The Tool Desk
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First decide what “hub” means for your setup
A TV that displays smart-home controls is not necessarily the device connecting your smart-home equipment or running automations. Some TVs and streaming devices offer an on-screen control panel; a smart-home hub may also provide the connectivity your devices require. Check the device ecosystem and radio protocols your home uses before choosing a route.
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For Matter devices managed through Google Home, Google says a Matter hub is required. If your home includes both Thread and Wi-Fi Matter devices, that hub also needs to work as a Thread border router. Google lists the Google TV Streamer (4K) as supporting Matter over Wi-Fi and Thread; do not assume a TV’s on-screen controls provide those same capabilities. Google’s Matter hub guidance explains the distinction.
Compare the four ways to add TV-based control
| Option | What you need | Best fit | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enable Google Home on the TV | A specific eligible TV, Google account, Google Home app, and shared network | Owners whose model already supports Google Home hub setup | Eligibility is model-specific; an always-ready setting may increase standby power |
| Connect a Google TV Streamer (4K) | HDMI input, power, network, Google account, and compatible Google Home devices | Those who want an HDMI-connected control panel and Matter/Thread hub support | Requires an additional device and Google Home setup; controls are limited to compatible devices |
| Install Homey for TV | Compatible Android TV or LG webOS TV and a supported Homey system | Homey users whose TV and region meet the app requirements | Platform, model year, country, and Homey-system compatibility matter |
| Open a supported service in the TV browser | A TV browser that works with the chosen service | Quick controls when the service documents browser access | Browser and feature support vary; a full dashboard may not be available |
1. Enable Google Home directly on an eligible TV
If your television already supports Google Home hub setup, this can be the simplest route because it avoids adding an HDMI device. Google’s example is a 2024 LG TV with Google Home listed in the Home Hub menu. That example does not establish compatibility for other LG models or smart TVs generally. Google’s TV hub setup instructions describe the requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- Echo Hub — An easy-to-use smart home control panel redesigned for your home. Arrange controls on your dashboard to quickly adjust devices, view cameras, start routines, and more.
- Customize your dashboard — Arrange devices into sections and resize them to focus on what matters most. Create a personalized layout that matches how your family uses their connected devices.
- Reimagined for your home - With an Alexa+ and compatible Ring subscription (sold separately), get Ring camera event summaries to stay in the know. Search your Ring footage using simple voice commands. Create routines by voice, activate modes to manage multiple devices at once, and chat with Alexa to easily control your smart home.
- Home security for the whole family — Use Echo Hub to easily arm and disarm your compatible security system, making it easy for everyone in your family to manage home security. Use the Alexa app and compatible cameras, locks, alarms, and sensors to check in while you're out.
- Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices — WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, and Thread devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub.
Check eligibility and setup conditions
- Look for Google Home in the TV’s Home Hub menu or the setup options for your exact model. Do not infer support from the brand alone.
- Keep the TV and the phone or tablet running Google Home on the same network, and use a Google account.
- Google requires a suitable secure Wi-Fi setup. Follow the instructions shown for your model.
- Your TV may need high-energy mode, Always Ready, or an equivalent setting to remain available as a hub. Check the power settings and standby-power trade-off before enabling it.
After setup, supported TVs can expose Google Home devices through Google Home or supported apps, and some allow direct on-screen interaction. Set up non-Matter third-party devices in their manufacturer’s app first when required. A TV’s support for this feature does not by itself confirm that it is a Matter or Thread hub.
2. Add a Google TV Streamer (4K) through HDMI
If the TV lacks built-in Google Home support but has an available HDMI input, Google TV Streamer (4K) adds a separate Google TV interface with an on-screen smart-home home panel. Google lists the streamer as a Google Home hub supporting Matter over Wi-Fi and Thread. Check current model and regional requirements before buying, and confirm that your TV, network, Google account, and smart-home devices fit the setup. Google’s product page identifies the device’s current features.
Rank #2
- MEET ECHO SHOW 15 - A stunning 15.6" Full-HD (1080p) smart display that's perfect for your kitchen and ready to show you more. Use customizable widgets to keep your day on track, watch your favorite shows with Fire TV and powerful vibrant sound, and enjoy natural video calling, with 3.3x zoom and wide field of view.
- FAMILY ORGANIZATION HUB - See your top widgets at a glance, like your family’s calendars and to-do lists, local weather, smart home, and more.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITES, ALL RIGHT HERE - Built-in Fire TV unlocks endless entertainment, so you can enjoy your favorite content from thousands of apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, and more (subscription may be required). Fire TV remote included. Plus, now you can quickly add a device to play music with Active Media - start playing a song in the kitchen, then add the living room and bedroom on the fly.
- SMART HOME CENTRAL - Control smart devices with your voice or a few taps using the smart home dashboard. Easily turn on all your living room lights at once or check live camera feeds to see what's happening around your home.
- YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ON DISPLAY - Brighten your space (and your day) by turning your home screen into a photo slideshow that displays your favorite memories. Auto curate your images and show off your favorite family memories.
Set up the Google TV home panel
- Set up your compatible devices in Google Home first.
- Make sure the Google TV profile belongs to a Google Home.
- Use standard mode, enable the home panel, and confirm that the Home includes at least one other smart-home device.
- Open the home panel on Google TV and check which compatible devices appear.
Google says the panel can control compatible Google Home devices, including lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, plugs, vacuums, TVs, and speakers. It is not an unrestricted control surface for every smart device. See Google’s instructions for controlling smart-home devices on Google TV for setup and profile conditions.
This route makes most sense when you want an HDMI-based control screen and need the streamer’s stated Matter and Thread support. If your existing TV already has an eligible Google Home feature, the add-on is not required just to use that built-in option.
Rank #3
- 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
3. Install Homey on a compatible TV
Homey offers a TV app for Android TV and LG webOS. Its support page specifies LG Smart TVs released in 2021 or later for the webOS app, and says availability can vary by model and country. Supported Homey systems listed by Homey are Homey Cloud, Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini, and Homey Self-Hosted Server. Verify your TV’s operating system, release year, model, region, and Homey system before relying on this option. Homey’s TV support information provides the compatibility details.
Homey describes using the TV and remote to access favorites, devices, Flows, and Moods. The app is a way to interact with a compatible Homey setup on the television; it does not make every older TV compatible or establish that the TV itself provides Matter or Thread connectivity. Homey’s announcement of its TV app describes the available TV controls.
Rank #4
- New size, more viewing area: The 11“ smart display features a vibrant Full-HD touchscreen with 60% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2025 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content looks and sounds incredible: Watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the vibrant Full-HD 11" screen and enjoy room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: The 11" display makes it easy to see recipes and calendars at a glance, find meal inspo, and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
- Crystal-clear video calls: Video calls feel natural on the vibrant 11" screen with a centered, auto-framing camera, 3.3x zoom, and noise reduction technology. Use live view to check in on your family, pets, and more while you're away.
4. Use the TV browser only for controls the service supports
A TV browser can be a workable shortcut when the service you use explicitly supports browser-based control. Homey says homey.tv can be opened in a browser for quick actions, but that does not mean every TV browser will render every part of the service. Homey states that Dashboards and Energy are available only in its mobile app, while its web app supports device control and management. Consult Homey’s TV support article, its Dashboards information, and its web app guidance before expecting a dashboard on the TV.
- Test the exact browser and service on your model before depending on it for daily control.
- Confirm that the actions you need work with the remote, not just a mouse or touchscreen.
- Distinguish quick device controls from dashboards, energy views, or automation-management features.
Do not assume a legacy TV browser can install or reliably run a Home Assistant dashboard; compatibility for that setup is not established here. A browser-based interface is best treated as an option to test, not a universal smart-home solution.
Quick Recap
Choose based on the TV, devices, and job you need done
- Start with the exact TV model and software. “Smart TV” or “aging TV” is not enough to establish eligibility. Check the operating system, model year, region, firmware, and the feature menus available on your set.
- Decide whether you need a screen or a hub. If you only want to tap controls on the TV, a supported TV app or panel may be sufficient. If your devices require Matter or Thread connectivity, verify that the actual hub supports the protocols they use.
- Check ecosystem fit. Google TV’s panel depends on Google Home setup and compatible devices; Homey’s app depends on a compatible Homey system as well as the TV.
- Account for power and usability. An always-ready TV setting can affect standby power. A browser or app also needs to be practical with the TV’s remote and interface.
- Confirm current availability. App availability, model eligibility, product availability, and regional requirements can change; check the relevant official support page for your exact setup.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
