When you don't need a hub
Devices that run on Wi‑Fi connect straight to your router. That includes most Shelly relays and plugs and many Meross devices. If you're starting with a few lights and plugs, you can start without a hub.
When you do need a hub
Battery sensors (motion, door, temperature, flood) usually run on Zigbee or Thread, because they use very little power and the battery lasts for years. Those devices talk to a hub, and the hub talks to your phone.
Four ways to choose
- An Aqara hub is the easiest choice if most of your devices are Aqara. Hub M100 is a small, affordable start, Hub M200 and Hub M3 handle more devices, and the cameras with a built-in hub (G350 Select, G5 Pro, the G410 doorbell) are a camera and a hub in one.
- Homey Pro is one hub that speaks Zigbee, Z‑Wave, Thread, Matter, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and infrared. It suits you if you want devices from many brands and simple automations with no programming.
- Home Assistant Green is an open platform that runs fully locally and supports thousands of devices. For Zigbee and Thread you add Connect ZBT‑2. The most powerful choice, for people who want full control.
- Ajax Hub is different: it is the control panel for the Ajax alarm system only, with a backup battery and SIM card. It doesn't replace a smart home hub; it works alongside one.
Our advice
An apartment with a few rooms and mostly Aqara devices: one Aqara hub. A house with devices from several brands: Homey Pro or Home Assistant. If you're unsure, tell us what you want to automate and we'll suggest a set.
