A smart home hub connects all smart devices under one roof onto a single network for quick and easy access. With the IoT being implemented into nearly every appliance—from vacuum cleaners to air purifiers and even coffee makers—you can control many of their functions from the convenience of your smartphone.
Today, we’re looking at some of the most popular smart home hubs to see which is the best of all. In this four-way comparison, you’ll be able to distinguish clearly how each hub differs from the next.
Wink Connected Home Hub
The Wink is one of the most widely used smart home hubs in all of America, but sadly, it’s one of the most problematic.
The Wink Connected does everything you’d expect from it, which is pretty nice. It connects many of your smart appliances to the Wink centralized system that you can control by downloading the Wink app.
The app lets you manage and set up different variable settings for each appliance. It works with a wide range of different appliances from countless manufacturers, so for nearly any smart device you have installed at home, you can access them through the Wink app.
The part that made most of its customers turn the other way was when the company decided to roll out a subscription platform for premium access, including “adding devices” and controlling robot vacuum cleaners.
We recommend following suit with the numerous customers who have deviated from the Wink Connected to other, more flexible smart home hubs.
- VOICE CONTROL: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (devices sold separately)
- CONNECT ALL YOUR SMART DEVICES: Easily connect and manage your smart home ecosystem...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub
The Hubitat Home Automation Hub is one of the pricier options, at least compared to the inexpensive-but-nearly-worthless Wink. However, with a premium price tag, you also get access to a premium number of different appliances.
To set the Hubitat up, it needs to connect to your internet router via an ethernet cable. The device itself does not have Wi-Fi compatibility, so make sure you plan on where to place the Hubitat.
After that, it’s pretty much smooth sailing. Connecting it to the internet and detecting your home’s smart devices can be done in one go. After that, however, problems can arise, especially for not-so-tech-savvy of us.
The instructions manual isn’t helpful, but Hubitat’s customer service is ready to assist in any way possible. When all of your devices have been discovered and connected to the hub, setting each and individual setting is as easy as can be.
- Speed: Automations are processed locally on the hub for fast, reliable home...
- Compatibility: Compatible with most Zigbee, Z-Wave, LAN, Google Home, Alexa and...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Samsung 3rd Generation SmartThings
Being the tech giant that it is, you can expect a lot of goodness to come from the 3rd Generation SmartThings. Its price tag is a lot cheaper compared to previous generations but at the cost of a missing backup battery and cloud storage.
Setting up and installing the appropriate SmartThings software is pretty straightforward. Download the app on your phone, plug the device into a wall outlet, and follow the manual’s instructions on how to connect it via your phone to the Wi-Fi network. It’s a lot more confusing than it should be.
One of the great features of the SmartThings hub is that you can control the connected smart device on a room-to-room basis. Plus, with the IFTTT-type protocol, you can automate different functions with specific triggers.
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We’d recommend the SmartThings to those who want to get their home hub running immediately.
- Connectivity: Wirelessly connect and control a wide range of compatible smart devices...
- Home Automation: Teach the hub your Good Morning, Goodbye, Goodnight, and other...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa is an AI-driven virtual assistant that comes preinstalled in Amazon’s smart speakers, Echo, as well as a number of different speakers by various manufacturers. It’s the most popular virtual assistant on the planet and offers the most versatility.
To use Alexa, you have to sign in to your Amazon account. It’s quick, free, and hardly takes any time at all. The smartphone app is well-designed to help new users get their Alexa up and running immediately after unboxing the Echo.
Alexa doesn’t require smart devices to function—by telling it simple voice commands like “set up a timer for xxx minutes,” she’ll respond by verifying your command before putting your instructions into action. If you do have smart devices connected to the hub, you can send specific voice commands to take a hands-free approach to control your devices.
Overall, the Amazon Alexa, regardless of which generation you choose to get, is the best of the best. It works as a smart home hub or a simple virtual assistant that can play music on demand.
- Meet the Echo Dot - Our most popular smart speaker with Alexa. The sleek, compact...
- Voice control your entertainment - Stream songs from Amazon Music, Apple Music,...
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Verdict: Amazon, Samsung, Hubitat, then Wink
The order from best to work smart home hubs is introduced in the header. Avoid the Wink at all costs. Period.
The Hubitat is a nice device if you have some time your get things started, whereas the Samsung can help get things in order almost immediately after unboxing.
And finally, Amazon Alexa is, hands down, the best smart home hub/virtual assistant currently available. With voice recognition, you can indulge your laziness while Alexa takes care of your music selection, scheduling, robotic vacuum cleaner, and every other smart device function under your roof.
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