Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral)
Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU (With Neutral) is the third smart wall switch that I am evaluating. The first is MCO Touch Panel while the second is Sonoff T2UK Wi-Fi Smart Wall Switch.
There is nothing wrong with my Sonoff smart wall switch that makes me want to switch to Aqara smart wall switch. I am getting just one Aqara smart wall switch to let Li Xiang feel the difference between touch and tactile-based wall switches so that we have more choices for our new house.
Aqara has two models when it comes to smart wall switches. The older D1 and the newer H1. Both models come with or without neutral. I always recommend people pull neutral wires to their light switches so they can last longer.
The D1 and H1 with or without neutral are available in 1-gang, 2-gang, and 3-gang.
If you are choosing without neutral, they are more expensive. Prices are from Souky Store on Shopee.
| Model | With Neutral | Without Neutral |
|---|---|---|
| Aqara H1 1-Gang | S$54.90 | S$59.90 |
| Aqara H1 2-Gang | S$59.90 | S$64.90 |
| Aqara H1 3-Gang | S$85.90 | S$87.90 |
| Aqara D1 1-Gang | S$47.90 | S$57.90 |
| Aqara D1 2-Gang | S$53.90 | S$61.90 |
| Aqara D1 3-Gang | S$59.90 | S$67.90 |
For my evaluation, I got the Aqara H1 2-Gang (Neutral) for S$54.90.
I recommend getting the newer H1, as it supports Zigbee 3.0, has a slimmer build, and has a metal frame. For more details on the difference, you can check out the post by Homesmart Singapore, Aqara D1 and H1 Wall Switches – How To Choose?.
The installation of the Aqara H1 is similar to the Sonoff T2UK. Remember to turn off your main circuit breaker before attempting to do it.
The matte plastic on the Aqara H1 is more easily stainable than the glossy transparent plastic of the Sonoff T2UK. And cleaning the Sonoff T2UK is much easier since it is just a flat piece of plastic.
So in terms of maintaining the cleanliness of the switch, I think Aqara H1 loses in this area.
I prefer the tactile feel of the Aqara H1, as you can feel whether the switch is being pressed. The Aqara H1 and Sonoff T2UK are as responsive, so there are no complaints here. And in terms of the “feeling” of turning on and off the switch, I think the Aqara H1 is better.
Because it is more tactile, Aqara H1 produces an audible “click” sound when the switch is being pressed. It is louder than most non-smart wall switches. On the other hand, Sonoff T2UK doesn’t produce any sound since it is touch-based.
Coming from touch-based wall switches (MCO Touch Panel and Sonoff T2UK), Li Xiang has reservations about tactile-based wall switches. Because of the clicking sound, it makes her feel that the wall switches have a fixed lifespan on the number of times they can be pressed.
So when it comes to sound, I think Sonoff T2UK wins in this area. Of course, they are people who prefer audible feedback in addition to tactile feedback.
Aqara H1 uses Zigbee, while Sonoff T2UK uses wi-fi. Both are good, but I prefer wi-fi because of my experience with Z-Wave. Having said that, I have not yet faced any disconnection issues with my Aqara H1’s Zigbee.
Regarding Apple HomeKit support, Aqara H1 wins hands down since Sonoff doesn’t support it without going through HomeBridge. So this is the main reason I am evaluating Aqara smart home products.
Since it has only been two weeks, I have not concluded whether I will use Aqara H1 or Sonoff T2UK as the smart wall switches for my new house. I will probably have another post when I have concluded my decision.
