· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 6 min read
Top 5 Best Smart Home Hubs for Controlling Multiple Devices in 2025
Discover the top 5 smart home hubs that make managing your connected devices a breeze. From seamless integration to advanced automation, these hubs are designed to simplify your smart home experience.
Introduction
Let’s be real—navigating the world of smart home tech can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with too many pieces. If you’re looking for the best smart home hubs for controlling multiple devices, you’re probably wondering which one will actually make your life easier, not more complicated. These hubs are the unsung heroes of your connected home, tying everything together—lights, thermostats, security cameras, you name it. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through five of the top smart home hubs I’ve tested, breaking down what makes each one stand out (and where they might fall short). Whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, by the end of this, you’ll have a clearer idea of which hub can truly bring your smart home to life. Let’s get into it!
Aeotec Smart Home Hub
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is like the Swiss Army knife of smart home hubs. It supports Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter protocols, which means it plays nice with just about every smart device out there. Setting it up was a breeze, and the SmartThings app made connecting it to Alexa and Google Assistant super simple. If you’re upgrading from an older hub, the “Replace Hub” feature is a lifesaver—it made the transition smooth as butter.
One thing I loved? This little powerhouse can handle a ton of devices without breaking a sweat. Even in my 2,500 sq. ft. house, I didn’t need an extender. Plus, it supports direct Wi-Fi connections, which is great if you’re not a fan of Ethernet cables. That said, I did run into a few hiccups pairing some devices, like my Schlage locks. Thankfully, Aeotec’s support team had a solid fix for that.
The app, though, could use a little TLC. It gets the job done, but navigating through settings feels a bit clunky. And if you’re someone who prefers local control, keep in mind that this hub relies heavily on cloud connectivity. No internet? No control.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter | App can be a bit confusing |
| Easy setup with SmartThings app | Mostly cloud-dependent |
| Handles tons of devices | Some pairing issues with locks |
Amazon Echo Hub | 8” Smart Home Control Panel with Alexa
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The Amazon Echo Hub is like having a command center right on your wall. With its 8-inch touchscreen and Alexa integration, it’s perfect for controlling your lights, thermostats, and even your Ring cameras. I found it super handy for quick checks on my front door camera or adjusting the lights without pulling out my phone.
Setting it up was a cinch, and it connected to all my Alexa-compatible devices without a hitch. But here’s the thing: while it’s great for basic tasks, it doesn’t offer much in the way of advanced customization. The interface can feel a bit sluggish at times, and the home screen options are pretty limited. If you’re a tech enthusiast looking for deep control, this might not be your jam. But for everyday use? It’s a solid pick.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Centralized control for Alexa | Touchscreen can be slow |
| Easy to set up | Limited customization |
| Great for Ring camera monitoring | Not ideal for advanced setups |
SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub and APP Setting
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If you’ve ever felt like you need a PhD just to work your TV remote, the SofaBaton X1S is here to save the day. This thing controls over 500,000 devices—yes, you read that right. I tested it with my TV, soundbar, and streaming devices, and it worked like a charm. The hub-based design means you don’t need line-of-sight, and the rechargeable battery lasts forever.
Setting it up was surprisingly easy, though some devices needed a bit of manual tweaking. The custom Activities feature is a game-changer—I set up a “movie night” routine that turns on the TV, dims the lights, and starts my streaming service with one button. The scroll wheel takes some getting used to, but the backlit buttons and sleek design make it a joy to use.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Controls a ridiculous number of devices | Scroll wheel can be tricky |
| Customizable one-touch routines | Some devices need manual setup |
| No line-of-sight needed | A bit pricey for a remote |
Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant
The Govee Smart Plug is a no-fuss, budget-friendly way to dip your toes into smart home automation. It’s compact, so it won’t hog your outlet space, and setup is a breeze—no hub required. The Govee Home app is intuitive, with features like timers, group control, and even energy monitoring. Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant worked flawlessly in my tests.
That said, it’s limited to 2.4G WiFi, which might be a dealbreaker for some. I also came across a few reports of connectivity issues and overheating, though I didn’t experience those myself. Overall, it’s a great option for automating lights, appliances, or even holiday decorations.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup, no hub needed | Only works with 2.4G WiFi |
| Compact design | Occasional connectivity issues |
| Works with Alexa & Google Assistant | Some reports of overheating |
Aqara Smart Hub M3
The Aqara Smart Hub M3 is a beast when it comes to advanced home automation. It supports Matter, Thread, Zigbee, and Bluetooth, making it a future-proof choice for tech enthusiasts. Setting it up was straightforward, and it connected quickly to my Aqara devices, like door sensors and light switches.
One standout feature is its Thread Border Router capability, which ensures reliable communication with Thread-enabled devices. However, it doesn’t support third-party Zigbee devices, which might be a bummer if you’re looking for more flexibility. It also supports local automations, though some users have reported issues with offline functionality.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Pricey compared to others |
| Easy setup with Aqara devices | Limited third-party Zigbee support |
| PoE and USB-C power options | Offline functionality can be spotty |
Final Thoughts
After putting these hubs through their paces, here’s the lowdown:
- Aeotec Smart Home Hub: Best for compatibility with multiple protocols. If you’ve got a mix of Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Matter devices, this is your go-to.
- Amazon Echo Hub: Perfect for centralized control. The touchscreen makes it super easy to manage your smart home from one spot.
- SofaBaton X1S: A must-have for home entertainment control. It’s like having a universal remote on steroids.
- Govee Smart Plug: Great for energy monitoring and automation. It’s affordable, easy to use, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Aqara Smart Hub M3: Ideal for advanced automation with Matter support. If you’re building a future-proof smart home, this is the one.
Each of these hubs has its strengths, so your choice will depend on what you need most. Happy automating!
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on one of the product links above and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and keeps the lights on—literally, since I’m using smart bulbs! Thanks for your support!
