Aqara's Latest Matter Over Thread Switches Land in the US

Aqara’s H2 Smart Switches have launched in the US and are now available to buy on Amazon. 

These Matter/Thread switches come in three variants, including:

• 2-button, 1-channel switch: A single wired switch with a second programmable wireless button
• 2-button, 2-channel switch: A double wired switch
• 4-button, 3-channel switch: A triple wired switch with a single programmable wireless button

These switches are a versatile choice too, as you can use either Matter over Thread or Zigbee 3.0, depending on your existing smart home ecosystem. There’s no need for an Aqara Hub if you’re connecting via Matter — simply add the switches to whichever Matter platform you’re currently using. You don’t need to use the Aqara Home app, though you will miss out on some of the more advanced features this offers.

For those connecting via Zigbee, a hub such as the Aqara Hub M3 and the Aqara Home app are required but you can access all the app’s advanced features. 

Neutral Wire Flexibility Brings Smart Light Control to Older Homes

The Aqara H2 US switches work with or without a neutral wire. That means you don’t need to think about your home’s wiring scheme before purchasing — and there’s less chance of ending up with an incompatible switch. It also brings smart lighting control to both new and old homes.

Some features, such as overload protection, energy monitoring, and a customizable LED indicator, are only available when the switch is used with neutral wiring. 

Replace Your 3-Way Switches with 3-Way Control

These smart switches also pack three-way functionality, making it easy to replace existing three-way switches. For example, if you have lights at either end of a hallway, or at the top and bottom of stairs, you can replace one of the switches with the H2 Smart Switch.

Other notable features include:

• Power-Off Memory Mode: This retains your switch’s settings after a power outage, so it will resume operation either on or off, as it was. Alternatively, you can use the Aqara Home app to customize this setting, choosing to always power off or on lights in the event of an outage, for example. Note that this feature isn't available with some third-party Matter ecosystems.
• Power Consumption Monitoring: When used with a neutral wire, these switches can monitor your energy consumption and generate insights into where you’re using the most electricity (via the Aqara Home app), helping you save on energy consumption and costs.
• Wireless Buttons for Home Control: There are up to four buttons that function as wireless buttons, depending on which switch variant you choose. These can control a smart home device or scene. For example, you could set them to close or open curtains, unlock your door, or arm your security system. If you’re using the Aqara Home app, you can set up Custom Press Mode to configure actions for single, double, or long presses.

With the H2 Smart Switches, Aqara has added one of the most requested features for smart switches, three-way functionality, while also addressing the issue of neutral wire flexibility, making it easier for those with older homes to enjoy smart light control, without worrying about their wiring scheme. The flexibility of choice between Matter over Thread and Zigbee connectivity also ensures these switches appeal to a wider range of users. 

The Aqara Light Switch H2 US is available to buy from the Aqara website or Amazon, starting from $45 for the 2-button, 1-channel variant, $50 for the 2-button, 2-channel model, and $55 for the four-button, 3-channel switch.