Connecting your smart home devices allows you to control and automate them from a central hub. Smart home hubs integrate various devices and services into one platform for seamless operation. I researched the top options to help you find the best smart home hub for your needs.
What to Look for in a Smart Home Hub
When choosing a smart home hub, there are a few key factors to consider:
Compatibility
The hub should work with your existing devices and support adding new devices from multiple brands. Look for a hub that is compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other wireless protocols.
Ease of setup
You want a hub that is easy to set up and doesn’t require any expert programming. The best hubs walk you through the setup process step-by-step.
Remote access
A good hub allows you to control your smart home from anywhere via a mobile app or web portal. This gives you the flexibility to automate and monitor your home on the go.
Automation
The ability to create scenes and automation rules is essential. This allows you to program actions like turning lights on at sunset or adjusting the thermostat when you leave the house.
Smart assistant integration
Many hubs work with smart assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri for voice control. This allows for convenient hands-free operation.
Security
Data encryption and device authentication protocols are necessary to keep your smart home secure from hackers.
Best Overall: Samsung SmartThings Hub
The Samsung SmartThings Hub is my top overall pick for its wide compatibility, robust app and automation features.
Key Features
- Supports over 100 smart home devices including popular brands
- Zigbee, Z-Wave and Bluetooth connectivity
- Create custom scenes and automations
- Control via app, web portal or voice assistant
- Advanced security features
I like SmartThings’ open approach that allows you to integrate devices from many different manufacturers. It supports an extensive range of products including Philips Hue lights, Nest thermostats, Ring cameras, Ecobee sensors and more.
Setting up SmartThings is very straightforward with guided instructions in the mobile app. You can easily connect devices by scanning a barcode. The app makes it simple to group and control devices by room.
Creating automations is intuitive with preset modes for arrival, departure, bedtime, etc. You can also build custom automations using triggers and actions. Everything can be managed remotely through the mobile app or web dashboard.
SmartThings integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant and Bixby for voice control. It also offers monitoring services and encryption to help protect your personal data.
Best for Alexa Users: Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo is the best smart home hub if you already use Alexa-enabled devices.
Key Features:
- Natively supports all Alexa smart home devices
- Simple app-based setup process
- Alexa handles voice control and automation
- Works with Zigbee smart home devices
- Affordably priced
Echo seamlessly integrates with Alexa-powered devices like Echo speakers and Fire TV. You can control them using your voice and Amazon’s automation technology.
The Alexa app walks you through connecting your smart home gadgets and setting up routines. Alexa is flexible when it comes to triggers and actions.
I also like that you can add Zigbee devices to Echo. This allows you to expand your smart home ecosystem beyond Alexa-native products.
At under $100, the Echo is one of the most affordable hubs. It provides a lot of value if you have invested into Alexa-powered devices.
Best DIY Platform: Home Assistant
Home Assistant offers advanced customization for tech-savvy users.
Key Features:
- Open source software with free local control
- Integrates with over 1,500 devices
- Robust automation engine
- Customizable using YAML configuration
- Runs on your own hardware
Home Assistant puts no limits on the devices and platforms it supports. It can work with virtually any Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device.
While the initial setup requires more technical knowledge, the payoff is having full local control. You don’t need to rely on a cloud service or vendor.
Home Assistant enables very advanced rules using triggers, conditions and actions. You can tweak every little detail to create the perfect automations for your needs.
The open platform means it works with DIY hubs like Raspberry Pi. You get to choose the hardware to run it on.
Overall, Home Assistant is ideal if you want maximum flexibility and customization without vendor lock-in.
Easiest Local Setup: Hubitat Elevation
The Hubitat Elevation strikes a balance by providing local control with simpler setup.
Key Features:
- No cloud dependency or account required
- Compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi devices
- Straightforward app-based setup
- Automation rules without coding
- Encrypted data backup
Hubitat Elevation offers the local control benefit of Home Assistant in a more accessible package. It doesn’t require any coding or technical expertise.
The app makes it easy to add devices, create rooms, and build automation rules. You get robust options for customization without needing YAML config files.
It uses encrypted backup files to protect your data. This means you don’t have to rely on their cloud to store settings and configurations.
Hubitat Elevation is a good middle ground between the complexity of Home Assistant and the closed ecosystem of SmartThings. It’s a strong choice if you want localized smart home control.
Best for Google Users: Google Home
The Google Home hub integrates seamlessly with Google Assistant powered devices.
Key Features:
- Works with Google Assistant ecosystem
- Streamlined setup with Google Home app
- Native control for Chromecast, Nest devices
- Automated routines with time and location triggers
- Affordable price point
Google Home allows you to easily control smart displays, speakers, Chromecast devices and Nest products. You can use your voice via Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
The Google Home app provides an intuitive interface for managing your connected home. Automation setup is simplified with preset routines that can be customized as needed.
Advanced users can also use Google Assistant’s open smart home platform to add more device integrations. This provides flexibility beyond Works with Google enabled products.
At around $50, the standard Google Home is very competitively priced. Overall, it offers a seamless experience for Google-centric smart homes.
Smart Home Hub Comparison
| Hub | Compatibility | Setup Difficulty | Automation Capability | Voice Assistant | Price |
|-|-|-|-|-|-|
| Samsung SmartThings | Broad support | Easy | Advanced | Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby | $90 |
| Amazon Echo | Works well with Alexa ecosystem | Easy | Robust with Alexa | Alexa native | $100 |
| Home Assistant | 1,500+ integrations | Advanced | Extremely customizable | Agnostic | Free software |
| Hubitat Elevation | Broad Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi | Intermediate | Robust without coding | Agnostic | $100 |
| Google Home | Seamless with Google Assistant devices | Very easy | Solid with Google Assistant | Google Assistant native | $50 |
Key Takeaways
- Consider compatibility, ease of use and automation features when choosing a smart home hub.
- SmartThings, Echo and Google Home provide streamlined experiences tailored to their respective ecosystems.
- Home Assistant offers advanced customization for tech enthusiasts.
- Hubitat Elevation allows localized control without the complexity of Home Assistant.
- There are great options for all types of consumers – from smart home beginners to experts.
The right hub can take your smart home to the next level. Evaluate your needs to decide which solution fits best. A good hub ties everything together for convenient control, automation and peace of mind through monitoring and security.
