Smart home hubs and gateways connect Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread and Wi-Fi devices to a single controller, so sensors, lights, plugs and heating can work together. The range suits first-time smart home builders as well as owners of larger systems. Brands include Aqara, Aeotec, TP-Link, Philips Hue and eQ-3.
How to choose a smart home hub or gateway
Radio protocol. Check which protocol your devices use before anything else. Zigbee and Z-Wave are the most common for sensors, switches and bulbs, and a hub that does not speak your devices' protocol cannot control them. Some gateways support several protocols, which helps if you plan to mix brands.
Ecosystem and voice assistants. Decide whether you will run your home through Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or a platform such as Home Assistant. Many newer hubs support Matter, which lets devices from different makers work together more easily, but support varies between models, so check the product page.
Local control or cloud. A hub that runs automations locally keeps working when your internet connection drops and usually responds faster. Cloud-based gateways are simpler to set up but depend on the manufacturer's servers and app.
Connection and room for growth. Some hubs connect by Ethernet cable, others by Wi-Fi, and a wired link is steadier in larger homes. Look at how many devices a hub can manage, and whether it can extend its range through mains-powered devices that act as repeaters.
Smart home hub and gateway brands we carry
- Aqara: known for low-cost Zigbee sensors, switches and hubs that work with Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa.
- Aeotec: a maker of Z-Wave and Zigbee products, including USB controllers and a hub built on the SmartThings platform.
- eQ-3: the German company behind the Homematic and Homematic IP systems, which are built around local control.
- TP-Link: a networking specialist that also sells the Tapo and Kasa smart home lines, so its hubs pair easily with its cameras and plugs.
- Philips Hue: its bridge connects Hue Zigbee lights and accessories, and enables automations and wider assistant support.
- Fibaro: a European maker of Z-Wave based smart home systems with its own controller and a large catalogue of modules.
- Ubiquiti: best known for UniFi networking, with products that fit homes already running UniFi equipment.
- Schneider Electric: a large electrical and building automation company, with smart home control for fixed installations.
Also in our range: Yeelight, Avatto, ALLNET and MOES.
Smart home hub FAQ
What does a smart home hub do?
A smart home hub links your smart devices to one controller and lets them work together. It translates between protocols such as Zigbee or Z-Wave and your network, so a motion sensor can switch on a light without a phone. Most hubs are managed through an app.
Do I need a hub for a smart home?
Not always. Wi-Fi devices such as many plugs and bulbs connect to your router directly and work through their own apps. A hub becomes worthwhile when you use Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, want automations that run locally, or have enough devices to strain your Wi-Fi.
What is the difference between Zigbee and Z-Wave?
Both are low-power wireless protocols for smart home devices, but they are not compatible with each other. Zigbee is used by many lighting and sensor brands, while Z-Wave is common in security and control products. The best choice is the one that matches the devices you own or plan to buy.
Can one hub work with Alexa and Google Home?
Many hubs can, although it depends on the model. Some support Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home together, and hubs with Matter support widen compatibility further. Check the assistants listed on the product page before you buy.
