Smart Devices

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

What is Wireless Charging? Wireless charging uses magnetic induction to charge devices without requiring any manual insertion of cables or plugs. Energy is transferred via touch-contact from the 'charging pad' into the back of your iPhone or Android device. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "averagetechbl-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace...

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.

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.

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.