Choose Samsung SmartThings if you rely on supported Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, want a hub-centered setup, or use Samsung appliances and services. Choose Google Home if your household is built around Google or Nest controls and your devices already work with Google Home. For Matter devices, check the exact hub, device features and—if the device uses Thread—Thread support before deciding.
There is no universal winner: the practical choice depends on the devices already installed, the automations and controls you need, and whether you are willing to add a hub.
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Should you use SmartThings or Google Home?
| Your situation | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You have supported Zigbee or Z-Wave devices | SmartThings | SmartThings hubs support Zigbee and Z-Wave, subject to the hub model, firmware and device capabilities. |
| You primarily use Google or Nest products and Works with Google Home devices | Google Home | Google Home is the natural place to manage devices already compatible with its ecosystem. |
| You want to use Matter devices across platforms | Compare the specific hubs and device features | Matter can allow cross-platform sharing, but does not eliminate controller, network or Thread requirements—or guarantee identical features in both apps. |
| You use Samsung appliances and services | Consider SmartThings | Its Samsung ecosystem emphasis may suit the household, but confirm support for each exact model and feature. |
Google says its Works with Google Home ecosystem includes over 80,000 compatible devices, according to its compatibility documentation accessed in 2026. Samsung SmartThings reported support for 50 Matter device types through Matter 1.4 in a Connectivity Standards Alliance-hosted report published in 2025. These figures describe different things and are not a like-for-like platform score.
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What devices do you already own?
SmartThings and Zigbee or Z-Wave
SmartThings is the more relevant option to investigate if your home already depends on Zigbee or Z-Wave devices. Its hub documentation also describes support for LAN-connected devices. Which devices and functions work depends on the particular hub, firmware and integration; a device appearing in an app does not necessarily mean every feature is exposed.
Google Home and its compatible ecosystem
Google Home advertises broad Works with Google Home compatibility, and Google says existing Works with Google Home devices remain supported alongside its Matter compatibility. Check the current Google Home compatible-device information for your exact model and the controls it exposes.
Check before switching platforms
A platform change can require re-pairing devices and rebuilding routines. SmartThings warns that factory-removing a hub deletes its associated connections, routines, configurations and services. Before resetting or replacing a hub, list what is connected and plan how you will recreate the routines and integrations you rely on.
Do you need a hub for SmartThings or Google Home?
For ordinary integrations, requirements vary by device and connection method. For Matter, both platforms have specific controller and setup requirements. A Matter hub can provide setup, local control and remote access; it is not automatically a Thread border router.
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Rank #2
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Google Nest Hub Max with English, Spanish, French, Japanese and Global Language Compatibility so it works everywhere, Universal Power Adapter and Quick Start Guide with International Manual for Global Users
- IT WORKS EVERYWHERE Easy to use and will automatically start up in English when connecting to your device for the first time. The Nest Hub works globally with support for most languages and places internationally. And its language settings can always be changed back and forth to your preferred language anytime for international use or travel at your convenience
- BLENDS RIGHT INTO YOUR HOME Looks great on a nightstand, shelf, countertop - or the wall. This Nest Hub is small and mighty with bright sound that kicks! It plugs into the wall and is powered by the global ac adapter that works internationally so it works in outlets everywhere
| Platform | Matter requirement | Thread consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Google Home | Google requires a Matter hub for setup, local Matter control and remote access. It also says IPv6 must be enabled on the home network for Matter to work properly. | Only certain Google Home hubs provide Thread border-router support. Check the Google Matter preparation guide for the current device list and network requirements. |
| SmartThings | A supported Matter controller and commissioner are required. Some older hubs can receive Matter support by firmware update; confirm the exact model and current requirements. | SmartThings says its 2015 hub needs a third-party Thread border router for Thread connections. Check the current SmartThings Matter documentation. |
Wi-Fi Matter devices and Thread Matter devices have different connectivity needs. Before buying, identify the device’s protocol, confirm that your hub supports it, and check the router requirements. A product labeled Matter is not proof that your existing hub has the necessary radio.
Does Matter make SmartThings and Google Home work together?
Matter is designed to improve interoperability, but it does not make every device category, advanced feature or automation identical across platforms. Google describes Matter as “the industry standard for smart homes designed to eliminate compatibility issues” in its Matter preparation guide. SmartThings says, “Most Matter devices work with SmartThings right out of the box,” on its Matter integration page. These are platform owners’ descriptions, not independent comparative test results.
SmartThings supports Matter multi-admin, which can let you share an already-onboarded Matter device with another compatible service while retaining its SmartThings connection. This can be useful if household members prefer different apps or voice assistants. It does not guarantee that every device feature will be available in both platforms.
Rank #3
- Google Nest Hub 1st Gen H1A – 7-inch smart display with Google Assistant built in for hands-free help, smart home control, entertainment, and daily organization.
- Korean Spec Model – International/Korean version of the Google Nest Hub H1A. Language can be changed to English after setup through the Google Home app/device settings.
- Smart Home Control – Use voice commands or the touchscreen to control compatible smart lights, cameras, thermostats, plugs, speakers, and other Google Assistant devices.
- Entertainment & Daily Help – Stream music, watch videos, view Google Photos, check weather, set timers, manage reminders, follow recipes, and get answers hands-free.
- Compact 7" Display Design – Great for kitchens, bedrooms, desks, offices, counters, and nightstands with a clean modern smart display design.
- Check the exact Matter device category and supported features in each platform’s current compatibility documentation.
- Confirm whether the device uses Wi-Fi or Thread.
- For Google Home Matter setup, make sure IPv6 is enabled on the home network.
- Verify that the hub meets the device’s requirements, including Thread border-router support where applicable.
Which platform fits the automations you want?
Compare the specific routine, not just the appearance of each app’s automation editor. The sensor state or device feature you need must be available to that platform as a trigger or action.
SmartThings routines
SmartThings routines use IF conditions and THEN actions. Documented trigger options include time or day, device activity and manual operation. SmartThings Edge can run supported commands and automations locally for hub-connected devices, but that does not mean every integration or routine runs locally.
Google Home automations
Google Home supports automations involving Matter devices through app controls and voice commands. Which device types and capabilities are available can vary. Check whether the precise sensor reading, state or action you need appears in Google Home before building a routine around it.
Quick Recap
How to make the decision
- List the devices you need to keep. Record each model, its protocol (such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter over Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread) and the features you actually use.
- Check official compatibility pages. Confirm each model and capability in the platform’s current device list; do not rely only on a brand name or Matter badge.
- Write down the routines that matter. Identify the exact trigger and action—for example, a particular sensor state and a light response—and verify both are supported.
- Match hub radios to devices. For Matter over Thread, confirm that the chosen hub or a separate border router supports Thread. For Google Matter control, check the hub and IPv6 requirements.
- Account for migration work. If switching, plan for re-pairing and rebuilding routines. Do not factory-remove a SmartThings hub until you understand which associated connections and configurations will be deleted.
- Choose the control experience you prefer. Consider whether your household mostly uses Google/Nest controls or benefits more from SmartThings and supported Samsung or legacy-protocol devices.
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