Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation
Score: 75/100
Amazon Echo Hub
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Echo Hub is an 8-inch Alexa-enabled wall panel that consolidates many smart-home protocols into a sleek touchscreen interface. Its main trade-offs are the lack of built-in audio and occasional Wi-Fi setup issues. Best for Alexa-centric households that want a dedicated control surface.
The Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation provides wireless Wi-Fi connectivity, Z-Wave and Zigbee radios, and fast local automation for a broad smart-home ecosystem. Its drawbacks include connectivity hiccups, a buggy app and lack of built-in backup features. Suited for homeowners who prioritize multi-protocol support and app-driven automation over perfect reliability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8 devicesbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 12.5 Wbest |
| ↓ lower better | 0.136 kgbest | 0.367 kg |
1 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Features(1) | ||
Voice Assistant Compatibility | Amazon Echo | Alexa |
Connectivity(3) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | BLE |
Ethernet Port | true | false |
Supported Protocols | Z‑Wave, Zigbee 3, Cloud‑to‑Cloud, Wi‑Fi | Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Sidewalk, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 0.136 kg | 0.367 kg |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (cm) | 12.7×3.05×12.7 cm cm | 13.73×1.47×20.19 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the SmartThings Hub V3 as the top choice for multi-protocol smart homes, praising its dual Z-Wave/Zigbee radios, fast local processing, and extensive third-party ecosystem that makes it the 'brains' of a connected home. They note its attractive hardware and instantaneous performance, but repeatedly call out connectivity hiccups, upgrade-induced data loss, and a buggy app that needs refinement.
Everyday users love the hub's easy Wi-Fi setup, broad device compatibility and powerful automation features, especially in large homes where range matters. However, many report recurring bugs, spotty connections and pairing delays, and wish for more reliable offline control and a smoother app experience.
“lights, cameras, thermostats at a glance”
“have to pair Bluetooth every time”
Professional reviewers describe the Echo Hub as a sleek, customizable smart-home control panel that excels at consolidating Alexa-compatible devices with a crisp 8-inch display and extensive protocol support. They commend its privacy safeguards and eco-friendly packaging, but note that the absence of built-in speakers and its narrow focus on the Alexa ecosystem limit its appeal compared to larger Echo Show models that also serve as media hubs.
Everyday users appreciate the convenience of a single wall-mounted screen for managing lights, locks, cameras and family schedules, highlighting the clear touchscreen and easy Alexa voice control. Common frustrations revolve around the need for external Bluetooth speakers, occasional Wi-Fi setup issues, and packaging weight inconsistencies.
