
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 users will be happy to hear that both the C-7 and C-8 Hubs have full HomeKit integrations and compatibility.
Compare the Hubitat C-7 and C-8 features:
Hubitat Elevation C-7 Hub (2021) | Hubitat Elevation C-8 Hub (2023) |
---|---|
Z-Wave Plus 700 Chip | Z-Wave Plus 800 Chip |
Z-Wave Plus V2 Certified | Z-Wave Plus V2 Certified |
S2 wireless security | S2 wireless security |
Micro USB Power supply | USB-C Power supply |
Ethernet port (optional add-on dongle for Wifi) | Built-in WiFi and Ethernet port |
Internal wireless antennas | 2x External Antennas |
SmartStart device inclusion | SmartStart device inclusion |
No subscription required | No subscription required |
$120 on Amazon | $170 on Amazon |
Migrating from C-7 to the New C-8 Hub
Hubitat has made it simple to migrate from the C-7 hub to the new Elevation C-8 Hub – no additional cost to use migration assistant. Follow these simple steps to migrate in about 5 minutes:
- Before you plug in your C-8 hub, update your C-7 hub to the latest firmware
- Settings > Check for Updates
- Next, on your C-7 hub, create a FREE Cloud Backup
- Settings > Backup and Restore > Cloud Backup for C8 Migration
- After successful Cloud Backup, shut down your C7 hub
- Plug in your C8 hub, connect to Ethernet, and allow 2-3 minutes to boot. Wait until the status LED turn green
- In a browser connected to the same network as your C8 hub, navigate to http://go.hubitat.com/ and follow the steps
- If you complete the guided steps but didn’t see the option to Restore from Backup, once you login to your C8 hub, go to Settings > Backup and Restore > View Restore Backups Only > click the icon under “Actions” to restore your new C8 hub with the settings from your C7 cloud backup. Be sure to check all the checkbox options prompted – yes, migrate Z-Wave radio, migrate Zigbee radio, delete existing files.
- You’re done! Your C8 hub is now identical to your C7 hub. You may need to reboot the C8 to activate any custom network settings like Static IP or DNS Server Overrides
Hubitat Work with Most Major IoT Device Brands
The list of compatible devices for Hubitat hubs is extensive – but the folks at Hubitat maintain a comprehensive list of Hubitat-compatible devices you can reference before buying your next IoT device.
Some of the major brands that are natively compatible (meaning no special drivers needed) include:
- Amazon Echo
- Google Home
- Apple HomeKit
- Ecobee
- Philips Hue
- Leviton
- Lutron
- Honeywell
- GE Jasco
- Aeotec
- LIFX
- Ecolink
- Zooz
- Centralite
- Fibaro
- Kwikset
- Innr
- Rachio
- Sengled
- Wally
- Sonoff
- Global Cache
- IKEA
- Yale
- leakSmart
- Flume
- Sense
- Inovelli
- Shelly
- ADT
- NanoLeaf
- Wiz
What’s In the Box
Items included in the Hubitat Elevation C-8 box are:
- Hubitat Elevation C-8 Hub
- 2x External Antennas
- 1x 3ft USB to USB-C Power Cable
- 1x USB Power Adapter
- 1x 6ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable