How to Choose the Perfect Smart Home Hub for Your Needs
How to Choose the Perfect Smart Home Hub for Your Needs
Photo courtesy of GettyImages/Westend61.
Smart home hubs connect all of your smart home IoT devices and allow you to manage or control them through a single interface. People who only have smart speakers like Google Home and Amazon Echo and no plans to expand to lighting, thermostats, security, or other kinds of smart home products probably don’t need a hub. However, if you own smart bulbs from different brands or multiple smart devices, a hub will simplify management.
The smart home landscape has exploded in the last 5-10 years, leaving homeowners with a maze of confusing options. Choosing the right hub for your needs isn’t easy, but we’ve done the research to help you decide based on budget and technical expertise.
Best Hardware-Based Option: Wink 2
For homeowners who prefer a physical hub, the Wink 2 is sleek, unobtrusive, and easy to set up. It supports a wide range of protocols—including Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Kidde, and Lutron Clear Connect—making it compatible with most current and future devices. For unsupported devices, voice assistant workarounds are available.
Its main competitor, the Samsung SmartThings Hub, offers similar protocol support but suffers from complexity. It requires ongoing adjustments and lacks user-friendliness. While ideal for tech enthusiasts, the average homeowner will prefer the Wink 2 for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability at $99.
Best Smartphone-Based Option: Yonomi
Yonomi eliminates the need for physical hardware by leveraging your smartphone’s power. The free iOS/Android app lets you control and automate devices from anywhere. Its intuitive, visual interface simplifies managing IoT devices without backend complexity.
Even if you own a traditional hub, Yonomi enhances usability by integrating with existing systems. As CEO Kent Dickson notes: “Phones are pervasive, powerful, and replaced every two years—reducing obsolescence risk.” With no cost barrier, it’s a risk-free way to streamline your smart home.
Best Full-Service Option: Vivint Smart Home
For homeowners who want a hands-off experience, Vivint Smart Home offers custom packages with professional installation and 24/7 monitoring. A Vivint Pro will assess your needs, install equipment, and guide you through the system—all for an upfront equipment cost and $39.99/month fee.
While pricier than DIY options, Vivint’s commitment to customer service sets it apart. CEO Todd Pedersen emphasizes treating customers and employees “like gold,” resulting in a highly regarded, hassle-free smart home solution.
Make Your New Home Smart
Smart home adoption is accelerating, and connectivity will soon be standard. Choosing the right hub ensures seamless integration of devices, transforming your home into an efficient, automated space. Whether you prefer hardware, smartphone control, or full-service convenience, there’s a hub tailored to your lifestyle.
