Buying Guide for Smart Hubs: Find the Best One for You!

Buying Guide for Smart Hubs: Find the Best One for You!

Thinking of buying a smart hub, but not sure what to look out for?

Before we start, what is a Smarthub? 

It is a device that functions as a central control point for smart devices in a home or office, such as lights, thermostats, security cameras, audio and video devices, etc. It is usually connected to the internet and uses wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. The smart hub can be controlled through a smartphone application, a web interface, or even through voice commands using a virtual assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Why choose it? 

You can automate various daily routines, such as setting the lights to turn on when someone enters a room or adjusting the thermostat based on the time of day. One of the advantages of using it is that it allows for easier control and automation of multiple devices from a single workspace. Overall, a Smart Hub can help simplify the management of a "smart home" and improve the user experience.

Let's take a look at their main features and what you should pay more attention to! 

1. Smart ecosystem 

Are you a fan of Apple HomeKit, a lover of Google, do you find the Alexa operating system ideal or do you have no preference? The first step to the ideal Smart Hub is to find the one that serves you best!

#SkroutzTip

Some smart hubs use different platforms, so make sure the smart hub supports the software platform you want to use.

2. Connectivity, range & compatibility

How do devices connect to the Smart Hub? As you will see below, there are 6 different connection methods and a device can support more than one.

Bluetooth: Connects to smart devices via Bluetooth and has a range of about 10 meters. 

RF: Connects to smart devices via RF (radio frequencies) and has a range of about 30 meters. 

Wi-Fi: Connects to smart devices via Wi-Fi network.

Supported by smartphone. 

Z-Wave: Connects to smart devices via Z-Wave protocol and has a range of about 25 meters. 

ZigBee: Connects to smart devices via Zigbee protocol and has a range of about 15 meters. 

IR: Connects to devices via infrared (IR) and has a range of about 30 meters.

Make sure the smart hub you choose is compatible with the devices you have at home. Check the specifications of the smart hub and make sure it supports your devices.

3. Extra features 

After covering the basics, check out additional features that may better meet your needs!

With Screen: To easily see things, even leave notes!

With Speaker: Listen to music or your favorite voice assistant!

Kit: An automation system that may include sensors or plugs in addition to the smart hub.

With Microphone: To listen to the space remotely and give voice commands to your favorite voice assistant.

With Camera: So you can see your space at any time.

Have questions? We have answers! 

1. Is one smart hub enough to make your home "smart"? 

The truth is no! The smart hub is the "brain" of a smart home, but it needs the devices you have to already be smart, in order to connect or have, for example, "smart" plugs, to easily turn on the lights by controlling the power supply to the outlet.

If you need tips on how to make your home smart, watch the video!

2. Are there smart hubs in the Greek language? 

 Yes! Right now, the Eurolamp Smart Hub is available, with support for voice commands in Greek!

3. Do I need a smart hub to manage a smart device? 

Not necessarily! You can do so by downloading a relevant app on your smartphone. Simply with a smart hub, you have a central control system for the entire home! 

1. Is one smart hub enough to make your home "smart"? 

The truth is, no! The smart hub is the "brain" of a smart home, but you need the devices you have to already be smart, in order to connect or have, for example, "smart" plugs, so you can easily turn on the lights by controlling the power supply to the outlet.

If you need tips on how to make your home smart, watch the video!

Smart Home: How to make your home smarter!

2. Are there smart hubs in the Greek language? 

 Yes! Right now, the Eurolamp Smart Hub is available, with support for voice commands in Greek!

3. Do I need a smart hub device to manage a smart device? 

Not necessarily! You can do it by downloading a relevant app on your smartphone. With a smart hub, you simply have a central control system for the whole house! 

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