The smart home hub is the brain of your smart house β the device that connects everything, from lights to sensors and locks. But in 2026, choosing a hub is more confusing than ever: Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Apple HomePod, Homey Pro, IKEA DIRIGERA, Aqara Hub M3, Samsung SmartThings Station. Which one is truly worth it? In this guide, we compare the 7 best hubs on the market based on protocols, compatibility, price, and ease of use.
π Read more: Multi-Room Audio: How to Set Up Sound Everywhere
Do You Need a Hub or Not?
If you only have WiFi devices (Tapo, Shelly, TP-Link), you don't need a hub β each device connects directly to your router. You need a hub if:
- Zigbee/Z-Wave devices: Aqara sensors, IKEA lights, Yale locks β require a hub for connection
- Thread/Matter: New protocols need a border router (many hubs include one)
- Central control: One app for everything instead of 5 different ones
- Local processing: Automations that run without internet
Comparison of 7 Smart Home Hubs
| Hub | Protocols | Matter | Voice | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo (4th) | Zigbee, Thread, WiFi | β | Alexa | ~β¬100 | β 8.5/10 |
| Google Nest Hub 2 | Thread, WiFi, BT | β | ~β¬100 | β 8/10 | |
| Apple HomePod Mini | Thread, WiFi, BT | β | Siri | ~β¬110 | β 7.5/10 |
| Homey Pro (2023) | Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, WiFi, BT, IR, 433MHz | β | Alexa/Google | ~β¬400 | β 9.5/10 |
| IKEA DIRIGERA | Zigbee, Thread | β | Alexa/Google | ~β¬60 | β 7/10 |
| Aqara Hub M3 | Zigbee, Thread, WiFi, BT, IR | β | Alexa/Google/Siri | ~β¬80 | β 8.5/10 |
| Samsung SmartThings | Zigbee, Thread, WiFi, Z-Wave | β | Alexa/Google/Bixby | ~β¬50 | β 8/10 |
Detailed Review
1. Homey Pro β The Ultimate Hub
If you want ONE hub for everything, Homey Pro is the best choice. It supports every protocol: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, WiFi, Bluetooth, IR, 433MHz. This means it works with virtually every smart device on the market without a gateway. Local processing, beautiful app, advanced flows (automations), Matter controller + bridge. Downside: costs β¬400 β but it replaces 3-4 smaller hubs/bridges.
2. Amazon Echo (4th Gen) β Best Value
Built-in Zigbee hub + Thread border router + Alexa speaker. For β¬100 you get a smart speaker + hub + Matter controller. Works with thousands of devices, Alexa Routines are easy to create, and IFTTT integration. Downside: cloud-dependent automations, Amazon privacy concerns.
3. Aqara Hub M3 β Best for Sensors
If you use Aqara sensors (the most reliable and affordable), the Hub M3 is ideal. Zigbee 3.0, Thread border router, built-in IR blaster, Matter bridge. Supports 128 Zigbee devices. Local automations via Aqara Home app. Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google. Price β¬80 β excellent value.
4. Samsung SmartThings Station β Budget Powerhouse
Zigbee, Thread, Z-Wave, WiFi at β¬50. Built-in wireless charger. Strong automation engine, Matter controller, extensive compatibility. Works with almost everything. Downside: app in transition (migration to new platform), some users report bugs.
5. IKEA DIRIGERA β Budget Entry
β¬60 for a Zigbee + Thread hub. Ideal if you primarily use IKEA smart home (TRΓ DFRI, FYRTUR, VALLHORN). Limited compatibility outside IKEA ecosystem. App improved but basic. Matter support in beta. Good starting point if you already buy IKEA products.
Matter & Thread: Why They Matter
Matter is the new universal protocol β a Matter device works with any Matter controller (Alexa, Google, Apple, SmartThings). Buy a Matter lock β it works everywhere without a bridge. Thread is the mesh network behind Matter β low latency, reliable, every Thread device becomes a router. A hub supporting Thread border router means future compatibility is guaranteed.
Home Assistant: The DIY Alternative
Not a hub but software. Runs on Raspberry Pi, Mini PC, or Home Assistant Green (β¬100). Supports 2500+ integrations β every device from every brand. You need a Zigbee USB stick (Sgreverse Zigbee 3.0 Dongle Plus, β¬25) for Zigbee devices. 100% local, advanced automations, dashboards, no cloud dependency. Steep learning curve but by far the most powerful solution. Ideal for tech-savvy users who want full control.
Which One to Choose
Beginner on a budget: Samsung SmartThings Station (β¬50) or Amazon Echo 4th Gen (β¬100). Easy to use, wide compatibility.
Apple ecosystem: HomePod Mini (β¬110) + Aqara Hub M3 (β¬80). HomeKit native + Zigbee sensors.
Maximum compatibility: Homey Pro (β¬400). Every protocol, every device, one app.
IKEA smart home: DIRIGERA (β¬60). Affordable, reliable for IKEA ecosystem.
Power user: Home Assistant Green (β¬100) + Zigbee dongle (β¬25). Full control, unlimited possibilities.
Conclusion
The right hub depends on your needs, budget, and how technical you are. For most people, Amazon Echo or SmartThings deliver excellent value. For demanding users, Homey Pro or Home Assistant. In any case, Matter support is a must β it ensures your hub will work with future devices. In 2026, the era where every brand wanted its own app is ending β choose a hub and unite everything in one ecosystem.