Of all the hardware your smart home will require, one of the most essential is the hub unit.
All smart hubs require a system of communication protocols that form a network between your smart devices. One of the most popular and effective of these systems is Zigbee.
Why you may ask? Well, it all depends on the smart devices you prefer and how you would like to automate your crib.
Still, you must acquire a good amount of hardware and software for your smart home to function effectively, making it imperative that you don’t break the bank on a quality hub unit.
Let’s take a look at the best – and cheapest – hub units compatible with a Zigbee setup.
Amazon Echo
Arguably the most famous and renowned smart home system available on the market is the Amazon Echo.
With this excellence in brand and quality, the Amazon Echo smart hub, now on its 4th generation, is one of the best smart hubs you can find. In addition to this quality, the Amazon Echo smart hub is also one of the most affordable options on the market. After all these years, it’s a no-brainer decision to go right?
The 4th generation Amazon Echo smart hub is currently priced at $79.99, with an Amazon Prime subscription, on Amazon’s website. This is comparable with most other smart hubs available on the market and is even relatively cheaper than many other brands.
You may believe this means the Amazon Echo sacrifices in other areas, such as its features, but this is not the case.
The Amazon Echo possesses a range of features available through its central voice control function. These features include the ability to:
- Stream music
- Check the weather
- Manipulate settings
- Control all compatible devices, including Zigbee
The new sleek, minimalist design of the Amazon Echo smart hub also sets it apart from other leading brands. The 4th generation Amazon Echo smart hub adopted a spherical look, which allows it to blend in seamlessly on any countertop or shelf when placed next to other trinkets.
Ultimately, the Amazon Echo smart hub is an excellent and affordable smart hub option compatible with Zigbee.
Samsung SmartThings Hub
The Samsung SmartThings hub, which nows comes with a built-in router, is one of the better-known smart hub options on the market. This smart hub stands out in more ways than just its recognizable brand name.
The Samsung SmartThings hub is compatible with both Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, which allows the hub to connect to hundreds of devices.
This can significantly benefit those not willing to spend the time searching for compatible hardware, as most hardware will be compatible with the Samsung SmartThings hub. And in my opinion, it’s a pillar in the industry
Additionally, the Samsung SmartThings hub, unlike the Hubitat Elevation, enables Wi-Fi connectivity which certainly makes it a more accessible option to novice users.
The Samsung SmartThings hub does have a few notable disadvantages.
For one, its price does not make it as accessible as its functionality does. The Samsung SmartThings hub is priced at roughly $119 on Amazon. This is less than the Hubitat Elevation hub, but that hub is primarily catered to businesses, while SmartThings is competing with the Echo at $79.99.
Additionally, the Samsung SmartThings hub does not blend in with its environment quite as well as the Amazon Echo or Hubitat Elevate. It is a 5 by 5-inch white square that is over an inch thick and slightly curved.
This can be pretty difficult to conceal, even around other, similarly designed computer equipment. Let’s face it, amazon put a lot of effort on making a sleek design!
Ultimately, the Samsung SmartThings hub is an accessible hub option that may deter some users due to its price and size.
Hubitat Elevation
In contrast to more widely known products like the Amazon Echo or the Samsung SmartThings hub is the relatively obscure Hubitat Elevation. This smart hub does not have the brand recognition of Amazon or Samsung, but there is one aspect of the Hubitat Elevation that sets it apart from these brands: local processing.
Hubitat Elevation strictly allows only for a local, wired connection to function.
Thus, Wi-Fi is not enabled through Hubitat Elevation. This may seem like a major downside to using Hubitat Elevation, but this can also be a major advantage for this product.
For one, the network created through Hubitat Elevation is much more secure and stable than those of comparable brands.
This makes Hubitat Elevation the perfect smart hub for businesses. However, this also makes Hubitat Elevation far less intuitive than other smart hubs. Still, there are plenty of other benefits to using the Hubitat Elevation as your smart hub.
The Hubitat Elevation is multi-network compatible, which means it can connect to various Bluetooth devices, regardless of their network. Another benefit of the Hubitat Elevation is its size. The Hubitat Elevation is one of the smallest hubs on the market, measuring roughly 2.5 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. This allows the hub to blend in seamlessly in any location.
The Hubitat Elevation hub is priced at $147.95 on Amazon. Ultimately, the Hubitat Elevation is a solid, reliable option for businesses and those who prioritize security. Still, its price and lack of Wi-Fi capability are deterrents for the broader market.
Ring Alarm
Thus far, the hub options included on this list all primarily serve as entertainment curators that also offer functionality related to housekeeping and security.
This next option, Ring Alarm, primarily focuses on the security and care of your household. The Ring Alarm hub is typically purchased in either a 5 or 8-piece kit.
These kits include alarm systems, security cameras, and a base system that controls all of these various pieces.
The Ring Alarm system is designed with safety and security in mind, so the system is one of the more effective, quality smart home options available.
The Ring Alarm system possesses a rechargeable 24-hour battery backup, 100-240V of power, and Wi-Fi or ethernet connectivity. The system is also compatible with either Zigbee or Z-Wave, making it very accessible to novice users.
The 5-piece Ring Alarm kit is priced at roughly $199.99, and the 8-piece Ring Alarm kit is priced at roughly $249.99 on Amazon.com. Ultimately, the Ring Alarm security system is an excellent, albeit pricey, option for those looking for an effective, reliable smart security system for their household or business.
Cheapest Zigbee hub: Hive
Finally, the Hive smart hub is an excellent, affordable option compared to other leading brands. The Hive smart hub, similar to the Hubitat Elevation, functions only by plugging it in directly into the router.
Thus, it is a safe and secure, albeit slightly less accessible option.
This does not necessarily mean the Hive smart hub is not a good option for novice users. The Hive smart hub is multi-network compatible, and it works with other popular smart home brands, such as Alexa, Google Home, and Philips Hue. This makes Hive easy to integrate into any smart home setup, regardless of scale.
The Hive smart hub is also one of the more affordable hub options currently available on the market. The Hive smart hub is priced at roughly $90 on Amazon. You can also purchase various Hive products with the smart hub that can be integrated into the system, such as smart bulbs or motion sensors.
Ultimately, the Hive smart hub is a worthy competitor in the smart hub market, although it may not be the top choice in terms of functionality or price.
Final Thoughts
By the end of this article, it should be clear exactly which Zigbee-compatible smart hubs are the strongest, most affordable options available on the market.
Ultimately, while price may play a significant role in your decision, there are plenty of other factors to consider when purchasing a smart hub. Security and effectiveness should certainly be necessary as well in your smart hub decision.