Home » 2021’s Best Smart Home Automation Systems

2021’s Best Smart Home Automation Systems

If you're looking for one hub to rule them all (all your devices, that is), we've narrowed down the field and handpicked the best smart home hubs to fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Best compatibility
Samsung GP-U999SJVLGDA 3rd Generation SmartThings Hub
Samsung SmartThings
  • Icon Pros Light
    Broad compatibility
  • Icon Pros Light
    Easy device recognition
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Best voice controls
Amazon Echo (4th gen)
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
  • Icon Pros Light
    Alexa skills
  • Icon Pros Light
    Good sound quality
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Best for media
Logitech Harmony Hub
Logitech Harmony Hub
  • Closed cabinet operation
  • Universal remote
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Kasey Tross
By Kasey Tross
Researcher & Writer
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February 24, 2021
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Last Updated: 7 days ago

Samsung announced the Works As a SmartThings Hub (WASH) program last year. This marks the end of the company producing hubs itself (which explains the low stock at retailers)—instead working with third-party companies to produce hubs. The first of these is the Aeotec Smart Home Hub, which is essentially identical to the 3rd Gen SmartThings Hub. It's due to ship in March 2021. We still recommend SmartThings and we'll update our article when we know more.

One of the most important questions when you’re shopping for a smart home hub is “Will it work with my devices?” The 3rd generation Samsung SmartThings Hub earned our top pick because more often than not, the answer to that question was “yes” with this hub.

It works with Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It’s a little bit cheaper than its past versions because it doesn’t have a backup battery, and the cloud-to-cloud protocols require less memory space. Also, you don’t need to connect it to your router using a cable, so you can put it pretty much anywhere.

Find out how it compares to the competition in our full breakdown of the best smart hubs.

The best smart hubs for automation

  1. Samsung SmartThings Hub (3rd Gen)
    : Best compatibility
  2. Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
    : Best voice controls
  3. Logitech Harmony Hub
    : Best for media
  4. Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
    : Budget Alexa hub
  5. Google Nest Mini
    : Budget Google hub
Best smart home hubs

Compare the best smart home hubs

Best compatibility Best voice controls Best for media Budget Alexa hub Budget Google hub
Samsung SmartThings
(3rd Gen) 		Amazon Echo
(4th Gen) 		Logitech Harmony Hub Amazon Echo Dot
(4th Gen) 		Google Nest Mini
Samsung GP-U999SJVLGDA 3rd Generation SmartThings HubAmazon Echo (4th gen)Logitech Harmony HubAmazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)Google Nest Mini Smart Speaker
List price*$89.99$99.99$99.99$49.99$49.00
Connection typeBluetooth,
Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee 		Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Smart home compatibility (partial list)Alexa, Arlo, August, Bose, Cree, Ecobee, GE, Google Assistant, Honeywell, Kwikset, Leviton, LIFX, Philips Hue, Ring, Schlage, Sylvania, YaleAlexa, Arlo, August, Ecobee, GE, Honeywell, Kwikset, LIFX, Lutron, Nest, Philips Hue, Schlage, SmartThings, Sylvania, TP-Link, Wemo, Yale Alexa, Apple TV, Google Assistant, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos, Wii, Xbox Alexa, Arlo, August, Ecobee, GE, Honeywell, Kwikset, LIFX, Lutron, Nest, Philips Hue, Schlage, SmartThings, Sylvania, TP-Link, Wemo, Yale Arlo, August, Cree, Ecobee, GE, Google Home, Honeywell, Leviton, LG, LIFX, Nest, Philips Hue, SmartThings, Sylvania, TP-Link, Wemo
View AmazonView on AmazonView on AmazonView on AmazonView on Home Depot
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*Amazon.com list price as of 02/24/2021 at 4:00 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Our approach

To select the best smart home hubs, we dug for hubs that were compatible with the most brands and easy to use. We studied real user reviews and compared product features side by side in hands-on tests. Read our full methodology to find out more.

Best smart hubs reviews

1. Samsung SmartThings (3rd Gen): Best compatibility

Best compatibility
Samsung GP-U999SJVLGDA 3rd Generation SmartThings Hub
Samsung SmartThings (3rd Gen)
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Having a Samsung SmartThings Hub is kind of like traveling the world with a multilingual friend. It breaks down communication barriers and helps you and your devices all communicate better together, giving you a fully integrated smart home automation system.

Unlike other smart home hubs that require you to scan in the QR codes from all your devices, the Samsung SmartThings scans for your devices’ signals on its own—it might even discover smart products you didn’t even know you had!

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Android and iOS compatibility
Pro Bullet Easy setup
Pro Bullet Routines and scenes
Pro Bullet Multiple communication protocols
Pro Bullet Independence from router
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Not compatible with Nest
Con Bullet Connectivity issues

If you use Google Assistant† or an Amazon Alexa device, the Samsung SmartThings is compatible with both. The SmartThings app manages all your IoT devices in one place, so you can create routines and “scenes” for certain times, like when you first wake up in the morning or when you leave the house.

The app is a little slow to open, and we noticed that some non-Samsung brand devices tend to have some connectivity issues. But overall, it’s a solid choice for multiple smart device integration.

Read our full Samsung SmartThings review.

2. Amazon Echo (4th Gen): Best voice controls

Best voice controls
Amazon Echo (4th gen)
Amazon Echo
(4th Gen)
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The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) takes the Echo family further into smart home integration by adding a Zigbee-enabled smart home hub. It supports Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth smart home devices. Use it to call people hands-free or ask Alexa to read the news, answer questions, and play music.

It can also work like a home intercom system with other Amazon Echo devices in your house. If you’re like me and you don’t want your smart home hub to look like an alien spaceship that landed in the middle of your home, you’ll appreciate the variety of Echo finishes to choose from.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Voice control
Pro Bullet Alexa skills
Pro Bullet Different finishes
Pro Bullet IFTTT compatibility
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Incompatible with some devices
Con Bullet Disappointing sound quality

The fourth generation Echo is touted as having better sound quality than its predecessor, with front-firing speakers and a mini woofer for better bass performance. Many users who have upgraded say that the sound quality is better when compared to the previous Echo, but not by much.

Check out some of our favorite Alexa-compatible devices.

Bell
The end of the Echo Plus

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) now includes a built-in Zigbee hub and replaces both the Echo (3rd Gen) and the Echo Plus (2nd Gen). It's a good thing too, since it's about $50 cheaper than the Echo Plus was.

3. Logitech Harmony Hub: Best for media

Best for media
Logitech Harmony Hub
Logitech Harmony Hub
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The Logitech Harmony Hub is for folks that dream of dimming the lights, powering up the surround sound, and starting a blockbuster movie on your big screen with a single tap. You can use the hub to design scenes like “movie night” with custom settings for each device to follow when it activates.

It works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to connect to your set-top box to change channels or adjust the volume on your TV. If you prefer a quieter interaction, the Harmony app turns your phone or laptop into a universal remote, and IR blasters (they’re like an infrared remote control) can control up to eight different devices, even with those devices behind closed cabinet doors.

Pro Heading
Pros
Pro Bullet Closed cabinet control
Pro Bullet Universal remote
Pro Bullet Voice control
Pro Bullet Computer app access
Pro Bullet Favorite channels
Con Heading
Cons
Con Bullet Incompatibility with Z-Wave and Zigbee
Con Bullet Challenging setup

Unfortunately, the Harmony Hub can’t connect to radio communication protocols like Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, and it controls only up to eight devices with its IR blaster. But you can pair it with another hub for added functionality if needed. For a full color touchscreen remote that controls up to 15 devices, check out the Logitech Harmony Elite (about $270).

4. Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen): Budget Alexa hub

Budget Alexa hub
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)
Amazon Echo Dot
(4th Gen)
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The Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) is a lot less expensive than traditional hubs and still performs many of the same functions, like giving you Alexa integration and voice control for your smart home devices.

It costs half as much as the Echo, so you can expect lower sound quality and no built-in Zigbee controls, but the Alexa voice assistant still answers your questions, plays your music, and gives you access to thousands of other skills.

5. Google Nest Mini: Budget Google hub

Budget Google hub
Google Nest Mini Smart Speaker
Google Nest Mini
View on Home Depot

Like the Echo Dot, the Google Nest Mini isn’t much of a hub, but the smart speaker offers hub-like features like controlling your smart home devices using your voice. It’s compatible with a wide variety of smart lights, plugs, appliances, and home security products.

We found that Google Assistant is a little bit better at recognizing a voice command than Alexa, and we like the option for using less specific follow-up questions, like asking, “When does it open?” after asking where the nearest bakery is.

Check out some of our favorite Google Assistant-compatible devices.

More hubs we considered

Broadlink

The Broadlink RM4 Pro (about $45) is a cheaper universal remote alternative to Logitech Harmony. Its IR/RF technology allows you to control a wide variety of smart gadgets using your mobile device. While Harmony has a focus on home theater devices like TVs and stereo systems, Broadlink expands beyond that to also control appliances like air conditioners and fans, provided they already use some sort of remote control.

Hubitat

The Hubitat Elevation (about $150) is a powerhouse of a smart hub, easily beating SmartThings in user privacy and customization options. But it's mostly for hardcore smart home technology enthusiasts since it's more difficult to set up. Plus, it's one of the more expensive hubs on the market.

Wink

The Wink Hub 2 (about $100) was one of the earliest smart home hubs to hit the market, and it remains a compelling alternative to SmartThings. We like its native support for Nest and Lutron smart devices, both of which don't work with SmartThings. Unfortunately, Wink's products have become less reliable and harder to find in stock. Plus, its recent move to a monthly fee makes it a poor choice for folks on a budget.

Final word

The Samsung SmartThings Hub is our top smart hub pick thanks to its compatibility with an overwhelming number of smart devices. We especially like how you can just press “discover all my devices” in the app, and the SmartThings hub does the rest for you. The only real downsides to this hub are that it’s not always as reliable as we’d like and it's getting harder to find for a reasonable price (at least until the identical Aeotec Smart Home Hub launches).

Smart home hub FAQ

Always look at the compatibility, mobile app, and setup when choosing a smart home hub:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the devices are compatible with each other to avoid buying additional hubs or new devices. If you already have connected devices in your home, choose a hub that connects with them as well as future devices on your wishlist. The hub's website should have a full list of compatible devices.
  • Mobile app: As you shop for a hub, read app reviews from users, and if you can, test drive different automation hubs. You want a user-friendly app that’s easy to navigate while interacting with your smart home device.
  • Setup: Most smart home hubs walk you through setup using tutorials and guides. It’s nice to have help setting up your hub and other devices in this growing market with lots of unknowns.

Technically, no, and it can be tempting to rely on Wi-Fi-enabled smart gadgets and apps to avoid a hub setup altogether. Wi-Fi is fine for wired smart devices like smart light bulbs, smart plugs, a smart thermostat, and video doorbells, but it quickly drains the batteries of your wireless devices like a security sensor or smart lock.

Having too many can also drag down your network speed. If you want to avoid frequent battery replacement and keep your Wi-Fi network running smoothly, it’s worth it to look into wireless home automation devices that use radio frequencies like Z-Wave and Zigbee.

Yes. You may have some hubs that speak one language and some that speak another, and that’s okay. As you learn more about how home automation works and get more comfortable with your system, you may discover more gadgets that don’t work with your current hub.

In that case, you can use another hub or a bridge to loop them into your smart home system.

Yes, the “brains” of some of the best smart home security systems also operate as smart home hubs and give you control of your smart home gadgets (like a security camera) through your security system app.

If you want voice control, look for a system that’s compatible with a voice assistant, and you’ll be able to access devices like your Ring Video Doorbell with your voice. Security system hubs can also offer you the added bonus of cellular and battery backups in case of power outages.

Contributing writer: John Carlsen

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Disclaimers

*Amazon.com list price as of 02/24/2021 at 4:00 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Kasey Tross
Written by
Kasey Tross
Kasey is a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member and a freelance writer with expertise in emergency preparedness and security. As the mother of four kids, including two teens, Kasey knows the safety concerns parents face as they raise tech-savvy kids in a connected world, and she loves to research the latest security options for her own family and for SafeWise readers.
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4 Comments
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  • HomeTechHacker

    I know this is more about hardware smart home hubs, but I’d like to encourage people to take a look at Home Assistant. It runs on most hardware and is pretty easy to install. It’s powerful, and growing in features regularly. There’s a little bit of a learning curb, but it’s the best hub I’ve used and has a great community for help.

  • Danintherockies

    Were these products actually tested for this review, or solely specs-based and what can be found on the Internet?

    The three of these are not even close to apples to apples. They meet different needs and have different purposes. Google Home and Alexa devices are in the same category (voice assistants with write-only control and camera support). Logitech is in the category with device-specific hubs, such as Hue and others. SmartThings is a true home automation hub comparable to Hubitat Elevation, Wink, Home Assistant, and many others. The “true” hubs all require a Voice Assistant such as an Alexa-enabled device, Google Home, and possibly others. These hubs can also take inputs from water leak sensors, motion sensors, and other sensors that provide data to the hub rather than being told what to do (like a light switch).

    • Celeste Tholen

      Hi there!

      Thanks for your comment—we test as much as possible before writing our reviews. We also acknowledge that for a lot of consumers, a smart speaker with a voice assistant is all they’ll need to get going with a smart home system. So while these aren’t apples-to-apples, we feel that they fit the needs of most folks just dipping their toes into home automation.