Aqara vs Tuya: Which Smart Home System Should You Choose in Singapore?

BeSmarter Home
Oct 15
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

If you’re planning your smart home setup in Singapore, chances are you’ve come across the same big question: Should I go for Aqara or Tuya? Both are powerful ecosystems — but which one fits your home, budget, and lifestyle best?

Let’s break it down clearly — from compatibility to cost, so you can decide confidently before your renovation starts.

1. What Are Aqara and Tuya?

Aqara is a smart home ecosystem under Xiaomi, known for its polished design, strong reliability, and seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa.

Tuya, on the other hand, is an open smart home platform powering thousands of brands (including MOWE, Koble, and BeSmarter Home). It’s versatile, affordable, and compatible with both Wi-Fi and Zigbee devices — meaning you can mix and match easily.

2. Ecosystem and Compatibility

Feature	Aqara	Tuya
App Platform	Aqara Home App	Smart Life / Tuya Smart App
Voice Assistants	Apple HomeKit, Google, Alexa	Google, Alexa, Siri Shortcuts
Device Range	Focused (sensors, switches, curtains)	Massive (switches, IR, locks, lighting, appliances)
Cross-Brand Support	Limited	Very wide
Local Availability in SG	Growing	Strong

💡 If you’re using multiple brands or want future flexibility, Tuya is the safer bet.If you prefer a single-brand ecosystem with Apple-level polish, Aqara shines.

3. Cost and Installation in Singapore

Aqara setups tend to be premium-priced due to proprietary hubs and devices. Tuya-based systems (like BeSmarter Home’s setups) are more affordable and modular — perfect for homeowners who want to start small and expand later.

Setup Type	Approx. Cost Range (SGD)
Aqara full home setup	$2,000 – $4,000+
Tuya Zigbee setup (with Regi Smart Switches)	$1,200 – $2,500+

4. Flexibility and Customization

Aqara devices are highly reliable but often require Aqara hubs and specific models.
Tuya lets you integrate products from many different brands (e.g., Moorgen, MOWE, Koble, etc.) — giving you flexibility in design and price.

If your goal is to build a smart home that grows with you — Tuya’s open ecosystem gives you the freedom to upgrade or switch brands anytime.

5. Smart Home Experience

Here in Singapore, most new BTO and condo homeowners look for voice control, app control, and automation scenes — like:

“Hey Google, good night” (turns off all lights)
Aircon turns on before you reach home
Water heater switches off automatically after a set time

Both Aqara and Tuya can do this. The key difference is how easily they integrate with your existing setup — and how flexible your installer is.

That’s where a smart home company like BeSmarter Home helps bridge the gap — connecting switches, hubs, and control panels across both ecosystems.

Verdict: Aqara vs Tuya in Singapore

Category	Winner
Price	Tuya
Design & Build Quality	Depends on manufacturer
Ecosystem Flexibility	Tuya
Apple Integration	Aqara
Google Home Integration	Both
Future Expandability	Tuya

Final Thoughts: The Smart Move Before You Buy

Most homeowners only start thinking about smart systems after renovation wiring is done — that’s where mistakes happen. To avoid rewiring or extra costs, plan your smart home setup before your ID starts electrical works.

At BeSmarter Home, we help you design and install smart systems that work seamlessly across Google, Alexa, and Apple — using Tuya Zigbee or hybrid setups depending on your preference.