Okay, so if you have ever heard about Z-wave motion sensors or have read our review already, you should know that these sensors can’t work without a special hub. Combining these devices in one system ensures superior security of your home. You can protect your property or just make your life more comfortable with home automation.

The important detail about such systems is that you have to choose wisely all the components. The reason is compatibility. How to find the best combination? Today, we are going to tell you about various Z-wave Hubs that are really worth buying. Get ready to see our top 15!

Best Z-Wave Hub

TOP 15 Best Z-Wave Hub / Best Z-Wave Controller

[amotables id=”2516″ /]

#1 Samsung GP-U999SJVLGDA SmartThings Hub (3rd Generation)

Samsung GP-U999SJVLGDA SmartThings Hub (3rd Generation)

We want to begin with a hub made by a worldwide known company Samsung. This brand offers good products with a wide range of various features for a reasonable price. Which is good, fairly said. One of the most pleasant advantages of Samsung hubs is its compatibility. The device works with 40+ partner brands. Using SmartThings and the Google Assistant, you can control your hub via voice commands. The hub connects with Wi-Fi and has a range of 50ft-130ft. The fact that the device does not have to be connected to an Ethernet cable makes installation pretty simple.

What I liked:
  • Price
  • Compatibility
  • Wireless connection
  • Easy to install
What I didn't like:
  • Connected devices are sold separately

#2 Universal Devices ISY994iZW+/IR-PRO Home Automation Controller

Universal Devices ISY994iZW+/IR-PRO Home Automation Controller

The next one is not just a hub but a fully independent, stand-alone device for home automation. This bundle consists of an ISY994i Controller and X10. You can connect unlimited smart devices, create scheduled and complex triggers, customize email and SMS notifications, and manage multiple devices in a breeze. The system works with Amazon Echo and IFTTT Maker Channel modules. Thanks to the compatibility with Amazon Alexa devices, you can set the automation of lights, locks, thermostats, and so on. It’s also easy to control the system from any device via the special app.

What I liked:
  • Compatibility
  • Supports unlimited smart devices
  • Easily accessible from any device
  • Adjustable configuration
What I didn't like:
  • Price
  • Hard to use

#3 Vera Control VeraPlus-US Smart Home Z-Wave Controller

Vera Control VeraPlus-US Smart Home Z-Wave Controller

Vera is a niche giant; therefore, it must be listed here. It’s already in “Top 6 Smart Home Hub” by Digital Trends. This hub is known for its great compatibility because it works with Nest, Schlage, Yale, first alert, and more. It can control over 200 sensors to ensure the best automation. The hub can be operated and setup using a smartphone or tablet. Vera also offers a bunch of useful services, such as VeraProtect to call emergencies, VeraSentinel to manage security video recordings, and others.

What I liked:
  • Value for money
  • Easy to use
  • Great compatibility
  • Various services
What I didn't like:
  • The user interface is a bit out of date

#4 Wink Smart Home Hub 2

Wink Smart Home Hub 2

One more well-designed hub for your smart home. This hub supports a wide range of protocols: Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Kidde, and Lutron Clear Connect. It’s compatible with a lot of devices from the smart home category, such as cameras, lights, doorbells, sensors, thermostats, and so on. Moreover, you can connect and control over 400 devices. The hub can be connected with Wi-Fi or with included Ethernet port. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. The only downside of this controller is the obligatory monthly subscription.

What I liked:
  • Great compatibility
  • Over 400 connections
  • Works with Wi-Fi and Ethernet
  • Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
What I didn't like:
  • A monthly subscription is required

#5 Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub

Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub

This hub is also a good but not cheap solution for your security. It works with most Zigbee and Z-wave devices, Alexa, and Google Home devices as well. It also works with Lutron with the help of a bridge. The outstanding feature of this hub is privacy because all the data is stored locally in the hub, and it’s protected with the S2 encryption protocol. The device connects with an Ethernet cable, which is not as convenient as a Wi-Fi connection, although it allows devices to work without the internet, which is good. The special app helps you to customize everything you want.

What I liked:
  • Compatibility
  • Easy to use
  • S2 encryption
  • User-friendly app
What I didn't like:
  • Price

#6 Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub (2nd Generation)

Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub (2nd Generation)

One more hub made by Samsung that must be mentioned. It’s pretty similar to the previous one, but yet it’s different. This hub is a little bit easier to combine with other devices because it has a more flexible configuration. Of course, it costs a bit more. The compatibility and other main characteristics remain the same. This controller has the in-wall power adapter with about 10 hours of backup power from 4 AA batteries. Everything connects with Wi-Fi, so you will never face any troubles upon installation.

What I liked:
  • Easy to install
  • Compatibility
  • Durability
  • User-friendly mobile app
What I didn't like:
  • More expensive, compared to other Samsung models

#7 Nexia BR200 Home Bridge

Nexia BR200 Home Bridge

This model is a pretty standard representative of hubs for z-wave devices. It connects everything using Wi-Fi, which makes it possible to place the controller where Ethernet is not available. Nexia offers online services to manage your home. It also provides full backup and restores functionality. To access these services you will need to buy a monthly subscription. This subscription is not expensive though. The only real problem is compatibility. It’s not a big deal while you connect supported devices, but if you have some devices that are not supported by Nexia, you won’t be able to set the automation correctly.

What I liked:
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Online management
  • Full backup and restore functionality
  • Easy to install
What I didn't like:
  • Compatibility

#8 Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Z-Wave Plus USB Hub

Aeotec Z-Stick Gen5 Z-Wave Plus USB Hub

This compact tool will be a perfect solution for those who travel and need a Z-wave hub with them. This tiny thing works with Windows / Mac / Linux / Raspberry Pi 4 (2020 upgrade) and created a Z-wave hub at any place. It also can be used to upgrade the firmware of compatible z-wave plus devices. Although the device is compatible with home automation software, the software is not included.

What I liked:
  • Extremely compact and portable
  • Easy to use
  • Can be used to upgrade the firmware
What I didn't like:
  • Cannot be used in stand-alone mode

#9 Vera Control VeraLite-US Smart Home Controller Hub

Vera Control VeraLite-US Smart Home Controller Hub

We have already reviewed one of Vera’s models. This one is a lite version that is more flexible and affordable. This is a great model to make your first steps in home automation. The device has an intuitive user-friendly interface and can be accessed from any internet browsing device. Vera Network is compatible with over 650 certified Z-Wave devices. Thus, you don’t have to worry about connecting it with other devices.

What I liked:
  • Affordability
  • Easy to use
  • Compatibility
  • Accessible from any device
What I didn't like:
  • Poor technical characteristics, compared to other competitors

#10 Securifi Almond+ Long Range Touchscreen Wireless AC Gigabit Router + Home Automation Hub

Securifi Almond+ Long Range Touchscreen Wireless AC Gigabit Router + Home Automation Hub

What comes to this device, it’s an absolutely innovative multi-task tool with a touchscreen for an even simpler setup. You don’t need any additional devices to use this controller as a router, range extender, wireless bridge, or access point. The range of the Wi-Fi signal is insane and it’s up to 5,000 sq.ft. This device allows you to control connected sensors remotely using Almond iOS and Android apps and receive notifications from any place. To achieve better efficiency, you can connect Amazon Alexa devices and use voice commands. The specification of Almond+ is rather wide, so you’d better take a closer look at it on your own.

What I liked:
  • Compatibility
  • Easy to use
  • Has a touchscreen
  • Multi-task device
  • Long-range
What I didn't like:
  • Getting a bit useless in case if you don’t need all of its features

#11 abode Essentials Wireless Home Security System

abode Essentials Wireless Home Security System

You have definitely heard about Adobe, right? This brand has a lot of great stuff in different fields, so this niche isn’t an expectation. What’s great about this particular product is that it’s a pre-made kit with simple installation. It even has a built-in 93dB siren. This device works great with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. All you need to get started is to plug the gateway into your router, create an account, and follow on-the-screen guide. It doesn’t require monthly fees.

What I liked:
  • Compatibility
  • Built-in siren
  • Easy to use
  • No monthly fees
What I didn't like:
  • Price

#12 NORTEK SECURITY GoControl USB Hub

NORTEK SECURITY GoControl USB Hub

This is another USB stick to create an interface between your Z-Wave/Zigbee compatible controller/network and a third-party computer or other host devices. It’s a compact and simple-to-use device that has great compatibility. It’s extremely convenient to take such a tool with you wherever you are going because it plugs into a standard USB and appears as two serial ports.

What I liked:
  • Easy to use
  • Compact
  • Compatible
  • Price
What I didn't like:
  • Has weaker characteristics, compared to full-size hubs

#13 HomeSeer HomeTroller S6 Home Automation Controller

HomeSeer HomeTroller S6 Home Automation Controller

This is a very powerful model with a dual-core processor with 2 GB of RAM. You can easily control light switches, thermostats, audio/video equipment, cameras, water valves, energy monitors, and much more. HomeTroller S6 is a cloud-based device that stores all your data in the cloud. Note, that you have to buy the Z-wave interface separately. Although the model is compatible with the majority of Z-wave devices, check the compatibility first. It’s not a very popular brand so it has a lot of undiscovered sides. But it’s doing great so far.

What I liked:
  • Great characteristics
  • Cloud storage is available
  • Compatible with many devices
  • Easy to install
What I didn't like:
  • It takes a while to figure out how to use this device

#14 Wink Connected Home Hub

Wink Connected Home Hub

As you could have already guessed, Wink is one of the industry leaders. This means you won’t face complications with the compatibility. This hub works with a great variety of z-wave devices, it also supports voice control via Alexa devices. The beautifully designed mobile app helps you to stay in touch no matter where you are. You can also connect multiple Wink hubs to one account. To access all the online features, a monthly subscription is required. Another outstanding feature is The Wink Shortcuts channel on IFTTT that allows you to control multiple products with a single tap.

What I liked:
  • Easy to use
  • Great compatibility
  • Nice app
  • Reasonable price
What I didn't like:
  • Monthly subscription

#15 Nexia Home Intelligence SK200 Nexia BR200 Home Starter Kit

Nexia Home Intelligence SK200 Nexia BR200 Home Starter Kit

The last one in our top 15 is a controller by a well-known brand Nexia. Since Nexia is another leader in this niche, you can feel safe about this product. Here you will find a confident hub for z-wave devices with good compatibility. The maximum number of connected devices is 230. This hub establishes a secure encrypted connection to Nexia through your home router. You can easily manage your home through the Nexia account or mobile app. Suits perfectly for those who’d better spend more money rather time.

What I liked:
  • Easy to install and use
  • Compatibility
  • Encrypted connection
What I didn't like:
  • Price

Conclusion

Okay, so, let’s summarize what we’ve just learned. If you decided to make a smart home or to protect your life, you can now choose the best z-wave hub for such purposes. You can also check our review for z-wave motion detectors.

If your budget is limited, you’d better take a look at these models:

There are also some models for those who have more opportunities:

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