The Four Best Smart Home Hubs

Amazon Echo Hub

• ✓Wall-mountable 8" touchscreen is purpose-built as a home control center
• ✓Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter — controls 99% of smart home devices natively
• ✓Alexa Routines automate scenes based on time, motion, and sensor triggers

• ✗Amazon ecosystem lock-in — best features require Amazon devices and Prime account
• ✗Wall mount installation requires running USB-C cable to a power outlet

Samsung SmartThings Hub

• ✓5,000+ certified device compatibility — broadest ecosystem support available
• ✓Local processing means automations run instantly without cloud round-trips
• ✓Works with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit simultaneously

• ✗No built-in display — requires phone or tablet for visual control
• ✗SmartThings app has a learning curve for complex automation setup

Apple HomePod mini

• ✓Thread border router built-in for the fastest, most reliable smart home network
• ✓HomeKit security is end-to-end encrypted — your data never leaves the Apple ecosystem
• ✓Doubles as a surprisingly capable spatial audio speaker for the size

• ✗iPhone required — works poorly or not at all without Apple devices
• ✗Siri is less capable at complex multi-step smart home commands than Alexa

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

• ✓7" touchscreen with Google Photos ambient display makes it actually pleasant to own
• ✓Google Assistant handles natural language smart home commands better than competitors
• ✓Radar-based sleep sensing monitors sleep quality without a camera in the bedroom

• ✗No Zigbee or Z-Wave built-in — requires separate adapter for older devices
• ✗Google has a history of discontinuing smart home products without warning