Best Device to Buy Before Starting a Smart Home

The single most important device to buy before setting up a smart home is a smart hub (also called a smart home controller). This central device connects all your smart gadgets—lights, locks, sensors, cameras—into one system, so you can control them together instead of juggling multiple apps. Without a hub, you’ll end up with a pile of Wi-Fi devices that don’t talk to each other, which defeats the whole purpose of a smart home.

Formula

The calculator works out how much a smart hub costs per connected device, which helps you decide if a hub is worth it compared to using a bunch of separate apps. The first output, Hub cost per device, is simply:

Hub cost per device = Hub cost ÷ Total devices

where Hub cost is the upfront price of the hub (in dollars) and Total devices is the number of smart gadgets you plan to connect. The second output, 5-year cost per device, adds any annual subscription fees:

5-year cost per device = (Hub cost + Subscription per year × 5) ÷ Total devices

This gives you a per-device cost that you can compare with the cost of buying individual Wi-Fi devices that don’t need a hub (but may have their own subscriptions).

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (10 devices, $100 hub, $0 subscription):

1. Hub cost per device: $100 ÷ 10 = $10.00 per device
2. 5-year cost per device: ($100 + $0 × 5) ÷ 10 = $100 ÷ 10 = $10.00 per device

So with 10 devices, the hub adds just $10 to the cost of each gadget. If you have only 3 devices, that jumps to $33.33 per device—which might make a hub less attractive.

Why a Smart Hub Matters

Many first-time buyers start with a single smart plug or a smart bulb, then add more over time. Each brand often requires its own app, account, and Wi-Fi connection. Before long, you have five apps on your phone and devices that don’t work together. A hub solves this by providing a single point of control. It can also enable automations—like turning off all lights when you leave—that work across different brands.

Hubs use different wireless protocols. Some use Zigbee or Z-Wave, which are low-power mesh networks that don’t clog your Wi-Fi. Others, like a home assistant speaker, can control Wi-Fi devices via cloud services. The best choice depends on the devices you plan to buy.

How to Choose a Hub

When picking a hub, consider these factors:

• Compatibility: Check which devices work with the hub. Some hubs only support their own brand’s devices; others support hundreds of third-party products.
• Protocol support: If you want battery-powered sensors or locks, look for Zigbee or Z-Wave support. Wi-Fi-only hubs may not connect to those.
• Local vs. cloud: Some hubs process commands locally (faster, works without internet), while others rely on cloud servers (may lag or fail if internet drops).
• Subscription: Some hubs require a monthly fee for full features. Factor that into the cost per device.
• Voice assistant: If you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, make sure the hub works with your preferred assistant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is buying a hub after you already have a pile of devices that don’t support it. For example, if you buy a bunch of cheap Wi-Fi smart plugs that only work with their own app, a Zigbee hub won’t control them. You’d need a hub that supports Wi-Fi devices via cloud, or you’d have to replace the plugs.

Another mistake is ignoring the range. Hubs that use Zigbee or Z-Wave create a mesh network where each powered device acts as a repeater, but battery-powered devices don’t. If you have a large home, you may need additional repeaters or a hub with a strong antenna.

Finally, don’t assume that a hub is always necessary. If you only want a few smart bulbs from the same brand, their app may be enough. But if you plan to expand, a hub is a wise investment.

Costs and Budgeting

Smart hubs range from about $40 to $300, depending on features and brand. Some are built into smart speakers, which can double as a hub. Subscription costs vary—some hubs are free, others charge $5–$10 per month for advanced automations or remote access. Use the calculator above to see how these costs spread across your devices.

Also consider the cost of the devices themselves. A Zigbee smart bulb might cost more than a Wi-Fi bulb, but it doesn’t rely on your Wi-Fi network, which can get congested. Over time, a hub can save money by letting you buy cheaper devices from multiple brands that all work together.

Safety and Security

Security is a major concern in smart homes. A hub can improve security by keeping your devices off the public internet—many hubs use local control, so commands don’t go through a cloud server. However, if the hub connects to the internet for remote access, it becomes a potential entry point. Always change the default password on the hub, keep its firmware updated, and use a separate network (like a guest network) for smart devices if your router supports it.

Also be aware that some hubs collect usage data. Read the privacy policy before buying. If you’re concerned about privacy, choose a hub that supports local processing and doesn’t require cloud accounts.

Alternatives to a Smart Hub

If you’re not ready for a dedicated hub, there are alternatives:

• Smart speakers with built-in hubs: Many popular speakers can control a wide range of devices via Wi-Fi and some also include Zigbee radios.
• Software hubs: You can run open-source software like Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi or an old PC. This gives you full control but requires more technical know-how.
• Brand-specific ecosystems: Stick with one brand (like Philips Hue or IKEA) and use their bridge. This is simpler but limits you to that brand’s devices.
• No hub at all: If you only have a few Wi-Fi devices, you can control them with their individual apps. This works but becomes unwieldy as you add more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a hub if I only have a few smart devices?

For a few devices from the same brand, you can skip a hub. But if you plan to mix brands or add many devices, a hub will save you from app overload and enable automations that work across devices.

Can a smart speaker act as a hub?

Yes, many smart speakers can control Wi-Fi devices and some also have Zigbee built in. However, they may lack support for Z-Wave and may require cloud services, which can be slower and less private.

What’s the difference between Zigbee and Z-Wave?

Both are low-power mesh protocols. Zigbee uses the 2.4 GHz band (like Wi-Fi) and supports many devices. Z-Wave uses lower frequencies (around 900 MHz) and has a smaller device limit but fewer interference issues. Compatibility depends on your hub.

Will a hub work without internet?

It depends. Hubs that process locally can control devices even without internet, but you may lose voice control and remote access. Cloud-dependent hubs may stop working entirely if the internet goes down.

Can I use multiple hubs in one home?

Yes, but it can complicate things. Some people use a hub for Zigbee devices and another for Z-Wave. You can often integrate them into a single software hub like Home Assistant, but that’s advanced.

Is it worth buying a cheaper hub to start?

A cheaper hub may lack features or compatibility. Use the calculator to see the per-device cost—if you have many devices, a more expensive hub might still be cost-effective. But always check reviews and compatibility before buying.

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in t | Total devices | count | 10 | 1
in h | Hub cost | $ | 100 | 0
in s | Subscription per year | $ | 0 | 0
out c | Hub cost per device | $/device | h / t | 2
out y | 5-year cost per device | $/device | (h + s * 5) / t | 2