Aqara Wall Outlet H2 UK (Dual USB-C) – The Ultimate Smart Charging Solution

The socket is equipped with safety features such as overheat and overload cut-off protection, which automatically disconnects power if unsafe conditions are detected. Additionally, in the Aqara app, you can set a maximum power threshold ranging from 100W to 3,250W to prevent overloads and catch malfunctioning equipment before it becomes a fire hazard.

Remote control functionality is available through the app or voice commands, allowing you to cut power to the outlet when necessary. The LED indicators can be customized to your liking, with options to have them on, off, sync with the switch state, or set opposite to the on/off state for easy visual confirmation of power status.

The socket also includes dual USB-C ports with a combined output of 15W when both ports are in use, suitable for charging phones, tablets, and smaller accessories. Charging can be controlled independently via the app, allowing you to switch the USB ports on or off for added convenience and energy savings.

The socket uses zero crossing technology to reduce electrical stress on the internal relay during switching operations, improving long-term reliability. The design of the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 is clean and minimalist, with a matte white finish and solid build quality. The inclusion of two earth terminal positions and tactile buttons provide flexibility and ease of use during installation.

The installation process is similar to fitting a light switch, but it is recommended to hire a qualified electrician if you are not comfortable working with mains electricity. The socket comes with a 10mm spacer to help bridge the gap between the socket and the back box during installation. However, it is important to note that the terminal wells are somewhat shallow compared to other sockets, so it is recommended to ensure that the wire is seated properly to minimize exposed copper. Trimming a small amount from each wire may be necessary to achieve a clean and secure connection.

The wiring layout is logical, with earth terminals on both sides, live on the left, and neutral on the right when viewed from the front. However, when installing the socket, flipping it around may cause the neutral to end up on the left side, which can be confusing at first.

After connecting all the wires, it is advisable to give each wire a firm tug to ensure they are securely in place. The cross-head screws included with the unit are slightly longer than those of other sockets, providing better stability in the back box.

The entire installation process typically takes about 20 minutes, including double-checking everything. As long as you are comfortable with basic electrical work, installing this socket should be well within your capabilities. Just remember to install the spacer before wiring everything up to avoid the hassle of removing the wires later.

In terms of setup, once the socket is installed and power is restored, the setup process is similar to other Aqara products. The Aqara Home app will automatically identify the socket and give you the option to choose between Thread or Zigbee connectivity.

Testing both protocols revealed that the initial pairing process with Thread was slightly faster than Zigbee. However, opting for Thread may limit your control over individual power data, as it displays the power output as a whole rather than per socket like Zigbee.

The Aqara app offers extensive configuration options when using Zigbee mode, allowing you to customize device settings, set up automations, configure power thresholds, and more. The switch settings are particularly useful, offering multiple automation triggers per socket for advanced smart home setups.

When using the socket with Apple Home, response times were excellent regardless of whether Thread or Zigbee was used. However, a limitation was found with the USB-C ports not appearing as controllable entities in Apple Home, preventing automation through HomeKit.

In terms of practical use, the USB-C ports on the socket provide a maximum of 7.5W per port when charging two devices simultaneously. While suitable for overnight charging or low-draw devices, it may not be ideal for fast charging during the day.

Overall, the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 UK App 2 provides solid physical implementation with useful features like power monitoring in Zigbee mode. Despite some limitations, it offers practical value for those looking for advanced smart home capabilities. The Aqara app provides real-time power consumption data in watts and allows users to track historical consumption trends. Users can also set power thresholds and create automations based on power draw, such as receiving notifications when a device finishes a cycle or automatically cutting power to a fully charged device.

While the power monitoring accuracy is decent for consumer-grade monitoring, it may not be suitable for professional use due to slight discrepancies compared to reference measurements. The signal strength with Zigbee is excellent, with the app displaying signal quality graphically over time.

One limitation is that while per-socket power monitoring is available with Zigbee, the USB-C ports cannot be monitored independently. The Aqara Wall Outlet H2 is priced at £79.99 but is currently available on Amazon for £68, which some may find expensive for a smart socket.

Alternative options like the Click Smart 13A 2 Gang Zigbee Smart Socket and BSEED Zigbee sockets offer similar features at lower prices, but may have issues with build quality, installation, and power monitoring reliability. Overall, the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 offers a solid build quality and comprehensive feature set, but its high cost may not be justifiable for most users unless specific automation needs are required. Aqara Wall Outlet H2 UK Review: The Aqara Wall Outlet H2 UK has been met with mixed reviews from users, with some reporting difficulties in installing it in standard back boxes due to its size and rigidity. The Click Smart option is considered less aesthetically pleasing than the Aqara, lacking USB-C and power monitoring features. While it comes at a cheaper price of £26, the compromised smart functionality may deter potential buyers.

Despite these drawbacks, the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 is still considered one of the best options for those looking for Zigbee 2-gang sockets. It boasts solid build quality, comprehensive features in Zigbee mode, and reliable integration with Aqara’s ecosystem. However, some users have expressed a desire for a version without USB ports at a lower price point to make it more accessible for wider deployment in homes.

The inclusion of Thread/Matter support is seen as a forward-looking feature, but its reduced functionality compared to Zigbee mode may limit its appeal to users already invested in the Zigbee ecosystem. While Thread may be advantageous for new smart home setups seeking maximum platform compatibility, it lacks per-socket power monitoring.

Competing brands offering alternative Zigbee wall sockets with similar features at more competitive prices could encourage Aqara to rethink its pricing strategy and make the sockets more accessible. Until then, users may find themselves paying a premium for one of the few reliable options in this category.

For specific use cases such as monitoring power-hungry appliances or automating existing devices, the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 may be worth the investment despite its high price. However, for general smart home upgrades, the cost may be prohibitive.

Ongoing testing of the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 will determine its long-term performance and reliability. While the zero crossing technology promises good reliability, only time will tell if it justifies the premium price through consistent performance. Stay tuned for updates as more real-world data is accumulated.

In summary, the Aqara Wall Outlet H2 UK offers excellent build quality, reliable Zigbee performance, and useful per-socket power monitoring within the Aqara ecosystem. However, its high price, limited USB-C charging capabilities, and reduced functionality in Thread mode may limit its appeal for widespread deployment, making it more suitable for enthusiasts with specific automation or energy-monitoring needs. Transform the following sentence into active voice:

“The car was driven by John.”

John drove the car. Transform the following sentence into a question:

“The cat is sleeping on the couch.”

Is the cat sleeping on the couch?