If you are one for the latest technologies, it is not a leap to assume most of your home devices are smart right? However, if your TV requires a different voice setting than your refrigerator and AC unit from lights, there may be some trouble. With a smart home hub, you can control all the smart appliances in your home through that singular device. So, no more multiple authorizations, excessive movements, and vocals.
Knowing what you want in one of these is, however, one of the most important steps to actually buying one. There are Z-wave operated ones instead of Bluetooth, hybrid and dedicated, software and hardware. Our review examines the top-rated hubs for 2023 that have the best overall value in quality, features, and price.
Best Smart Home Hub 2023
1. Samsung SmartThings Hub v3
The name may make you feel it will be expensive, but it isn’t that much pricier than most other smart home hubs. It works with both Z-wave and Bluetooth connection in an open approach. Samsung SmartThings has the all-new Connect Home Box that allows a tighter and better integration across multiple manufacturers.
Its greatest selling point is the versatility it offers by being compatible with almost everything. Integrating both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control all your devices with your voice.
Pros
- Connects through both Z-wave and Bluetooth
- Most versatile
- Broad support
- Has Zigbee and Wi-Fi integration
- It is built into Connect Hone Router
- Brilliant finesse
- Has both USB and Ethernet ports
Cons
- The app is lagging behind in development
- Operation lacks intuitiveness
- No Nest integration
2. Amazon Echo Dot
As you without a doubt expected, Echo Dot from Amazon is a significantly more affordable option. A more powerful and larger speaker is packaged with this third-generation model despite no relative price increase. The clothe cover makes it feel like a premium choice and it features impressive compatibility with most devices.
Amazon Echo Dot also has the surprising ability to read sports scores, weather reports, headlines, and the likes. It lacks Z-wave compatibility, however, using just Bluetooth and Wi-fi.
Pros
- Cheap
- Extreme power and versatility
- Compatible with most devices
- Excellent companion app
- Quality build and premium feel
- Lightweight
Cons
- Same design as previous versions
- No Zigbee and Z-wave compatibility
- No USB or Ethernet port
3. Wink Hub 2
While it isn’t what it used to be, for the moment Wink Hub 2 beats almost everything else on the market in sheer power. Lutron Clear Connect, Zigbee, IFTTT, Bluetooth LE, Z-Wave, and Google Thread interface are just some of what it supports. This monster also works with Phillips Hue, Alexa, Honeywell, Sonos, and Google assistant.
While it is missing interfacility with Nest and some newcomers, it is overall a brilliant choice. Available for a bank-breaking price, it is small enough to be easily hidden and can connect to your router for easier use.
Pros
- Sleek look
- Tiny and lightweight
- Insane compatibility
- Funny naming sense
- Multiple protocol support
Cons
- No Nest capacity
- Pairing with Wi-Fi is non-intuitive
- Company may not be around next year
- Pricy
4. Hubitat Elevation
Muck like Winks, Hubitat is intense in use and requires some advanced user-experience to perform at its best. While small and lightweight in form, it supports IFTTT, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi among many other protocols. It has some versatility which means that it will connect easily with most smart home appliances.
Pros
- Has Z-wave compatibility
- Intense complexity and depth of use
- Local storage of smart protocols
- Small
- Has Ethernet port
Cons
- The router needs to be plugged in
- Steep learning curve
- No Nest
5. Google Nest Hub
If Samsung and Amazon have any competition in smart device applications, it is Google. The prevalence of Google across the electrical appliance market means that its products are very cross-compatible. It is the best choice if your devices are from Nest and give you fine, precise, and quick access to any of your home devices.
Nest Hub looks cool, is integrated across a wide range of devices, and can handle a home full of smart appliances without crashing.
Pros
- Smaller than most
- Cheap
- Can pretend to be a photo frame
- Google’s Home View
- Fantastic interface
Cons
- No Zigbee or Z-Wave
- Not as compatible as Alexa
- Nest project is dead
6. Samsung Connect Home
Connect Home Hub Mesh router from Samsung has an integrated SmartThings hub which makes it a hybrid type hub. Its reach can be expanded with extenders, its speed is fairly fast, and its operation is simple. It sports only one ethernet port.
Pros
- Two-for-one value
- Simple operation
- Mesh extensions available
- Z-wave, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee connectivity
Cons
- Can’t be configured
- No battery backup
7. Apple TV 4K
Pros
- Visual HomeKit
- Great for 4K streaming
- Intuitive display response
- macOS and iOS integration
- HDMI, Ethernet, and micro USB ports
- Easy to use
Cons
- The mic is not the best
- Needs better support
- Not as versatile as other options
8. Control4
It is difficult to install and configure for non-professionals and is intended for business, hotel, and the likes use. There is extensive support for most issues and protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.
Pros
- Reliable premium choice
- Sleek look
- Customer service is the best
- The system keeps up with the times
- Wide support for devices and protocols
Cons
- Crazy price
- Limited user configuration
- Difficult to install
- The doorbell could be better
9. Echo Show
Another product from Amazon, Alexa Echo Show works with Alexa to control all your home devices. It can be easily automated and features a Zigbee hub if you prefer to operate without a display.
Pros
- Amazon Alexa
- Easily automated
- Can be a photo frame
- Simple setup
- Includes Zigbee hub
- High compatibility
Cons
- Lacks Z-Wave
- App is buggy
- Unreliable routines
10. Securifi Smart Home Hub
Its operation is fast and it can act as a home alert system. Securifi has succeeded in building the ultimate home security, smart home hub, and wi-fi connector hybrid. Its automated routines work without lagging on a smartphone.
Pros
- Hands-free control with Alexa
- Nest support
- Best customer service
- Compatible with most routers and modems
- Easy automation
Cons
- Not very versatile
- Protocol support is not wide enough