Aqara keeps on a hot srreak in 2025 with a host of new products. After its new HomeKit Secure Video camera, the Aqara LED Bulb T2 is the company’s latest smart lighting option, bringing a nice combination of Thread and Zigbee support. Matter support, Zigbee Adaptive Lighting, and ultra-wide color tuning make it a solid addition to any HomeKit environment.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips and tricks, and everything to do with Apple’s smart home framework.

For whatever reason, bulbs are the HomeKit device I have the most trouble with (i.e., no response error). The Aqara LED Bulb T2 aims to support Matter over Thread for future-proof compatibility and offer Zigbee for advanced customization if you have a Zigbee setup. If you’re already in the Aqara ecosystem with an Aqara hub, the integration with Zigbee enables features like multi-device grouping, custom dimming curves, and smooth light transitions.

• Wireless Protocols: Supports Thread, Zigbee, and Bluetooth
• HomeKit Compatibility: Works with HomeKit, Adaptive Lighting (Zigbee only)
• Matter Support: Compatible with Google, Amazon, and Samsung via Thread for cross-platform use
• Color Options:
  • RGB CCT Version: 16 million colors, tunable white (2000K-9000K)
  • CCT Version: Tunable white (2700K-6500K)
• Brightness:
  • E26 Model: Up to 1100lm (75W equivalent)
  • GU10 Model: Up to 450lm (30W equivalent)
• Color Rendering Index (CRI): Ra>90 for accurate colors
• Adaptive Lighting: Automatically adjusts color temperature (Zigbee only, not HomeKit Adaptive Lighting)
• Multi-Device Grouping: Sync multiple Aqara bulbs in the Aqara Home app
• Custom Lighting Effects: Dimming curve control, customizable transitions, and dynamic effects
• Power-Off Memory: Configurable settings to retain last state after power outage

Setting up the Aqara LED Bulb T2 in HomeKit is simple. If you have a Thread border router (HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K), the T2 can connect via Matter over Thread

1.  Install the Bulb: Screw in the bulb and turn it on. Simple enough, huh?
2. Adding it in HomeKit: Open the Home app, tap the + icon, and scan the HomeKit QR code on the bulb or manual. If using Zigbee, ensure your Aqara hub is already set up.
3. Customize in the Home App: Once it’s onboarded to HomeKit, you’ll add the bulb to a room. You’ll then be able to add it to scenes, automations, adjust the color, and much more. Pair it with a HomeKit motion sensor to unlock some really nice automations as well.

As I mentioned at the beginning, Aqara is off to a hot start in 2025 with a host of new products. With a competitive price point, Matter via Thread, and strong Zigbee features, this might be one of the best new smart home bulbs on the market.

You can buy it from Amazon.