SmartThings Topics:
Push Buttons | Contact & Motion Sensors | Switches & Outlets | Safety & Security | SmartThings 101 | Z-Wave 101
Home Automation with SmartThings
Our lives are filled with technology, we carry our phones around, wear watches with powerful CPUs, but our houses still leave the lights on when no one is home? Give your home a brain, and take advantage of technology’s ability to add convenience, comfort, and safety to daily life.
Don’t have a SmartThings hub yet? Check out our Getting Started with SmartThings Guide, or purchase a SmartThings hub on Amazon to get started today.
Browse Smart Home Devices:
The Best Zigbee Push Button from ThirdReality
The ThirdReality Zigbee smart button device is a reliable, simple, and powerful Zigbee push button device. Powered by 2x AAA batteries, featuring a large single button with 3 supported interaction types (tap, double tap, hold), this button is out top pick for single-button devices to integrate with Hubitat or SmartThings.
Meet the new Hubitat Elevation C8 Smart Home Hub (2023)
The latest product from Hubitat, the Hubitat Elevation C-8 Smart Home Hub, was released in March of 2023 with significant improvements over the prior C-7 version (read our review of the Hubitat C-7).
The Hubitat Elevation C-8 has a similar form factor as it's C-7 predecessor, but the C-8 features new external antennas for improved wireless range, built-in WiFi and Ethernet, upgraded Z-Wave Plus 800, and support for the latest Zigbee 3.0 protocol. Apple HomeKit...
Netgear Orbi 960 Series Review
The Netgear Orbi 960 Series is a high-performance mesh Wi-Fi system that promises to deliver reliable and fast Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home. The system comes with one Orbi router and one Orbi satellite, which work together to create a seamless Wi-Fi network.
What is ‘Fast Roaming’ for home WiFi networks?
Fast Roaming is a term used to describe the seamless transition of a wireless device from one access point (AP) to another within a wireless network. It is an essential feature in modern Wi-Fi networks that aims to enhance the user experience by minimizing disruptions and latency during handover processes. Fast Roaming is particularly crucial in environments where users are required to move from one location to another frequently, such as in large office...
Z-Wave vs. Zigbee: Which is best for home automation?
While Z-Wave offers better interoperability, longer range, and more advanced security, it comes at a higher cost and limited compatibility. On the other hand, Zigbee offers wider compatibility, lower cost, and energy efficiency, but it may have interoperability issues, less security, and shorter range.
Hubitat C7 Smart Home Hub – Winner of 2022 IoT Hub Comparison
Habitat Elevation C-7 Smart Home Hub: A Comprehensive and User-Friendly Solution
In recent years, the concept of the smart home has become increasingly popular, with a plethora of devices available in the market. While these devices offer convenience and ease of use, it can be challenging to manage them all through different apps and platforms. This is where a smart home hub comes in, acting as a central control system for all your smart home...
What is Z-Wave? Learn about the most powerful home automation network
As technology continues to advance, the concept of the smart home is becoming more and more popular. Home automation and IoT devices have taken over homes across the world, and with good reason. They offer convenience, security, and energy efficiency, making our lives easier and more comfortable. However, with so many devices available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your home.
Why I Migrated My Smart Home from SmartThings to Hubitat Elevation
HomeKit support is available on Hubitat Elevation smart home hubs (as of January 2023)! Finally a seamless solution to connecting your Z-Wave, Zigbee, and WiFi devices to Apple's HomeKit network and controllable from the Apple Home app. Learn more
After many years of satisfied SmartThings automation, I started wanting more from my IoT hub and began looking for better solutions. I was so invested in SmartThings at that point, with over 100 Z-Wave and Zigbee...
Optimal Netgear Orbi Router Settings for Signal Strength and Speed
To access these settings, login to orbilogin.com (while connected to the network), click the Advanced tab, then choose Advanced Setup from the left sidebar menu. These settings are only available if your Orbi is in 'Router mode'.
Optimal Netgear Orbi Router Settings for Signal Strength and Speed
To access these settings, login to orbilogin.com (while connected to the network), click the Advanced tab, then choose Advanced Setup from the left sidebar menu. These settings are only available if your Orbi is in 'Router mode'.
The Ultimate Guide to Buttons for Hubitat & SmartThings
After reviewing over 25 smart buttons for SmartThings and other smart home hubs, we thought it'd be helpful to single-out the top 3 buttons to date. The buttons we link to below are natively compatible with SmartThings, and utilize Z-wave, Zigbee, and sometimes both.
Top 100 Wifi Network Names of 2023
1. Mom, Click Here for Internet
2. Bill Wi the Science Fi
3. Abraham Linksys
4. Keep it on the Download
5. Drop it like it’s Hotspot
6. TheWorldWasWifiEnough
7. B(.)(.)bies
...over 100 more.
Aeotec NanoMote Quad: Multi-function Z-Wave Controller
Released in early 2019, the new Aeotec NanoMote (Available on Amazon) comes natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, in addition to other Z-Wave Smart Home Hubs. Offering 4 physical buttons, each with 2 touch-modes (short press & long press), the NanoMote is an upgrade to the Aeotec WallMote Dual and Quad button controllers. Comparatively, the NanoMote is significantly smaller; measuring about 2-inches by 2/3-inch.
Cable Management Tools for DIY Home Automation Projects
Black extension cord running along a white baseboard? Matrix of cables hanging from your new flat screen? Three power strips plugged into each other in the closet?
These types of finishing touches can detract from the hard work and hours it took to setup. A few simple additions focused on cable management, like cable clips or raceways, can give any project a professional appearance.
New Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Lighting
Philips Hue is the leader in smart, colored lighting solutions for residential and DIY projects. While Hue products are on the higher end of the price spectrum, their quality and durability easily justify the price tag. Compared the cheap, LED light strips and wireless remotes, the Philips Hue product line is leaps and bounds ahead. Shop on Amazon: Popular Phillips Hue Products Easily integrate with...
How to Optimize Your Home WiFi Network for Speed
In addition to router brand, home size, and internet service provider (ISP) speed caps, there are a number physical factors - inside and outside - which can affect performance and speed of the WiFi network in your home. It's important to think about these factors when placing access points, and mesh network nodes, around your house.
Control Existing Window Blinds with Voice & App
Available on Amazon The idea behind MySmartBlinds is simple: place a small WiFi/Bluetooth servo motor, hidden inside the existing housing of your window blinds, to open, close, and adjust the angle of the slats manually, or on a customizable schedule. MySmartBlind components are installed inside the metal enclosure, hidden from sight. The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is compatible with most US horizontal...
Sonos One vs. Sonos Play:1 – What’s the difference?
The main, and biggest, difference between the 'Play:1' and 'One' is Alexa - the Sonos One has Amazon Alexa voice assistant built in. Both the Sonos Play:1 and Sonos One have 2 drivers, built-in WiFi, a standard wall plug, and are wall-mount compatible.
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Outlet Plug
The basic operation is to toggle power on and off using the SmartThings mobile app, but you can also dim the brightness of the plugged-in device using a fully customizable sliding scale. This feature enables homeowners to achieve the perfect dimmer level for table and floor lamps, and other lighting applications.
GE Outdoor Z-Wave Plus Appliance Control Switch
The Z-Wave Plus outdoor smart switch from GE is a reliable, heavy duty controller for lighting and appliances exposed to weather and the elements. Natively compatible with SmartThings, its compact, all-black enclosure and short 7.5-inch power cord can easily be concealed behind foliage and rocks, or mounted to an exterior surface.
Z-Wave Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fire safety is, arguably, one of the most important aspects to home ownership. Not only are you responsible for yourself, but also everyone else living in the home. If your home is not already equipped with hardwired smoke detectors, it's simple to add wireless smoke detectors to SmartThings (or any Z-Wave home automation system) for less than $50.
Aeotec WallMote
The WallMote from Aeotec is a sleek and simple dual-button remote control with Z-Wave Plus radio and native SmartThings compatibility. Available on Amazon, the Aeotec WallMote is an essential smart device for high-end smart homes.
Samsung SmartThings Push Button
Manufactured directly from the makers of the Samsung SmartThings Hub, this simple, elegant, and affordable push button enables unlimited possibilities for smart home automation.
With native device compatibility, this button takes about 30 seconds to pair to your hub. Simply open the app, tap "+Add Device" and select "Samsung SmartThings Button".
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.
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Z-Wave Devices for SmartThings
Z-Wave & Zigbee Buttons
Most buttons offer at least 2 trigger types: push and hold. This allows 2 different SmartThings scenes/automations to be programmed for each button. Some buttons are not natively compatible with SmartThings, and will require a custom device handler – they’ll be labeled appropriately so you can easily gauge setup difficulty.
The Best Zigbee Push Button from ThirdReality
The ThirdReality Zigbee smart button device is a reliable, simple, and powerful Zigbee push button device. Powered by 2x AAA batteries, featuring a large single button with 3 supported interaction types (tap, double tap, hold), this button is out top pick for single-button devices to integrate with Hubitat or SmartThings.
The Ultimate Guide to Buttons for Hubitat & SmartThings
After reviewing over 25 smart buttons for SmartThings and other smart home hubs, we thought it'd be helpful to single-out the top 3 buttons to date. The buttons we link to below are natively compatible with SmartThings, and utilize Z-wave, Zigbee, and sometimes both.
Aeotec NanoMote Quad: Multi-function Z-Wave Controller
Released in early 2019, the new Aeotec NanoMote (Available on Amazon) comes natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, in addition to other Z-Wave Smart Home Hubs. Offering 4 physical buttons, each with 2 touch-modes (short press & long press), the NanoMote is an upgrade to the Aeotec WallMote Dual and Quad button controllers. Comparatively, the NanoMote is significantly smaller; measuring about 2-inches by 2/3-inch.
Fibaro Z-Wave Button: Big & Simple
This stand-out push button for Z-Wave smart homes (including Samsung SmartThings), developed by Fibaro, can function as a standalone panic button or a scene controller. Depending on your configuration, a single push can trigger any number of devices and automations.
Aeotec WallMote
The WallMote from Aeotec is a sleek and simple dual-button remote control with Z-Wave Plus radio and native SmartThings compatibility. Available on Amazon, the Aeotec WallMote is an essential smart device for high-end smart homes.
Samsung SmartThings Push Button
Manufactured directly from the makers of the Samsung SmartThings Hub, this simple, elegant, and affordable push button enables unlimited possibilities for smart home automation.
With native device compatibility, this button takes about 30 seconds to pair to your hub. Simply open the app, tap "+Add Device" and select "Samsung SmartThings Button".
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.
Flic Mini Buttons for Smart Home Automation (Released 2023)
The Logi Pop smart button is, by far, the most aesthetically pleasing IoT push button. However, this beautifully designed smart button requires an additional hub for basic remote operation. To achieve an experience comparable to a native SmartThings device, you'll need to use a custom device handler & smart app, on top of IFTTT web hooks.
Smart Power Outlets & Switches
Whether you need to control a simple lamp, or a 110v air conditioning unit, there’s a Z-wave or Zigbee switch/outlet to suit your needs. It’s important to know whether your application will be for a high voltage device, or not. If not, any of the outlets below will work. Otherwise, look for the “high voltage” labeled products.
Aeotec Z-Wave Smart Dimmer Outlet Plug
The basic operation is to toggle power on and off using the SmartThings mobile app, but you can also dim the brightness of the plugged-in device using a fully customizable sliding scale. This feature enables homeowners to achieve the perfect dimmer level for table and floor lamps, and other lighting applications.
GE Outdoor Z-Wave Plus Appliance Control Switch
The Z-Wave Plus outdoor smart switch from GE is a reliable, heavy duty controller for lighting and appliances exposed to weather and the elements. Natively compatible with SmartThings, its compact, all-black enclosure and short 7.5-inch power cord can easily be concealed behind foliage and rocks, or mounted to an exterior surface.
Sylvania Smart+ Zigbee Wall Outlet
Automating lamps and other plug-in appliances in a smart home has never been easier than the SYLVANIA SMART+ 'Lightify' Zigbee power outlet. Natively compatible with Samsung SmartThings, simple design, and 30-second installation and pairing make this outlet out #1 pick for SmartThings wall plug control.
Zooz Heavy Duty Z-Wave Power Switch
This outlet controller from Zooz is natively compatible with SmartThings, which means no custom device handlers or coding is needed to get setup. Be sure to stand near your hub when pairing, otherwise installation is a breeze and takes less than 60 seconds!