When You Need a Hub (and Which One)
As your smart home grows, you'll eventually run into devices that don't connect to WiFi. That's when you need a hub. But not everyone needs one, and choosing the right one matters.
What Does a Hub Do?
A hub is a device that sits on your network and acts as a translator. It speaks multiple protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread) and converts those signals into something your WiFi network and smart home apps can understand.
Think of it like a universal translator at the United Nations. Devices speak their native protocol to the hub, and the hub relays the message to your phone, voice assistant, or automation engine.
When You Don't Need a Hub
You don't need a hub if:
- All your devices are WiFi-based
- You have fewer than 20 smart devices
- You're happy with manufacturer apps for control
- You don't need advanced automations beyond what Alexa/Google/HomeKit offer
Many people run great smart homes with zero hubs. WiFi devices have gotten reliable enough that a hub-free setup is totally viable.
When You Do Need a Hub
Consider getting a hub when:
- You want Zigbee or Z-Wave devices - These protocols require a hub. Many of the best sensors, switches, and locks use them.
- Your WiFi is getting crowded - With 20+ WiFi devices, things can slow down. Zigbee/Z-Wave devices don't touch your WiFi at all.
- You want local automation - Hubs process automations locally, so they work even if your internet goes down.
- You want one app for everything - Instead of 8 different manufacturer apps, a hub lets you control everything from one place.
- You want advanced automations - Complex conditional logic, multi-device sequences, and cross-brand automations often require a hub.
Hub Options
Samsung SmartThings
Best for: Beginners who want hub features without complexity
- Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter
- Easy app setup
- Good automation engine
- Works with Alexa, Google, and SmartThings ecosystem
Cost: ~$70 for the hub
Amazon Echo (4th Gen or newer)
Best for: Alexa users who want to add Zigbee devices
- Built-in Zigbee hub (no separate purchase)
- Seamless Alexa integration
- Limited compared to dedicated hubs
- No Z-Wave support
Cost: You might already have one
Apple TV / HomePod
Best for: Apple HomeKit users
- Acts as a HomeKit hub for remote access and automations
- Supports Thread protocol
- Works with Matter devices
- No Zigbee or Z-Wave support
Cost: You might already have one
Home Assistant (Yellow or Green)
Best for: Tech-savvy users who want maximum control
- Supports virtually every protocol and device
- Powerful automation engine
- 100% local processing
- Open source, no subscriptions
- Steeper learning curve
Cost: ~$100-150 for hardware
Hubitat Elevation
Best for: Power users who want local control without Home Assistant complexity
- Zigbee and Z-Wave built-in
- All processing is local
- No cloud dependency
- Interface is functional but not pretty
Cost: ~$150
Our Recommendation
If you're just starting to outgrow WiFi-only devices:
- Check what you already have. An Echo 4th Gen or Apple TV might already give you the hub features you need.
- If buying new, start with SmartThings for the best balance of simplicity and capability.
- If you enjoy tinkering, go straight to Home Assistant. It's more work to set up but gives you the most powerful and flexible smart home possible.
You've now completed Home Automation 101! You understand how automation works, can build effective triggers and conditions, know when to use scenes vs routines, and can decide if and when you need a hub. You're well on your way to a truly smart home.