Samsung SmartThings is not one device or just a hub. It is Samsung’s smart-home platform: an app, account-based service, hub technology and ecosystem for connecting, controlling and automating Samsung products and compatible third-party devices.
You may not need to buy a separate hub. Some qualifying Samsung TVs, Smart Monitors, soundbars and Family Hub appliances include hub or Matter-controller functions. However, homes using Zigbee, Z-Wave or certain Matter devices still need compatible hub hardware. The important questions are which devices you want to connect, what features they expose, and whether they depend on the internet or a manufacturer’s cloud.
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SmartThings is a strong fit for Samsung households and beginners who want a mainstream app with broad protocol support. It is less suitable if your priority is completely local operation, extensive customization or avoiding account and cloud dependencies.
What is Samsung SmartThings?
SmartThings brings supported devices into a single mobile app. You can add products, organize them into rooms, view their status, control them, create scenes and build routines that respond to time, motion, presence, appliance status, weather, energy conditions and other events.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
Compatible products can include Samsung TVs and appliances, lights, plugs, sensors, locks, thermostats, cameras, robot vacuums and devices from other brands. Samsung describes SmartThings as supporting hundreds of devices and brands, but that should not be read as universal compatibility. Support varies by exact model, firmware, country, network, account and integration type.
The official SmartThings supported-device directory is the best final check before buying.
Do you need a SmartThings hub?
Not always. A Wi-Fi appliance or other cloud-connected product may work with the SmartThings app without a separate SmartThings hub. Some Samsung products also include hub functionality. But a phone alone generally cannot replace a hub for every protocol.
| Your planned setup | What to check |
|---|---|
| Samsung Wi-Fi appliance | Usually no separate hub, but check the model and regional features. |
| Samsung TV, monitor, soundbar or Family Hub appliance | Some qualifying models include SmartThings hub or Matter-controller functions. |
| Matter device | You need a compatible Matter controller; Thread products also require suitable Thread infrastructure. |
| Zigbee or Z-Wave device | You need a hub supporting that specific protocol. |
| Mixed-device home | Match the hub’s protocols and capabilities to every planned device. |
Do not assume that every product marketed as a “SmartThings hub” supports every radio standard. Hub generations, models and regional versions differ. Samsung’s Matter documentation lists qualifying controller hardware, while Samsung’s hub category provides the current buying route.
What devices work with SmartThings?
Samsung products
SmartThings is particularly useful for Samsung televisions, Smart Monitors, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, ranges, air conditioners, air purifiers, robot vacuums and Galaxy devices. Depending on the model, you may see appliance status, cycle notifications, maintenance information, energy features or remote controls.
A Samsung product being described as “smart” does not mean every function is available remotely or in every SmartThings routine. Check the exact model and country listing at Samsung’s SmartThings catalog.
Rank #2
![SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation [GP-U999SJVLGDA] Smart Home Automation Hub Home Monitoring Smart Devices - Alexa Google Home Compatible - Zigbee, Z-Wave, Cloud to Cloud Protocols – White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21hChu0ounL._SL160_.jpg)
- Monitor and control compatible devices in your home using a single smartphone app for your phone
- Automate connected devices in your home and set them to turn on or off when doors are opened, people come and go, and much more
- Works with a wide range of smartphone compatible products
Third-party devices
SmartThings supports many non-Samsung brands, but brand-level compatibility is not enough. Before purchase, verify:
- The exact model number.
- Support in your country.
- Whether a hub is required.
- The connection protocol.
- The controls and sensors exposed to SmartThings.
- Whether routines work without internet access.
- Whether the manufacturer’s own cloud or app remains necessary.
- Whether the device can also be shared with Google Home, Apple Home, Alexa or Home Assistant.
“Works with SmartThings” may mean a native hub connection, Matter pairing, a cloud-to-cloud link, direct Samsung integration, basic control only or a feature-rich integration. These options can have different latency, outage behavior and automation capabilities.
Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi explained
| Connection | Hub usually needed? | Strength | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matter over Wi-Fi | Yes, a Matter controller | Cross-platform standard | Features vary between platforms and device types. |
| Matter over Thread | Yes, compatible controller and Thread border-router infrastructure | Low-power mesh networking | Requires compatible Thread hardware. |
| Zigbee | Yes | Broad sensor and lighting ecosystem | Compatibility depends on the hub and device integration. |
| Z-Wave | Yes | Useful for locks, sensors and sub-GHz mesh networks | Hub support and regional frequencies matter. |
| Wi-Fi or cloud | Often no separate SmartThings hub | Simple setup for many appliances | Internet and manufacturer-service dependence. |
| Bluetooth or mobile | Sometimes phone-dependent | Convenient nearby connection | Limited range and automation potential. |
Matter improves interoperability, but it does not make every feature identical across ecosystems. A device may provide on/off control and basic sensor readings in SmartThings while keeping advanced modes in its manufacturer app. It may also require its own app for registration or firmware updates.
SmartThings’ developer documentation describes integrations as Hub Connected, Cloud Connected, Direct Connected or Mobile Connected. That classification is important: two devices shown in the same app may have very different local-control and outage behavior. See SmartThings’ device architecture documentation.
What can SmartThings automate?
SmartThings can combine device states, schedules and sensor events into scenes and routines. Examples include:
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- Turning off lights and locking the door when everyone leaves.
- Starting a movie scene that dims lights and changes the TV state.
- Sending an alert when a leak sensor detects water.
- Notifying you when a washer or dryer cycle finishes.
- Turning selected appliances off after a smoke or carbon-monoxide alarm event.
- Adjusting climate or lighting based on presence, time or environmental readings.
A scene sets several devices to chosen states at once. A routine or rule responds to conditions and triggers actions. Terminology and menu presentation can change between app versions; the underlying possibilities depend on the capabilities exposed by each device integration. See the automation documentation.
Rank #3
- LOCAL PROCESSING FOR INSTANT RESPONSE: The Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro runs automations directly on the hub, not on remote servers, so lights, locks, thermostats, and routines keep working even when your internet goes down; this local-first architecture delivers near-instant response to every trigger without relying on remote servers to process commands; compatible with 1,000+ devices across 100+ brands, and device data stays at home for enhanced privacy
- WORKS WITH ALEXA, GOOGLE HOME, AND APPLE HOMEKIT: Connect your preferred voice assistant and start controlling your smart home from day 1; the C-8 Pro is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, so your existing ecosystem works alongside the hub without compromise; Ring camera integration adds a concrete layer of security awareness; approachable setup is supported by step-by-step documentation and an active online community ready to guide you through every stage
- MULTI-PROTOCOL SUPPORT WITH EXTENDED RANGE: A single hub covers Matter 1.5, Z-Wave 800 Series with Long Range, Zigbee 3.0, and Bluetooth, so existing devices stay compatible without extra bridges or adapters; 800 Series Z-Wave and Zigbee 3.0 deliver improved reliability and mesh stability, backed by Z-Wave Alliance membership; 2 dedicated external antennas, one for Z-Wave and one for Zigbee, extend wireless reach in larger homes and device-dense environments where signal consistency is critical
- AI-ASSISTED AUTOMATION AND ADVANCED RULE ENGINE: The AI-assisted routine builder suggests and builds automations based on your connected devices, no programming required; Rule Machine enables multi-condition logic across lighting scenes, geofenced arrivals, layered security responses, and whole-home scheduling; when your family arrives after dark, the hub can unlock the door, activate pathway lights, and adjust the thermostat, turning complex sequences into reliable hands-free routines
- NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED AND CONTINUOUS UPDATES: Full platform functionality needs no recurring subscription; every automation, integration, and advanced feature is available from setup; continuous platform updates since 2018 have expanded compatibility without requiring new hardware; an active community of tech-savvy homeowners and DIY smart home builders shares custom apps, drivers, and automation blueprints for ongoing value; compact at 3.23 x 2.95 x 0.67 in and just 0.16 lb, it fits anywhere
How to set up SmartThings
- Install SmartThings from the Galaxy Store, Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Sign in with or create a Samsung account.
- Create or select a SmartThings location, such as “Home.”
- Tap the + button near the upper-right of the app.
- Select a device category or scan the product’s SmartThings or Matter QR code.
- Put the device into pairing mode and follow its model-specific instructions.
- Assign it to a room and give it a clear name, such as “Kitchen ceiling light.”
- Test manual control before creating an automation.
- Create a simple scene or routine, then test it under the conditions in which it should run.
Some devices appear automatically, while others require the manufacturer’s app first. Exact labels vary by phone operating system and SmartThings version. Samsung’s SmartThings guide covers the current setup flow.
Adding a Matter device
- Confirm that the product is Matter-certified and supports the device type you need.
- Confirm that your SmartThings location has a compatible Matter controller.
- Open SmartThings, choose to add a device and scan the Matter QR code or enter its setup code.
- Assign the device to a room and test its available controls.
- Use Matter multi-admin if you intentionally want to share it with another supported ecosystem.
Do not repeatedly commission the same device into different platforms unless you understand the intended sharing method. Matter does not guarantee that every platform exposes the same advanced controls.
If setup fails
- Confirm the phone is on the intended Wi-Fi network.
- Allow Bluetooth and location permissions if requested.
- Move the device nearer to the hub or router.
- Check whether it is already linked to another account or Matter fabric.
- Remove stale entries from SmartThings.
- Factory-reset the device using the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Restart the device, phone, router and hub.
- Update SmartThings and the device firmware.
- Check country and model compatibility.
- For Matter, enter the setup code manually if the QR code cannot be scanned.
If pairing succeeds but controls are missing, pairing may not have failed. The integration may expose only a subset of the device’s capabilities. Home Assistant’s SmartThings documentation notes similar feature-exposure limitations for its integration.
Does SmartThings work without the internet?
SmartThings is a hybrid system, not uniformly local or uniformly cloud-based. Some hub-connected devices and automations may operate locally. Samsung appliances and third-party services may communicate through the SmartThings or manufacturer cloud. Remote access, many notifications and cloud integrations require internet access.
During an outage, a local hub automation may continue, while a cloud-connected device may become unavailable. Voice assistants, remote control and appliance monitoring may also stop working. Matter devices may continue over the local network if the controller and network remain available, but the result depends on the specific setup.
Test every important automation yourself. Do not treat a consumer smart-home routine as a guaranteed life-safety system for locks, heating, leaks, medical alerts or security.
Rank #4
- Multi-Protocol Smart Hub with Matter Bridge – The M100 is a versatile smart hub compatible with Thread devices and Aqara Zigbee (** Not third-party Zigbee devices), supporting up to 20 Aqara Zigbee devices and 20 Thread devices. As a Matter Bridge, it connects Aqara Zigbee products to other smart home ecosystems, compatible with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant, etc. Note: Use a 5V⎓0.5A power adapter (not included) and keep the product continuously powered during use.
- Advanced Matter Bridging for Seamless Smart Home Integration – The M100 enables Aqara’s unique features, such as facial recognition and complex automation, to work across Home Assistant and other Matter ecosystems. Expand your smart home with Aqara or third-party Matter devices (requires a Matter-enabled hub). Currently supports lights, thermostats, plugs, switches, buttons, and various sensors (motion, light, door/window, temperature/humidity), with more devices to be added in the future.
- Local Automation for Reliable Performance – Supports local execution of automations for Zigbee and Matter devices, ensuring smooth operation even without Wi-Fi or cloud access. Enjoy millisecond-level response times for a more stable and reliable smart home experience. (Some automation, such as cloud push notification, will still require the cloud connection to be executed.)
- Flexible Power & Small Size – Features a universal USB-A port for power and data, allowing connection to power banks, wall outlets, PCs, or routers for a simple and quick setup. The Hub M100's shaft can be adjusted within a 210-degree range, making its placement extremely flexible.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 for Faster & Security—This product supports a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 wireless network connection, which enables more efficient connections with advanced WPA3 security. Wi-Fi 6 ensures smoother performance even in high-traffic environments, allowing multiple devices to connect without compromising speed or reliability. Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M100 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
Privacy and account considerations
SmartThings requires a Samsung account, and devices are associated with a SmartThings location and account. Depending on the products and integrations you connect, device states and events may pass through Samsung, SmartThings or a third-party manufacturer’s cloud. Adding a voice assistant adds another company and account to that data path.
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What changes in October 2026?
Samsung has announced new commercial API tiers and a $4.99-per-month plan for individual, non-commercial developers, with the transition targeted for October 2026. Samsung says this change does not affect ordinary users who operate compatible devices through the SmartThings app.
This is therefore not a general announcement that every SmartThings household must pay $4.99 per month. It mainly matters to people using custom dashboards, scripts, property-management systems, energy services, third-party integrations or platforms such as Home Assistant through SmartThings API access.
Home Assistant currently warns that its standard SmartThings integration may be affected after the transition. The final API limits, commercial pricing and effect on every third-party integration were not fully specified in Samsung’s announcement. Do not assume that Home Assistant will necessarily stop working, or that local hub automations will stop; those outcomes depend on the eventual requirements and each integration’s implementation. Samsung’s developer guidance covers API quick starts and OAuth and authorization.
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SmartThings compared with alternatives
| Platform | Usually best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| SmartThings | Samsung households, mixed protocols and mainstream routines | Hybrid cloud model, Samsung account and model-level compatibility checks. |
| Google Home | Google Nest, Android and Google voice-control households | Automation and device behavior differ from SmartThings even with Matter. |
| Apple Home | Homes centered on iPhone, Apple TV, HomePod and Apple services | May be less suitable for extensive Samsung appliance or Zigbee/Z-Wave requirements. |
| Alexa | Echo and Alexa voice-control households | Compare exact routines and device support rather than assuming Matter gives parity. |
| Home Assistant | Advanced users wanting customization, dashboards and local processing | More setup and maintenance; the SmartThings integration is cloud-based and API changes matter. |
A hybrid setup can use SmartThings for Samsung appliances and hub-connected devices while another platform supplies dashboards, voice control or advanced logic. It can also create duplicate devices, conflicting routines, delays, multiple accounts and more complicated troubleshooting.
Who should use SmartThings?
Choose SmartThings if you:
- Own several Samsung appliances or a compatible Samsung TV.
- Want one consumer-friendly app.
- Need a mixture of Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi products.
- Prefer managed integrations over self-hosting.
- Are comfortable using a Samsung account.
- Want to begin without extra hub hardware and have verified that an existing Samsung product provides the needed controller functions.
Look elsewhere, or plan a hybrid system, if you:
- Require everything to operate locally without cloud dependencies.
- Want complex custom logic and dashboards immediately.
- Dislike account-based ecosystems.
- Have no Samsung hardware and do not need SmartThings-specific integrations.
- Are building a long-term custom API service and need pricing and limits already confirmed.
- Need professionally supported security or medical monitoring rather than consumer automations.
What you actually need to buy
For a minimal Samsung household, start with the SmartThings app, a Samsung account and a compatible Samsung or Wi-Fi device. For Zigbee, Z-Wave or Matter products, add a hub or controller only after confirming that your existing Samsung hardware does not already provide the required function.
For a mixed-device home, choose devices from the official supported directory, confirm their exact capabilities and keep a backup control method for important systems. Sensors, plugs and lights are usually sensible first additions because they demonstrate routines without requiring you to replace major appliances.
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