At DMN, we’ve been discussing the scarcity of new HomeKit camera launches over the past few years. The main issue with HomeKit Secure Video appears to be the lack of a recurring revenue model for manufacturers, which might explain the slow release cycle. Thankfully, that wait has come to an end. Today marks the introduction of the new Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro, now equipped with HomeKit Secure Video support! After using it for two weeks, I’m excited to share my insights.
HomeKit Weekly is a dedicated series exploring smart home accessories, automation tricks, and everything related to Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
I’ve been a fan of Aqara products since 2020 for their impressive performance at affordable prices. With the launch of the Camera Hub G5 Pro, they’ve officially entered the outdoor camera market. Available in both power-over-ethernet (PoE) and Wi-Fi versions, the G5 Pro is versatile enough to be deployed anywhere. Its 4MP resolution and True Color Night Vision technology ensure no detail is missed, even in darkness. My experience thus far has been nothing short of impressive.
What’s in the box
The model I’m testing is the Wi-Fi-only version, but I appreciate that there’s also a PoE option. If you’re able to run new cabling, it simplifies the camera’s power supply compared to hiding a USB-C cable. Note that the camera doesn’t include a USB-C wall adapter, so you’ll need to source your own. The package also contains screws and anchors for mounting. The PoE version is particularly advantageous in areas with Wi-Fi dead zones.
In terms of smart home compatibility, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro includes everything you could want: built-in Zigbee 3.0, Thread support acting as a border router, and Matter compatibility to ensure seamless integration with HomeKit, Samsung, Amazon, and Google. It fully supports HomeKit Secure Video and features eMMC storage for syncing with local NAS servers, among other capabilities. For my testing, I focused on HomeKit Secure Video.
If you’re utilizing the Aqara app, it boasts on-device AI capabilities for face, vehicle, pet, and package detection and recognition. Alternatively, you’ll have access to the features provided by Apple through HomeKit, which are quite similar depending on the camera you’re using.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro: what’s the verdict?
Setting up the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is incredibly straightforward. The HomeKit/Matter code is right on the camera. Simply connect it to a power source (or use PoE), allow it to initialize, scan, and HomeKit handles the onboarding seamlessly. I encountered no issues; everything was successful on the first attempt.
During daylight, the camera performs excellently. However, its true capabilities emerge at night. Thanks to its built-in light, it delivers outstanding recordings in low light conditions. Below, you can see examples comparing footage with the light off versus a camera that lacks this feature. You can also control the light independently via a HomeKit tile.
For anyone in search of an outdoor HomeKit camera, this model stands out as the top choice currently available. Kudos to the Aqara team for filling the gap with modern outdoor HomeKit Secure Video cameras that the market has desperately needed.
The new Wi-Fi edition of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is available for purchase on Amazon in both white and black options. The PoE version is also listed for sale on Amazon.
