Best Samsung SmartThings Hub

Smart home control and smart home automation are increasingly easy. Even a device as simple as a Google Home or Amazon Alexa provides the ability to configure smart home connectivity for the likes of controlling smart lights and other Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets. One of the easiest means of deploying a smart home ecosystem is by using Samsung SmartThings. Here are the best SmartThings hubs you can buy in 2022!

Best SmartThings Hub: What is Samsung SmartThings?

Samsung SmartThings is a user-friendly smart home ecosystem. A Samsung SmartThings network consists of software and hardware. You’ll need a hub as well as a compatible SmartThings app. In turn, the hub communicates with SmartThings compatible hardware such as smart lights, connected thermostats, security systems, video doorbells, and more. A Samsung SmartThings compatible hub connects to a router either via a wired or wireless connection and communicates with devices or sensors, transmitting data locally and to the cloud.

How Does Samsung SmartThings Work – ZigBee and Z-Wave Compatibility

Tons of different Internet of Things (IoT) protocols exist. Samsung SmartThings utilizes both Z-Wave and ZigBee as its IoT communication protocols. The majority of ZigBee and Z-Wave compatible devices should work with SmartThings hubs and products. However, SmartThings-certified hardware is guaranteed to function properly. Although Z-Wave or ZigBee protocols are required for SmartThings compatibility, a SmartThings device handler determines app compatibility. Therefore, while certain gadgets might carry Z-Wave and ZigBee connectivity, SmartThings compatibility isn’t necessarily guaranteed. Additionally, some older hubs might pair with newer devices but lack crucial functionality. Thankfully, unofficial workarounds might be possible through the likes of community-created apps or if-this-then-that (IFTTT).

Best Samsung SmartThings Compatible Hub 2022

Check out the best Samsung SmartThings hubs for 2022!

Best SmartThings Hub Overall – Aeotec Smart Home Hub

The Aeotec smart hub is the best SmartThings hub on the market. It’s a SmartThings V3 hub that packs Z-Wave and Zigbee IoT protocols. It’s a convenient gateway that works with SmartThings devices as well as a slew of different Aeotec accessories plus loads of Zigbee and Z-Wave products. There’s onboard Wi-Fi for wirefree installation. Simply plug in the Aeotec smart hub, download the SmartThings app, sync your devices, and start automating your routines. Migrating from an old SmartThings v1 hub to the Aeotec smart home hub is a bit tricky. Even moving from the Samsung SmartThings v2 or v3 hubs is somewhat finnicky. Luckily, SmartThings v2 and v3 users need not upgrade. So if you’re just starting out with SmartThings, the Aeotec smart home hub is the way to go.

Pros:

• Z-Wave and Zigbee IoT protocol support
• Works with SmartThings
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Difficult to upgrade from other SmartThings hubs

Best SmartThings Hub for DIYers – Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Plus

The Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Plus lets you connect various Samsung SmartThings devices with open-source smart hubs such as Home Assiastnat, OpenHab, and other options. It’s compatible with various do-it-yourself (DIY) hardware like the Raspberry Pi. Onboard, you’ll find Z-Wave and Z-Wve Plus IoT protocols. With macOS, Linux, and Windows support, the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Plus lets you easily build your own smart home automation hub. Sadly, there’s no Zigbee support. As such, some SmartThings devices might not function properly. But most Z-Wave and even Z-Wave Plus Samsung SmartThings-compatible devices should pair just fine. For DIYers, the Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Plus is a fantastic option for using SmartThings gadgets with third-party smart home automation software like Home Assistant, Homeseer, OpenHab, and more.

Pros:

• Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus IoT protocols
• USB-powered
• Windows, macOS, and Linux support
• Works with the Raspberry Pi
• Supports third-party smart home hub software (i.e. Home Assistant, OpenHab, HomeSeer, etc.)
• Compatible with many SmartThings devices

Cons:

• Lacks Zigbee IoT protocol

Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 – The Best Samsung SmartThings Hub for Most Users

The Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 is the best SmartThings home controller for most users. It’s backward compatible with the full array of SmartThings devices. You’ll experience superb functionality with the SmartThings Classic and new SmartThings apps. There’s support for Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice commands plus 24/7 monitoring complete with push notifications. Once you’ve connected your various Z-Wave and ZigBee SmartThings gadgets, you can configure various scenes for automations.

Because the Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 features Wi-Fi built-in, initial setup is a bit simpler than on earlier Ethernet-only models. Unfortunately, upgrading from an older SmartThings hub can be pretty cumbersome. Still, with its onboard Wi-Fi, easy set up, and superb compatibility, the SmartThings Hub v3 is the best SmartThings compatible hub for the majority of users.

Pros:

• Works with ZigBee and Z-Wave
• Wi-Fi onboard
• Tons of available automations

Cons:

• Cumbersome to upgrade from older v2 or v1 SmartThings hub

Samsung SmartThings WiFi – An All-in-One SmartThings Hub and Router

Instead of a standalone smart home hub, the SmartThings WiFi fuses a mesh router with a SmartThings hub. This unique combination avoids the clutter of maintaining a separate router and smart home hub. What’s more, the Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi eliminates the need to hook up your smart home hub to your router since they’re one and the same. The SmartThings WiFi mesh router sports a 1,500 square foot coverage area using a solitary router, and the option to add up to 32 routers. Adaptive home Wi-Fi creates Wi-Fi system that constantly adapts to your browsing for top-notch performance. Whole-home Wi-Fi capabilities paired with a SmartThings hub and incredibly user-friendly installation makes this a top SmartThings hub.

Pros:

• Mesh router functionality
• Integrated SmartThings hub
• Plume membership included

Cons:

• Requires two different apps, Plume and SmartThings

SmartThings Connect Home – SmartThings Hub with Router Functionality

Samsung Connect Home provides a similar feature set to the SmartThings WiFi mesh router. Like the SmartThings WiFi, the Connect Home is a dual-purpose router and smart home hub. But the SmartThings WiFi model tacks on Plume technology for monitoring device data usage and intelligent bandwidth management. Aside from that, specs are nearly identical. Hence, if you don’t need or want Plume bandwidth management functionality, pick the all-in-one SmartThings Connect Home instead.

Pros:

• Mesh Wi-Fi router
• SmartThings integrated
• Can connect up to 5 units
• Compatible with automations

Cons:

• Spotty performance
• Requires Samsung Connect Home app for set up

SmartThings Connect Home Pro – An Awesome SmartThings Hub and Wi-FI Router

As you can infer from the Pro prefix, the SmartThings Connect Home Pro is a higher-spec iteration of the SmartThings Connect Home router-hub combo. Both the Connect and Connect Home Pro yield up to a 1,500 sq. foot range per router. However, the Connect Home Pro increases Wi-Fi speeds to 1.7 Gbps on its 5GHz network, and as much as 800 Mbps over the 2.4GHz band. Similarly, the Connect Home Pro provides a faster processor with a 1.7GHz dual-core CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 4GB of onboard flash storage.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi mesh router
• Integrated SmartThings router
• Can connect up to 5 units
• Twice the MBPS of the Connect Home

Cons:

• Requires Samsung Connect Home app for set up
• Spotty performance

Samsung SmartThings ADT Wireless Home Security Starter Kit – Best SmartThings Compatible Hub for Home Security

Many users adopt smart home technology for security purposes. There are tons of security camera arrays on the market as well as home security systems. Enter the Samsung SmartThings ADT wireless home security starter kit, a comprehensive home security kit complete with a built-in SmartThings Hub. You’ll be able to install the included ADT senors but there’s a slight catch. Although the SmartThings ADT wireless home security starter kit does offer SmartThings and ADT connectivity, it can only trigger alarms for ADT-branded devices. Thus, any SmartThings, ZigBee, or Z-Wave devices and sensors can’t trigger alarms. You can add your own additional ADT devices though

While triggering alarms with non-ADT SmartThings security sensors won’t work, you can still add SmartThings, Z-Wave, and ZigBee sensors or devices using the SmartThings app. The limitation remains that you can’t trigger the included ADT alarm with anything but ADT devices. Though not a total dealbreaker, this hampers functionality somewhat. But it’s arguably the top SmartThings security system on the market, particularly because the Samsung ADT security system doubles as a SmartThings hub.

Pros:

• Includes a touchscreen, motion sensor, and two door/window sensors
• SmartThings hub integrated
• ADT home security monitoring

Cons:

• Only ADT sensors will trigger alarms
• SmartThings system and ADT system are separate entities

SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit – Best SmartThings Hub for New Users

The Samsung SmartThings home monitoring kit is a comprehensive smart home control and automation package. The SmartThings home monitoring bundle includes a SmartThings hub, two multipurpose sensors, a motion sensor, and a smart outlet. Instead of buying a SmartThings hub, sensors, and devices separately, the home monitoring kit streamlines the process of picking out SmartThings accessories. Everything included in the home monitoring kit is guaranteed to work with SmartThings so you can simply scale your SmartThings device network by adding more devices such as lights, and thermostats. It’s a cost-effective starter pack for SmartThings beginners.

Pros:

• Excellent SmartThings foundation
• Includes a SmartThings smart hub, two multipurpose sensors, a motion sensor, and a smart outlet

Cons:

• SmartThings v2 hub, not v3 hub
• No Wi-Fi connectivity for hub

Best SmartThings Hub FAQs

Best SmartThings Hub – Final Thoughts

While there are tons of ways to get started with smart home control and automation, Samsung SmartThings is arguably the most user-friendly foray into building a smart home. I enjoy the balance of power-user functionality and user-friendliness. Moreover, there’s a lot of choice for SmartThings devices, from thermostats and light bulbs to TVs, washers, and vacuums. My preferred SmartThings hub is the Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd generation. Previously, I was using the NVIDIA SmartThings Link smart home hub but that was phased out.

For the majority of users, the SmartThings Hub v3 is the best SmartThings compatible hub you can buy in 2022. A combined SmartThings hub and router could provide an all-in-one solution that’s easy to set up. If you’re just getting started with SmartThings, the value of Samsung’s SmartThings home monitoring kit is unrivaled. Security-minded smart home users may prefer the ADT wireless home security kit.

Your turn: which SmartThings hub do you recommend for 2022?