100% local processing
- ✓Best Z-Wave support of any mainstream hub
- ✓Matter bridged
Pick Aqara Hub M3 if…
- ✓Matter + Thread + Zigbee in one box
- ✓Local automation engine
- ✓Wired Ethernet for stability
Hubitat Elevation C-8 88
vs 90 Aqara Hub M3
Score breakdown
Hubitat Elevation C-8
88 ecosystem 92
local 100
ease 76
features 92
Aqara Hub M3
90 ecosystem 92
local 92
ease 88
features 92
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Hubitat Elevation C-8 | Aqara Hub M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Radios | Zigbee 3.0 + Z-Wave 700 + Matter | Zigbee 3.0 + Thread + Matter Bridge |
| CPU | Quad-core ARM | Quad-core ARM |
| Storage | ▲ 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Connectivity | — | Wi-Fi + Ethernet |
| PoE | — | Yes (PoE+ optional) |
Hubitat Elevation C-8
Pros
- +100% local processing
- +Best Z-Wave support of any mainstream hub
- +Matter bridged
Cons
- −UI dated
- −Rule builder has learning curve
- −No first-party voice
Aqara Hub M3
Pros
- +Matter + Thread + Zigbee in one box
- +Local automation engine
- +Wired Ethernet for stability
Cons
- −Aqara Home app polish trails Apple
- −No HomeKit Secure Video routing
- −Lacks Z-Wave
FAQ: Hubitat Elevation C-8 vs Aqara Hub M3
Which is better, Hubitat Elevation C-8 or Aqara Hub M3? +
Aqara Hub M3 scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Hubitat Elevation C-8 worth the price? +
At $169, Hubitat Elevation C-8 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in local.
Is Aqara Hub M3 worth the price? +
At $129, Aqara Hub M3 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in ecosystem.
Does Hubitat Elevation C-8 or Aqara Hub M3 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.