Choose SmartThings if you need a compatible hub for Zigbee or Z-Wave devices; choose Google Home if your home is centered on Google or Nest devices and Works with Google Home products. Both platforms support Matter, but compatibility labels do not guarantee the same controls or automations in each app. Check your exact devices, hub, and must-have functions before deciding. In some setups, you can use the platforms together.
SmartThings vs Google Home at a glance
| Decision area | SmartThings | Google Home | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device compatibility | Samsung describes support for hundreds of devices and brands. Its supported-device guidance recommends checking the exact product; a compatible hub can broaden available device options. Samsung device compatibility guidance and Samsung SmartThings overview. | Google says its ecosystem supports more than 80,000 Works with Google Home devices, as well as Matter devices. This is Google’s own figure, not a like-for-like independently audited comparison with Samsung’s description. Google compatible devices. | Search by brand and model, then confirm the controls and functions exposed in the app. |
| Matter | Supported, subject to controller, app, hub-model, and firmware requirements. SmartThings Matter guidance. | Supported. Requirements depend on whether a device uses Wi-Fi or Thread and whether remote control is needed. Google Matter guidance. | Check device type, network transport, hub or border-router requirements, and the features you need. |
| Zigbee and Z-Wave | Samsung says compatible SmartThings hubs support both protocols. Samsung hub and protocol guidance. | The cited Google Matter guidance covers Wi-Fi and Thread; it does not establish direct Zigbee or Z-Wave hub support. | If you own Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, verify your SmartThings hub model and each device before changing platforms. |
| Automations | Routines can use conditions and actions, but available features depend on device capability and manufacturer policy. Samsung SmartThings automation guidance. | Google supports automations, including for Matter devices, but supported types and features can differ. | Test the particular trigger-and-action combinations your household relies on. |
| Using both | Can link selected devices, scenes, and routines with Google Assistant; Matter multi-admin can support certain shared-device configurations. Samsung Assistant setup guidance and SmartThings Matter guidance. | Can control compatible Matter devices and linked SmartThings devices through the Assistant integration. | Expect setup and feature differences by device and platform. |
Which app fits your devices?
Choose SmartThings for compatible Zigbee or Z-Wave equipment
If your home already has Zigbee sensors, Z-Wave locks, or other devices using those protocols, SmartThings is worth considering when you have a compatible hub. Hub model and device compatibility matter: do not assume that every SmartThings-branded product or every third-party device will work with every hub.
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Choose Google Home for a Google-centered setup
Google Home is a natural fit when you mainly use Google or Nest devices and products marked Works with Google Home. Google reports support for more than 80,000 compatible devices, but that ecosystem-wide figure does not establish support for every model or every feature. Check the specific product listing and the function you need.
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Do not choose by headline device counts alone
Samsung describes compatibility in terms of hundreds of devices and brands, while Google publishes a figure above 80,000. The claims use different descriptions and are not an independent, like-for-like measure. A device may also appear in an ecosystem while exposing only some of its functions. Look up exact model numbers and verify the controls that matter.
#1 Best Overall
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Do you need a hub for Matter?
Sometimes. The answer depends on the Matter device’s network, the platform, and whether you want remote control. Matter devices use Wi-Fi or Thread; Thread devices need a Thread border router, while Google’s guidance says its supported hub hardware is needed for Wi-Fi Matter setup and remote control. Google’s listed Matter-capable hardware includes Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max, Nest Wifi Pro, and Google TV Streamer (4K); Thread support varies by model. Check Google’s current device list before buying or relying on existing hardware. Google Matter setup and hub requirements and Google compatible hub guidance.
SmartThings also has controller and firmware requirements. Samsung says some earlier SmartThings and Aeotec hubs can receive updates for Matter support, but compatibility depends on the particular model and software. Check whether the hub can act as the controller your device requires and whether a Thread border router is needed. SmartThings Matter integration guidance.
Rank #2
- Alexa can show you more - Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
- Small size, bigger sound – Stream your favorite music, shows, podcasts, and more from providers like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Prime Video—now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5" display so you can view shows, song titles, and more at a glance.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart devices like lights and thermostats, even while you're away.
- See more with the built-in camera – Check in on your family, pets, and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you're out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
- See your photos on display – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favorite photos. Invite family and friends to share photos to your Echo Show. Prime members also get unlimited cloud photo storage.
Matter does not mean identical app features
Matter helps compatible devices work across supported platforms, but it does not ensure that every device type, control, or automation is available in every app at the same time. Google notes that support for Matter device types can arrive at different times. Before buying, confirm the exact feature in the platform you plan to use, especially if you want the same device in both apps.
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Compare the automations you actually use
SmartThings routines combine conditions and actions—for example, a time or motion event can trigger an action. Samsung cautions that the features available for a device vary by manufacturer policy, and devices that do not support an automation feature may not appear as controlled devices. Samsung’s automation guidance.
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.
Rather than relying on a general claim that one app has better automations, write down a few routines you need and check whether each platform supports both the trigger and the action for the specific devices involved:
- A motion sensor turns on a particular light.
- A schedule changes a thermostat or switches off selected plugs.
- A device’s status triggers an action in another room.
Support can differ by model, device maker, and platform, so verify the combinations before migrating or adding hardware.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you use SmartThings and Google Home together?
Yes, in some configurations. Samsung documents linking Google Assistant with SmartThings and choosing which SmartThings location and permissions Google can access. Depending on the setup, selected devices, scenes, and routines can be made available through Google Assistant; that does not mean every SmartThings feature transfers or both apps become identical. Samsung’s Google Assistant and SmartThings setup guidance.
Matter multi-admin can also let a compatible Matter device be shared with more than one platform. The device type and features available in each app still depend on the platforms’ support. If you want one device controlled in both, check its multi-admin instructions and verify the controls in each app before depending on them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
A practical way to choose
- Inventory your devices. Record brand, exact model number, and protocol where known. For SmartThings, search the app or consult Samsung’s supported-device guidance. For Google, look for Works with Google Home or Matter compatibility and confirm the exact model in Google’s device directory.
- Check your existing hub hardware. Note the model and firmware of any SmartThings hub or Google device you plan to use. For Matter, establish whether each device uses Wi-Fi or Thread and whether your setup needs a supported hub, Thread border router, or remote control.
- List your must-have controls and routines. Confirm that the platform exposes each device function and supports the trigger-and-action pairs you need; compatibility alone is not enough.
- Account for household habits. Existing Google speakers or displays may remain useful for voice control even if you use SmartThings for device management. Review the SmartThings location and permissions you would share with Google Assistant.
- Plan for shared use only where verified. Use Matter multi-admin or the Assistant integration when the exact device and functions are supported in both platforms.
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