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Is the SmartThings Hub v3 worth it?

The SmartThings Hub v3 ($69-$99) is worth considering with a 7.6/10 consensus score across 10 expert reviews. Experts highlight zigbee, z-wave, and wi-fi in one box — widest legacy protocol support in smartthings lineup and supports thousands of community-built smartthings integrations via smartapps. PCMag says: "The SmartThings Hub v3 is still the most protocol-comprehensive hub in the Smart..." Best for: Legacy Z-Wave device owners, Power users with 50+ devices, SmartThings ecosystem builders.

SmartThings Hub v3 — Good Value per expert consensus
Good Value10 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$69-$99
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SmartThings Hub v3

NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner

Smart Hubs

SHE ScoreGood

SmartHomeExplorer proprietary rating

7.1/10

10 expert sources

Compatibility Breadth5.4/10
Setup Ease5.3/10
Reliability5.9/10
Value Rating9.6/10
Future-Proofing9.5/10

The SmartThings Hub v3 earns a SHE Score of 7.1/10, driven by strong value (9.6/10) with room to improve in setup ease (5.3/10). Based on 10 expert sources and SmartHomeExplorer compatibility analysis.

How we calculate the SHE Score →

Expert Consensus: 7.6/10 across 10 sources

Updated:
The SmartThings Hub v3 is still the most protocol-comprehensive hub in the SmartThings lineup — Z-Wave plus Zigbee makes it the right choice for legacy device users.
PCMag7.8/10

Key Features

  • Z-Wave + Zigbee + Wi-Fi
  • Local processing
  • SmartApps support
  • Matter via firmware

Best For

Legacy Z-Wave device ownersPower users with 50+ devicesSmartThings ecosystem builders

SmartThings Hub v3 vs. the alternatives

How the SmartThings Hub v3 stacks up against other Ecosystem options on price, expert consensus, and our proprietary SHE Score.

Comparison of SmartThings Hub v3 and alternative Ecosystem products by price, consensus score, SHE Score, ecosystem support, and verdict
ProductPriceConsensusSHE ScoreWorks WithVerdict
SmartThings Hub v3This page$69-$997.6/107.1/10Samsung SmartThings, MatterGood Value
Aeotec Smart Home Hub$127.497.8/107/10Samsung SmartThings, MatterRecommended

The SmartThings Hub v3 ($69-$99) earns a 7.6/10 expert consensus and a 7.1/10 SHE Score across 10 sources, versus the Aeotec Smart Home Hub at $127.49 (7.8/10 consensus). It works with Samsung SmartThings, Matter.

What Experts Agree On

What Experts Love

  • Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi in one box — widest legacy protocol support in SmartThings lineup
  • Supports thousands of community-built SmartThings integrations via SmartApps
  • Works fully locally for basic automations — no internet required for Z-Wave/Zigbee rules
  • Matter support added via firmware update — future-proofed for Matter devices
  • One-time purchase with no mandatory subscription

Common Criticisms

  • No built-in Thread Border Router — SmartThings Station required for Thread devices
  • No wireless charging unlike SmartThings Station
  • Legacy hub design — bulkier than SmartThings Station
  • Limited to Alexa and Google Home (no HomeKit)

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What The Experts Say

PC
The SmartThings Hub v3 is still the most protocol-comprehensive hub in the SmartThings lineup — Z-Wave plus Zigbee makes it the right choice for legacy device users.
PCMag7.8/10
CN
If you have existing Z-Wave locks or Zigbee sensors, the SmartThings Hub v3 bridges them into the SmartThings ecosystem better than any other hub in the lineup.
CNET7.5/10

Ready to buy the SmartThings Hub v3?

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$69-$99 · 10 expert sources · 7.6/10 consensus

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SmartThings Hub v3 worth it?

The SmartThings Hub v3 earns a 7.6/10 consensus score across 10 expert sources and is rated "Good Value". At $69-$99, it is best for Legacy Z-Wave device owners. PCMag notes: "The SmartThings Hub v3 is still the most protocol-comprehensive hub in the SmartThings lineup — Z-Wave plus Zigbee makes it the ri..."

How much does the SmartThings Hub v3 cost?

The SmartThings Hub v3 is priced at $69-$99. With a 7.6/10 score from 10 expert reviews and a "Good Value" rating, that price represents fair value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Ecosystem products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.

Who is the SmartThings Hub v3 best for?

The SmartThings Hub v3 is best for Legacy Z-Wave device owners, Power users with 50+ devices, SmartThings ecosystem builders. Experts rate it "Good Value" with a 7.6/10 consensus across 10 sources.

How does the SmartThings Hub v3 compare to other Ecosystem options?

Among the Ecosystem products we have aggregated, the SmartThings Hub v3 ranks above average with a 7.6/10 score. CNET adds: "If you have existing Z-Wave locks or Zigbee sensors, the SmartThings Hub v3 bridges them into the SmartThings ecosystem better tha..."

What smart home systems does the SmartThings Hub v3 work with?

The SmartThings Hub v3 works with Samsung SmartThings, Matter. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.

What are the best alternatives to the SmartThings Hub v3?

If the SmartThings Hub v3 ($69-$99, 7.6/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Ecosystem are Samsung SmartThings Station, Aeotec Smart Home Hub, Home Assistant Green. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.

What are the pros and cons of the SmartThings Hub v3?

The main strengths of the SmartThings Hub v3 are zigbee, z-wave, and wi-fi in one box — widest legacy protocol support in smartthings lineup and supports thousands of community-built smartthings integrations via smartapps. The most-cited downside is no built-in thread border router — smartthings station required for thread devices. Overall, 10 expert sources rate it "Good Value" with a 7.6/10 consensus score.

Sources & Methodology

This review aggregates 10 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores and the SHE Score methodology.

Expert review sources cited on this page:

Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 10 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.