Pick your system, then your protocol

Side-by-side reviews of smart home gear. Start with the system that runs your house, pick the protocol it speaks, then choose the switches, sensors, and locks that work on it.

Start with your system

The system is the app and hub that runs everything. It decides which protocols you can use, so pick it before you buy switches and sensors. Names link to each system's site; prices are from Amazon on 2026-10-04.

Swipe the tables sideways to see every column.

System	Hub to buy	Built-in radios	Runs locally	Phones	Best for	Where to buy
Home Assistant Open source, backed by Nabu Casa	Home Assistant Green	None built in. Add USB adapters for Zigbee, Thread, and Z-Wave	Yes	Any (app or web browser)	Tinkerers and mixed-brand homes that want everything local	$219.00 on Amazon 4.4 stars, 893 reviews Connect ZWA-2 Z-Wave adapter: $79.00
Apple Home Apple	HomePod mini, HomePod, or Apple TV 4K	Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Mostly, through the home hub	iPhone or iPad required	iPhone households that want a polished, private setup	Buy from Apple Not sold new on Amazon
Google Home Google	Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Google TV Streamer	Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Partly	Android or iPhone	Android households and Google Assistant users	Buy from Google Amazon listings are resellers at inflated prices
Amazon Alexa Amazon	Echo Hub	Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Sidewalk, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Mostly cloud	Android or iPhone	The cheapest, easiest start, especially with voice	$179.99 on Amazon 3.9 stars, 1,819 reviews
SmartThings Samsung	Aeotec Smart Home Hub	Zigbee, Matter, Wi-Fi (Z-Wave on V3 units, per the listing)	Partly (Edge drivers run on the hub)	Android or iPhone	Samsung households and people who want a middle ground	$159.99 on Amazon 4.2 stars, 2,139 reviews
Hubitat Elevation Hubitat	Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro	Z-Wave 800 (Long Range), Zigbee 3.0, Matter, Bluetooth	Yes	Any (app or web browser)	Z-Wave and Zigbee homes that want local control without building a server	$194.95 on Amazon 3.8 stars, 376 reviews
Homey Pro Athom (LG)	Homey Pro (2026)	Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Bluetooth LE, Infrared, Wi-Fi	Yes (local-first)	Android or iPhone	People who want every radio in one box and visual automations	$449.00 on Amazon 3.6 stars, 49 reviews Homey Pro mini (Zigbee, Thread, Matter): $249.00

Pros and cons

System	Pros	Cons
Home Assistant	Runs entirely in your home with no cloud required Works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, and Bluetooth once you add the radios The largest integration library of any platform here Can share devices out to Apple Home, Google, and Alexa	Steepest learning curve on this list You handle updates and backups Green has no radios built in, so adapters cost extra Easy remote access and voice use a Nabu Casa subscription, or your own setup
Apple Home	The most polished app and Siri control Strong privacy, with HomeKit traffic end-to-end encrypted Home hubs double as Thread border routers and Matter controllers Automations run on the home hub, not in a cloud	Needs an iPhone or iPad; nothing for Android users No Zigbee or Z-Wave without a third-party bridge Automations are simpler than Home Assistant or Hubitat Apple doesn't sell new HomePods or Apple TVs on Amazon
Google Home	Works on Android and iPhone Nest Hub (2nd gen) and Google TV Streamer are Thread border routers and Matter hubs Script editor for more advanced automations Good voice control and camera support	No Zigbee or Z-Wave Many integrations still run through the cloud Google has shut down smart home products and programs before We couldn't find a fairly priced new hub on Amazon
Amazon Alexa	Echo Hub has Zigbee, Thread, and Matter built in Works with more devices than any other voice assistant Wall-mount dashboard with cameras, routines, and security controls Sold and shipped by Amazon	Most processing happens in Amazon's cloud No Z-Wave Routines are less flexible than Home Assistant, Hubitat, or Homey Some features in the listing need Alexa+ or Ring subscriptions
SmartThings	Works on Android and iPhone Zigbee and Matter built into the hub, plus Z-Wave on some versions Many automations now run locally on the hub Samsung TVs and appliances can join the same system	Z-Wave support depends on which hub version you get The platform has changed a lot; the 2022 move off Groovy broke custom device handlers The app gets cluttered as you add devices
Hubitat Elevation	Everything runs on the hub, even with the internet down Z-Wave 800 Long Range and Zigbee 3.0 built in Rule Machine handles complex automations Full functionality with no subscription, per the listing	Interface feels dated next to Apple and Google Matter over Thread devices need a separate border router 3.8-star rating on Amazon
Homey Pro	The most radios in one hub, including infrared Homey Flow makes automations visual and approachable Local-first processing Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google	The most expensive hub here 3.6-star rating on Amazon Quality of brand apps varies The cheaper Pro mini needs a Homey Bridge for Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and infrared

At a glance

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

Protocol	Frequency	Network	Hub needed	Power use	Best for
Z-Wave	908.42 MHz (US), 868.42 MHz (EU)	Mesh (Long Range: star)	Yes, a Z-Wave controller	Low, battery sensors last 1-3 years	Locks, switches, whole-house sensor networks
Zigbee	2.4 GHz (IEEE 802.15.4)	Mesh	Yes, a Zigbee coordinator	Very low, coin-cell sensors last 1-2 years	Lots of cheap sensors, bulbs, buttons
Wi-Fi	2.4 GHz (most smart devices), 5 GHz (cameras)	Star, through your router	No	High, poor fit for batteries	Cameras, doorbells, plugs, appliances
Bluetooth	2.4 GHz	Point-to-point (Bluetooth Mesh exists but is rare)	No for phone control; yes for remote access	Very low with Bluetooth LE	Locks, trackers, sensors near a hub
Thread	2.4 GHz (IEEE 802.15.4)	Mesh	Needs a Thread border router	Very low	Matter sensors, locks, blinds
Matter	Wi-Fi, Thread, or Ethernet	Depends on the radio underneath	A Matter controller (most smart speakers and hubs qualify)	Depends on the radio underneath	Anyone mixing ecosystems or avoiding lock-in
Lutron Clear Connect	434 MHz (Clear Connect Type A)	Star to a Lutron bridge or processor	Yes, a Lutron Smart Bridge or processor	Pico remotes run about 10 years on a coin cell	Light switches, dimmers, shades
433 MHz RF	433.92 MHz (some US gear uses 315 MHz)	One-way broadcast	Yes, an RF bridge or SDR receiver	Very low	Weather stations, outdoor temperature sensors

Pros and cons by protocol

Open the reviews list under any protocol to see the device types we cover on it.

Z-Wave

908.42 MHz (US), 868.42 MHz (EU)

Low-power mesh on a sub-GHz band, built for home automation and nothing else.

Our take: The safest pick for a hub-based setup that has to keep working for years. Every certified device talks to every certified controller, and its band stays out of Wi-Fi's way.

Pros

Sub-GHz radio doesn't compete with Wi-Fi or Zigbee on 2.4 GHz
Lower frequency gets through walls and floors better than 2.4 GHz
Mandatory certification, so devices from different brands work together
Every mains-powered device repeats the signal and extends the mesh
S2 security is required on newer certified devices
Z-Wave Long Range reaches outbuildings and supports up to 4,000 devices

Cons

Needs a hub or USB controller; there's no phone-only setup
Devices usually cost more than Zigbee or Wi-Fi equivalents
Frequencies are regional, so a US device won't work on an EU controller
Low bandwidth rules out cameras and anything streaming
Classic mesh tops out at 232 devices and 4 hops

Z-Wave product reviews 8

Z-Wave light switches →
Z-Wave dimmersComing soon
Z-Wave door and window sensorsComing soon
Z-Wave motion sensorsComing soon
Z-Wave smart plugsComing soon
Z-Wave door locksComing soon
Z-Wave leak sensorsComing soon
Z-Wave hubs and controllersComing soon

Zigbee

2.4 GHz (IEEE 802.15.4)

Cheap, low-power 2.4 GHz mesh with the widest catalog of small sensors.

Our take: The budget king for sensors and bulbs. Pair it with a good coordinator and plenty of plug-in repeaters and it's rock solid.

Pros

Sensors and buttons are among the cheapest on the market
Huge catalog from Aqara, IKEA, Philips Hue, Sonoff, Third Reality, and others
Mains-powered devices act as routers and strengthen the mesh
Coin-cell battery devices run for a year or more
Works fully local with Home Assistant (ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT)

Cons

Shares the 2.4 GHz band with Wi-Fi, so channel planning matters
Some brands bend the spec; Aqara devices can drop off third-party routers
Needs a coordinator (hub or USB stick)
Brand hubs like Hue only accept their own approved devices
Bulbs used as repeaters break the mesh when someone flips the wall switch

Zigbee product reviews 8

Zigbee light switches →
Zigbee bulbsComing soon
Zigbee door and window sensorsComing soon
Zigbee motion sensorsComing soon
Zigbee smart plugsComing soon
Zigbee temperature and humidity sensorsComing soon
Zigbee buttons and remotesComing soon
Zigbee hubs and coordinatorsComing soon

Wi-Fi

2.4 GHz (most smart devices), 5 GHz (cameras)

Uses the router you already own. No hub, lots of bandwidth, lots of power draw.

Our take: Right for cameras, doorbells, and anything plugged in. Wrong for battery sensors, and a few dozen devices can overload a cheap router.

Pros

No hub; it joins the network you already have
Enough bandwidth for live video and audio
Widest choice of brands and the lowest entry prices
Setup is usually an app and a few taps

Cons

Power hungry; battery Wi-Fi sensors need frequent charging
Many devices only support 2.4 GHz, which complicates setup on mixed-band routers
Dozens of devices can overload consumer routers
Many products depend on the maker's cloud and stop working if it shuts down
No mesh between devices; range is whatever your router covers

Wi-Fi product reviews 7

Wi-Fi light switches →
Wi-Fi smart plugsComing soon
Wi-Fi security camerasComing soon
Wi-Fi video doorbellsComing soon
Wi-Fi bulbsComing soon
Wi-Fi thermostatsComing soon
Wi-Fi garage door openersComing soon

Bluetooth

2.4 GHz

Phone-to-device and short range. Easy to set up, hard to reach from outside the room.

Our take: Fine for one-room gadgets you control from your phone. For whole-house automation, plan on a hub or Bluetooth proxies.

Pros

Pairs straight to your phone with no hub or network
Bluetooth LE sips power, so sensors run for months or years
Keeps working when the internet is down
Home Assistant can extend coverage with cheap ESP32 Bluetooth proxies

Cons

Short range, often a single room through walls
No remote control unless a hub, bridge, or proxy is in range
Bluetooth Mesh has little product support for home automation
Many devices work only through the maker's own app

Bluetooth product reviews 6

Bluetooth light switches →
Bluetooth smart locksComing soon
Bluetooth temperature and humidity sensorsComing soon
Bluetooth plant sensorsComing soon
Bluetooth trackersComing soon
Bluetooth proxiesComing soon

Thread

2.4 GHz (IEEE 802.15.4)

IP-based, self-healing 2.4 GHz mesh. The low-power radio behind most new Matter devices.

Our take: The best bet for new battery devices if you already own a border router. The catalog is still smaller than Zigbee's or Z-Wave's.

Pros

Every device gets an IPv6 address, so there's no proprietary translation layer
Self-healing mesh with no single point of failure if you run more than one border router
Low power with fast response times
Border routers are built into devices many people already own: HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, Nest Hub (2nd gen), and some Echo models

Cons

Needs a Thread border router
Border routers from different ecosystems don't always share one network
Smaller product catalog than Zigbee or Z-Wave
Shares the 2.4 GHz band with Wi-Fi and Zigbee
Newer standard, so firmware and pairing bugs still show up

Thread product reviews 6

Thread light switches →
Thread sensorsComing soon
Thread smart plugsComing soon
Thread smart locksComing soon
Thread blinds and shadesComing soon
Thread border routersComing soon

Matter

Wi-Fi, Thread, or Ethernet

A shared language, not a radio. Runs over Wi-Fi, Thread, or Ethernet and works across Apple, Google, Amazon, SmartThings, and Home Assistant.

Our take: Buy Matter devices when you can, because they keep your options open. Check that the features you need are in the spec before you buy.

Pros

One device works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Home Assistant
Multi-admin lets several ecosystems control the same device at once
Local control by design, no cloud needed for day-to-day use
Setup is a QR code scan in whichever app you prefer

Cons

Only device types in the current spec are supported, so advanced features often stay in the maker's app
Each platform exposes a different slice of what a device can do
Pairing and multi-admin bugs are still common
Matter over Thread devices still need a Thread border router

Matter product reviews 6

Matter light switches →
Matter smart plugsComing soon
Matter bulbsComing soon
Matter sensorsComing soon
Matter smart locksComing soon
Matter hubs and controllersComing soon

Lutron Clear Connect

434 MHz (Clear Connect Type A)

Lutron's own RF used by Caseta and RadioRA. Proprietary and very reliable.

Our take: If you only care about lighting and want it to just work, this is the benchmark. Expect to stay inside the Lutron catalog.

Pros

Very reliable; its band has almost no competing traffic
Dimmers work with a wide range of LED bulbs without flicker
Pico remotes run for years and need no wiring
Integrates with HomeKit, Alexa, Google, SmartThings, and Home Assistant through the bridge

Cons

Only Lutron devices join the network
Requires a Lutron bridge or processor
Lighting and shades only; no general-purpose sensors
Costs more per switch than most Zigbee or Wi-Fi options

Lutron Clear Connect product reviews 4

Caseta light switches and dimmers →
Pico remotesComing soon
Lutron shadesComing soon
Lutron bridgesComing soon

433 MHz RF

433.92 MHz (some US gear uses 315 MHz)

Simple one-way radio found in cheap sensors, weather stations, and remotes.

Our take: Great for cheap outdoor sensors you only need to read. Skip it for anything security-related.

Pros

Very cheap sensors
Long range through walls and out to the yard
Batteries last a long time
A $30 SDR dongle running rtl_433 can read hundreds of device models

Cons

No common standard; each brand uses its own encoding
Mostly one-way, with no confirmation that a command arrived
Typically no encryption, so signals can be sniffed or replayed
Needs an RF bridge or SDR to get into a smart home system

433 MHz RF product reviews 4

RF wireless light switch kits →
433 MHz weather stationsComing soon
433 MHz temperature sensorsComing soon
RF bridges and SDR receiversComing soon