Subj : I tested the Aqara Camera G100, and it's an extremely versatile s To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Sun Nov 02 2025 18:15:09 I tested the Aqara Camera G100, and it's an extremely versatile security camera for indoors or out Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Description: This little camera is a surprisingly affordable way to protect your home, though a few of its advanced features require a subscription. FULL STORY ======================================================================Aqara Camera G100: two-minute review Security cameras now come in many different varieties, including those meant solely for indoor use and those meant mainly for outdoors. However, what the Aqara G100 offers is, on the face of it, the best of both worlds Weatherproof with an IP65 rating, it can be used indoors (to keep an eye on pets and children), or outdoors (to see who is at the front door or in the backyard). Its small too, perfect for placing on a bookshelf or mounting upside down in a porch using the screw and wall plug provided. However, what really differentiates the Aqara G100 from many of its competitors is its comprehensive smart home compatibility. Whereas many of the best home security cameras are now compatible with Amazons Alexa (including the Amazon-owned Ring and Blink, of course), the Aqara G100 is also compatible with Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and crucially for those invested in the Apple ecosystem Apple HomeKit including Home KitSecureVideo (HSV). Not only can the cameras built-in motion sensor and spotlight be used within home automation routines, its also possible to stream a live feed from the Aqara G100 on Apple TV. The only technical limitation here is that Apple caps the video resolution at 1080p for some reason, despite the camera being capable of a more impressive 2K resolution (2,304 x 1,296 pixels). Its even possible to hook up your Apple Photos library to the Aqara camera to recognize faces it captures via the motion sensor. Nor is smart home compatibility the only trick up the Aqaras sleeve either. It works perfectly well as a standalone security camera too. Indeed thats how most buyers will probably use it. Mains powered via a USB-C cable, it usefully boasts a MicroSD card slot for storing up to 512Gb of footage. This means you dont have to pay a monthly fee to store video in the cloud as you do with many cameras, especially some of the cheaper models (Apple users can also use their iCloud storage via HomeKit Secure Video). (Image credit: Chris Price) You dont even have to pay a monthly subscription fee for basic AI functionality. However, if you want the full shebang, including pet and parcel detection, then you will need to pay for Aqaras HomeGuardian subscription service (see details below). If you have multiple Aqara cameras, the HomeGuardian Unlimited package also includes an innovative Fire Detection feature based on a flame recognition function. However, this isnt intended to replace conventional fire-detection systems such as smoke alarms and heat sensors Finally, the camera offers two-way audio so you can reassure your pets if they seem distressed, or tell your family members when youll be home. (Image credit: Chris Price) Aqara Camera G100: subscription options HomeGuardian Single Camera: 3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) per month, or 39.99 (about $50 / AU$80) per year for a single device. Includes: 90 days of video event history, person, animal, vehicle, package, fire detection. HomeGuardian Unlimited: 7.99 (about $10 / AU$16) per month, or 79.99 (about $100 / AU$160) per year. Supports unlimited cameras in one home, 90 days of video event history, person, face, animal, vehicle, package, fire detection, Premium AI Event Detection, AI Video Summary, AI Video Search. Aqara Camera G100: price and availability Costs 34.99, $34.99, AU$89 Available since July 2025 Sold in the US, UK, and Australia Generally, security cameras are not expensive to buy. Even the most advanced models offering solar power and mobile phone (4G/5G) connectivity tend to cost less than 200. However, many are priced quite cheaply because you need to pay a monthly fee to store video clips in the cloud. The Aqara G100 is unusual in that not only is it very cheap, it also comes with a built in MicroSD card slot for video storage. Yes, you will have to buy a MicroSD card, but these only cost around $15 / 10 / AU$20 so you soon make your money back from not having to fork out the cost of a subscription. That said, you can pay a monthly fee for storage if you want (Aqaras HomeGuardian costs from 3.99 (about $5 / AU$8) a month) if you want advanced AI functionality, such as the ability to differentiate between different people and objects. Given its low price tag, its also worth noting just how well equipped the Aqara G100 is for the money. One of my criticisms of Aqaras recently-launched G410 Video Doorbell is that, despite costing over 100, it didnt incorporate waterproofing unbelievably remiss for a product thats going to sit on the outside of your house all year round. Yet this G100 camera which is intended for indoor and outdoor use does feature decent IP65 water resistance. Not only that, but it also comes with other useful features that make it a very versatile piece of kit. These include compatibility with a number of smart home platforms as well as AI functionality. Value score: 5/5 Aqara Camera G100: design Versatile indoor/outdoor mounting Available in black or white Waterproof connectivity Again, one of my criticisms of the recently reviewed Aqara G410 video doorbell was its design which was extremely big and bulky. In fairness, thats partly because it is powered by four AA batteries, whereas the G100 only uses mains power. Nevertheless, its true to say that its stablemate, the G100, is a much more compact and better-looking piece of kit similar in looks to a Nest camera, but not quite so sturdy. Available in black or white (we tested the black), it comes with a simple mount for standing on top of a cupboard or bookshelf. Alternatively, you can do what I did and install it inside a cabinet using the wall plug and screw provided (remembering to change the viewing setting to upside down in the Aqara app). Usefully, the camera can be rotated 360 degrees within the mount to get the perfect angle, while the field of view is a decent 140 degrees. (Image credit: Chris Price) While most people will probably choose to use the camera indoors, there is the option for mounting it outdoors providing you have access to mains power (it doesnt have a built-in rechargeable lithium battery). Unusually, the USB-C cable provided connects to the camera via a waterproof sleeve below the camera. This can easily be swapped over to a much longer USB cable if you're running the cable from an indoor power source. A waterproof cover is also provided for the MicroSD card slot and reset buttons while at the back of the camera is a small speaker. On the front of the camera is the lens itself plus a surprisingly powerful spotlight, blue power light button and a microphone. Design score: 4.5/5 Aqara Camera G100: performance 2K image quality Good night vision Slightly complex menus When it comes to performance its fair to say that the Aqara Camera G100 is solid, rather than spectacular. Certainly, the 2K camera wont win any awards and the field of view isnt the widest either. However, for the super-low price tag we didnt have any major complaints it simply does the job. Night vision is actually quite good thanks to dual night vision modes that gives you a choice between color night vision (with the built-in spotlight) or black and white night vision which is the default mode. The camera isnt overly sensitive either which is a good thing as sometimes they are triggered by the slightest movement. (Image credit: Chris Price) Less impressive is the two-way audio through the tinny speaker, but again this isnt unusual and in reality you probably wont use it that often (unless you want to have a chat with your dog while you are out!). One unusual feature is the voice disguising option which can turn your voice into that of a robot or clown, or otherwise disguise it. This feature is also provided on Aqaras recently launched G410 video doorbell where it makes more sense, especially for women who may want to protect their identity from those ringing the doorbell. However, it probably isnt that useful on a general camera which is probably going to be used mostly indoors. (Image credit: Chris Price) One small gripe is around the onscreen menus within the app which take a little bit of getting used to, partly because there are so many different options. For example, as well as being able to see a Live View from the camera, you can view a Video Event history divided into different categories (person, motion etc). You can also program different actions, such as turning on the lights in the house when the motion sensor is triggered or opening and closing the curtains. (Image credit: Chris Price) For advanced users, these are all useful perhaps, but if you want a simple plug and play solution, then there are easier cameras to use. That said, it's not difficult to set the camera up in the first place thanks to voice-based instructions, and we didnt have any issues with broadband connectivity between the camera and router despite the device only working on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency, not 5GHz. It was also straightforward adding the Aqara camera to Apple HomeKit, although as previously noted, picture resolution is restricted to 1080p. Performance score: 3.5/5 Should you buy the Aqara Camera G100? Attribute Notes Score Value Put simply, the Aqara is unbelievably good value for money. Featuring a MicroSD card slot you dont even have to pay a monthly subscription for storing video clips. 5/5 Design Available in black or white, the Aqara is a compact circular shaped camera with a versatile mount and waterproofing for installation either indoors or outdoors. 4.5/5 Performance Offering 2K video quality, the Aqara Camera G100 provides reasonable quality images although sound quality from the built-in speaker isnt the best. 3.5/5 Overall An extremely versatile security camera with a very competitive price tag. Can be used indoors or outdoors and with multiple smart home platforms - including Apple Home. 4.5/5 Buy it if You need a versatile home security solution Undoubtedly this is one of the most versatile security cameras on the market, suitable for either an indoor or outdoor installation and compatible with multiple smart home platforms. You have a limited budget Its difficult to imagine a security camera offering better value for money, especially when you consider you can store video clips on a MicroSD card rather than having to pay a monthly subscription. Don't buy it if You want to install outdoors but dont have mains power nearby The Aqara can certainly be used outdoors but will need to be connected to the mains as it doesnt offer battery power. At the very least, you will probably need to invest in a new USB-C lead for outdoor use. You want the highest sound and video quality available Dont get me wrong, the Aqaras sound and video quality is OK, but there are much better performing security cameras around if you have a bigger budget. Aqara Camera G100: also consider Product Aqara Camera G100 Blink Outdoor 4 Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery) Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera Subscription price From 3.99 a month From 2.50 a month From 4.99 a month None Viewing angle 140 degrees horizontal 143 degrees horizontal 140 degrees horizontal 360 degree view Network connection Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi (2.4G/5Hz) Wi-Fi/4G Audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Two-way audio Video 2,304 x 1,296 pixels 1080p 1080p Full HD resolution 4K video resolution Power Mains Battery Battery Battery, solar Hardware price 34.99 69 199 (battery model only) 189 (with solar panel) Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (battery) Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera boasts two 3000K spotlights. You can also buy a mains-powered version as well as a separate solar panel. Read our full Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review Eufy 4K S330 security camera An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy 4K S330 can be used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings - ideal for those who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband. Read our full Eufy 4K Security Camera review How I tested the Aqara Camera G100 I used the camera indoors I installed it myself The camera was connected to Apple Home As is clear from the review, the Aqara Camera is a very versatile piece of kit, so I installed it in several places around the home including the kitchen and my home office. However, it wasnt installed outside because I didnt have a suitable mains power connection outdoors. Using the wall plug and screw provided I mounted the camera inside a cabinet to focus on a small balcony. I also adjusted the mount to focus on the door and other areas of the room to see how sensitive the lens was to movement (it is quite sensitive). The camera was used over a period of seven days mostly via the Aqara app. However, I also connected it to Apple Home, where I was also able to control the cameras functionality including switching the spotlight on and off, testing two-way audio and viewing live footage. First reviewed October 2025 ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/aqara-camera-g100-review --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .