SmartThings vs Hubitat: Which is Better?
SmartThings vs Hubitat: Which One is Better?
Samsung SmartThings and Hubitat are two popular smart home hubs, but they differ significantly in how they operate.
- SmartThings is a cloud-based, user-friendly platform that integrates with many devices.
- Hubitat is a fully local, privacy-focused smart home hub that offers advanced automation.
This comparison covers device compatibility, automation, privacy, ease of use, and pricing to help you choose the best option.
1. Device Compatibility
| Category | SmartThings | Hubitat |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Lights | ✅ Yes (Philips Hue, LIFX, etc.) | ✅ Yes (Philips Hue, LIFX, Zigbee, Z-Wave) |
| Smart Plugs & Switches | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Thermostats | ✅ Yes (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell) | ✅ Yes (Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell) |
| Smart Locks | ✅ Yes (Schlage, Yale, August) | ✅ Yes (Schlage, Yale, August) |
| Cameras & Doorbells | ✅ Yes (Arlo, Ring, Nest) | ❌ Limited (No native camera support) |
| Sensors (Motion, Door, Leak) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
🔹 SmartThings supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi devices, but relies on Samsung’s cloud.
🔹 Hubitat supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN-based devices but lacks native camera support.
Winner: SmartThings (Better for cameras & third-party devices)
2. Automation & Smart Routines
| Feature | SmartThings | Hubitat |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Routines | ✅ Yes (Easy to use) | ✅ Yes (Highly advanced) |
| IFTTT Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Geofencing (Location-Based Actions) | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Yes (But requires extra setup) |
| Multi-Device Triggers | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
🔹 SmartThings offers simple automation, but requires internet connectivity.
🔹 Hubitat supports local automation, meaning faster execution and no cloud dependency.
Winner: Hubitat (More advanced & fully local automation)
3. Privacy & Cloud Dependency
| Factor | SmartThings | Hubitat |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Dependency | ✅ Yes (Requires internet for most features) | 🚫 No (Works fully locally) |
| Data Privacy | ❌ Cloud-based (Samsung stores data) | ✅ Fully local (No data sent to the cloud) |
🔹 SmartThings relies on Samsung’s cloud, meaning internet outages disrupt automations.
🔹 Hubitat runs locally, so your data stays private, and everything works even if the internet is down.
Winner: Hubitat (Better privacy & local control)
4. User Experience & Setup
| Factor | SmartThings | Hubitat |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Setup | ✅ Very Easy | ❌ Requires Technical Knowledge |
| User Interface | ✅ Simple & Intuitive | ⚠️ Advanced (More complex) |
| Remote Access | ✅ Yes (Built-in cloud access) | ✅ Yes (But requires manual setup) |
🔹 SmartThings is easier to set up and use, making it ideal for beginners.
🔹 Hubitat requires manual configuration, but offers more control.
Winner: SmartThings (Easier setup for beginners)
5. Speed & Reliability
| Feature | SmartThings | Hubitat |
|---|---|---|
| Automation Speed | ⚠️ Slow (Depends on cloud) | 🚀 Fast (Runs locally) |
| Internet Requirement | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Downtime Risk | ❌ High (Cloud-dependent) | ✅ Very Low (Local processing) |
🔹 SmartThings automations can lag because they rely on Samsung’s cloud.
🔹 Hubitat automations are instant since they run entirely on the local hub.
Winner: Hubitat (Faster & more reliable)
6. Pricing & Hardware Requirements
| Feature | SmartThings | Hubitat |
|---|---|---|
| Hub Required? | ✅ Yes (For Zigbee/Z-Wave devices) | ✅ Yes (Must buy Hubitat Elevation) |
| Cost (Starter Setup) | 💲$69+ (Hub + devices) | 💲$99+ (Hubitat Elevation) |
🔹 SmartThings requires a hub for Zigbee/Z-Wave devices, but some devices work without it.
🔹 Hubitat requires purchasing a hub for all smart home functions.
Winner: SmartThings (Lower entry cost)
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Device Compatibility | SmartThings |
| Automation & Customization | Hubitat |
| Privacy & Local Control | Hubitat |
| Ease of Use | SmartThings |
| Speed & Reliability | Hubitat |
| Pricing & Setup | SmartThings |
🏆 Best for Beginners & Cloud Integration: SmartThings
✅ Choose SmartThings if you want an easy-to-use, cloud-based smart home system with good device compatibility.
🏆 Best for Privacy, Speed, & Advanced Users: Hubitat
✅ Choose Hubitat if you want local control, faster automation, and better privacy.
Which One Should You Choose?
- For a plug-and-play experience: 🚀 SmartThings
- For local control & privacy: 🔥 Hubitat
Let me know if you need more details! 😊