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The Ultimate Smart Hub Buyer’s Guide
With the technological advancements taking our world by storm, lots of people have automated most of their houses. But with such high levels of automation comes another dilemma: keeping track of everything and ensuring no contradictory actions that could impair the functionality of your smart devices and create potential security risks. To take care of this issue, we have the smart hub, a one-stop-controlling device for all the smart tools in your house. You can control everything from your room lights to the garage door with a single command.To get the most value from your smart hub, you must find one compatible with all your devices. It also needs to have features you require, such as auto-locking. To help you find such a device, we have reviewed the highest-rated smart hubs of 2023 and designed a comprehensive guide that’ll enable you to make the right decision.
Amazon Echo Smart Hub
Best Overall
Samsung SmartThings Smart Hub
Most Versatile
Philips Hue Smart Hub
Most Advanced
Aeotec Home Smart Hub
Best Value
SwitchBot Smart Hub Mini
Budget Friendly
What to Look for in a Smart Hub
Connectivity
Before anything else, you need to understand the connectivity of your smart hub and its compatibility with other devices, as this is the feature that allows you to unify all your devices on a singular platform. Not all devices found will be compatible with hubs, and if you have a hub that isn’t compatible with your smart devices, it’s going to be useless regardless of quality. To work around this dilemma, you need to take some time and map out all the smart devices you have installed around the house. Next, you need to research the compatibility of these devices and figure out the prevailing connectivity option found in most, if not all, of your devices. From there, you can look for a smart hub compatible with your devices and opt for the one with the highest level of connectivity.Ease of setup
For a product designed to provide convenience, it would be very ironic if it is difficult to set up. The easiest way to understand the setup method is to consider the smart hub as a manager and every other device as an employee that works under the manager. To have seamless integration and efficiency, the manager and employees need to speak the same language: the connection protocol, i.e., Zigbee Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and thread. To ensure that you have an easy time setting it up, the smart hub and your smart devices need to have the same connection protocol. Although this isn’t necessary as you can use software programs to enable connection, the process only gets more cumbersome. Additionally, opting for products with the proper connectivity will allow you to future-proof your automation.Automation
Smart hubs not only allow you to unify your devices but also let you set up schedules to automate your living space. This can include turning on the sprinklers in the garden at a specific time or lighting up a room at a predetermined time. You can set up simple, repeated schedules or go for more advanced setups like connecting the thermostat with the hub and turning on lights only if there are certain weather conditions.If you’re wondering how all of this happens, it’s because of AI. Phil Strazzulla, founder of SelectSoftware Reviews, notes that you’re probably more familiar with AI than you think:For example, Siri uses AI to understand what you said, and then figure out what you want. Google is doing the same every time you search. Its AI is using your past behavior and your search language to figure out what you want and give it to you.Smart hubs utilize AI to in turn do things like turn on the lights on set your thermostat to a certain temperature when you ask Alexa to do so.
Amazon Echo Smart Hub
Best Overall
Amazon is one of the most reliable and consistent companies when it comes to product quality, and the Echo is no different. It is one of the most well-rounded smart hubs you can get your hands on, with a simple and elegant design that packs some serious hardware under the hood.This smart hub is compatible with most devices and comes with a plethora of features such as voice control that make it an excellent option for anyone looking for one. This smart hub is also one of the most affordable on our list, perfect for people on a budget, and it is also a breeze to operate, with minimal setup required, making it the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Simple and elegant design
- Compatible with most devices
- It comes with voice control
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Limited portability
Samsung SmartThings Smart Hub
Most Versatile
Samsung has always been a frontrunner in tech, and when it comes to home automation, their SmartThings smart hub is one of the finest on the market. The hub is compatible with a wide range of devices and systems, making it a cinch to connect all your smart devices and get them working together. Its sleek design and small size mean it won’t be an eyesore in your home.Whether you’re looking to connect your lights, thermostat, security system, or any other smart device, chances are this smart hub can do it. And if you’re ever having trouble getting a device to connect, customer support is always there to help. This smart hub is the way to go if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line home automation system. You won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- An exquisite design
- Portable yet durable
- Fantastic after-sale services
Cons
- Can be expensive
Philips Hue Smart Hub
Most Advanced
Unlock the true potential of home automation with the Philips Hue smart hub. The hub allows you to connect up to 50 lights and 12 accessories, and you can control your home lighting from anywhere. The app also lets you set timers, alarms, and routines to automate your lighting. You can even use voice control with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This hub will be the heart of your home automation system and will help you get the most out of your devices. It also won’t overheat when used for extended periods.
Pros
- Doesn’t overheat with extended use
- Provides remote control over lighting
- Connects with most virtual assistants
- Comes with a set of control apps
Cons
- It can be challenging to set up
Aeotec Home Smart Hub
Best Value
With tech giants like Samsung and Apple in the industry, Aeotec making a name for itself is an achievement in itself. The company is known for its quality home automation devices that make your life easier, and its new smart hub has been designed to be the central hub for all your smart home devices. It can connect to over 50 devices, including lights, thermostats, cameras, door locks, and much more. This hub is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.The smart hub is straightforward to set up and use. The included instruction manual will guide you through connecting it to your home network and then adding your devices. Once everything is connected, you can use the smart hub’s app to control all of your devices from one central location.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Works with Wi-Fi, Z-Wave Plus, and ZigBee
- Centralized control via app
- Minimalistic design for added aesthetics
Cons
- No battery backup is available
SwitchBot Smart Hub Mini
Budget Friendly
SwitchBot has been in the business for a while, but it has only recently gained traction with its innovative products. The Smart Hub Mini is one of the company’s latest offerings and is a game-changer in the smart home industry.This smart hub is designed to be the central hub for all smart devices and is compatible with popular platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. The device is also compact and sleek, perfect for any home decor.The smart hub can control up to 200 devices, making it perfect for a large home, and it also has a built-in siren and two-way audio, so you can keep your family safe.
Pros
- Compatible with popular smart home platforms
- It comes with an energy-saving mode
- Can control up to 200 devices
- Personalized app to work as a controller
Cons
- Connectivity issues with some devices
People Also Asked
Do I need a smart home hub?
This depends on the number of smart devices you have installed at home and if you plan to automate your house in the future. We suggest going for a holistic solution if you plan on upgrading in the future. In such a case, the hub you choose should be future proof and the devices you purchase should have the same connectivity protocol as the hub.
Do I need multiple smart hubs?
Generally, a single hub would be able to connect the entirety of your house and provide you with a single platform to control everything. If you have a device that requires a particular hub, you might need to invest in a second unit if you are looking for total automation.
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