$97.99

The Echo Multi-room Music Bundle shines with its built-in hub supporting Zigbee and Matter devices, making it an excellent choice for those seeking extensive smart device integration. Earning a 7/10 score, we found issues like the continuous power connection requirement and sometimes unresponsive buttons which could impact ease of use. Despite these hiccups, it remains appealing for its robust connectivity and impressive audio capabilities, allowing you to control your smart home while enjoying high-quality sound.

$97.99

at Amazon

$182.95

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub scores a solid 8/10 in our reviews, standing out for its extensive protocol support, including Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Matter. This versatility makes it perfect for those who want a wide range of device integration, although some users have found issues with certain Z-Wave device connections. While it doesn't support Apple HomeKit, it remains a versatile choice for those invested in Google Assistant or Alexa, providing reliable control across various brands.

$182.95

at Homecontrols

$94.95

For those who prioritize performance and privacy, the Hubitat Elevation C-7 offers powerful local automation and wide device compatibility. Our experience highlights its 7.5/10 score, reflecting its complex setup that may challenge beginners, alongside the need for wired Ethernet which restricts placement flexibility. Despite this, it's ideal for users wanting fast, cloud-independent automation, catering well to Alexa and Google Home with excellent Zigbee and Z-Wave integration.

$94.95

at Amazon

$397.99

The Homey Pro Hub, with its broad protocol support and advanced automation, scores an impressive 8.5/10. In testing, its local processing capabilities provided fast responses and excellent privacy, though some compatibility issues and a higher price might inhibit wider appeal. Despite being pricier than rivals, its comprehensive Homey Flow features make it an ideal hub for power users wanting a rich and expansive home automation experience across a diverse range of devices.

$397.99

at Amazon

$31.99

The Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb is your ticket to an affordable smart home start, boasting improved audio quality with clearer vocals and deeper bass. In our experience, its 6/10 score reflects its exclusive compatibility with Alexa, limiting integration potential with other platforms like Google's or Apple's ecosystem. It's perfect for those focused on building an Alexa-centric smart home, delivering convenient voice control and reliable automation.

$31.99

at Amazon

$372.39

The Ring Alarm Pro 14-Piece Kit stands out as a robust home security solution, incorporating an eero Wi-Fi 6 router for fast internet across 1,500 sq. ft. Our review awarded it an 8.5/10, praising its easy installation and strong security. Some users may be put off by subscription needs and mixed router reviews, but its comprehensive coverage and enhanced internet capabilities make it perfect for those seeking a security system that brings extra value.

$372.39

at Amazon

$47.49

The Aqara Smart Hub M2 is a cost-effective bridge for integrating traditional and smart devices, supporting up to 128 Zigbee devices. Our review scoring it 7.5/10 noted occasional reliability issues and a quieter speaker, which may affect notification efficiency. Nonetheless, its compatibility with major ecosystems like Apple HomeKit and Alexa makes it a versatile choice for those aiming to unify new and older IR-controlled devices into their smart home system.

$47.49

at Amazon

$239.99

In our testing, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt earned a respectable 7/10, showcasing its sturdy build quality and seamless Alexa voice control integration. It's perfect for those who prioritize a secure, Alexa-compatible home system. However, its bulky design might prove cumbersome for beginners and the lack of app support limits flexibility, which could be a consideration for tech-savvy users. If voice-controlled locking with robust hardware is your goal, this deadbolt remains a reliable, albeit slightly unwieldy, choice.

$239.99

at Ring

$99.00

The HomePod mini - Midnight edition is a sleek, compact hub that excels in integrating seamlessly with your Apple devices. Scoring a commendable 8/10, our testers noted some connectivity issues and limitations with Siri that could affect broader smart home use. However, its stylish design and impressive audio make it a great choice for anyone deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem looking for effortless smart home voice management.

$99.00

at Apple

$1.00

The Google Nest Hub Max, with its vibrant 10-inch HD display, offers superb smart home management and entertainment. Scoring a high 9.5/10, our tests highlighted its dual-function camera as a valuable security feature, although sound quality and the absence of a camera shutter could be drawbacks. Priced to sell, it’s a compelling choice for those in search of a smart hub pairing extensive device integration with clear and interactive display capabilities.

$1.00

at Verizon

$99.00

The HomePod mini in White brings excellent audio quality and straightforward setup to Apple users, scoring 8/10 in our evaluations. We particularly enjoyed its role as a Thread border router for Matter, enhancing its smart home integration. However, limited third-party music service support and the absence of a physical microphone mute slightly hinder its versatility. Despite these minor setbacks, its seamless Apple integration and compact design confirm its place in any tech-centric abode.

$99.00

at Apple