Samsung Smart home. Samsung s SmartThings Station is a Minimal Way to Add Matter to your Smart Home

The little charging box has a programmable button and even works with iOS.

It was a big week for Samsung. The company launched its latest batch of flagship smartphones, including the Galaxy S23 Ultr a, which has a whopping 200-MP primary camera. It also reminded us that it’s selling a device ecosystem, first with the companion announcement of the Windows-based Galaxy Book 3 Pro lineup, which promises seamless integration with Samsung smartphones. Then with SmartThings. which Samsung continues to trot out as a reminder that it’s still in the Smart home.

The company was handing out the SmartThings Station as a “gift” for keynote attendees. And since I was in San Francisco for the event, I brought one home. Samsung announced the Matter-compatible Smart hub last month at CES. It has a programmable button and wireless charging capabilities for your smartphone. Its iPhone app also received an update that makes it compatible with iOS 16.

I still need to get Matter-compatible accessories to pair with the SmartThings Station. There are still only a few options on the market, though so many more are coming this year. But I set up the SmartThings Station to see what it’s like. At only 80. it’s a relatively affordable way to set up a Smart home if you haven’t already, though I’m not planning on switching out my current setup anytime soon.

The Samsung SmartThings Station is easy to set up

The SmartThings Station looks like any other charging pad, but with two status lights on the side: one for the hub itself and one for wireless charging. The Station supports Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It can connect to all types of Smart devices, including bulbs, plugs, thermostats, and TVs. It also serves as a Zigbee controller. If you want additional Z-Wave connectivity, you’ll still have to buy a separate SmartThings Hub manufactured by Aeotec. However, most popular connected gadgets, like Philips Hue Smart bulbs, use Zigbee, so it’s an amply supported protocol to have on hand.

The SmartThings Station isn’t just a Smart home hub. It also works with SmartThings Find to help locate any registered Samsung devices—including Galaxy Buds and the Galaxy Watch—or anything marked with the Samsung SmartTag Bluetooth tracker. The wireless charging maxes out at 15W. I will caution that it will only charge as advertised if you plug it into an adapter with appropriate wattage. I had the most success with a 25W adapter. Anything below 15W and the charging indicator light will blink yellow.

I got the SmartThings Station set up in under ten minutes. After plugging it in, I didn’t even have to ask the app to set it. When I opened SmartThings on my Pixel 7, I got an immediate prompt to add it to my network. And once I tapped on Add now, it took care of all the configuration for me.

Samsung thinks this is a device you’d put within arm’s reach, so there is a button on the SmartThings Station. There are three mappable button actions: pressed, held, and double pressed, and each can be programmed to trigger a specific routine. I have it programmed to turn the lights on and off in my office with each press, and I like it as an alternative to talking to Google (I don’t talk to Bixby).

Where is the Samsung Home Hub?

A little over a year ago, Samsung said it would launch the Home Hub. a tablet-style device to manage SmartThings. The year went on, and it never came. The SmartThings Station is likely the alternative, and it’s more affordable than what an 8-inch tablet would cost to produce and maintain. Google is launching the Pixel Tablet sometime this year as a companion to its ecosystem, and it’s a wonder if Samsung will follow suit after that. But a quote from an interview between The Verge and Samsung’s Jaeyeon Jung, head of SmartThings, seems to indicate the company is going to keep things simple in the Smart home space:

We stopped making SmartThings branded hardware and decided it would be much better for consumers if the Smart home functionality was embedded within our products, rather than them having to buy separate devices.

It’s worth noting that the SmartThings Station is one of the few Matter-compatible devices that syncs up with the iPhone. Samsung updated the SmartThings app on iOS this week with support for the protocol, which means your iPhone-using housemates can set up SmartThings routines (though they can’t use it to find their iPhone). It’s nice to see another cross-platform alternative for iPhone users, though the SmartThings experience is unlike the native integration offered through Apple Home. The Google Home app on iOS doesn’t currently provide Matter support for iPhone users.

The SmartThings Station works with all Samsung and Android devices running Android 8 and up. It syncs up with any Matter, ZigBee, BLE, and iOS device running iOS 14 and up. It’s also compatible with 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. It’s available for 80 in white and black.

The Samsung SmartThings hub is still the best at integrating all your Smart home devices.

Tom’s Guide Verdict

The Samsung SmartThings hub is still the best at integrating all your Smart home devices.

Pros

• Wi-Fi makes installing this hub easier
• Allows for more automation than other hubs
• Works with Zigbee and Z-Wave devices

Cons

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In my home, I have Smart plugs, Smart lights, Smart speakers, Smart thermostats, Smart locks, Smart doorbells and more. Getting them all to work with each other to create a truly Smart home is a challenge.

Samsung’s SmartThings hub has long been the best option for integrating all such devices so that, for example, the lights turn on when I open my front door. The newest version of the SmartThings hub has a slimmer design and comes with Wi-Fi — but it’s the app that really differentiates this device from all others, and makes it one of the best Smart home hubs.

Samsung SmartThings Hub review: Price and release date

The third version of the Samsung SmartThings Hub was released in 2018 (when this review was originally published) and retailed at the time for 99. It’s since dropped in price to around 69.

If you’re looking for a Smart home hub and mesh router in one, then we recommend Samsung’s SmartThings Wi-Fi Mesh router, which puts the capabilities of the SmartThings hub into the router. It starts at 120 for the base unit, and costs 279 for a three-pack.

Samsung SmartThings Hub review: Design

The SmartThings 2018 (V3) hub has roughly the same footprint as the older model, but it’s a hair thinner and has a rounder shape. Although you can connect this hub via Wi-Fi to your router, the newer model also has an Ethernet port for a hardwired connection.

The 2018 hub also lacks the battery backup of the previous model, but if you’ve lost power, chances are none of your other Smart home devices will work, either.

If you’re upgrading from an older hub, be prepared to do some work. You have to first remove the older device from the SmartThings app, then manually reconnect all your Smart home devices. If you’re like me and have a ton of devices, this can take some time.

Samsung SmartThings Hub review: Interface

Samsung’s SmartThings app has changed a lot since we initially reviewed it. For one thing, the interface is a bit clearer than before. Now, the home screen is divided into sections based on what devices you have in each room and their status. Each device has a small card, and lets you control each.

A menu at the top left lets you dig into your rooms, devices, scenes, automations, and more. Press the Plus icon in the upper right, and you can also add devices to the system, as well as create scenes, automations, and lighting groups.

I liked that I could control the color of my Philips Hue lights from the SmartThings app, but that’s about the extent of it. You can’t control Philips Hue scenes (as you can in the Alexa app); I also wish that I could view feeds from security cameras.

Samsung SmartThings Hub review: Smart Home compatibility

Apart from its extensive automations, the best reason to purchase the SmartThings Hub is that it can connect to an incredible number of Smart home products, including Ring video doorbells, Arlo cameras, Philips Hue, Lutron Caseta, Ecobee thermostats, TP-Link Smart plugs and switches, Smart locks from August, Yale, Schlage, and Kwikset, and yes, even Nest products.

You can also use Alexa and Google Assistant to control devices connected to SmartThings. Here’s a full list of all devices that work with SmartThings.

When it comes time to add a new device, the SmartThings app will first attempt to discover the device automatically. If it doesn’t appear in the app, you can add it manually, selecting from a bevy of options, including TVs, air conditioners, washers and dryers, refrigerators, robot vacuums, cameras, doorbells, and lights.

Samsung SmartThings Hub review: Automations

The main reason to use SmartThings is not that you can control Smart home devices from a single app, but that you can link them together. So, for example, you can have a Smart speaker play a sound if your doorbell camera detects motion, the water sensor gets wet or you arrive home.

You can create automations based on the time of day, the status of a device (such as a door sensor opening), or your or a family member’s location. SmartThings has a few recommended automations, such as warning you if a window is open and a rainstorm is approaching. The hub can also be set to turn off your thermostat if a window is opened.

SmartThings’ automations are more sophisticated than both Alexa’s and Google Home’s Routines, though Alexa has been getting much better. Google Home is still pretty limited, though, as you can only initiate a Routine only via a spoken command, or by programming it to launch at a certain time of day.

Yes, you can use IFTTT with Alexa or Google Home to perform some more-sophisticated actions, but then again, you can use IFTTT with SmartThings, too.

Samsung SmartThings Hub review: Verdict

By virtue of its more-advanced automations and ability to link to both Z-Wave and Zigbee devices, the Samsung SmartThings Hub is still the best choice for linking multiple Smart home products together.

Those who are more invested in Alexa’s ecosystem may prefer the Amazon Echo (4th gen), which has a Zigbee hub built in; Alexa has some pretty good automations, too. But for those who need to connect an even wider range of products, the SmartThings Hub is the best option.

Samsung’s SmartThings Station Is a Damn Clever Smart Home Hub

Combining a wireless charger and a Matter-ready Smart home hub into one is a no-brainer.

I have what any normal person would consider an unhealthy obsession with wireless chargers. I can’t get enough of them and I refuse to stop testing new ones until the dream of Apple’s canceled AirPower becomes reality or true over-the-air wireless charging replaces our tangly wires once and for all.

Tesla’s Wireless Charging Platform is a step in AirPower’s direction. But the 300 price makes it a luxury convenience most people can live without. Samsung’s SmartThings Station is a different take on a wireless charger: it doubles as a Smart home hub.

When the SmartThings Station debuted at CES 2023, I thought the idea made perfect sense. Why not have your wireless charger, which sits at home, unused after it’s plugged in, also doing something else? Who doesn’t love a good multipurpose gadget?

After using it for the past few weeks — and experiencing a few bumps along the way — I still think the SmartThings Station is a clever 2-in-1 product that’s a no-brainer combo. I see the appeal of a single-function wireless charger that just charges your phone or smartwatch or wireless earbuds, but replacing two devices with one is a solid proposition, too.

Samsung’s 2-in-1 wireless charger and Smart home hub is a clever way to reduce your Smart home clutter.

Wireless Charging Your Devices

Wireless charging is the most basic function of the SmartThings Station — and it works for the most part. The 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.9-inch wireless charger has a slightly recessed top with a Qi wireless charging coil underneath it. This is where you plop down a Qi-compatible phone, smartwatch, or wireless earbuds. There are two models: a 59.99 SmartThings Station that doesn’t come with a charger and a 79.99 version that includes a 25W Super Fast charger ideal for fast-charging Samsung Galaxy phones (this is the one I’ve been testing).

Qi is pretty ubiquitous on phones at this point, but the speeds vary. With a 25W or higher wattage charger, Galaxy phones can fast wireless charge at 15W. iPhones are capped at 7.5W. Other Android phones and Qi accessories wireless charge at around 5W. Naturally, as a Samsung device, the SmartThings Station is better suited for Galaxy phones. But also remember, this is a wireless charger so slower charging speeds are to be expected compared to fast wired charging.

The iPhone 14 Pro only charged when I set it at an angle. on its camera bump.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 would only charge in certain positions.

Almost all devices I placed on the SmartThings Station worked, but you will need to fiddle with finding the appropriate sweet spot. It’s not always as obvious as placing your device dead center on the SmartThings Station. For example, my iPhone 14 Pro needed to be placed at an angle; I had to position the camera bump on the edge of the charger, which made the iPhone 14 Pro angled, for the Qi charging to kick in. This struck me as weird because my iPhone 14 Pro would sometimes slide off if a bunch of notifications buzzed it enough. And because of this awkward angling, I worried that my case-free iPhone would scratch; a softer surface material could have fixed this concern. Positioning will vary from device to device, but still, it kind of annoyed me; a larger surface area would have solved the problem.

Samsung sent me the black model; there’s also a white version. It’s as basic as a wireless charger gets. Other than a Smart home button (I’ll get to that in a second) and LED lights to indicate the status of the charge, nobody would suspect the SmartThings Station being a Smart home hub.

Connecting Your Smart Home

I still believe the modern Smart home started off with good intentions to actually automate homes and let us all live out our sci-fi fantasies. Amazon propelled the Smart home forward with Alexa. Then everyone piled on. Google made a mad dash with the Assistant and Nest, somewhat fumbling the unification of the two platforms in the process — an issue that still persists today among customers. Samsung pushed SmartThings. Apple trudged along sloppily with Siri and HomeKit.

What sane person wants to spend time decoding different Smart home protocols? Thread, Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave — this stuff is offputting enough to the layman but necessary to understand when it comes to piecing together a Smart home that not only works but will be future-proof.

Unfortunately, the state of the Smart home is no less complicated today than it was nearly a decade ago when it arrived. While Matter is easing the process of connecting devices from various device makers and platforms together — without each device needing to connect to the Internet on its own, no less — the interim transition is still a little bumpy.

Setting up the SmartThings Station with the SmartThings app is simple on iOS or Android. The app walks you through connecting compatible devices and looks like every other Smart home app, which is to say it’s got a lot going on. I connected four existing Smart plugs (an Eve Energy, Kasa, and two Samsung ones), which now connect to the SmartThings Station for Wi-Fi instead of directly or to my SmartThings Hub v2, and two Nest cameras, and could control them all from within the app. No issues there.

The Smart Button has three programmable functions: single tap, double, tap, and long press.

Things get interesting when you create scenes and routines. Do you want certain devices to activate in the morning and at night? Perhaps, Smart lights turn on, off, or dim; Smart blinds roll up or down; music plays; something happens when a sensor reaches a certain temperature. There’s so much you can do with a Smart home that I can’t possibly cover here. And sometimes you don’t want to shout at a voice assistant to activate a scene or automation, which is where the SmartThings Station’s “Smart button” comes in; it can be programmed to do various things. Three functions — single tap, double tap, and long press — can be customized to activate a scene/automation. By default, a double tap rings Galaxy phones (another perk for being a Samsung user). The SmartThings Station can also detect nearby Galaxy SmartTags or Galaxy Buds — useful if you’ve misplaced them.

How much mileage you will get from the SmartThings Station will depend on what devices you own and how many of them are compatible with SmartThings/Samsung. The SmartThings app has a list of recommended scenes and automation that you can do if you’ve got the right devices. I’ve got some basic Smart plugs and cameras, but not a Smart fridge or locks. That makes the SmartThings Station less versatile for someone like me, but I still liked not needing my SmartThings Hub v2 just to connect older plugs, and reducing the number of devices that connect directly to my Wi-Fi is a privacy and security win in my book.

Should You Buy It?

Nothing Ear 2 wirelessly charging on Samsung SmartThings Station.

As a self-proclaimed wireless charger expert, I wouldn’t buy the SmartThings Station just for its Qi wireless charging. There are myriad better (read: larger) and sleeker wireless chargers to choose from, many of which are more affordable or similarly priced. Native Unions Drop XL and Nomad’s Base Station Mini are two of my favorites.

The only reason to pony up for the SmartThings Station is for its Smart home hub functionality. If you’re just getting started with building a Smart home (hopefully with Matter-ready devices), I recommend considering the SmartThings Station, especially if you’re a Samsung user entrenched in its ecosystem of Galaxy products. If you have a Smart home built around SmartThings devices, the SmartThings Station is a good way to add Matter support, which you’ll want if you plan to keep adding to it. For Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant/Nest Smart homes, the 2-in-1 wireless charger/hub works so long as your Smart home devices support Matter or SmartThings, but you might not love controlling it all from within the SmartThings app.

Overall, I think Samsung’s got the right idea with the SmartThings Station. I, for one, hope it’s a trend that other companies copy and maybe even expand on.

SmartThings Is Now “Dead” (Apparently)! Are There Alternatives?

In the world of Smart home hubs, Samsung SmartThings is one of the many main contenders – or is it?

Some users have begun to notice changes, albeit small, that make them wonder if SmartThings is soon to be a thing of the past. Even though the hub and app are still receiving updates, support for products like Ring is seemingly becoming null. In addition, it’s tough to find a SmartThings hub to buy. So what exactly is going on with SmartThings?

• Samsung SmartThings used to be a physical hub, but it’s now also software that ships with Samsung TVs, refridgerators and more.
• SmartThings isn’t dead, although some of their updates have been a bit delayed.
• Stock issues mean that purchasing the physical SmartThings hub is increasingly difficult.
• SmartThing’s compatiblity with Ring’s full product line-up is increasingly lacking.

Let’s drill into whether SmartThings is indeed ‘dead’ or not, by firstly covering what “SmartThings” is (spoiler alert: it’s not just a physical hub anymore).

What is Samsung SmartThings?

Samsung SmartThings’ most common use is as a Smart home hub. It’s actually one of the more popular Smart home hubs, as it supports a few different wireless communication protocols.

In addition to ‘classic’ Wi-Fi, SmartThings also supports Zigbee and Z-Wave. As technology continues to grow and change, Samsung is determined not to fall behind. As such, they’re now implementing the use of Matter.

Samsung SmartThings works much like any other Smart home hub. You use it as a central hub of communication for all of your Smart home devices. It can also be used to create automations. Since it supports Zigbee, you can also use it as a hub for Smart devices like Philips Hue.

The SmartThings hub comes in two versions, the v2 and the newer (and harder to find) v3. The v1 is discontinued. The v2 requires a wired, ethernet connection, while the v3 can be used with ethernet or wirelessly.

The hub has to be plugged in, but the v2 also has a compartment for 4 ‘AA’ batteries. These are used as a battery backup in the event of a power outage, and last about 2 hours. The v3 unfortunately doesn’t have battery backup.

You can use Samsung SmartThings via the SmartThings app, which most Samsung phones come already equipped with. Even if you don’t use SmartThings as a Smart home hub, with a Samsung phone, it’s by means of this that your Bluetooth devices connect and pair to your phone.

If it’s not already installed on your phone, or you have an iPhone, you can simply go to either your Play Store or Apple’s App Store and download the SmartThings app.

Though Samsung is an Android company, the SmartThings app can be used on an iPhone as well.

So now, what other devices support SmartThings?

What Works With Samsung SmartThings?

Conveniently, SmartThings is compatible with a wide variety of Smart home manufacturers. Companies such as Ring, Honeywell, LIFX, Alexa, Nanoleaf, and many more, are compatible with Smart Things.

As such, you can add them as devices in your SmartThings app, where you can create routines so that they can work together.

Newer Samsung TVs, such as those made in 2021 and 2022, also come equipped with SmartThings. This makes it possible to access your SmartThings Dashboard. Just sign into your Samsung account, and you can control your connected Smart devices right from SmartThings on your TV!

SmartThings is also compatible with Samsung’s wide range of Smart appliances. These include refrigerators, washers, dryers, and even dishwashers! This gives you the ability to check on your various appliances, and even control them, no matter where you are.

So with all of the advancements and compatibilities that SmartThings has, what about those rumors that SmartThings is ‘dead’?

Is Samsung SmartThings Really Dead?

Some people say SmartThings constantly stops working, others have issues finding the hub.

So while there’s evidence that SmartThings is still alive and well (such as a fully-functioning website!), why do people still say that it’s dead, or dying?

Update Delays

On their forum, Samsung SmartThings announced that a new update would be rolling out on August 22nd, 2022. This update would fix bugs and performance issues that SmartThings users were having.

However, even after the date of the supposed release of the update, many reported that they still hadn’t received the update.

Looking further on the SmartThings community board, Samsung themselves noted that the update could take up to a week to roll out completely. They even said it could be spread out over several days. So when a week came and went, many users were still confused – and annoyed.

There are different reasons that could affect the speed of the update. Issues such as internet connection and device compatibility are just two. While there is still support for the Samsung SmartThings v2 hub, some say the update doesn’t come up right away.

Despite complaints, Samsung insisted it was still going to be, and is, rolling out the update little by little. While many have reportedly received and are enjoying the update, some users haven’t had such luck. The solution in this case? Patience – and apparently lots of it!

Hard-To-Find Hub

This is one of the biggest reasons for the ‘SmartThings is dead’ rumor. Lately, some would-be customers are having a hard time getting a hold of the SmartThings v3 hub.

Because of this, rumors have spread that Samsung has stopped making them. After all, one of the first indications that a product is about to be discontinued is the sheer scarcity of finding it.

However, there is some truth to this particular rumor. Samsung has stopped making the SmartThings hub – but that doesn’t mean it’s being discontinued, nor is it dead.

Though it’s been tough to find, the Samsung SmartThings hub is not being discontinued. Instead, Samsung has moved away from making their hardware, such as the SmartThings hub. Instead, they have contracted Aeotec to start making the hub. Because of this, users will see a huge similarity between Aeotec hubs, and the Samsung SmartThings hub.

Still, with Aeotec making them, it’s been hard to find the hub in stock. The world health situation that we all are just now recovering from, has created a great deal of issues with supply and demand. I mean, just look at the car buying market!

Unfortunately, companies such as Aeotec are having problems getting certain components for the hubs. One such component is certain chips for the SmartThings hub. This in turn tanks production. As the supply of these components increases, so will the amount of Smartthings hubs. For now, it’s more of a waiting game.

Ring Compatibility Issues

Some users have complained that SmartThings isn’t working well with their Ring Video Doorbells. This is of course problematic, as Ring is one of the many companies that SmartThings is supposed to work with.

The fault doesn’t lie with Samsung on this one. Ring themselves has made a note on their website that they have become aware of the situation. Some features such as Quick Replies, as well as certain functions with their Video Doorbells and cameras, aren’t working as they should in the SmartThings environment. Ring states that they’re working on the issue as we speak.

Equally some of Ring’s newer products aren’t supported at all, including the newer Doorbell Pro 2 (pictured above) which failed to work throughout much of 2021.

So while there are definitely some issues in that department, Ring is working on it. That issue in no way indicates the death of SmartThings, or the death of their ongoing relationship with Ring.

Alternatives to Samsung SmartThings

So let’s say you’re still put off by the rumors that Samsung SmartThings is dead, or you’re fed up with their supply issues and wondering whether there’s an end in sight.

Perhaps you’re a Samsung SmartThings user and are just plain tired of it. Not to worry! When it comes to Smart home automation, there are a few alternative Smart home hubs that have you covered.

Amazon Echo Alexa

First off, we’ve got Amazon’s Echo, powered by Alexa.

Few Smart home hubs have garnered as much publicity and fame as Alexa and the Echo. Even Super Bowl commercials feature America’s favorite AI personality! And it’s popular for good reason.

The Amazon Echo is compatible with wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi and (some) via Zigbee. Newer Echos can even serve as Zigbee hubs for products like Philips Hue. Everything is powered via the Alexa app where you add your devices, as well as create routines so that your devices work together.

Amazon is always updating and adding new features, making sure they stay up-to-date with the latest technology. They’re compatible with almost every Smart home device manufacturer on the market today, making Smart home integrations a breeze. There are a wide range of Echo Smart home hubs readily available at most retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target – so no supply issues here!

Home Assistant

Another popular option is Home Assistant.

This one, though compatible with wireless communication protocols like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave, can be a bit less user-friendly. Some describe it as a little tricky in the beginning-. However, once you get the hang of it, many people enjoy the fact that it’s a little more customizable than most other Smart home hubs.

For those that are pretty tech-savvy, Home Assistant has proved to be a great option. Many people have even been able to use it with other Smart home hubs, thereby integrating all their devices onto one platform.

Google Home

Featuring the Google Nest products, Google/Nest Home is another contender gaining popularity in the Smart home sector.

They have a wide range of products that can be used with their system. But their expanding compatibility has made it easier than ever to integrate your Smart home devices into the Google Home system as well.

Apple HomeKit

Apple tends to be a bit more exclusive in their compatibility. So while they do offer a Smart home hub via the Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini, the devices they work with are limited.

Apple Homekit is compatible with Apple devices of course, but also a select few others. Some of these include Logitech, Arlo, Eufy, LIFX, and Nanoleaf. If you use devices such as Ring, you may want to opt for a different Smart home hub.

Alive and Kicking

All tech has issues at one point or another, and Samsung SmartThings is no exception to the rule. But to call it ‘dead’ would be jumping the gun. With the introduction of Matter, and being compatible with so many Smart home brands, it actually seems that SmartThings is just getting started!

Still leery about the rumors and want to avoid SmartThings? Not to worry, there are a few other Smart home hubs that you can connect your Smart devices to. But few offer as much compatibility as SmartThings.

About Yvette Griffith

Yvette is a freelance writer who also happens to be a Smart home enthusiast! She owns several Smart home gadgets like strip lights, Smart bulbs, cameras, and more! With a knack for troubleshooting device issues, she’s been the go-to for family and friends for all kinds of tech-related issues. dating back to VCR’s!

Here on Smart Home Point, she shares her knowledge with the world in hopes it’ll help you create and maintain your Smart home.

If you have any questions, feedback or suggestions about this article, please leave a comment below. Please note that all Комментарии и мнения владельцев go into a moderation queue (to prevent blog spam). Your comment will be manually reviewed and approved by Tristan in less than a week. Thanks!

10 thoughts on “SmartThings Is Now “Dead” (Apparently)! Are There Alternatives?”

What about Smart Life and all the devices that work through it with links to Alexa and Google Assistant? I find no end of devices that work, so why is nothing said about Smart Life? Reply

Hi Ray, thanks for the mention of Tuya/Smart Life. They are separate to Samsung SmartThings, which is why we didn’t explore Tuya/Smart Life in this article. But I quite agree that there’s now a large range of Smart Life-compatible devices, which is good to see. Reply

I read today that SmartThings is being revived by the new owner? Any word on that in more detail? Reply

I think the jury’s still out, in some ways. Some third party support still lags behind, but we’re keeping an eye on things – SmartThings is a promising platform, so the more features and updates, the better. Reply

People got sick of having to buy multiple hubs all for the same protocol. Home Assistant (or Nabu Casa) just put up their preorder for a 30 ZigBee/Matter/Thread USB adapter up for preorder yesterday (Home Assistant SkyConnect). Description below. Out of the box the Home Assistant SkyConnect will support only Zigbee. We’re working on a firmware update that makes it possible to run both Zigbee and Thread at the same time. Thread is the mesh networking protocol that powers Matter, the new standard for Smart home devices. Reply

Thanks for the comment, yes I saw this advertised yesterday, it looks amazing. I plan on testing it out ‘soon’ (or as soon as my ever-growing TODO list allows!). Proper, multi-protocol Smart hubs are the answer to the current issue with people buying too many hubs (as you say). Reply

Go for Hubitat Elevation hub. Good support, a lot of compatibility Smart sensors and local control. Reply

It does look like an awesome hub, thanks for the shout-out. Hubitat seems to be the sweet-spot between local/offline control, and ease-of-setup. Reply

What about all us Z-Wave users? We have been abandoned! It is expensive to replace them all with Zigbee. Reply

It is a frustrating situation for sure, and I do worry about the future of Z-Wave a bit (especially because Wi-Fi, Thread, Bluetooth and ZigBee are all part of Matter, but Z-Wave is not). Reply

About Tristan Perry

I’m Tristan Perry, the guy behind Smart Home Point. I’m a software developer whose interested in gadgets, homes and DIY, so I have loved seeing Smart homes (and home automation) become increasingly popular over the years. Read more.