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The Aqara Camera G100 is a small 2K camera that works indoors and, thanks to an IP65 rating, outdoors too. It records to a microSD card, works with Apple Home including HomeKit Secure Video, and costs about $35 to $40.
The catch is that it needs a plug. It has no battery, and Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only. Apple also caps the video at 1080p, and a few smart alerts sit behind Aqara’s paid HomeGuardian plan.
| Feature | Aqara Camera G100 |
|---|---|
| Video | 2K (2304 x 1296), 140° view |
| Power | USB-C, mains only (no battery) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, 2.4GHz only |
| Local storage | microSD up to 512GB (card not included) |
| Night vision | Infrared, or color with built-in spotlight |
| Weather rating | IP65 |
| Works with | Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings |
| Typical price | About $35–$40 |
What Works With No Subscription
Local recording, live view, motion alerts and on-device person detection all work with no plan. TechRadar says the microSD slot takes up to 512GB with no required monthly fee.
Aqara’s paid plan is called HomeGuardian. Here is how the two tiers split, per TechRadar and Mighty Gadget.
| Free | Needs HomeGuardian |
|---|---|
| Live view and motion alerts Person detection on the camera microSD recording |
Pet and parcel detection Face and vehicle recognition Cloud event storage and AI search |
TechRadar lists plans from £3.99 a month in the UK and doesn’t give US prices, so check Aqara’s site. For a wider look at fee-free options, see our best security cameras without subscription list and local storage vs cloud storage.
The HomeKit Secure Video Catch
The G100 is one of the cheapest cameras with HomeKit Secure Video, but HomeKit limits video to 1080p, according to TechRadar. Mighty Gadget found that if the camera is linked to both Apple Home and the Aqara app, both stay at 1080p.
HomeKit Secure Video also needs an iCloud plan and an Apple Home hub. If you skip HomeKit, you keep the full 2K picture and the free microSD recording.
What to Know Before You Buy
You need power. It runs on USB-C only, with no battery. Mighty Gadget and Smart Home Explorer both say the power adapter isn’t included, and the waterproof USB-C sleeve protects the plug outdoors.
You need a card. The microSD isn’t included, and TechRadar puts a card at about $15. Continuous recording needs the card, according to Mighty Gadget.
Your Wi-Fi must be 2.4GHz. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3 but not 5GHz. TechRadar found connectivity reliable on 2.4GHz.
App and Extras
Mighty Gadget calls the Aqara app functional but not polished. You can set activity zones and sensitivity, use two-way audio, and switch on time-lapse mode, which needs an SD card and wired power.
Scrubbing through recordings is less refined than on Arlo or Google Nest, so exporting one moment can take several tries. TechRadar also lists a voice-disguise option for two-way audio, and a built-in motion sensor.
| Extra | Notes |
|---|---|
| RTSP | Lets you add it to Home Assistant or other recorders |
| Voice disguise | Changes your voice on two-way audio |
| Time-lapse mode | Needs a microSD card and wired power |
| Anti-theft lock | Stops re-pairing to another account |
Aqara Camera G100 Review
Aqara Camera G100
TechRadar’s Chris Price called the picture solid rather than spectacular after a week of indoor testing. Night vision was good, and the camera wasn’t overly sensitive to motion.
Mighty Gadget’s James Smythe used one outdoors for about two weeks and found faces recognizable within roughly 10 feet, with detail dropping off past that. The wide lens causes some edge distortion, and the plastic design is basic.
Night vision has two modes. Infrared is discreet, while color needs the spotlight, which Mighty Gadget found clear but weak on shadow detail. Two-way audio sounded tinny to TechRadar, and the app’s menus are confusing.
On-device person detection was quick and fairly reliable in Mighty Gadget’s testing, with few false alarms. It also supports RTSP, which helps if you run Home Assistant, and it has an anti-theft lock that stops someone re-pairing it to another account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low price microSD up to 512GB IP65, works indoors and out HomeKit Secure Video and RTSP |
Mains power only, adapter not included 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only Pet, parcel and face alerts need HomeGuardian 1080p cap with HomeKit |
Best for: Apple Home users who want a cheap camera with free local recording near a power outlet.
Full details and current price: Aqara Camera G100 on Amazon
About the Brand
Aqara is the smart home brand of Lumi United Technology, founded in 2009 with offices in New York and Shenzhen, according to its Connectivity Standards Alliance listing. We also cover its Aqara smart locks.
For other indoor cameras with microSD recording, see our Tapo C120 and Eufy Indoor Cam E30 reviews.
FAQ
Does the Aqara G100 need a subscription?
No. Local recording and basic person detection are free. Pet and parcel detection and cloud storage need the paid HomeGuardian plan.
Is the Aqara G100 battery powered?
No. It runs on USB-C mains power only, and the adapter isn’t included.
Can the Aqara G100 be used outdoors?
Yes, within limits. It has an IP65 rating, but it needs a nearby power source, and TechRadar tested it only indoors.
Does the Aqara G100 work with HomeKit?
Yes, including HomeKit Secure Video, but HomeKit caps video at 1080p and needs an iCloud plan and Apple Home hub.
How much storage does the G100 support?
A microSD card up to 512GB, which isn’t included.
Final Verdict
The Aqara Camera G100 is an inexpensive, capable camera that records locally with no required fee. Buy it if you have a power outlet nearby, and skip it if you need battery power or 5GHz Wi-Fi.