The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus is a premium smart control panel and hub designed for the Aqara ecosystem, offering centralized management of compatible smart home devices through a single touchscreen interface. The device combines two relay switches and six wireless switches with dual protocol support for both Matter and Zigbee, positioning it as Aqara’s answer to more established smart home control solutions.
Key Takeaways
- The Panel Hub S1 Plus supports Matter and Zigbee protocols for broader device compatibility.
- Two relay switches and six wireless switches enable local automation without cloud dependency.
- Live camera feeds and two-way visitor communication work with compatible Aqara doorbells and cameras.
- Remote smart lock control integrates Aqara’s security devices into one interface.
- Available in Europe at £289.99 or €289.99, with occasional discounts bringing it closer to £217.50.
What Makes the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus Different
Aqara’s move into premium hub hardware reflects a strategic shift from selling individual smart devices to building a cohesive ecosystem. The Panel Hub S1 Plus sits at the center of this strategy, offering what few competitors provide: a single control point that doesn’t force you into a proprietary walled garden. Matter support means you can theoretically integrate non-Aqara devices, though the real power lies in how smoothly it handles Aqara’s own product line.
The inclusion of two relay switches and six wireless switches is more than cosmetic. These aren’t just buttons on a screen—they’re actual switching hardware that can operate devices locally, meaning your lights and locks won’t fail if your internet drops. That’s a reliability advantage many premium smart home hubs still struggle to deliver consistently.
Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus vs. the Competition
Aqara competes against some of the biggest names in smart home, including established players who have spent years building brand trust and device ecosystems. The Panel Hub S1 Plus must prove it offers something worth switching for, or at least something worth adding alongside existing setups. Where Aqara has traditionally excelled is in security hardware—cameras and smart locks—and this hub finally gives those devices a proper control center.
The advantage here is ecosystem depth. If you’ve already invested in Aqara cameras like the 2K Security Indoor Camera Hub or the Smart Doorbell Camera G410, the Panel Hub S1 Plus becomes genuinely useful rather than redundant. You can view live feeds, unlock doors remotely, and talk to visitors through one interface. Competitors offer similar features, but rarely with the same level of integration across security and automation.
Display, Design, and Practical Control
What makes a control hub worth £289.99 comes down to daily usability. The Panel Hub S1 Plus functions as a central touchscreen for your Aqara devices, displaying status information and allowing quick adjustments without reaching for your phone. This matters more than it sounds—a well-designed hub becomes the natural control point in your home, not an afterthought gathering dust on a shelf.
The device’s ability to show live camera feeds and facilitate two-way communication with visitors through compatible Aqara doorbells and cameras transforms it from a simple automation panel into a security hub. Combined with remote smart lock control, you have the core functions of a modern smart home distilled into one device. Whether the display quality, response time, and interface design justify the premium price requires hands-on evaluation, but the feature set is comprehensive.
Should You Buy the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus?
The answer depends entirely on your existing smart home setup. If you’ve built your home around Aqara devices—particularly their security cameras and smart locks—this hub is a logical next step that brings genuine utility. If you’re just starting out or use a mix of brands, cheaper alternatives or your phone might serve you just as well.
The £289.99 price point positions this as a premium product, and you’re paying for ecosystem integration rather than latest technology. That’s a fair trade for Aqara loyalists, less so for casual smart home users. Watch for occasional discounts that bring the price down—the device has been spotted at £217.50 on Amazon, which changes the value calculation significantly.
Does the Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus work with non-Aqara devices?
Matter support allows integration with other brands’ devices, but the interface and automation features are optimized for Aqara hardware. Non-Aqara devices will work, but you won’t get the same level of polish or feature depth as you would with native Aqara products.
Can the Panel Hub S1 Plus control my Aqara smart lock remotely?
Yes. The device supports remote unlocking of compatible Aqara smart locks, letting you grant access to visitors or check lock status from anywhere. This feature works best when paired with the doorbell camera for added security verification.
What’s the difference between the Panel Hub S1 Plus and other Aqara control options?
The Panel Hub S1 Plus is Aqara’s premium centralized hub with a touchscreen display, relay switches, and wireless switch support. Simpler Aqara devices like the Light Switch H2 offer local control without a central hub, making them cheaper but less feature-rich for whole-home automation.
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus represents a credible attempt to compete in the premium smart home control space, but success hinges on whether you’re already committed to Aqara’s ecosystem. For loyal users with security cameras and smart locks, it’s a worthwhile investment. For everyone else, it’s worth comparing against established competitors before committing to the price.
Where to Buy
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: T3
