Living a life where things are automated and hands-free is what everyone wanted. Coffee is readily served, televisions turned on or off as needed, and even doors are readily open. Those things are quite dreamy, right? A fantasy that only exists through the books of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter or an entry into the world of Star Wars.
Well, anything is possible through technology and likewise, you’re still going to witness these innovations, not just through books or movies because it’s totally real. Introducing, to you the power of smart hubs. These devices are made specifically to make human lives easier and convenient. If you are curious about these devices, then check in this review.
With this review, we will give an evaluation and a comparison with two existing Smart Hubs namely Wink Hub 2 and Smartthings. These two devices are among the most known and best-selling smart hubs. Let the battle for magic begin!
This is a hardware device that aims to operate appliances, gadgets, and things inside your place through your wireless internet connection. Ideally, each smart devices in your homes should have a specific application that should be downloaded via a smartphone and then, linked to your smart hub. The hub will serve as a gateway, used for regulating and controlling these smart devices the way you wanted. Additionally, these devices are also linked with activated voice over speakers (e.g. Amazon Alexa, Cortona) working together to give a convenient and sophisticated living conditions.
#1. Wink Hub 2
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A 0.5 lb rectangular white colored hub that has a sleek and contemporary design perfect for your smart devices. All that you need is to download the free Wink app that could be readily downloaded in the play store. This smart hub is highly compatible with devices with different operating systems and formats including ZigBee, Z Wave, and Clear Connect. Compared to its predecessor, this upgraded version has a stronger processor containing a 512 MB memory as needed for a fast response. Aside from that, it connects to a strong WiFi and Ethernet ports for which links systematically to your smart devices directly. A maximum of 530 devices could be paired with the hub. Also, the hub could reach devices about 50-100 feet from the focal point. Among these smart devices includes lights, locks, cameras, fans, and thermostats. This powerful hub could work on through Amazon’s Alexa. This is an intuitive product delivering high speed and reliable service. It is easily set up and utilized even by first-time users. Plus, the company has a great customer support which makes it more likable than other brands.
Specifications and Features
• Setup through WiFi
• Connected with a Downloadable Application called Wink App
• Pairs up to 530 smart devices
• 512 MB memory capacity
• High Compatibility with Multiple Operating System and other Formats
• Simple yet Empowering Design
• Fast and Reliable Connection to Smart Devices
• Smoke Triggering Feature
• Automated Scheduling
• Real-Time Monitoring
#2. Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub
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An easily control hub that connects to multi-range smart devices. Samsung has truly done a good job for this hub. The device is very compatible with multiple operating systems and smart devices including Philips Hue, Honeywell, and Kwikset. It carries and connects to about a maximum of 117 smart devices. Everything of these materializes through the downloadable application named, “SmartThings” which could be easily found in the app stores. This 0.5 lb. hub not just control but monitors the condition of the environment including those who enters or exits the door, water leaks, and even any unnecessary movements. These disturbances are readily detected through SmartThings sensors installed in your places. A 10 hour back up power via 4 AA batteries is incorporated into the AC adapter for emergency situations. Aside from that, this hub works well with Amazon’s Alexa. This device is easy to use and install. It is entirely flexible and reacts readily as instructed. This is a flawless upgrade from Samsung product.
Specifications and Features:
• High Compatibility and Support
• Paired with about 117 Smart Devices
• Connects with a User-friendly Application called SmartThings
• Smart Sensors
• Intuitive Design and Interface
• Simple Setup and Utilization
• Reaches from 50-130 feet distance from the hub
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Similarities Between Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub vs. Wink Hub 2
Actually, there are a lot of features that the two devices have in common. The devices are nearly the same with just a few differences to some of its features. Nonetheless, both products are extremely reliable hubs. They connect and responds well to smart devices including lights, locks, and thermostat. Both have high compatibility with multiple OS and other formats including ZigBee and ZWave.
Both devices are easily setup might as well utilized. The devices are lightweight and have similarities in design and color. The devices have similar signal coverage which ranges from 50-100 ft.
Nonetheless, both devices are powered by an AC adapter and channels through WiFi. Both devices use also a well-designed application that controls and regulates the operation of the smart devices.
Wink Hub 2 vs Smartthings – Which Smart Hub will Work for Me?
Both devices are such amazing hubs and it’s really hard to choose among them. In one way or another, both have unique features that one hub model does not have. Nevertheless, almost all of its features are very similar that you’d even think that both come from the same company. But nonetheless, let’s just take only the differences between the two hubs and evaluate those before concluding.
Samsung SmartThings Hub |
First, the price. There’s a minimal difference in price between the two. Though, SmartThings is cheaper than Wink Hub 2 only for a few dollars.
Second, the number of devices to be paired with the system. Let’s give this a point to Wink Hub 2. It pairs almost five times as many as SmartThings.
Third, compatibility and support. SmartThings has done a good job on this part. It is highly compatible with numerous formats. Though, the numbers are just near with the latter.
Fourth, backup power. SmartThings has an extended 10-hour power during emergencies while Wink Hub 2 just turn offline immediately.
Overall, it seems like SmartThings is going to win. Nevertheless, your verdict entirely depends on the given situation. Likewise, If you want to employ a lot of devices into your space, then it’s best to get Wink Hub 2. However, if you want an affordable, multiple support, and secure connection, then buying SmartThings would be the best choice.
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Have a smart hub at home is a smart way to control many electric devices at home from our phone. great.