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A smart home hub is a device that connects and controls various smart home devices, such as lights, locks, thermostats, cameras, and more. A smart home hub can also enable automation, voice control, and remote access for your smart home devices. However, not all smart home hubs are created equal. Some have more features, compatibility, and reliability than others. In this article, we will review some of the best smart home hubs available in 2023, based on our testing and research.
Amazon Echo (4th gen)
The Amazon Echo (4th gen) is not only a smart speaker with Alexa voice assistant, but also a smart home hub with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Sidewalk, and Matter support. This means it can connect to a wide range of low-power smart home devices, such as sensors, switches, bulbs, and more. You can also use Alexa to control your devices with voice commands, create routines to automate actions based on triggers, and use Alexa Guard to monitor your home for emergencies. The Echo (4th gen) has a sleek spherical design, great sound quality, and an audio in/out port for connecting to other speakers or devices. However, it does not have a clock display like the Echo Dot with Clock, and its audio performance may not match the Sonos One.
Pros:
- Supports multiple wireless protocols
- Works with many smart home devices
- Has Alexa voice assistant and skills
- Has audio in/out port
Cons:
- No clock display
- Audio not as good as Sonos One
Aeotec Smart Home Hub
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is the successor of the Samsung SmartThings Hub, and it works with the same SmartThings platform. This means it has the same compatibility, features, and user interface as the SmartThings Hub. The Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave protocols, and works with over 5,000 smart home devices from various brands. You can use the SmartThings app to easily add and control your devices, create scenes and automation, add members and guests, view history and notifications, and sort devices by room. You can also use voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby. The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is easy to set up and use, but it does not have a battery backup or an Ethernet port.
Pros:
- Supports multiple wireless protocols
- Works with over 5,000 smart home devices
- Has SmartThings app and platform
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby
Cons:
- No battery backup
- No Ethernet port
Apple HomePod Mini
The Apple HomePod Mini is a smart speaker with Siri voice assistant that also acts as a smart home hub for HomeKit devices. HomeKit is Apple’s smart home platform that works with devices that have the “Works with Apple HomeKit” label. You can use the Home app on your iPhone or iPad to add and control your HomeKit devices, create scenes and automation, invite people to share access, view live video from cameras, and more. You can also use Siri to control your devices with voice commands or ask questions. The HomePod Mini has a compact design that fits anywhere in your home, and delivers impressive sound quality for its size. It also supports AirPlay 2 for streaming music from other Apple devices or services. However, the HomePod Mini only works with iOS devices and HomeKit devices, so it may not be compatible with other smart home products or platforms.
Pros:
- Works with HomeKit devices
- Has Siri voice assistant
- Has great sound quality for its size
- Supports AirPlay 2
Cons:
- Only works with iOS devices
- Limited compatibility with other smart home products or platforms
Google Nest Hub Max
The Google Nest Hub Max is a smart display with Google Assistant voice assistant that also serves as a smart home hub for Nest and other compatible devices. You can use the 10-inch touchscreen to view and control your smart home devices, watch videos from YouTube or Netflix, make video calls with Google Duo or Zoom,
browse recipes from Google Search or Food Network, and more. You can also use Google Assistant to control your devices with voice commands, create routines to automate actions based on time or triggers, and use Nest Aware to monitor your home with the built-in camera and microphone. The Nest Hub Max has a sleek design that blends in with any decor, and delivers rich sound quality with its stereo speakers and subwoofer. It also supports Chromecast for streaming content from other devices or services. However, it does not support Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols, so it may not work with some low-power smart home devices.
Pros:
- Works with Nest and other compatible devices
- Has Google Assistant voice assistant
- Has a 10-inch touchscreen and a camera
- Supports Chromecast
Cons:
- No Zigbee or Z-Wave support
- Camera and microphone may raise privacy concerns
Conclusion
The best smart home hub for you depends on your preferences, needs, and budget. If you are looking for a smart home hub that works with many smart home devices, has a voice assistant and skills, and has an audio in/out port, you may want to consider the Amazon Echo (4th gen). If you are looking for a smart home hub that works with over 5,000 smart home devices, has a user-friendly app and platform, and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby, you may want to consider the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. If you are looking for a smart home hub that works with HomeKit devices, has Siri voice assistant, has great sound quality for its size, and supports AirPlay 2, you may want to consider the Apple HomePod Mini. If you are looking for a smart home hub that works with Nest and other compatible devices, has Google Assistant voice assistant, has a 10-inch touchscreen and camera, and supports Chromecast, you may want to consider the Google Nest Hub Max.
