The first thing you should consider buying to start smart home automation is a smart home automation hub or a smart speaker with built-in hub capabilities. This central device will serve as the foundation for connecting and controlling your smart home devices. Once installed, you can connect your doors, light switches, thermostat, garage door opener, fans, sensors, and just about any device that has smart device capabilities to the automation hub and access and control those devices remotely.
Here are a few options to consider:
Smart Home Automation Hub: Examples include Samsung SmartThings Hub, Hubitat Elevation, or Wink Hub. Our personal favorite at the moment is the Hubitat Elevation Hub shown here. (See our review here) These hubs act as a central control center, allowing you to connect and manage various smart devices through a single interface. They support multiple wireless protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave, providing compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Smart Speaker with Hub Capabilities: Devices like Amazon Echo (with built-in Zigbee hub) or Google Nest Hub (with Thread support) offer the convenience of voice control while also serving as a smart home hub. These devices have integrated smart home capabilities, allowing you to control compatible devices using voice commands or a mobile app.
All-in-One Home Security System: If you prioritize home security, you may consider getting an all-in-one home security system like Ring Alarm or SimpliSafe. These systems often come with a central hub that integrates security sensors, cameras, and other devices. They provide not only security features but also smart home automation capabilities.
Before purchasing a smart home hub or speaker, consider the following factors:
Compatibility: Ensure that the hub or speaker supports the wireless protocols used by the smart devices you already own or plan to purchase.
Ecosystem: If you have already invested in a specific ecosystem like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, choosing a hub or speaker within that ecosystem can provide better integration and compatibility.
Expansion Options: Consider the expandability of the hub or speaker to accommodate future smart devices and systems you may want to add to your smart home.
By starting with a smart home automation hub or a smart speaker with hub capabilities, you establish a central control point that will streamline the management and control of your smart home devices, enabling you to expand and customize your automation setup as desired.
