We are at the mouth of 2022, and technological improvement doesn’t seem to stop. This is despite the pandemic (which has been subdued somewhat, fortunately), despite the lockdown and despite the work-from-home situation. The decade is starting to deliver everything that was promised except the flying automobile. But watching the strides made by companies like Alphabet, Meta, IBM, Tesla and Amazon, even that might be possible in the near future. And speaking of Amazon, it had brought a lot of public eyes into home automation with their Amazon Echo series. Combined with Amazon’s own Alexa (the virtual assistant), Echo has become the most popular home automation hub on a global scale. However, Amazon Echo is not only the hub available for your smart home. This is what most people miss. There are not only equally good automation hubs out there that need your attention, but some can be even better choices based on your unique requirements.

A good automation hub joins all of your smart home devices and lets you control all of them with a single app. Meanwhile, a great automation hub covers all this, and further enables your smart home devices to communicate with each other. An example of this is that when you close your front door, your hub detects this and communicates with the other smart home devices and induces a series of logical actions such as putting the lights and thermostat off, making your home a truly smart home. This right here is a perfect example of a great home automation hub in action. The series of logical actions that follows the trigger, such as closing the door, can be structured via the hub.  

Following are the nine automation hubs that are as good as Amazon Echo or even better:

Samsung SmartThings Hub v3

Samsung’s SmartThings is almost as popular as Amazon Echo. But in some areas, it is even better. Version 3 of the SmartThings packs way more abilities and features than the previous two versions. It makes it easier to connect Zigbee and Z-wave, and other devices. Whereas Echo only supports Zigbee and lacks Z-wave. Version 3 even supports Nest devices, which was a drawback from the previous versions. It only takes less time for you to master its operations and is extremely beginner-friendly. Furthermore, it has something called the Home Monitoring component, which will always keep you in touch with your home and commands autonomously in case of any unattended situations like lights-left-on or in case of emergencies like fire.

Apple HomePod mini

Much similar to the Amazon Echo, the Apple HomePod mini also has the dual functionality of being an automation hub as well as a smart speaker. They are super affordable hubs that open up Apple’s Homekit software framework to your smart home. Homekit, with its complexity of functions, can be argued as a step above Amazon’s. HomePod mini also supports Thread, a wireless protocol akin to Zigbee and Z-wave, which helps your smart devices talk to each other without draining the power of your mobile. The writing is on the wall that Thread is the future of smart home devices and is picking up momentum each year. The availability of Thread makes the Apple HomePod mini highly recommended for homeowners who want their smart devices future proof.

Starling Home Hub

Some hubs can be versatile in their functions and abilities, like Amazon Echo, while others can be specialists in a unique set of circumstances like the Starling Home Hub. If you have ever used a Nest thermostat before, you know it is probably the best thermostat for your smart home. Unfortunately, Nest and Apple pool well. This is where the speciality of the Starling Home Hub comes in. Starling Home Hub makes the seamless connection between the Apple home platform and Nest devices like Nest thermostat and Nest smoke detectors possible. Starling Hub also lets homeowners monitor Nest security cameras through the Apple Home app. 

Hubitat Elevation

Hubitat Elevation hubs fit right in the resume of the power users. Suppose you are a power user, this one’s for you. Elevation has a steep learning curve and offers incredible granular control over your smart devices. This is why it is perfect for power users. If you’re looking for a hub that solves a unique problem and situation for your smart home, Hubitat Elevation is what we recommend. Don’t be fooled by its small frame. It enables a myriad of functionality and supports both Zigbee and Z-wave devices. The only issue with the Elevation hubs is that they don’t have wifi like most of their competitors. You are required to connect them to the router to fix this. 

Aeotec’s SmartThings Hub

Samsung SmartThings, despite its popularity parallel to the Amazon Echo, is incredibly rare to get your hands on. But with Aeotec’s SmartThings Hub, which is basically the SmartThings Hub without being from Samsung. Aeotec’s SmartThings Hub allows you to enjoy the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem without owning a Samsung SmartThings hub V3. This is a versatile automation hub that supports wifi, Ethernet, Zigbee, Z Wave etc. Also, it is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and can be controlled using your voice. However, the app needs some serious attention.

Google Nest Hub (2nd-gen)

Amazon Echo might be the best voice-based home automation hub, but Google is catching up with it as a legit competition with its Nest Hub (2nd-gen). Much like Echo, you can control all your smart devices with Google Nest Hub using voice, time and touch. This hub goes well with the Nest group (which is not affiliated with Google) products like Nest thermostat, Nest smoke alarm, Nest security camera, etc. Even though this hub has much to be desired, its simple interface and user-friendliness make it sensible for most smart homeowners.

Aqara Hub M2

Aqara Hub M2 is another versatile hub that is compatible with a wide range of smart home devices. This Zigbee-based hub works well with Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Homekit and Google Assistant. It can technically lodge up to 128 child devices (but require relay devices). This is a highly wallet-friendly hub with flexible functionalities. Despite it being priced affordable, there is no compromise in the quality of the hub. Also, M2 can be voice-controlled using the Aqara in-house system or through any other smart home system. 

Control4

Here comes more serious smart home talk. If you are asking for the best smart home automation hub that money can buy, look no further than the Control4. These are the priciest hubs and, at the same time, the best at what they offer. These are no DIY setups. This hub is installed and configured by only authorised dealers. Control4 concentrates on bespoke hubs that can match the wildest of requirements of the homeowners. Because of their plush nature, Control4 comes with the best of the best systems and supports network issue resolution and altercation.

Abode Iota / Essentials Gateway

When it comes to Abode hubs, there are two versions: the Abode Iota and The Abode Essential Gateway. These hubs are smart security systems first and smart home hubs second. With its Z-wave 500 series chips, Zigbee radio, 4G cellular radios, six-hour battery and microSD card, the Abode hubs have excellent smart home bugs skills. The difference between the two versions is that the Gateway needs to be connected to a router while Iota can work with wifi. 

To Wrap it up

Although Amazon Echo is popular and immensely versatile, there are other smart home hubs that need attention like SmartThings, Nest etc. Some automation hubs are even better than the Echo for the unique resolution they offer, like Abode, Hubitat etc. In contrast, automation hubs like Control4 are the best hubs that money can buy. So, the takeaway is that the choice of the hub is dependent on many factors that are personalised just for you.

 If you have further questions or are still a bit confused, “The Smart Hive” has been helping homeowners and builders ensure convenience and efficiency for their smart home with the right daily smart products. 

Equip and build your homes with these security features and witness a shorter sales cycle, more buyers, increased property value and greater customer satisfaction. 

To know more about security devices for your homes, do read our blogs. For any questions, enquiries, feel free to contact us. We are just a call away!

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