Integrating multiple smart home devices into one seamless and automated system can seem like a daunting task for Australian households. With the increasing popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT) and home automation, more smart home products than ever are entering the market promising connectivity and control. However, getting these devices from different brands and best manufacturers to work together requires a central smart home hub.
The best smart home hubs act as the control center for a home automation system, allowing users to monitor, control, and create interactions between all their connected devices from a single app. Choosing the right hub for your needs depends on the types of devices and systems you want to integrate, as well as your preferred method of control – whether by app, voice assistant, or home automation programming.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share insights from reviewing the top smart home hubs available in Australia and how they can transform the way you live at home. Discover what to look for when shopping for the best smart home system, get advice on building your connected home ecosystem, and find answers to all your home automation questions.
What Does The Best Smart Home Hub Do?
In simple terms, a smart home hub allows you to connect, integrate, and control all your Internet of Things (IoT) devices through one central point. Here are the key functions provided by smart hubs:
- Connectivity – Hubs serve as a bridge between your devices and home WiFi network, using wireless protocols like ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and more. This enables communication and control.
- Integration – The hub ties together devices from different brands/platforms so they can work as one cohesive system.
- Automation – Create programmed actions like lights turning on at sunset or the AC cooling when you arrive home.
- Remote Access – Monitor and control devices when away from home using a smartphone app.
- Voice Control – Use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri when the hub is linked to a smart speaker.
- Notifications – Get real-time alerts about activities detected by devices like security cameras and sensors.
Smart hubs are the heart of the best automated home systems, saving you time and effort while maximizing convenience, security, and energy efficiency through home automation.
How Do You Choose the Best Smart Home Hub?
With many options now available to Australian households, choosing the right smart home hub involves evaluating a few key factors:
Compatible Systems and Devices
The main consideration is compatibility – what systems and devices do you want to connect? Most hubs work with WiFi devices, but for ZigBee, Z-Wave and other wireless protocol devices, hub compatibility is key.
Available Integrations
Examine what third-party integrations are available, like IFTTT and SmartThings, to determine the hub’s automation capabilities and ecosystem.
Control Options
Assess available control methods like smartphone apps, touch screens, voice assistants and web dashboards to choose what works best for you.
Setup and Use
Ease of setup and the app UI can make a big difference between an intuitive vs. frustrating experience. Read reviews to determine how user-friendly different hubs are.
By evaluating these factors, you can zero in on the right smart home hub for your needs. We’ll cover some of the top options available in Australia next.
Top Smart Home Hubs in Australia
Here are some of the most popular smart hubs available to Australian households wanting to modernize their home through automation and voice control:
Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo smart speaker line offers models with built-in Zigbee hub capability to directly connect and control compatible devices. Alexa allows sophisticated voice control and automation routines. Echos like the latest spherical Echo provide robust smart home hub functionality in addition to quality audio.
Google Nest Hub
Google’s smart display line including the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max leverage the Google Assistant for voice control. Large touchscreens let you view footage from security cameras and other devices. Works with thousands of Google Assistant smart home devices.
Apple HomePod Mini
Apple’s Siri-powered smart speaker unlocks home automation capabilities through HomeKit. Compact and stylish, it can act as a hub to connect HomeKit accessories like lights, locks, and more using Siri voice commands. Seamless experience for iPhone users.
Samsung SmartThings
One of the most versatile hubs, SmartThings integrates ZigBee, Z-Wave, WiFi, Bluetooth devices into one system. Advanced automation capabilities through third party integrations. Can control 200+ devices across ecosystems.
TP Link Kasa Smart
Budget-friendly alternative that connects TP Link’s line of popular smart plugs, switches, and bulbs. Allows remote control and automations through the Kasa app. Good entry point for basic home automation.
With a wide variety of options now available, there’s a smart home hub to suit every style and budget. Once you select one, it’s time to start building your connected home ecosystem.
Building The Best Connected Home Ecosystem in Australia
Once you select a smart home hub, the next step is choosing compatible devices and accessories to integrate based on what you want to automate. Here are some smart home categories to consider for Australian homes and properties:
Lighting Control
Smart lighting lets you set schedules, automate based on activity, control remotely, and change colors/brightness. Philips Hue and LIFX are popular quality options.
Climate Control
Smart thermostats from brands like Nest, Emerson, and Ecobee optimize heating and cooling efficiency. Great for saving energy dollars.
Appliance Control
Smart plugs and power outlets allow control of appliances like air cons, pool pumps, and electric gates. Brands like TP Link Kasa and Belkin Wemo make affordable smart plugs.
Entertainment
Smart speakers from Amazon, Google, and Apple allow voice control, streaming media, and home automation.
Start with the devices most useful to you, focusing on important areas like lighting, heating/cooling, and security. Your smart hub will tie it all together into one centralized home automation ecosystem that you can build out over time.
Smart Home Hub Tips for Australian Homes
Here are some extra smart home hub tips:
- Look for hubs offering both Zigbee and Z-Wave support to cover most device types.
- Consider smart home hubs with battery/cellular backup to keep systems running during power outages.
- Ensure security protocols like data encryption are in place to prevent hacking of your home network.
- Check for integrations with popular Aussie IoT brands like Phillips Hue, Netgear Arlo, and Ring security systems.
- For larger homes, a mesh-capable hub can boost network range for far-flung devices and sensors.
- Pick a hub platform allowing IFTTT integration for advanced automations between devices and services.
- Voice control hubs through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri provide an accessible option for the elderly or mobility impaired.
- Look for a hub app interface that’s intuitive and easy to use for setting up and managing your smart home ecosystem.
Smart Home Hub FAQs:
What’s the difference between a smart home hub and a virtual assistant?
Smart hubs focus primarily on device connectivity and automation. Virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant provide voice control and information, but have more limited automation capabilities without an integrated hub.
Can I control my smart devices without a hub?
You can control WiFi-enabled smart devices directly through their apps without a hub. But without a hub, you lose centralized control, automation features, and support for devices that require a hub for connectivity.
Do smart TVs work as a hub?
Not usually – smart TV processors can’t manage all the connectivity and automation logic needed to act as full smart home hub. External devices like an Apple TV or Echo Dot are better options.
How many devices can I connect to one smart home hub?
It ranges from 100-200+ depending on the hub, wireless protocols used, and local network environment. With multiple protocols like ZigBee and Z-Wave, hubs can support 150+ device connections.
What are the risks of smart home hubs?
Main risks are cyber attacks/hacking if the hub lacks proper security, and privacy concerns regarding data collection. Choose a hub from a trusted brand with robust cybersecurity measures enabled out of the box.
Do I need to replace my router if I get a smart hub?
No – smart hubs don’t replace your normal WiFi router, they just connect to it like any other device to access your home network and the internet. Some hubs offer router functionality, but a separate router is recommended.
Making Your Australian Home Smarter
The best smart home hubs will put you firmly in control of all your connected home devices. Choosing the top hub that suits your ecosystem, lifestyle needs, and budget is the first step in creating an intelligent home tailored to your lifestyle.
We recommend starting with core smart home devices like lighting, thermostats, and appliances to appreciate the conveniences and efficiencies that smart tech enables. Additional devices can then be added over time as your needs evolve.
With the foundations of a smart home in place, your imagination is the only limit to what’s possible! Reach out to smart home installers near you to explore how home automation can benefit your living space today.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. You should always consult qualified smart home system installers for advice specific to your property.
