Model: CH-H03
$100 – $150
2K pan/tilt camera + Zigbee 3.0 hub + IR blaster in one. AI face recognition, HomeKit Secure Video, controls 128 devices.
Need pan-tilt with automation
360° pan with HomeKit Secure Video support
Want AI features with HomeKit
Person, pet, gesture recognition all work in HomeKit
Building Aqara smart home
Works as hub for all Aqara sensors, switches, and accessories
HomeKit user wanting Zigbee hub + camera
Only camera that doubles as Zigbee 3.0 hub with full HomeKit support
Need HKSV with local storage
Using SD card disables HomeKit Secure Video - choose one or the other
Want fast pan-tilt response
Pan-tilt has noticeable delay - not instant
Pure camera without hub features
Premium price includes hub - cheaper options if you dont need Zigbee
Need outdoor camera
Indoor only - not weatherproof
Using SD card disables HomeKit Secure Video completely
Aqara SupportSome users report HomeKit connection drops requiring hub restart
Reddit r/HomeKitPan-tilt has 1-2 second delay - not real-time tracking
User ReviewsGesture recognition works but is inconsistent in varying lighting
User ReviewsCannot use SD card and HomeKit Secure Video together
widespreadCause: Technical limitation - HKSV requires exclusive access
Pan-tilt delay makes tracking less useful
commonCause: Processing delay between command and movement
Premium price compared to camera-only options
commonCause: Includes Zigbee hub functionality in price
HomeKit connection stability issues
occasionalCause: Network configuration or router compatibility
Inserting SD card while using HomeKit Secure Video
HKSV gets disabled - must choose one storage method
Tip: Decide upfront: SD card OR iCloud via HKSV, not both
Not setting up as hub first
Zigbee devices may not pair properly later
Tip: Complete hub setup before adding camera features
Expecting real-time pan-tilt tracking
Camera moves too slow to track fast-moving subjects
Tip: Use for general monitoring, not security tracking
HomeKit Secure Video (iCloud), remote access outside home, Aqara cloud features
Local SD recording, Zigbee hub functions, local HomeKit control
With HKSV - encrypted end-to-end, only you can view. With Aqara cloud - stored on Aqara servers.
HKSV is most private option (Apple encrypted). Aqara app has more data access. Chinese company.
Tested with up to 128 devices
Supports up to 128 Zigbee child devices as hub. HKSV requires iCloud+ subscription (50GB+). 2K resolution uses significant bandwidth.
SD card disables HKSV. Pan-tilt delay. Indoor only. 2.4GHz WiFi only.
Logitech Circle View
If: Just want HomeKit camera without hub
Eve Cam
If: Privacy-focused HomeKit camera
Aqara Hub M2 + separate camera
If: Want to separate hub and camera functions
Building Aqara/Zigbee HomeKit ecosystem
Best all-in-one: camera + hub + HomeKit + AI features
Need HomeKit camera with pan-tilt
One of few HomeKit pan-tilt cameras with HKSV support
Want both local SD and HKSV
Cannot use both - must choose one storage method
Just need camera, not hub
Overpaying for hub features you wont use - get dedicated camera
Works but inconsistent. Best in good lighting with clear gestures. Not reliable for critical automations.
Source: User ReviewsProcessing delay between command and movement. This is normal - not designed for real-time tracking.
Source: User ReviewsYes, iCloud+ 50GB ($0.99/mo) minimum for one camera. 200GB recommended for multiple cameras.
Source: Apple SupportUp to 128 Zigbee 3.0 child devices. Works with all Aqara sensors and many third-party Zigbee devices.
Source: Product SpecsNo - using SD card disables HKSV. You must choose one: local SD storage OR iCloud via HKSV.
Source: Aqara Support
