In recent years, home automation has become very popular among many homeowners. Everyone nowadays is looking to ensure that all their home functionalities happen conveniently.
A smart hub acts as centralized control where you can connect all compatible devices. Equipped with digital voice assistants and a mobile app, you can control all your smart devices even more easily.
Leading automation companies such as Samsung, Amazon, Google, Wink, among others, have introduced several smart hubs to the market. These smart hubs are capable of linking different smart devices over different wireless connections.
It could be Bluetooth, home Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or Z-Wave connections. 2021 has seen the introduction of some of the best smart hubs ever made in the smart home industry.
You can include more devices for your home automation and the integrations are more seamless than ever. Before you decide on which smart hub to purchase, there are few factors you should consider.
They include;
- Voice control: You need to ensure that the smart hub you’re purchasing is compatible with one of the voice controls. It could be Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri.
- Wireless protocols: Not all smart hubs support different wireless protocols. You have to ensure that the smart hub you’re getting supports the protocols used for your smart devices.
- Adaptability: It’s advantageous to get a smart hub that incorporates a wider range of uses. This includes smart lighting, heating, security, and music.
- Connection required: Different smart hubs work over different connections. Some have to be plugged directly into the router, while others only need a Wi-Fi connection.
Here is a detailed list of some of the best smart hubs in 2021;
Amazon Echo (4th Generation)
Most people prefer the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) as their smart hub of choice for different reasons. This smart hub incorporates multiple wireless protocols that ensure that you can connect several smart devices.
This smart hub enables wireless connections in Bluetooth, Zigbee, home Wi-Fi, and Amazon’s Sidewalk. Although the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) doesn’t come with a battery backup, it’s fitted with Amazon Alexa.
With Alexa, you can create more personalized routines and scenes for your smart devices. This will trigger different functions from your smart devices simultaneously. The Amazon Echo (4th Generation) comes with Alexa Guard.
This technology is capable of listening to any smoke alarms or breaking glass and notify you in real-time.
Samsung SmartThings Hub V3
When it comes to providing homeowners with more customized control, very few hubs come close to this. With the Samsung SmartThings Hub v3, you can connect to as many smart devices as you need.
This is because the smart hub incorporates all the major wireless protocols you can think of. The Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 has Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi networks.
With the Samsung SmartThings Hub v3, you can create even more routines and scenes for your smart devices. The SmartThings app comes with all the different customization protocols you’ll need to run your smart home smoothly and comfortably.
With this smart hub, you do not need to plug it into the main router during the setup process. All you need to do is connect it to your home Wi-Fi, and you’ll be good to go. The best thing about the SmartThing Hub v3 is that it works with Nest products.
Apple HomePod Mini
This is the most commonly used smart hub among Homekit-powered smart homes. The Apple HomePod is not only affordable, but it also offers more security to your data. With this mart hub, you do not need to worry about data breaches from hackers.
This is because, like most Apple products, the device follows very strict encryption and authentication protocols. This smart hub comes in a very appealing design and incorporates Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread for its connectivity.
The Apple HomePod Mini also has Siri in-built to ensure you can give voice commands to your smart devices.
Amazon Echo Dot
If you’re looking for a decent smart hub and you’re on a budget, this is the ideal one for you. Although the Amazon Echo Dot lacks both Zigbee and Z-Wave wireless protocols, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
This smart hub also incorporates Amazon Alexa and has Alexa Guard for enhancing your home’s safety. Also, for its price, this smart hub has great audio and a nice design.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your budget and needs, the above smart hubs are some of the best you’ll find in the market.
All that you need to do is compare their features with the connection needed for your smart devices. This will enable you to get the perfect smart hub for your home.