Aqara has finally released the Power Plug H2 UK and Power Plug H2 EU, with Matter over Thread and Zigbee connectivity together in a single smart plug. The Power Plug H2 UK supports Apple Home via Matter along with some exclusive features for Aqara users.
First announced nearly 11 months ago the UK version is designed for the UK and other regions using Type-G sockets, the plug supports loads of up to 13A which translates to 3250W. The EU model supports Type C/E/F plugs and loads up to 16A (3680W). This means it can support anything from simple mobile phone charging right through to heavy load appliances in the home.
The Power Plug H2 can operate in either Matter over Thread mode for direct integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant. In Zigbee mode, users gain access to Aqara-exclusive features with one of them being its integrated RGB LED. Which can display energy usage through configurable colours, making it easy to identify devices consuming more power. Although the advanced energy visualisation features require Zigbee mode and an Aqara hub.
Pricing and availability
The Power PLug H2 is avaiable now from Amazon and its own stores
Buyer advice
The Power Plug H2 looks like a capable addition to Aqara’s growing Matter over Thread range, particularly for users who want the flexibility of both Thread and Zigbee in a single device. However, it’s worth remembering that many of the headline features, such as the RGB energy visualisation, configurable load limits and some of the more advanced energy management automations are only available when the plug is paired to an Aqara hub in Zigbee mode. Which if you are not already in the Aqara Ecosystem, its an extra cost.
While those features look impressive on paper, I do question how many people will actually make use of them in day-to-day use, perticular the RGB energy visualisation. Most users simply want a reliable Matter smart plug with energy monitoring that works across their preferred smart home platform.
With more affordable Matter smart plugs already available, including options from IKEA. I find it difficult to justify the Power Plug H2’s premium price unless you’re already heavily invested in the Aqara ecosystem and specifically want those exclusive capabilities.
