The challenge with HomeKit Secure Video is that the manufacturer sees no option to generate recurring revenue, so I suspect that could be part of the delay for many new cameras (in addition to the lack of new features). When Aqara initially launched the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro with HomeKit Secure Video support in 2025, it ended a long drought. I’ve had one outside for over a year now, and if you have a porch, it’s a great outdoor camera.
Weekly HomeKit is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple’s smart home framework.
I’ve been using Aqara products since 2020 and I’m a big fan of what they offer. It is a good balance between low cost and high reliability. With the release of the Camera Hub G5 Pro, they have officially entered the outdoor camera market. It is available in Power over Ethernet and Wi-Fi versions. The G5 Pro is designed to work anywhere. Its 4 MP resolution combined with True Color Night Vision ensures that you won’t have any blind spots, even at night. Beyond the video feed, the device has several sensors that you can use to trigger other automations outside the home.
What’s in the box
The unit I have is the Wi-Fi only model, but I like that they offer a Power over Ethernet model. Especially if you can install new cabling, powering the camera is much easier than trying to hide the USB-C cable. The camera does not come with a wall outlet, so you will need to provide your own. You will also receive screws and dowels in case you want to mount it. The Power over Ethernet edition is also ideal for locations with Wi-Fi dead spots or where cabling is easy to install (or for new construction).
From a smart home perspective, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro has everything you want. It includes a built-in Zigbee 3.0 radio, support for Thread as a border router, and Matter compatibility, so it works great with HomeKit, Samsung, Amazon, and Google. It also supports eMMC storage for syncing with local NAS servers. For my testing last year, I stuck with HomeKit Secure Video. I’ll be honest and say that HKSV is passable but has its advantages. It’s not the most robust recording platform, but the fact that everything is securely encrypted and accessible directly in the Apple Home app makes up for some feature limitations.
If you use the Aqara app, it has built-in AI that detects and recognizes faces, vehicles, animals and packages. Otherwise, you’ll have access to what Apple has in HomeKit.
Aqara G5 Pro Camera Hub Verdict
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is very easy to install and configure. The HomeKit and Matter code is physically located on the camera. Plug it in with power, let it boot up, scan the code, and then HomeKit completes its onboarding process. I had no problems and everything happened on the first try.
The camera looks great during the day. But where it really shines is at night. It has a built-in light, so when it turns on you get a really impressive recording. Below you can see some examples of this camera with the light off compared to a camera without it. The light can also be beamed independently of the camera as a HomeKit tile.
For an outdoor HomeKit camera, it remains the best option on the market in 2026. Kudos to the Aqara team for filling a need with modern HomeKit secure video cameras that actually work outdoors. The market has been lacking for a long time. I’ve had it outdoors for over a year now, and it’s overall very good. The night vision is incredible.
You can buy the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro Wi-Fi Edition on Amazon in white or black. There is also a PoE edition of the camera.
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