Home automation hubs are central devices that allow you to control multiple aspects of your smart home from a single interface. As home automation technology has advanced in recent years with the Internet of Things (IoT), home automation hubs have emerged as an easy way to connect and control all of your smart devices regardless of brand. Rather than using multiple apps to control your smart lights, thermostat, security cameras, appliances and more, a home automation hub lets you access and automate everything from one place.
Home automation hubs are designed to be user-friendly for the average consumer. Most offer intuitive apps and voice control through smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to use simple voice commands to interact with your home devices. Hubs also provide features like setting scenes and automations to fit your lifestyle and daily routines. For example, you can set all your smart lights to turn on at sunset or have your living room temperature automatically adjust when you leave for work. Home automation hubs make it simple to have full control of your connected home.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Aeotec Smart Home Hub
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is a Zigbee and Z-Wave hub that works seamlessly with Samsung SmartThings. It allows you to easily connect, control, automate, and monitor a wide range of smart home devices through the SmartThings app.
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub makes it easy to build an automated smart home. As a central Zigbee and Z-Wave hub, it can connect and control over 5,000 compatible smart devices from a variety of brands. With the SmartThings app, you can monitor and control connected devices, create intelligent automations, and manage your home remotely.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Works as a SmartThings Hub: Directly compatible with Samsung SmartThings to act as the central automation hub for your smart home.
- Simple Setup: Just plug in and connect to WiFi. Download the SmartThings app to easily add and control devices.
- Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Bixby for handy voice control.
- Wide Compatibility: Connects with over 5,000 smart home products using Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi, and other protocols.
- Intelligent Automation: Create customized routines like sleep and wake modes to automatically control devices.
- Remote Monitoring and Control: Check in on your home and control connected devices right from your smartphone.
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub makes it simple to start automating your home with SmartThings. Its broad compatibility allows you to integrate different devices for convenient voice and app control.
Aqara Smart Hub M2
The Aqara Smart Hub M2 is a Zigbee and WiFi smart home hub that connects and controls a wide range of Aqara devices. It works with the Aqara Home app for automation and remote monitoring.
The Aqara Smart Hub M2 enables easy smart home automation. As a central Zigbee hub, it can connect over 100 Aqara devices like sensors, switches, locks, cameras and more. With the Aqara app, you can control devices, create automations, receive notifications, and monitor your home remotely.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Zigbee Hub: Connects with Aqara’s Zigbee devices like sensors, switches, locks, cameras, etc.
- WiFi Enabled: Connects to your home WiFi network for app control and automation.
- Aqara Home App: Allows device control, automation creation, notifications and remote monitoring.
- Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
- Automation: Create customized home automations like arrival/departure modes, alarm triggers, etc.
- Remote Monitoring: Check in on your home and receive alerts even when you’re away.
- Compact Design: Small hub profile fits easily into any home décor.
With broad Zigbee and WiFi compatibility, the Aqara Smart Hub M2 makes it easy to start automating your home with Aqara’s lineup of smart products.
BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub
The BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub is an all-in-one universal remote that controls IR and RF home devices via WiFi. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for voice control and automation.
The BroadLink IR/RF Smart Home Hub brings smart remote control to virtually any IR or RF device in your home. As a universal WiFi remote, it can control TVs, A/Cs, audio, curtains and more. Use the BroadLink app for custom control panels, automation and remote access. It also works with leading voice assistants for hands-free voice control.
Key Features and Benefits:
- IR & RF Control: Controls both IR entertainment devices and RF appliances like curtains.
- Universal Compatibility: Works with 50,000+ IR devices and RF curtains, lights, etc.
- Voice Control: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control.
- Automation: Schedule timers, create scenes and set IFTTT applets for home automation.
- Remote Access: Control your devices and home automation from anywhere with the app.
- Easy Setup: Connects directly to WiFi and has an intuitive app to add devices.
With broad IR and RF compatibility, voice assistant integration and home automation features, the BroadLink Smart Home Hub brings convenient smart control to virtually any device in your home.
Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub
The Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub is a cloud-free, local control hub that works with Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet devices for smart home automation. Made by Hubitat Inc.
The Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub is an advanced control hub for your smart home. It allows you to automate, monitor, and control your lights, locks, thermostats, sensors, and more without relying on the cloud. Key features include:
- Compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet devices from over 100 brands including Philips Hue, Ecobee, Lutron, and more. Supports over 1,000 devices.
- Processes automations locally for speed, reliability and privacy. Your home stays automated even when the internet goes down.
- Built-in automation apps allow both simple and advanced rules without coding. Customize with your own apps and drivers.
- Connects with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant for voice control. Free mobile app for control and monitoring.
- Latest external antenna design for extended Zigbee and Z-Wave range throughout your home.
The Hubitat Elevation hub provides robust performance for whole home automation using your favorite smart devices. It’s an excellent option for advanced automation capabilities and integrations without monthly fees or reliance on the cloud.
Sengled Smart Home Hub
The Sengled Smart Home Hub is a Zigbee hub that connects Sengled smart bulbs and devices for home automation. Made by Sengled.
The Sengled Smart Home Hub brings together your Sengled smart home devices into one easy-to-use system. As the central controller, the hub enables automation and voice control for Sengled smart bulbs, switches, sensors and accessories. Key features include:
- Connects up to 64 Sengled Zigbee devices including smart bulbs, plugs, switches, sensors, and more.
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Sengled app for voice control and automation.
- Simple setup with ethernet cable or WiFi connection to your router.
- Built-in Zigbee radio provides reliable communication with Sengled devices throughout your home.
- Compatible with SmartThings, Wink, Hubitat hubs for advanced integrations.
The Sengled Smart Home Hub unlocks the full potential of Sengled’s lighting and smart home products, allowing easy control and automation through one centralized Zigbee controller. It’s the gateway to building your own customized Sengled smart home.
Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor
The Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor is a Zigbee wireless sensor that monitors temperature, humidity and air pressure. Made by Aqara.
The Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor provides accurate remote monitoring of your indoor climate. As a Zigbee device, it connects to the Aqara hub to enable home automation based on temperature and humidity data. Key features include:
- Precise temperature accuracy within 0.3°C and humidity accuracy within 3%. Uses an industrial grade Sensirion sensor.
- Real-time tracking and historical data in the Aqara app. Get alerts when thresholds are exceeded.
- Built-in air pressure sensor monitors ambient air pressure.
- Automate connected devices like smart plugs and humidifiers based on sensor readings.
- Simple installation with included adhesive for mounting on walls. Long battery life up to 1 year.
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant when paired with the Aqara hub.
The Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor provides an easy way to monitor and control your indoor climate for comfort, energy savings and peace of mind. It’s a versatile Zigbee sensor for any smart home.
eMylo 5.0 Bluetooth & 3.0 ZigBee Gateway
The eMylo 5.0 Bluetooth and 3.0 ZigBee Gateway is a smart home hub that allows you to control both Bluetooth and Zigbee compatible devices from a single app. It works with the Smart Life and Tuya apps for easy remote access and voice control.
The eMylo 5.0 Bluetooth & 3.0 ZigBee Gateway is the convenient way to build and expand your smart home. This 3-in-1 gateway supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4G WiFi, and Zigbee 3.0, allowing you to connect up to 50 devices through a single hub. Control lights, locks, sensors and more from the Smart Life or Tuya app on your smartphone or by voice with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4G WiFi, and Zigbee 3.0 for connecting up to 50 smart devices
- Works with Smart Life and Tuya apps for easy remote access and control
- Voice control compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Easy to set up and pair devices through smartphone app
- Compact design plugs directly into power outlet
- Affordable way to build a complete smart home system
With the eMylo 5.0 Bluetooth and 3.0 Zigbee Gateway, you can conveniently control your smart home devices and expand your system over time. It’s the affordable hub that brings everything together.
Aqara Door and Window Sensor
The Aqara Door and Window Sensor is a Zigbee-based smart home security device that detects when doors or windows are opened. It connects with the Aqara hub to provide notifications and automations.
The Aqara Door and Window Sensor brings peace of mind by monitoring entry points in your home. This compact Zigbee sensor easily mounts on doors, windows, cabinets and more to detect activity. When motion is detected, the sensor instantly alerts your phone and triggers other connected Aqara devices.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Sleek and compact design mounts discreetly on any door or window
- Detects activity and sends instant alerts to your phone
- Works with Aqara hub to enable automations when sensor is triggered
- Wide 22mm gap allowance for compatibility with various fixtures
- Long battery life up to 2 years reduces maintenance
- Voice control integration with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa
- Supports IFTTT for expanded automation capabilities
With real-time monitoring and seamless smart home integration, the Aqara Door and Window Sensor provides added security and control for any home. Its reliable performance and versatile compatibility make it easy to keep tabs on your home’s activity.
TANCANO Smart IR Controller
The TANCANO Smart IR Controller is a WiFi-enabled infrared remote that controls your home entertainment devices and appliances through voice commands or a smartphone app.
The TANCANO Smart IR Controller brings your existing electronics into your smart home. This compact USB device can control TVs, sound systems, air conditioners and more through infrared signals. With WiFi connectivity and integration with voice assistants, you can control devices through Alexa, Google Assistant or the Smart Life app.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Compact and portable design powered by any USB port
- 210° rotatable pivot allows flexible positioning
- Controls most IR-enabled devices like TVs, DVD players, AC units
- Set schedules, timers, and automations through Smart Life app
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- No programming or learning required
- Affordable way to make home devices voice controllable
The TANCANO Smart IR Controller makes it easy to control your existing electronics with smart home voice assistants. Its compact design and universal IR compatibility bring new hands-free convenience to any home entertainment system or appliance.
BroadLink RM4 Mini
The BroadLink RM4 Mini is a smart universal remote that allows you to control IR devices like TVs, ACs, and more from your phone. This bundle includes the temperature and humidity sensor cable for monitoring room conditions.
The BroadLink RM4 Mini Smart Remote and Sensor Cable Set brings full smart home control to your entertainment systems and appliances. This compact WiFi-connected hub can control over 50,000 IR controlled devices through the BroadLink app on your smartphone or tablet.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Universal IR remote controls TVs, ACs, audio systems, cable boxes, and more
- Integrated temperature and humidity sensor cable monitors room conditions
- Create customized scenes to control multiple devices with one tap
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Scheduled timers allow automating device usage
- Small footprint easily fits behind TVs and on shelves
- Free BroadLink app for iOS and Android
With broad device compatibility, intuitive app control, and smart home automation options, the BroadLink RM4 Mini Smart Remote and Sensor Cable Set makes it simple to command your home entertainment and appliances from anywhere.
The Invisible Companions: Interacting with Smart Home Devices
Welcome to the world of smart home devices, the silent companions that have integrated themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. The concept of a smart home, once a staple of science fiction, has become a reality, bringing with it a host of new interactions and social dynamics. We are now living in an era where our homes are not just shelters but hubs of interconnected technology designed to respond to our needs, learn from our habits, and even provide companionship.
Exploring the Human-Smart Home Device Relationship
The relationship between humans and their smart home devices is complex and multifaceted. It extends beyond the practicalities of convenience and enters the realm of emotional connectivity. As we engage with these devices on a daily basis, they become more than tools; they become entities that we interact with, confide in, and sometimes, depend upon. This section will delve into the intricacies of this relationship, exploring how it evolves over time and what it signifies for our future.
Framing Smart Home Devices as Silent Companions
Smart home devices operate quietly in the background, often unnoticed until needed. They adjust the temperature, play our favorite songs, and keep us connected to the world. In this quietude, they provide a form of companionship that’s unique, ever-present but non-intrusive. This section will explore how these devices act as silent partners in our everyday lives, providing comfort and a sense of presence within our personal spaces.
Impact of Social Connectedness
Social connectedness is a fundamental human need, and the advent of smart home devices has brought new dimensions to how we fulfill this need. From voice assistants that greet us when we arrive home to refrigerators that remind us of important family events, technology is playing an increasingly significant role in connecting us to our living spaces and to each other.
Providing Perceived Social Support
Smart home devices offer a new kind of social support by being responsive to our commands and anticipating our needs. This perceived social support can be especially important for those who live alone, providing a sense of being cared for and contributing to overall well-being. This section will examine the ways in which these devices mimic social interactions and the implications of this support for individuals and society.
Forming Emotional Bonds with Smart Devices
The bonds we form with our smart devices can be surprisingly emotional. When we name our devices, thank them for their assistance, or feel comforted by their responses, we are engaging in a form of relationship-building. Studies have shown that these emotional bonds can influence our behavior and feelings of connectedness. Here, we’ll look at the research and discuss the potential for smart devices to fill gaps in our social relationships.
Interaction Types with Smart Home Devices
Interactions with smart home devices vary greatly, from simple command-response exchanges to complex dialogues that adapt over time. Each interaction type can emulate different levels of social presence and contribute differently to our experiences with these technologies. This section will explore the spectrum of interactions and their respective impacts on our perception of social presence.
Emulating Social Presence
Through personalized interactions, smart home devices can create an illusion of social presence. They can recognize individual voices, recall preferences, and engage in conversation, making them seem almost like another person in the room. This section will explore how these interactions contribute to the feeling of not being alone and the comfort that can come from the mere perception of social presence.
Influencing Human Behavior
The way we interact with smart home devices can have a profound effect on our behavior. These devices can encourage us to stay organized, prompt healthy habits, and even improve our mood with the right music or lighting. Here, we’ll discuss the subtle ways in which smart home devices influence our daily actions and decisions.
Benefits and Risks of Smart Home Relationships
The relationship we forge with our smart home devices comes with both benefits and risks. While they can enhance our lives by providing convenience and companionship, there is also the potential for over-reliance on technology. This section will weigh the pros and cons, examining how to maintain a healthy balance in our interactions with these intelligent systems.
Enriching Human Lives
Smart home technology has the potential to enrich our lives in numerous ways. From creating immersive entertainment experiences to providing elderly individuals with reminders and safety features, the benefits are vast. This section will highlight the positive aspects of smart home technology and its capacity to add value to our day-to-day existence.
Potential Over-Reliance on Technology
While smart home devices offer numerous advantages, there is a concern about the potential for over-reliance on technology. Dependence on devices for social interaction or routine tasks may lead to a decrease in human contact and the skills associated with it. In this section, we’ll explore this potential risk and discuss strategies for ensuring that technology serves as a tool rather than a crutch.
