SmartThings vs Google Home: Which Hub Is Better?
SmartThings and Google Home are two of the most popular smart home platforms, but they serve different roles. SmartThings is a hub-centric platform that prioritizes broad device compatibility and local automation, while Google Home is an ecosystem that centers on the Google Assistant and integrates tightly with Google services. The right choice depends on whether you value device flexibility and reliability (SmartThings) or voice control and Google integration (Google Home).
Background: Two Different Approaches
Samsung SmartThings started as a Kickstarter project in 2012 and was acquired by Samsung in 2014. It began as a physical hub that used Zigbee and Z-Wave radios to connect devices that don’t speak Wi-Fi, making it a favorite for advanced users who wanted to mix protocols. Over time, SmartThings expanded to support Wi-Fi devices and added a cloud-based app, but the hub remains central to its identity.
Google Home, launched in 2016, is not a hub in the traditional sense. It is a software platform built around the Google Assistant, running on Google Nest speakers, displays, and the Google Home app. It connects to Wi-Fi devices directly and uses “Works with Google” partnerships to control them. It also supports Matter, the new smart home standard, which lets it control Matter devices over Wi-Fi or Thread.
The two platforms have converged: SmartThings now supports Matter and Google Home now supports local execution for some devices. But their origins still shape their strengths.
How They Work: Hubs, Radios, and Voice
SmartThings uses a hub (the Aeotec Smart Home Hub is the current model sold under Samsung’s direction) that includes Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Thread radios. This means it can directly control devices that use those protocols without needing a separate bridge. The hub connects to your router via Ethernet and runs automations locally when possible, which reduces latency and keeps automations working during internet outages.
Google Home, by contrast, has no dedicated hub hardware. It relies on your Wi-Fi router and the cloud. Voice commands go to Google’s servers, which then send commands to devices. Some automations run locally on Google Nest speakers or displays, but many still depend on the cloud. Google Home supports Matter and Thread through Nest speakers that have Thread border routers built in (like Nest Hub 2nd gen and Nest Wifi Pro).
In practice, SmartThings gives you more direct control over non-Wi-Fi devices, while Google Home gives you a more natural voice interface and deeper integration with Google services like Calendar, Maps, and YouTube.
Device Compatibility: Which Platform Connects More?
SmartThings historically supports more device types because of Zigbee and Z-Wave. You can connect sensors, locks, and switches that don’t have Wi-Fi, which is a big deal for security and automation. For example, a Z-Wave door lock or a Zigbee motion sensor works directly with SmartThings without needing a separate bridge.
Google Home supports Wi-Fi devices and Matter devices, plus some Thread devices. It does not support Zigbee or Z-Wave natively. If you have a Zigbee device, you’d need a hub or bridge that connects to Google Home via a cloud integration. This adds complexity and potential points of failure.
However, Google Home has a larger ecosystem of voice-controlled devices because it works with thousands of brands through the Google Assistant. Many Wi-Fi plugs, lights, and thermostats work with both platforms, but Google Home often has more voice-specific features like “Hey Google, turn on the lights” with natural language understanding.
Automation and Routines: Power vs. Simplicity
SmartThings offers a robust automation engine in the app. You can create complex conditions, like “If motion is detected in the hallway after sunset and the front door is locked, then turn on the lights at 50%.” It supports multiple triggers, conditions, and actions, and it runs locally on the hub for many devices. This makes it a favorite for DIY enthusiasts.
Google Home routines are simpler. You can create routines that trigger on voice commands, schedules, or sensor events (if you have compatible sensors). For example, “Good morning” can turn on lights, read the news, and adjust the thermostat. But the logic is more limited: you can’t easily nest conditions or use multiple triggers in a single routine. Google has been improving this, but it still lags behind SmartThings in power.
If you want advanced automation, SmartThings is the better choice. If you want quick, voice-triggered routines that involve Google services, Google Home is more intuitive.
Voice Control: Google Assistant vs. Bixby and Alexa
Google Home wins on voice control. The Google Assistant is widely considered the most natural and capable voice assistant for smart home commands. You can say “Hey Google, set the living room to 72 degrees” or “Hey Google, turn off the bedroom lights” and it works reliably. It also understands context, like “turn off the lights” when you’re in a specific room.
SmartThings does not have its own voice assistant. It works with Bixby (Samsung’s assistant), Alexa, and Google Assistant. You can control SmartThings devices via Google Assistant if you link your SmartThings account to Google Home. But then you’re using Google Home as the voice front-end, which requires both platforms to be set up and linked. This adds a layer of complexity and can lead to sync issues.
If voice control is your primary interface, Google Home is the clear winner. If you’re okay with using a separate assistant, SmartThings can still work, but it’s not as seamless.
Cost and Setup: What Do You Need to Buy?
SmartThings requires a hub to unlock its full potential. The Aeotec Smart Home Hub costs around $100. You also need the SmartThings app (free). If you already have a Samsung SmartThings-compatible TV or refrigerator, you might have some built-in hub functionality, but that’s limited.
Google Home requires a Google Nest speaker or display to use voice control, but you can use the Google Home app alone to control devices. The app is free, and you can buy a Nest Mini for around $50. You don’t need a separate hub if you only use Wi-Fi devices. However, if you want Thread support, you need a Nest device that has a Thread border router, like the Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Nest Wifi Pro.
Setup for both is app-based. SmartThings requires you to add the hub, then pair devices. Google Home requires you to add devices via the app, which often involves scanning QR codes or entering setup codes. Both are straightforward, but SmartThings has a steeper learning curve for non-tech users.
Common Problems and Limitations
SmartThings users often report issues with cloud dependency for some automations, especially when using Wi-Fi devices. Also, the app can be slow to reflect device status. Some users find the transition to the new SmartThings app (which replaced the older version) frustrating due to missing features.
Google Home users complain about occasional voice command failures, especially when the internet is down. Also, Google Home’s device list can get cluttered, and routines sometimes don’t trigger reliably. Another common issue is that Google Home doesn’t support Zigbee or Z-Wave, so you need extra bridges, which can cause compatibility headaches.
Both platforms have had security concerns in the past. SmartThings had a vulnerability in 2016 that allowed remote control of devices. Google Home has had privacy concerns regarding voice recordings. Neither is perfect, but both have improved their security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SmartThings devices with Google Home? Yes, you can link your SmartThings account to Google Home in the Google Home app. This lets you control SmartThings devices via Google Assistant. However, not all device types are supported, and you may need to re-link if you add new devices.
Do I need a SmartThings hub if I have Google Home? If you only have Wi-Fi devices, you don’t need a SmartThings hub. But if you have Zigbee or Z-Wave devices, you need a SmartThings hub (or another compatible hub) to connect them to Google Home.
Which platform is more reliable for automations? SmartThings generally runs automations locally on the hub, which makes them faster and more reliable, even without internet. Google Home relies more on the cloud, so automations can fail during outages.
Can I use Google Home without a Google speaker? Yes, you can use the Google Home app on your phone to control devices, but you won’t have voice control. Voice control requires a Google Assistant-enabled device like a Nest speaker or display.
Is SmartThings compatible with Apple HomeKit? Not directly. SmartThings does not support HomeKit natively, but you can use a third-party bridge like Homebridge to connect them. Google Home does not support HomeKit either.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re starting fresh and want the easiest setup with strong voice control, go with Google Home. It’s ideal for people who use Google services and want a simple, voice-first experience.
If you’re a tech enthusiast who wants to mix protocols and build complex automations, SmartThings is the better choice. It gives you more control and reliability, especially for security devices like locks and sensors.
Many people end up using both: SmartThings as the backend hub for advanced devices, and Google Home as the voice front-end. That combination works well, but it requires more setup.
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