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What Are The Best Budget Smart Hubs in 2025

"Navigating the Landscape of Affordable Smart Hubs: Expert Insights on Functionality, Compatibility, and Value" When it comes to transforming your living space into a fully automated haven, selecting the right budget smart hub is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options currently available, focusing on key decision factors such as compatibility with various smart devices, ease of setup, and user-friendly interfaces. Additionally, we will delve into essential features like voice control integration, automation capabilities, and security protocols that ensure your home is not only smart but also safe. Our expert analysis will help you identify which budget smart hubs excel in connectivity options like Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi, giving you the flexibility to expand your smart home ecosystem. We’ll also highlight models that stand out for their robust app support and regular firmware updates—critical components for maintaining long-term functionality. Whether you're a novice looking to dip your toes into home automation or a seasoned tech enthusiast seeking budget-friendly solutions, our comprehensive overview will empower you to make informed decisions. Dive in to discover the top contenders that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank!

1

Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation [GP-U999SJVLGDA]

Buy Now $450.00

Why We Love It

Users praise this smart hub for its versatility and wide range of device compatibility. Many love the built-in siren feature and the battery backup, which ensures functionality even during power outages. It's also appreciated for its sleek design that fits in with any home decor.

Pros

  • Supports a wide range of devices
  • Built-in siren
  • Battery backup

Cons

  • Requires Internet connection
  • App can be confusing

3rd Generation Samsung SmartThings Hub for seamless device integration.

The Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation is a sleek and powerful smart hub that connects wirelessly with a wide range of smart devices. It allows you to control, automate, and monitor your home from anywhere in the world. It supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and IP-enabled devices. It includes a built-in siren and battery backup for added convenience and safety.

2

Philips Hue Smart Hub

Buy Now $40.00

Why We Love It

Users love the Philips Hue Smart Hub for its easy setup and seamless integration with Hue devices. The ability to control up to 50 devices is a big plus for many. Reviewers also appreciate its compatibility with major voice assistants, making it a versatile choice for any smart home setup. Its compact design is another feature that users have praised, noting that it's easy to find a spot for it in any room.

Pros

  • Supports up to 50 devices
  • Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
  • Easy setup and use

Cons

  • Requires Ethernet connection
  • Only compatible with Hue devices

A compact, easy-to-use smart hub with seamless integration.

Philips Hue Smart Hub offers a seamless experience in smart home automation. This hub connects all your Hue devices, enabling you to control them through the Hue app or your voice. It supports up to 50 lights and accessories, ensuring all your smart devices are in sync. The Hue Bridge also integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing for voice control and creating routines. With this compact device, you can manage your smart home effortlessly.

3

Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation

Buy Now $295.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers and experts love the Samsung SmartThings Hub for its broad compatibility with various smart devices. They also praise its reliable connectivity, which ensures seamless operation of connected devices. The ease of setup is a big plus for users, and the ability to control and automate devices using voice commands adds to the convenience.

Pros

  • Broad device compatibility
  • Reliable connectivity
  • Easy setup

Cons

  • Requires internet for setup
  • Occasional app glitches

Samsung smart hub supporting a wide variety of devices.

This third-generation Samsung SmartThings Hub offers compatibility with a wide range of smart devices, including lights, speakers, locks, thermostats, sensors, and more. It allows automations and voice control through Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby. It operates on a secure, reliable wireless connection and can be easily set up via the SmartThings app.

4

Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation

Buy Now $450.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers are impressed by the Samsung SmartThings Hub's wide compatibility, noting its ability to connect to a range of devices. The hub's Wi-Fi connectivity is also appreciated, with users finding it reliable and easy to set up. Additionally, its compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant is a hit among users who enjoy the convenience of voice control. The hub's ability to create complex routines and automations is frequently mentioned as a standout feature.

Pros

  • Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and IP-connected devices
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons

  • Requires internet connection
  • Some devices may need additional hub

A feature-rich smart hub that supports a wide range of devices.

The Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation is a robust device that brings together your smart home devices for simplified control. It enables you to connect smart sensors, lights, locks, cameras, and more to create a smart home that suits your needs. Compatible with Zigbee, Z-Wave, and IP-connected devices, it offers wide-ranging support for many popular smart home devices. Additionally, it supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. Its Wi-Fi connectivity ensures seamless operation.

5

Google Nest Hub

Buy Now $120.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Google Nest Hub's interactive display, which adds a visual dimension to smart home control. They appreciate its broad compatibility and personalized results thanks to Voice Match technology. The Ambient EQ feature is also a hit, automatically adjusting the screen to match the room's lighting.

Pros

  • Interactive display
  • Broad compatibility
  • Ambient EQ feature

Cons

  • No camera for video calls
  • Requires Google account

Google Nest Hub with integrated screen.

The Google Nest Hub is more than just a smart home hub—it's an interactive display that lets you control your smart devices, watch videos, view photos, and more. It works with thousands of compatible devices and features Voice Match technology for personalized results. The Ambient EQ feature adjusts the screen brightness and color to match the room, while the built-in speaker delivers rich sound.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 5 Products Updated Oct 04, 2025
Product Supports Multiple Devices Voice Control Support Type of Devices Supported Built-in Sensors Battery Backup App Usability
1 Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation [GP-U999SJVLGDA]
Yes No Zigbee, Z-Wave, IP-enabled No Yes Confusing
2 Broadlink RM4 Mini Universal IR Audio Video Remote Control
Yes Yes IR devices only No No Good
3 Broadlink RM4 pro S Universal Remote
Yes Yes IR and RF devices Temperature and humidity sensor No Moderate
4 Wink WNKHUB-2US 2 Smart home hub
Yes No Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi No Yes Moderate
5 Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Z-Wave Hub
Yes No Z-Wave devices only No Yes Easy
1

Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation [GP-U999SJVLGDA]

Supports Multiple Devices
Yes
Voice Control Support
No
Type of Devices Supported
Zigbee, Z-Wave, IP-enabled
Built-in Sensors
No
Battery Backup
Yes
App Usability
Confusing
2

Broadlink RM4 Mini Universal IR Audio Video Remote Control

Supports Multiple Devices
Yes
Voice Control Support
Yes
Type of Devices Supported
IR devices only
Built-in Sensors
No
Battery Backup
No
App Usability
Good
3

Broadlink RM4 pro S Universal Remote

Supports Multiple Devices
Yes
Voice Control Support
Yes
Type of Devices Supported
IR and RF devices
Built-in Sensors
Temperature and humidity sensor
Battery Backup
No
App Usability
Moderate
4

Wink WNKHUB-2US 2 Smart home hub

Supports Multiple Devices
Yes
Voice Control Support
No
Type of Devices Supported
Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi
Built-in Sensors
No
Battery Backup
Yes
App Usability
Moderate
5

Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Z-Wave Hub

Supports Multiple Devices
Yes
Voice Control Support
No
Type of Devices Supported
Z-Wave devices only
Built-in Sensors
No
Battery Backup
Yes
App Usability
Easy

Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Smart Hubs

What makes a budget smart hubs the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your budget smart hubs recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of budget smart hubs?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.