Using a smart home hub to orchestrate all of your smart devices has so many benefits. Our favorite models allow you to set up your lights to turn on and off remotely, get your favorite tunes via voice command, or get news and weather updates on the daily. Choosing the right smart hub for your home will depend on the features you need. Here are our top picks.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen
Easy setup and lots of features
You're only three steps away from talking to Alexa.
Pros:
- Fabric color options
- Sets up fast
- Connects to Amazon account
Cons:
- App may be frustrating at times
Want to speak with Alexa about the weather, news, or your favorite music? This is the third generation of Echo Dot from Amazon; it has a richer sound than previous models and comes covered in four fabric colors. You can set alarms, make calls, and pair several Echo Dots to create an intercom system. The connection to your Amazon account lets you order items directly through the device and confirm with voice commands.
Amazon Echo Show 8
Good audio quality for a small device
Make video calls, watch shows, or view recipes with the large screen.
Pros:
- Built-in camera shutter
- Large screen
- Photo frame option
Cons:
- Expensive
The big, high-definition screen on this Amazon device makes it useful beyond its smart home functionality. You can place video calls to distant loved ones or use it to watch your favorite movies and shows at your desk. When the device is idle, you can set it up to display your cherished photos. To protect your privacy, there is a built-in camera shutter and the ability to disable the microphone.
Philips Hue smart hub
Cute and compact control for your lights
Set timers, dimmers, colors, and more with this hub.
Pros:
- Works with other smart assistants
- Lighting schedules
Cons:
- Requires wired connection
- Setup could be easier
Your lighting can be set up to run on a schedule with this Philips Hue smart hub. It can connect with up to 50 Hue lights, and then you can control them with popular smart services like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. When you decide to up your lighting game, this hub will pair with the dimmer and motion sensor Hue accessories that can be purchased separately.
Hubitat elevation home automation hub
Get specific with your home automations
The best option for those worried about internet outages or security.
Pros:
- Works without internet
- All data is stored locally
- Precise automation rules available
Cons:
- Not novice-friendly
Most smart home hubs are only useful when they have internet connectivity, but this option from Hubitat will work, even if your signal drops. That’s because it relies on local processing instead of cloud-based, which means it can work as long as your home equipment still has power. The dashboard for the device has incredibly precise controls you can tune for lights, sensors, and other smart products. While this probably isn’t the best choice for someone new to home automation, it does offer the widest range of support for types of devices.
Home of the future
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Choosing a smart home hub depends on the task you need it to do. Overall, our favorite option is the Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen. It can do everything you expect of a smart home hub, like providing news updates, setting reminders, and playing music, all from a small package. The fabric covering makes it an attractive addition to any desktop or room. We also like the available intercom feature if you decide to add more than one to your home.
If you want a device that goes beyond home automation, consider the Amazon Echo Show 8. The ability to watch shows and movies, as well as make video calls, are the reasons this model landed on our list. We think the extra privacy controls are a nice addition to this series of devices and help the device feel less intrusive.
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