Aqara Announces Power Plugs H2 EU and UK With Thread/Zigbee
Aqara has announced the Power Plug H2 UK and Power Plug H2 EU, a new smart plug that combines Matter over Thread and Zigbee connectivity in a single device. The former is designed for the UK and other regions using Type-G sockets, the plug supports loads of up to 13A (3250W), whilst adding energy monitoring, RGB notification lighting, and support for all major smart home platforms. The EU model supports Type C/E/F plugs and loads up to 16A (3680W).
The Power Plug H2 UK follows Aqara’s growing line-up of dual-protocol devices, allowing users to choose between Matter over Thread for direct integration with third-party ecosystems, or Zigbee for access to Aqara’s more advanced features. The plug is available in two variants – the Power Plug H2 UK (RGB) that includes a customisable full colour LED, and the Power Plug H2 UK, which only has a standard LED to indicate the power state of the plug.
DUAL PROTOCOL CONNECTIVITY
Like several of Aqara’s recent products, the Power Plug H2 UK can operate in one of two modes. In Matter over Thread mode, the plug can be paired directly with any compatible Matter ecosystem, provided you have a Matter controller and Thread border router. This includes Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Home Assistant. No Aqara hub is required in this mode.
Alternatively, users can switch the plug to Zigbee mode, where it connects to an Aqara hub. This unlocks a range of Aqara-exclusive features, whilst still allowing the device to be exposed to Matter platforms through Matter Bridging if required. Regardless of the chosen protocol, the plug also functions as either a Thread router or Zigbee router, helping to extend the range and reliability of your smart home mesh network.
ENERGY MONITORING WITH RGB FEEDBACK
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Power Plug H2 UK (RGB) is its integrated RGB LED. Rather than simply acting as a status indicator, the LED can display energy usage through a configurable colour spectrum, allowing users to identify high or low power consumption at a glance. The LED can also visualise long-term energy goals and provide colour-coded notifications as part of automations.
In addition, the RGB LED can function as a standard Matter-compatible smart light, with adjustable colours, brightness and lighting effects. However, Aqara notes that the advanced energy visualisation features require Zigbee mode and an Aqara hub. The plug continuously monitors electricity consumption, allowing users to build automations around energy usage. For example, appliances can automatically switch off once they fall below a specified power draw, helping to eliminate standby power consumption.
DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY APPLIANCES
Supporting up to 13A (3250W) (16A (3680W) for the EU version) , the plug is suitable for everything from televisions and computers through to kettles, washing machines and other higher-power appliances. Aqara says users could potentially reduce standby electricity costs by automatically switching off devices that are no longer in use, although actual savings will naturally vary depending on usage. The slim housing has also been designed to avoid obstructing adjacent sockets, making it easier to use in multi-gang wall outlets.
SAFETY FEATURES
Both variants of the Power Plug H2 UK and EU include several built-in protection mechanisms.
These include:
- Automatic overload protection.
- Automatic over-temperature shutdown at 80°C.
- Configurable maximum load limits (Zigbee mode with an Aqara hub).
- Child lock to disable normal operation of the physical button.
- Optional accidental removal protection in Zigbee mode to prevent any button-triggered operation beyond network or factory reset.
Charging protection can also be enabled, automatically turning the plug off after 30 minutes if power consumption remains below 3W, which could be useful when charging certain portable devices.
PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY
Both variants of the Power Plug H2 UK and EU support:
- Apple Home (Matter over Thread)
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- Samsung SmartThings
- Home Assistant
- Aqara Home
As always, Matter connectivity requires a compatible Matter controller and Thread border router for the chosen ecosystem. Users wanting Aqara’s advanced features will also need a compatible Aqara Zigbee hub. The UK market has traditionally had fewer Matter-compatible smart plugs than Europe or North America, so it’s good to see Aqara producing a Type-G version that doesn’t simply offer basic on/off control.
The addition of dual-protocol support gives users flexibility depending on how their smart home is set up, whilst the RGB energy visualisation is an interesting addition that goes beyond the typical single-colour status LED found on most smart plugs. For Apple Home users, the Matter over Thread support is likely to be the main attraction, although those already invested in Aqara’s ecosystem will benefit from the additional automation and energy management features available in Zigbee mode.
You can purchase the Aqara Power Plug H2 EU from the respective Amazon stores below, although at the time of writing, sale of the UK model has been delayed on Amazon. It appears to be on sale via aqara-shop.co.uk, however.
Hard to justify that price for a Thread UK socket when the Ikea version is so cheap, you are paying a lot for the Zigbee functionality
Totally agree, the Ikea offering does make these rather expensive.
IKEA’s GRILLPLATS Thread plug also includes a secret Zigbee mode — when resetting, you just have to flip the switch twice as many times as the instructions say, and Zigbee mode will activate!
Resetting the device will restore the Thread functionality without having to upload a different firmware to the device (as is currently the case with Aqara’s offerings.)
This is also the case for ALL of their new Thread bulbs in the KAJPLATS range. I’m not sure about their recent outdoor smart plug TOFSMYGGA, but it probably has the secret Zigbee mode as well.
(IKEA’s Thread sensors, however, don’t have a secret Zigbee mode.)