Do you need a SmartThings hub?
Updated
Wi-Fi and cloud-linked devices work in SmartThings without a hub. Zigbee, Z-Wave and local-only devices need one, and some Samsung TVs already include it. Here is how to tell what your home needs.
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How devices connect to SmartThings
SmartThings groups devices by how they connect, and only one of these groups needs a hub:
- Hub-connected devices. They connect to a SmartThings-compatible hub over Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave or the local network. SmartThings’ developer documentation says this gives low latency and local execution.
- Direct-connected devices. They integrate directly with the SmartThings platform over Wi-Fi.
- Cloud-connected devices. The brand’s cloud and the SmartThings cloud talk to each other through a cloud-to-cloud link called SmartThings Schema, so the device does not need a SmartThings hub.
That list answers most of the question. If everything you own is Wi-Fi or has a cloud link to SmartThings, the app alone is enough. If you want to use Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, a hub is the piece that speaks those radios.
Which devices need a hub
| Device | Hub needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zigbee sensors, plugs, bulbs | Yes | SmartThings hubs control Zigbee, Z-Wave and LAN-connected devices |
| Z-Wave locks, switches, sensors | Yes, and the hub must support Z-Wave | Support is not the same on every hub or TV: check the maker’s page |
| Matter over Thread | A Thread border router is needed | Some Samsung hubs and TVs include one; other devices at home may too |
| Matter over Wi-Fi | No Thread router, but you need a Matter controller | Check the controller list in the SmartThings app |
| Wi-Fi devices from a brand that links to SmartThings | No | Runs through the cloud and needs your internet |
You may already own a hub
Samsung says its TVs from the Q60 series up, released after 2022, include a built-in SmartThings hub that supports Matter, Thread and Zigbee. The page does not mention Z-Wave for those TVs, so do not assume a TV can pair a Z-Wave lock. SmartThings support describes Samsung and SmartThings-branded hubs, and some partner devices, as enabled hubs. To check, open the SmartThings app, look through your devices and rooms for an entry marked as a hub, and read the model’s page for the radios it supports. App menus change, so follow the on-screen help for your version.
If you have an Alexa speaker or Google Nest display, those do not act as SmartThings hubs, but they can be Matter controllers and Thread border routers for devices you share with SmartThings. See Matter multi-admin for how one device can join several systems.
Cloud or local: what runs where
The hub matters for what happens when your internet drops:
- Edge drivers. SmartThings says Edge drivers translate between device protocols and the platform and run locally on the hub, which brings speed and reliability. A Zigbee door sensor that turns on a light through the hub can work without the internet.
- Cloud links. Devices connected through a cloud-to-cloud link stop responding to SmartThings when the internet or the brand’s service is down.
- The app. Remote control from your phone, voice assistants and notifications still need the internet.
If staying functional during outages is the goal, favor hub-connected devices and keep the hub and router on a battery backup. Our Smart home without internet guide lists what keeps working and what does not.
Buying a hub, step by step
- List the devices you own or plan to buy, and note their radio: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread or Bluetooth.
- If everything is Wi-Fi, Matter over Wi-Fi or cloud-linked, try the app first and skip the hub.
- If any device is Zigbee or Z-Wave, look for a hub or TV that explicitly supports that radio. Read the maker’s compatibility page, not just the box.
- Place the hub near the middle of the home, connected to Ethernet if the model has a port, and not inside a cabinet.
- Add mains-powered Zigbee devices first, then battery ones. Mains-powered Zigbee devices repeat the signal, as in the Zigbee coordinator setup guide.
Is another system a better fit?
If you want powerful automations and full local control with many brands, compare Home Assistant with SmartThings. For a wider overview of when a hub matters in any ecosystem, see Do I need a smart home hub?.
Shop by need
Zigbee or Z-Wave devices and no compatible TV
What to look for: SmartThings-compatible hub with Zigbee and Z-Wave radios, Ethernet port, Matter support, local execution
Typical price: $50–$150
See options on AmazonWi-Fi and Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices only
What to look for: Matter certification, support for SmartThings in the device listing, a Matter controller you already own
Typical price: $10–$25
See options on AmazonZ-Wave locks and sensors
What to look for: Z-Wave Plus certified device, listed as compatible with SmartThings, battery life of a year or more
Typical price: $20–$60
See options on AmazonHub keeps dropping during power cuts
What to look for: UPS with an output for the hub and router, 600 VA or more
Typical price: $40–$150
See options on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Does SmartThings work without a hub?
Yes, for Wi-Fi devices, Matter devices that connect over Wi-Fi and brands with a cloud link. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices require a hub or a TV with a built-in hub.
Do Samsung TVs work as a SmartThings hub?
Samsung says TVs from the Q60 series up, released after 2022, include a built-in hub that supports Matter, Thread and Zigbee. Its page does not mention Z-Wave.
Does SmartThings work offline?
Hub-connected devices with Edge drivers can run locally on the hub. Cloud-connected devices, remote control and voice assistants depend on the internet.
Can I use an Echo or Google Nest as a SmartThings hub?
Not as a SmartThings hub. They can act as Matter controllers and Thread border routers for devices that you also add to SmartThings through Matter.