Samsung SmartThings is worth a serious look as a smart-home control layer, not just a way to manage Samsung appliances. Its reach is broad: Samsung says the platform supports more than 430 Works with SmartThings certified brands and Matter 1.6. Whether it is “smarter” than Apple Home depends on what your home already contains, and that is a judgment you can test rather than accept on faith.
What SmartThings is now
SmartThings is best understood as an ecosystem that sits above individual brands. Samsung’s October 5, 2026 platform update, introduced as SmartThings Now, gives the scale figures that most coverage repeats: 470 million registered users and more than 430 Works with SmartThings certified brands. These are Samsung-reported platform numbers. They tell you the company’s ecosystem is large and multi-brand; they do not measure how well any individual device works inside it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What changed in the October 2026 update
Samsung’s update covers several areas, and each carries a different level of certainty for buyers:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Matter 1.6 support. The update moves SmartThings to Matter 1.6. The April 2025 update described Matter 1.4, so this is a version step, not a new platform.
- New device categories. Samsung says the platform added support for energy meters, closures, irrigation devices, and soil sensors.
- A redesigned Home tab and “SmartThings Now” cards. These present personalized suggestions and controls on the home screen, so you see relevant devices without navigating into each one.
- Local control on eligible products. This is the update’s most technically meaningful change, covered in the next section.
Samsung notes that rollout and eligibility can vary by device and app environment. Check your app version and device model before assuming a feature is active.
#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
In the announcement, Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of the SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics’ AI Platform Center, said: “This update marks another step in SmartThings’ ongoing efforts to move beyond a home experience where users search for and launch features.” That is Samsung describing its intended direction. It is not an independent verdict on whether the redesign achieves it.
Local control and the 30% claim
Local control means a supported hub or hub-enabled product handles commands on your home network instead of routing them through the cloud. Samsung says this can improve response times by approximately 30% compared with cloud-based control. That figure comes from Samsung’s own controlled tests, and Samsung says actual performance may vary with your environment, including your Wi-Fi network, the number of devices, and your internet connection. Treat it as a directional claim from the vendor, not a result you should expect in every home.
Samsung lists these products as eligible for local control:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- SmartThings Station
- SmartThings V2, V3, and V4 hubs
- Certain hub-enabled Samsung TVs and Family Hub products
You need the SmartThings app installed on Android or iOS. Because eligibility depends on exact model and device combinations, confirm your specific hardware before counting on local response times.
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
Where interoperability is real: IKEA Matter devices
The clearest test of SmartThings’ multi-brand claim is Samsung’s April 22, 2026 announcement that 25 IKEA smart-home devices support Matter and can connect directly to a SmartThings hub. Previously, those devices needed an IKEA hub in addition to the SmartThings hub. Named categories include:
- Bulbs and plugs
- Temperature and humidity sensors
- Air-quality sensors
- Motion sensors
- Door sensors
- Water-leak sensors
The announcement also sets limits you should read before buying. Availability and timing may vary by market. As of April 20, 2026, lighting control was the only supported function for one element of the integration, with blind control planned later. Matter connectivity for a named device does not mean every function of that device works through SmartThings.
That gap is the practical lesson of Matter: it makes cross-brand setup simpler, but “Matter compatible” does not guarantee identical behavior on every platform.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Matter, hubs, and older protocols
Samsung’s October 2022 Matter announcement is useful history. At that time, SmartThings supported Matter controller functionality on SmartThings Hub generations two and three and on the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. The platform also continued to support Zigbee, Z-Wave, and local-network devices such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet products. That list has since changed, so use the 2026 announcement for current feature support and the 2022 one only to understand how the platform developed.
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
Matter’s multi-admin capability lets one supported device be shared with more than one controlling platform or app. For a household that uses Apple Home alongside SmartThings, this is the mechanism that makes a mixed setup possible. It still depends on the device and the platform both supporting the feature.
A practical energy-monitoring example
Samsung’s 2023 partnership with Eve Systems is a concrete example of the energy side of the platform. Samsung described Eve Energy as a Matter-compatible smart plug and power meter that reports energy consumption through SmartThings when connected to a compatible hub. Samsung’s examples include tracking how much an appliance uses and using that data to inform routines or timers.
Those are capabilities Samsung described, not guaranteed savings. Whether a plug lowers your bill depends on what you plug in, how you use it, and your utility rates. Confirm current regional availability for the Eve Energy product before buying.
Which setup fits your home
Choose your path based on the hardware you already own rather than the platform’s marketing:
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.
- If you own a Samsung TV, Family Hub, or SmartThings hub: check the eligibility list above. If your device is on it, you may already have local control without buying anything else.
- If you want to add IKEA Matter devices: confirm your market and your hub generation. Check whether the specific device and function you need are supported, especially for blinds, which Samsung said would come later.
- If you want a Matter smart plug: buy a model that Samsung or the manufacturer lists as Matter-compatible with SmartThings, and confirm whether your hub is required for your use.
- If you want energy data: an energy-monitoring plug such as Eve Energy adds reporting, but it works best where you have a specific appliance to track.
Do not assume every home needs a new hub. Many setups need only a compatible device and an app on a phone that supports it.
How to compare SmartThings with Apple Home
A fair comparison starts with the setup you actually have, not a general ranking. Compare these points for your own devices:
- Which brands and protocols your devices use, and whether each is supported on both platforms
- Whether a hub is required for each device, and which hub generation you own
- Whether you need local control, and whether your eligible hardware supports it
- How much automation flexibility you need, and whether the routines you want are available on each platform
- Which apps and accounts your household already uses
Samsung’s announcements describe SmartThings in its own terms, and they do not compare it with Apple Home. Neither platform’s announcements measure the other, so your own device list is the most reliable test.
Bottom line
SmartThings is more than a Samsung appliance app. Its breadth, Matter support, and local-control options make it a credible hub for mixed-brand homes. “Smarter and cooler” is an opinion. The evidence supports a narrower and more useful claim: SmartThings can connect more brands than many people assume, but whether it beats Apple Home for your home depends on the devices you own and the features you need.
(Samsung figures, including the 470 million registered users, the 430-plus certified brands, and the approximately 30% local-control improvement, are Samsung’s own claims as of its October 2026 announcement.)
Quick Recap
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.
