Aqara G5 Pro Wi-Fi Security Camera Review: A Smart Home Powerhouse

The Aqara G5 Pro Wi-Fi security camera is not just another outdoor surveillance device; it’s a comprehensive smart home hub disguised as a watchful eye. Designed for tech enthusiasts seeking to seamlessly extend their smart home ecosystems outdoors, the G5 Pro delivers impressive security features, robust connectivity, and seamless integration with a multitude of platforms. While it sits at the higher end of Aqara’s camera lineup, its blend of ease of use, solid image quality, and broad smart home compatibility make it a compelling investment for homeowners looking to elevate their security and automation game.

The G5 Pro is available in two versions: a Wi-Fi model, which we review here, and a power-over-ethernet (PoE) version for those who prefer a wired connection and the convenience of powering the camera through the same cable that carries data. The PoE model comes with a slightly higher price tag of approximately $20 more than the Wi-Fi variant.

Built to Endure: Design and Durability

Both the Wi-Fi and PoE versions of the G5 Pro boast a compact and discreet design, ensuring they blend seamlessly into any environment. Measuring just 2.78 x 2.78 x 3.50 inches (excluding the detachable stand), the camera can be placed virtually anywhere around your home without being obtrusive. The rotatable stand easily attaches to walls, ceilings, or any other flat surface, and it can be swapped out with a standard 1/4-inch threaded mount for even greater mounting flexibility.

Aqara has built the G5 Pro to withstand the elements. Its IP65 weatherization rating signifies that it is completely impervious to dust ingress and can withstand water jets projected from any direction. This ensures reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions. The G5 Pro’s operating range of -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 to +50 degrees Celsius) further solidifies its ability to function reliably in both freezing winters and scorching summers. While marketed as an outdoor camera, its sleek design and versatile feature set make it equally suitable for indoor use.

Crystal-Clear Surveillance: Image Quality and Features

At the heart of the G5 Pro lies a high-quality 4-megapixel camera with a wide 133-degree field of view. This expansive field of view allows you to monitor a large area with a single camera, reducing the need for multiple devices. The camera also features True Color Night Vision, which significantly enhances visibility in low-light conditions. Paired with an advanced f/1.0 aperture lens, the G5 Pro can capture detailed footage even in near-total darkness, ensuring that you never miss a crucial detail.

For added security and convenience, the G5 Pro includes a spotlight adjacent to its lens and motion sensor. This spotlight can be used to illuminate intruders, deter potential criminals, or simply light your path at night. The camera also features a loud 100dB siren, which can be triggered manually or automatically to deter unwanted visitors. Two-way audio allows for clear communication with visitors or potential intruders, and customizable alerts notify you immediately about relevant events, ensuring you’re always in the know.

Advanced AI Detection: Smarter Security

Beyond basic surveillance, the Aqara G5 Pro incorporates advanced local AI detection. The camera intelligently identifies people, faces, vehicles, animals, packages, and even alerts you if its lens becomes obstructed. This sophisticated AI processing is done locally on the device, eliminating the need for cloud-based processing.

Local processing offers several advantages: faster detection and notifications, improved privacy by keeping data within your home network, and continued operation even if your internet connection goes down. This ensures that your security system remains functional even when your internet service is interrupted.

Flexible Storage Options: Local and Cloud

The G5 Pro provides a range of storage options to suit your needs and preferences. The camera comes equipped with 32GB of built-in eMMC storage for encrypted local storage. While this storage is not user-expandable, it provides ample space for storing recorded events.

For users who require more storage or prefer to keep their data on their own network, the G5 Pro supports connecting to a network-attached storage (NAS) device. The camera supports both RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) and SMB (Server Message Block) protocols, making it compatible with a wide range of NAS devices.

Alternatively, you can opt for cloud storage through a subscription from either Apple (iCloud+) or Aqara itself. Both options provide end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you and authorized users can access your recordings. Aqara’s HomeGuardian service, available through the Aqara Home app, costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually, but it only supports a single Aqara camera. HomeGuardian Plus covers an unlimited number of Aqara cameras and costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. Both plans provide a rolling 90 days of video event history. If you’re an Apple user, the camera supports Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video via an iCloud+ subscription. Apple’s cloud storage subscriptions range in price, making it easy to find a plan that fits your needs.

Seamless Connectivity: Smart Home Integration

Connectivity is a key strength of the Aqara G5 Pro. The camera supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for smooth streaming. The Wi-Fi version is powered by a simple USB-C connection. The PoE model, naturally, transmits data and receives power over an ethernet cable, provided you have a PoE switch or router, or a PoE power injector.

Beyond Wi-Fi, the G5 Pro serves as a smart home hub, expanding your connectivity options significantly. With the exception of its Zigbee hub, which is limited to Aqara’s own Zigbee devices, the G5 Pro is smart home platform agnostic, compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. The camera also functions as a Matter controller and a Thread border router, enabling you to seamlessly expand your smart home setup outdoors and integrate with a wide range of Matter-compatible devices.

Easy Setup and Intuitive App: User Experience

Setting up the Aqara G5 Pro is a breeze. After downloading the Aqara Home app, you simply scan the device’s QR code to pair the camera and then follow the prompts to connect it to your wireless network. Screws and anchors are provided for mounting the camera.

The Aqara Home app features a user-friendly interface, with a clean layout and intuitive navigation. The app streamlines camera management with a large control panel below the video feed, allowing you to quickly review footage, manage alerts, and configure advanced settings such as AI detection and cloud storage.

Performance in Practice: Image Quality and AI Detection

In testing, the G5 Pro consistently delivered clear, detailed images. Daytime footage is sharp, with accurate colors and strong contrast. Night vision performance is particularly impressive; True Color Night Vision significantly enhances visibility after dark, producing bright, color-accurate images even in low-light scenarios, thanks to its advanced image sensor and the wide aperture of its lens.

The camera’s on-device AI detection worked reliably, quickly distinguishing between people, vehicles, animals, and packages. Notifications arrived promptly, allowing for immediate response to any potential issues. The built-in spotlight is bright enough to illuminate a porch or driveway, serving both as a deterrent and a convenience. The 100dB siren is loud and attention-grabbing, and the two-way audio enabled clear communication at typical outdoor distances.

A Smart Home Hub in Disguise: Extending Your Ecosystem

As a smart home hub, the G5 Pro significantly expands your outdoor connectivity options. Pairing Aqara accessories and third-party Matter devices is simple and intuitive. The camera serves as a Matter controller and a Thread border router, allowing you to expand your smart home setup outdoors. The onboard Zigbee hub, while limited to Aqara’s own Zigbee devices, provides seamless control over a wide range of Aqara sensors and accessories.

The Verdict: A Premium Security Camera with Smart Home Power

With a price of $179.99 ($199.99 for the PoE version), the Aqara G5 Pro is a premium security camera that comes with a higher price tag than many of its competitors. However, its performance, feature set, and smart home capabilities fully justify the investment. The inclusion of a Thread border router, a feature not commonly found in outdoor security cameras, further enhances its value. Whether deployed indoors or out, the Aqara G5 Pro can form the foundation of a comprehensive smart home and security system.

However, it’s important to note that Aqara does not currently offer professional security monitoring services. If you require a system with a third-party monitoring service that can summon first responders in the event of an emergency, you’ll need to look elsewhere.