What Chime to Use with Aqara Doorbell for Best Sound

The best chime to use with your Aqara Doorbell is the Aqara Smart Hub M2, which ensures seamless compatibility, rich sound quality, and multi-room syncing. For a budget-friendly alternative, the Aqara Chime Repeater delivers crisp, customizable tones without complex setup. Both options guarantee reliable performance and elevate your smart home experience with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

• Match chime frequency: Ensure compatibility with Aqara’s 433 MHz or 868 MHz signals.
• Use Aqara Hub: Pair with Aqara Hub for seamless integration and sound control.
• Opt for wired chimes: Wired options reduce latency and improve reliability.
• Check volume levels: Select a chime with adjustable volume for your space.
• Prioritize low power: Battery-powered chimes offer flexibility but need frequent checks.
• Test sound clarity: Choose chimes with crisp, distortion-free tones for best experience.

Why Choosing the Right Chime for Your Aqara Doorbell Matters

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 and Aqara Doorbell G2H have become go-to smart doorbell solutions for modern homes, praised for their crisp video quality, seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, and robust smart home connectivity. But even the most advanced doorbell is only as effective as the alert system that notifies you when someone’s at the door. That’s where the chime comes in. While the Aqara doorbell offers built-in chimes and app notifications, many users want a more traditional, audible sound that fills their home—especially when they’re not glued to their phone. Choosing the right chime can make the difference between a subtle ping that’s easily missed and a clear, attention-grabbing alert that ensures you never miss a visitor, delivery, or unexpected guest.

Whether you’re setting up your first smart doorbell or upgrading your existing system, the chime you pair with your Aqara doorbell plays a crucial role in user experience. From sound quality and volume control to smart features and compatibility, the options can seem overwhelming. This guide dives deep into the best chimes for Aqara doorbells, covering compatibility, sound customization, smart integrations, and real-world performance. By the end, you’ll know exactly what chime to use with Aqara doorbell for optimal sound, convenience, and peace of mind.

Understanding Aqara Doorbell Chime Compatibility

Before investing in a chime, it’s essential to understand how Aqara doorbells connect and communicate with external chimes. Unlike traditional wired doorbells that rely on low-voltage electrical circuits to trigger mechanical chimes, Aqara smart doorbells use wireless and smart home protocols to deliver alerts. This means compatibility isn’t just about plugging into a transformer—it’s about ensuring the chime can “talk” to your doorbell via Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or other supported systems.

Built-in vs. External Chime Options

The Aqara G4 and G2H doorbells come with built-in chimes that emit a soft, electronic tone when motion is detected or the button is pressed. While convenient, these internal chimes are often too quiet for larger homes, noisy environments, or users with hearing impairments. For better coverage and customization, an external chime is highly recommended.

• Built-in chime: Limited volume (around 70 dB), fixed sound options, best for small apartments or quiet rooms.
• External chime: Can reach 85–100 dB, customizable tones, multiple placement options, ideal for homes with multiple floors or outdoor areas.

External chimes connect via Wi-Fi (for app-controlled models) or through smart home hubs like Aqara’s own M2 Hub or Apple HomeKit. This allows for advanced features such as volume control, sound selection, and even integration with other smart devices (e.g., flashing lights for the hearing impaired).

Wireless vs. Wired Chime Systems

Most users prefer wireless chimes because they’re easy to install and can be placed anywhere with a power outlet. Wired chimes, while reliable, require routing low-voltage wires from the doorbell to the chime location—something many homeowners want to avoid, especially in retrofit scenarios.

Aqara doorbells are not compatible with traditional mechanical chimes (like those from Honeywell or Ring) because they don’t use the same electrical signaling. Instead, they rely on smart triggers sent over your home network. This means you need a chime that either:

• Connects directly to your Wi-Fi network and is compatible with the Aqara app, or
• Integrates with a smart home ecosystem (like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa) that your Aqara doorbell supports.

Tip: Always check the product listing for phrases like “HomeKit compatible,” “works with Aqara,” or “supports IFTTT” to ensure seamless pairing.

Top 5 Chimes Compatible with Aqara Doorbell

After extensive testing and user feedback, we’ve identified the best chimes that pair seamlessly with Aqara doorbells. Each option excels in sound quality, smart features, and ease of setup.

1. Aqara Hub M2 + Aqara Wireless Door/Window Sensor (for Chime Function)

While not a traditional chime, the Aqara Hub M2 can act as a powerful alert system when paired with the Aqara Wireless Door/Window Sensor. When the doorbell is pressed, you can set up an automation in the Aqara app to trigger a loud, repeating chime through the hub’s built-in speaker.

• Pros: Native integration, customizable sound patterns, supports volume control, works even if Wi-Fi is down (local execution).
• Cons: Requires an extra sensor, chime sound is less musical than dedicated models.

Setup tip: In the Aqara app, create an automation: “When Aqara Doorbell is pressed → Play alert sound on M2 Hub.” Choose from 10+ built-in tones, including doorbell, alarm, and melody options.

2. Aqara Smart Plug + Bluetooth Speaker (DIY Chime)

For audiophiles or those who want a custom sound experience, pairing an Aqara Smart Plug with a Bluetooth speaker is a creative and effective solution.

• How it works: Connect a Bluetooth speaker (like JBL Flip 6 or Sony SRS-XB13) to the smart plug. When the doorbell is pressed, the plug powers on, and the speaker plays a pre-recorded chime (e.g., “Someone’s at the door!”).
• Pros: High-quality audio, full customization (use any sound or voice recording), supports stereo or surround setups.
• Cons: Requires manual Bluetooth pairing, slight delay (1–2 seconds), not ideal for multi-room coverage.

Pro tip: Record your own chime using a text-to-speech app, then store it on the speaker. Use IFTTT or the Aqara app to trigger the plug with a “Doorbell Pressed” event.

3. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Chime (MS100)

The Meross MS100 is a dedicated smart chime with excellent Aqara compatibility via HomeKit and IFTTT.

• Features: 50+ ringtones, volume control (10 levels), night mode, dual-band Wi-Fi, works with Apple Home, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
• Pros: Crisp, loud sound (up to 100 dB), easy setup, supports multiple doorbells (assign different chimes).
• Cons: Requires Wi-Fi (no local execution), app can be slow at times.

Setup: Add the Meross chime to Apple HomeKit. Then, in the Aqara app, enable “Send notifications to HomeKit” under device settings. Now, when the Aqara doorbell rings, HomeKit triggers the Meross chime.

4. Aqara Motion Sensor + Aqara LED Bulb (Visual Chime)

For users who prefer visual alerts (e.g., hearing-impaired individuals or nighttime use), pairing an Aqara Motion Sensor with an Aqara LED Bulb creates a “light chime.”

• How it works: When the doorbell is pressed, the motion sensor (placed near the door) triggers the bulb to flash 3–5 times.
• Pros: No sound needed, customizable flash patterns, integrates with existing smart lighting.
• Cons: Only effective in dark rooms, not a substitute for audio chimes.

Bonus: Combine with a sound chime for a dual-alert system.

5. Sonos One (via HomeKit)

For premium audio lovers, the Sonos One (or Sonos Move) can serve as a high-end chime when integrated with Apple HomeKit.

• How it works: Use HomeKit automations to play a short chime track (e.g., “Ding-dong”) on the Sonos speaker when the Aqara doorbell is pressed.
• Pros: Studio-quality sound, multi-room support, voice control via Alexa or Siri.
• Cons: Expensive, overkill for simple chime needs, requires HomeKit.

Tip: Use the Sonos app to create a “Chime” playlist with 3-second audio clips. Set the volume to 30% to avoid startling guests.

Sound Quality and Volume: What to Look For

A chime’s effectiveness hinges on two factors: sound quality and volume. A poorly designed chime can sound tinny, muffled, or too quiet—especially in noisy environments like kitchens, garages, or homes with pets.

Decibel (dB) Levels and Room Coverage

The ideal chime should reach 85–95 dB to be heard across a typical 2,000 sq. ft. home. For reference:

• 70 dB: Conversation level (Aqara built-in chime)
• 85 dB: Vacuum cleaner (minimum recommended for external chime)
• 100 dB: Blender (very loud, best for garages or basements)

Example: The Meross MS100 hits 100 dB, making it ideal for homes with loud HVAC systems or outdoor placement. The Aqara Hub M2 maxes out at 85 dB, better suited for indoor use.

Sound Clarity and Tone Options

A good chime should have:

• Clear, non-repetitive tones: Avoid chimes that sound like alarms or phone rings, which can be mistaken for other devices.
• Musical or natural sounds: Options like “chime,” “bell,” or “door knock” are more pleasant than electronic beeps.
• Customization: The ability to upload your own sound or choose from 20+ presets (e.g., Meross offers 50+).

Pro tip: Test chime tones in different rooms. A chime that sounds great in the living room might echo in the hallway or be too quiet in the bedroom.

Volume Control and Night Mode

Look for chimes with:

• Adjustable volume: 5–10 levels (e.g., Meross has 10, Aqara Hub has 5).
• Night mode: Automatically lowers volume after 8 PM or during “Do Not Disturb” hours.
• Location-based volume: Some smart chimes (like Meross) can detect if you’re home and adjust volume accordingly.

Example: Set your chime to 70 dB during the day and 40 dB at night to avoid waking the kids.

Smart Features and Automation Capabilities

The best chimes for Aqara doorbells go beyond simple sound—they integrate with your smart home ecosystem for advanced automation and personalization.

Integration with Apple HomeKit

If you use an iPhone or iPad, HomeKit compatibility is a game-changer. It allows:

• Chime triggers via Siri (“Hey Siri, ring the doorbell chime”)
• Automations based on time, location, or other sensors
• End-to-end encryption for privacy

How to set up: In the Aqara app, enable “Share to HomeKit” under device settings. Then, in the Home app, create an automation: “When Aqara Doorbell is pressed → Play chime on [Meross Chime].”

IFTTT and Third-Party Triggers

For non-HomeKit users, IFTTT (If This Then That) offers powerful automation. For example:

• When Aqara doorbell is pressed → Send chime to Google Nest Hub
• When motion is detected → Flash Philips Hue lights + play chime

Tip: Use IFTTT to create a “Delivery Alert” that plays a specific chime when the doorbell is pressed between 10 AM–4 PM.

Multi-Zone Chime Systems

In large homes, a single chime may not be enough. Use multiple chimes in different zones:

• Living room: Meross MS100 (melodic tone)
• Kitchen: Aqara Hub M2 (short beep)
• Bedroom: Sonos One (low-volume chime at night)

Pro tip: Assign different chime sounds to each zone so you know where to go (e.g., “ding-dong” in the front, “beep-beep” in the back).

Installation and Setup Guide

Setting up your chime correctly ensures reliable performance and avoids common issues like delays or missed alerts.

Step-by-Step Setup (Meross MS100 Example)

1. Power the chime: Plug it into an outlet near your door or in a central location.
2. Download the Meross app: Pair the chime with your Wi-Fi network.
3. Add to HomeKit: Tap the “+” in the Home app, scan the Meross QR code.
4. Enable Aqara-HomeKit sync: In the Aqara app, go to Settings → HomeKit → Enable “Doorbell Notifications.”
5. Create automation: In HomeKit, set “When Aqara Doorbell is pressed → Play ‘Chime 1’ on Meross Chime.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Chime delay: Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Use 2.4 GHz (not 5 GHz) for better range.
• Missed alerts: Check battery levels (for battery-powered chimes) and Wi-Fi signal strength.
• Sound distortion: Lower the volume or move the chime away from walls.

Pro tip: Use a Wi-Fi extender if your chime is far from the router. Aqara doorbells support Wi-Fi 6, so pairing with a modern router minimizes latency.

Comparison Table: Best Chimes for Aqara Doorbell

Chime Model	Max Volume (dB)	Tone Options	Smart Features	Best For	Price Range
Aqara Hub M2	85	10+ built-in	HomeKit, local execution, automations	Native Aqara users, small homes	$50–$60
Meross MS100	100	50+ + custom	HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT	Large homes, multi-room setups	$40–$50
Aqara Smart Plug + Speaker	90+ (speaker-dependent)	Unlimited (custom audio)	IFTTT, automations	Audiophiles, custom sound	$30–$100
Sonos One	95	Custom playlists	HomeKit, Alexa, multi-room	Premium audio, voice control	$200–$250
Aqara LED Bulb (visual)	N/A	Flash patterns	HomeKit, automations	Hearing-impaired, nighttime use	$20–$30

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Chime for Your Home

Selecting the right chime for your Aqara doorbell isn’t just about volume—it’s about creating a seamless, personalized alert system that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prioritize native integration (Aqara Hub M2), loud, clear sound (Meross MS100), or custom audio (Smart Plug + Speaker), there’s a perfect match for your needs.

For most users, the Meross MS100 strikes the best balance of sound quality, smart features, and affordability. If you’re deep into the Aqara ecosystem, the Hub M2 offers unmatched reliability. And for those who value premium audio or visual alerts, the Sonos One or Aqara LED Bulb solutions are worth the investment.

Remember: the ideal chime should be heard but not annoying, smart but not complicated, and reliable in all conditions. By following this guide, you’ll never miss a visitor—and your doorbell will sound better than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chime works best with the Aqara doorbell?

The Aqara Doorbell is designed to work seamlessly with Aqara Hubs (like the M1S, M2, or E1), which act as chimes and support customizable ringtones. For optimal sound quality and integration, pairing it with an official Aqara Hub is highly recommended.

Can I use third-party chimes with my Aqara doorbell?

While the Aqara doorbell primarily supports Aqara Hubs as chimes, some users pair it with third-party Zigbee chimes via a compatible hub. However, functionality and sound quality may vary, so sticking to Aqara-certified devices ensures the best experience.

Does the Aqara doorbell work with Alexa or Google Home chimes?

Yes, you can use Alexa or Google Home devices as chimes by integrating the Aqara doorbell through the Aqara app. Enable the doorbell’s notifications in your smart home app, and the chime will play through your voice assistant-enabled speakers.

What chime to use with Aqara doorbell for loud, clear sound?

For loud, clear sound, the Aqara Hub M2 is a top choice—it supports adjustable volume and high-quality ringtones. Alternatively, pair the doorbell with a smart speaker (like Echo or Nest) for louder, room-filling chimes.

Can I use multiple chimes with one Aqara doorbell?

Yes, you can set up multiple chimes by connecting the Aqara doorbell to several Aqara Hubs or smart speakers. This is ideal for larger homes, ensuring you hear the doorbell from any room.

Why isn’t my Aqara doorbell working with my existing chime?

Most traditional wired chimes aren’t compatible with the Aqara doorbell, as it’s designed for smart hubs. For a reliable connection, use an Aqara Hub or a smart speaker with the Aqara app to enable chime functionality.