Aeotec Smart Home Hub features: Hub for: SmartThings | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave | Voice control: Alexa, Google & Bixby

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub receives high marks from ZDNET, being awarded our top pick for the best smart hub, as well as the best home automation system. Compatibility is great; this works with Ring and SmartThings, and you also have the option of using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity is also impressive, with the option to connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Z-Wave. 

This smart home hub gives you painless voice control over your devices. It works with more than 5,000 different devices from varying manufacturers and can connect to some of the best smart home devices, including smart lighting, smart speakers, and smart cameras. The smart hub uses a simple wall mount, keeping it easily accessible in a central location that is best for you and your devices. 

Once your devices are added, it is a simple matter to create and manage automations. Set a time to turn on the outside lights or turn the coffee pot on in the morning. No matter what commands you choose, these automations are stored locally in order to prevent interruptions from internet outages. Choose from Wi-Fi or an ethernet connection to get started. 

Amazon Echo Dot features: More sensors | eero built-in | Amazon Alexa | LED display

The Amazon Echo Dot is also one of the best Amazon Echo models, delivering improved sound over earlier models. Enjoy crisp notes with clear highs and deep bass, offering a superior experience to most portable speakers. Turn your home into your very own concert by adding compatible Echo devices or Fire TVs. If you have an eero network, you have the ability to extend Wi-Fi availability in your home and minimize interruptions to your internet and streaming. 

This speaker is compatible with a wide range of popular services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. You also can bypass those services and connect directly via Bluetooth throughout your home. Either way, Alexa is here to help with hands-free voice control. This speaker can detect motion, turn lights on when you walk in the room, or assist with temperature control by operating your smart fan. It also has a built-in alarm to help with those early mornings.

Privacy is great, too, with the Echo Dot using Amazon’s strict privacy policies to guard your information. The Mic Off button is a convenient addition and just one of the many privacy controls that are thoughtfully incorporated into this model.

Review: Amazon Echo Dot review

Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Alexa-compatible | Screen size: 8 inches | Resolution: 1280 x 800 | Speakers: 1 x 1.7 inches | Camera: 2MP

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is not only one of the best smart home devices, but it is also one of the best smart displays that you can buy today. It comes with an eight-inch HD color touchscreen, plus stereo speakers to add bold sound. There is even a 13 MP camera that allows you to make video calls at will and check in when you are away. The camera helps keep you in the frame with automatic framing and centering while in use. You can also connect to other smart home devices like lighting and cameras with compatible voice control. 

There is room for the fun stuff, too. You can stream your favorite content when you use services like Prime Video and Netflix, or you can ask Alexa to fire up Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify. Automations are also impressive. Create a calendar and add reminders, so you never forget an appointment. Make lists, set timers, and work on improving your cooking with step-by-step recipes. When not in use, turn your device into a digital photo frame with the help of Amazon Photos. 

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) also employs Amazon’s discriminating privacy policies and features a mic and camera off button with a built-in camera shutter.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit features: Type: LED | Wattage: 9 watts | Voltage: 120 volts | Bulb size: A19

The Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit is not only the best Philips Hue lighting available, but it is also some of the coolest lighting I have personally seen. You can easily transform your home with beautiful LED mood lighting that also includes a dimmable feature. Create a movie theater in your living room, or bring warm, comforting colors to a nursery. Either way, you receive up to 11,000 lumens of light with a Hue bridge to control it all.

This starter kit comes in the popular A19 bulb size and offers incredible lighting with 50,000 different shades of white alone. There are also 16 billion different colors you can enjoy for an incredible light show. 

Control your lights with your smartphone or tablet, or simply use your voice when you connect Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant. It is also compatible with Nest and SmartThings systems. With the Philips Hue app, no longer do you have to climb out of bed to turn out the lights or worry about a high electric bill when you leave a light on while you are away. Instead, all it takes is the touch of a button with the Philips Hue White & Colors Ambiance Starter Kit. 

Samsung SmartThings features: Amazon Alexa | Connects to several types of devices | Zigbee and Z-Wave 

I have already heard quite a bit about Samsung SmartThings, and there is good reason why. This is the best smart home device you can buy when you are looking for the best smart home automation system. It comes equipped with an improved processor and local app engine for excellent responsiveness. Receive notifications and make adjustments to your favorite smart home devices simply by connecting your smartphone. In all, there is a total range of up to 100 feet.

Samsung calls it the brain of your smart home, and it is simple to control. Choose from the SmartThings app or Amazon Alexa for easy access and to set custom controls for all of your devices. No matter which way you connect, this smart automation system works with most smart home devices, like smart locks, smart sensors, smart speakers, and smart lights. Just connect to the internet router or use a Bluetooth connection. It is also compatible with ZigBee and Z-Wave while working with brands like Honeywell, Philips Hue, and Kwikset.

SmartThings utilizes an in-wall power adapter that delivers up to ten hours of backup power in the event of a power loss. Replaceable batteries offer an additional two hours of power. 

Review: Samsung SmartThings review