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Start by checking hardware you already own. Certain Samsung TVs, monitors, soundbars, Family Hub refrigerators, SmartThings Stations and earlier SmartThings hubs include SmartThings Hub functionality. If none of your equipment qualifies, the Samsung-listed Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 is the current dedicated option to investigate in the United States. Its Samsung listing identifies Matter 1.5.0, Thread 1.4 and Zigbee 3.0 support. Do not buy on the hub name alone: match the exact hub model, radio protocols, device model numbers and your country’s availability.
You may not need a hub at all. Compatible Wi-Fi products can connect directly to the SmartThings app, while Zigbee, Thread, Matter and Z-Wave products generally need a hub that supports the specific protocol. This guide shows how to decide, verify compatibility, add any required dongle, and plan expansion or backup without paying for hardware your devices cannot use.
The shortest buying answer
Use this order of operations:
- Inventory existing Samsung hardware. A qualifying TV, monitor, soundbar, Family Hub refrigerator, SmartThings Station or SmartThings hub may already provide the controller you need.
- List the radios used by your devices. Wi-Fi-only devices can often work directly in the app. Zigbee, Thread, Matter and Z-Wave devices require a compatible hub or controller; the hub must support the protocol used by each product.
- Check the exact model in the regional compatibility directory. “Works with SmartThings” certification does not guarantee that every feature, firmware version or automation is available in every country.
- Buy a dedicated hub only when the inventory requires one. For a new standalone purchase in the United States, Samsung currently lists the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2. Confirm stock, local model, supported radios and device eligibility before ordering.
A second hub is optional. Hub Groups can extend Zigbee and Thread coverage, and Hub Backup can transfer control to a secondary hub, but those features have eligibility and setup rules.
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When SmartThings needs a hub
Devices that can connect without one
SmartThings-compatible Wi-Fi devices can connect through the SmartThings app without a separate SmartThings Hub, according to Samsung’s regional FAQ guidance. The phone and device still need internet and the manufacturer’s required account or app permissions. A Wi-Fi product may therefore be usable in a home that has no Zigbee, Thread, Matter or Z-Wave controller.
#1 Best Overall
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
Devices that normally need a protocol controller
Devices using Zigbee, Thread, Matter or Z-Wave need a hub that implements the relevant protocol. The label “Matter” is not enough by itself: Matter devices communicate over an underlying transport such as Wi-Fi or Thread, and a Thread device requires a Thread Border Router. Verify both the Matter support and the transport your product specifies. For Z-Wave, check that the current hub model and regional radio frequency match the device; do not infer Z-Wave support from an older SmartThings announcement.
| Device connection | Separate hub? | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Often no | SmartThings certification, network band requirements and app features for the exact model |
| Zigbee | Yes, unless existing hardware has a Zigbee radio | Hub Zigbee version, regional channel behavior and exact device model |
| Thread | Yes, with a Thread-capable controller or Border Router | Whether the Samsung product has an integrated Thread radio or needs a dongle |
| Matter over Wi-Fi | Usually a Matter controller is required | Matter controller support and the product’s commissioning method |
| Matter over Thread | Thread Border Router and Matter controller required | Both functions, plus the exact certified device and region |
| Z-Wave | Yes | Current hub specification and the Z-Wave frequency used in your market |
Hub choices worth comparing
Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2
Samsung’s United States catalog lists the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 as a dedicated SmartThings hub. The listing identifies Matter 1.5.0, Thread 1.4 and Zigbee 3.0 support. The displayed price was $119.99 when the catalog was accessed in 2026; treat that as a volatile listing price, not a guaranteed current cost. Before checkout, confirm the product page for your country, included power and network accessories, firmware requirements and whether Z-Wave is supported on that exact regional model. Samsung’s listing and older announcements should not be treated as interchangeable specifications.
This is the most straightforward path when you are starting from scratch and need a standalone SmartThings controller. It is not automatically the best choice if all of your devices are Wi-Fi, if a qualifying Samsung appliance already supplies a hub, or if your required device uses a radio the local model does not include.
SmartThings Hub v2, v3 and earlier Aeotec hubs
Samsung’s October 2022 Matter announcement identified SmartThings Hub v2, Hub v3 and an earlier Aeotec Smart Home Hub as Matter controller devices, while noting continued support for Zigbee, Z-Wave and LAN devices. Those models can make sense for an existing owner or a carefully verified second-hand purchase. The announcement is historical, however. Check current software support, physical condition, account transfer procedure, regional radio compatibility and the exact integrations you need. A low used price is not useful if a required device or feature is no longer supported.
Rank #2
![SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation [GP-U999SJVLGDA] Smart Home Automation Hub Home Monitoring Smart Devices - Alexa Google Home Compatible - Zigbee, Z-Wave, Cloud to Cloud Protocols – White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21hChu0ounL._SL160_.jpg)
- Monitor and control compatible devices in your home using a single smartphone app for your phone
- Automate connected devices in your home and set them to turn on or off when doors are opened, people come and go, and much more
- Works with a wide range of smartphone compatible products
Samsung hardware with built-in hub functionality
Samsung identifies selected TVs, monitors, soundbars, Family Hub refrigerators, SmartThings Stations and SmartThings hubs as products with built-in SmartThings Hub functionality. Eligibility is model-specific, not guaranteed for an entire product family. Locate the exact model number in the product settings or label, then check Samsung’s current support page for that model and your market.
SmartThings Dongle VG-STDB10A
The SmartThings Dongle VG-STDB10A is a conditional accessory, not a universal radio upgrade. Samsung says certain 2022-or-earlier products need the dongle for Thread and Zigbee, while most models released after 2023 have an integrated dongle. The model list is specific, and the dongle should not be assumed to add Z-Wave. Buy it only when Samsung’s documentation names your exact host product and the protocol you need.
| Option | Best fit | Checks before purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 | New standalone SmartThings installation | Local model, current radios, Z-Wave requirement, device certification and price |
| SmartThings Hub v2/v3 or earlier Aeotec hub | Existing owner or verified used purchase | Current support, condition, account transfer, regional frequency and integrations |
| Samsung product with built-in hub | Owner of an eligible TV, monitor, soundbar, refrigerator or Station | Exact model eligibility and whether Thread/Zigbee requires a dongle |
| VG-STDB10A dongle | Specified Samsung host models lacking integrated Thread/Zigbee | Host-model list, protocol need and USB compatibility; no assumed Z-Wave support |
How to verify compatibility before spending money
1. Record every exact model number
Write down the model number of the proposed hub, each sensor, switch, lock, thermostat and appliance, and the Samsung host device if you plan to use built-in functionality. Product names often cover several revisions with different radios. Include the country where each item will operate.
2. Identify protocol and transport
Read the manufacturer specification for “Wi-Fi,” “Zigbee,” “Z-Wave,” “Thread” and “Matter.” For Matter, note whether the device is Matter over Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread. A Thread-only product cannot join through a hub that lacks a Thread Border Router, even if both products display the Matter logo.
Rank #3
- LOCAL PROCESSING FOR INSTANT RESPONSE: The Hubitat Elevation C-8 Pro runs automations directly on the hub, not on remote servers, so lights, locks, thermostats, and routines keep working even when your internet goes down; this local-first architecture delivers near-instant response to every trigger without relying on remote servers to process commands; compatible with 1,000+ devices across 100+ brands, and device data stays at home for enhanced privacy
- WORKS WITH ALEXA, GOOGLE HOME, AND APPLE HOMEKIT: Connect your preferred voice assistant and start controlling your smart home from day 1; the C-8 Pro is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, so your existing ecosystem works alongside the hub without compromise; Ring camera integration adds a concrete layer of security awareness; approachable setup is supported by step-by-step documentation and an active online community ready to guide you through every stage
- MULTI-PROTOCOL SUPPORT WITH EXTENDED RANGE: A single hub covers Matter 1.5, Z-Wave 800 Series with Long Range, Zigbee 3.0, and Bluetooth, so existing devices stay compatible without extra bridges or adapters; 800 Series Z-Wave and Zigbee 3.0 deliver improved reliability and mesh stability, backed by Z-Wave Alliance membership; 2 dedicated external antennas, one for Z-Wave and one for Zigbee, extend wireless reach in larger homes and device-dense environments where signal consistency is critical
- AI-ASSISTED AUTOMATION AND ADVANCED RULE ENGINE: The AI-assisted routine builder suggests and builds automations based on your connected devices, no programming required; Rule Machine enables multi-condition logic across lighting scenes, geofenced arrivals, layered security responses, and whole-home scheduling; when your family arrives after dark, the hub can unlock the door, activate pathway lights, and adjust the thermostat, turning complex sequences into reliable hands-free routines
- NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED AND CONTINUOUS UPDATES: Full platform functionality needs no recurring subscription; every automation, integration, and advanced feature is available from setup; continuous platform updates since 2018 have expanded compatibility without requiring new hardware; an active community of tech-savvy homeowners and DIY smart home builders shares custom apps, drivers, and automation blueprints for ongoing value; compact at 3.23 x 2.95 x 0.67 in and just 0.16 lb, it fits anywhere
3. Check the regional SmartThings directory
Samsung says availability can vary by country and can change without notice. The directory also warns that supported functions and app/device requirements may be updated. Search the exact model, select your country when offered, and read the functions listed—not merely the certification badge. A device may support on/off control but not energy readings, firmware updates, button events or advanced automations.
4. Confirm account and network prerequisites
Most setups require a Samsung account, the SmartThings app and a stable home network. Some products require the manufacturer’s account, a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network during onboarding, Bluetooth proximity or a QR code. Follow the device’s current instructions rather than assuming every Matter product uses the same pairing flow.
5. Check the dongle requirement
If the controller is a Samsung TV, monitor, soundbar or refrigerator, verify whether its model has an integrated dongle. For a product released in 2022 or earlier, do not rely on the year alone; look up the model’s accessory requirement. For most models released after 2023, Samsung says the dongle is integrated, but the product page remains the authority.
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- Prepare the network. Place the hub near the router for initial setup, connect power and Ethernet or Wi-Fi as the model specifies, and update the router firmware if the manufacturer requires it.
- Install or update SmartThings. Sign in to the Samsung account that will own the home and enable Bluetooth and local-network permissions on the phone when requested.
- Add the hub. In SmartThings, choose Devices, tap the add button, select the hub category or scan its QR code, and follow the on-screen enrollment steps. Labels can vary by app release.
- Update firmware before pairing devices. Leave the hub online until the update completes. Interrupting power during an update can leave the controller unavailable.
- Pair devices one protocol at a time. Add a nearby device first, using the manufacturer’s reset or pairing method. For Matter, scan the setup code or enter it when SmartThings asks; for Zigbee or Z-Wave, put the device in inclusion mode exactly as documented.
- Give each device a room and descriptive name. Use names such as “Hall motion” or “Kitchen outlet” so routines remain understandable when devices are moved.
- Test local control and automations. Turn devices on and off, trigger sensors and check the functions you actually need. Test with the phone off the home Wi-Fi to distinguish local operation from cloud-dependent behavior.
- Secure and document the installation. Record model numbers, firmware versions, reset procedures and the account used. This short inventory makes later replacement or troubleshooting much easier.
When multiple hubs are useful
Hub Groups for coverage
Samsung describes Hub Groups that extend Zigbee and Thread networks across eligible hubs. Devices connected within the same group can also run some routines faster without an internet connection. Group membership, supported hub combinations and setup steps are eligibility-dependent, so check Samsung’s current instructions before buying a second controller solely for this feature. A second hub is not automatically needed for a small home with good signal coverage.
Rank #4
- 【Easy Setup, One Control】With Matter, Skip the step of downloading and registering multiple manufacturers' apps every time you buy a new device. Instead, head straight to certified smart home platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or AiDot to control all your Matter devices.【TIP】Matter-certified hub or controller (HomePod, Echo Dot, Nest, SmartThings Hub) is required for Apple Home/Alexa/Google Home/SmartThings platforms. Alternatively, the AiDot app can be used without hub
- 【Offline-Ready Control】Once you've set up your Matter-certified devices on your LAN, they'll be able to communicate with each other directly, using the Matter protocol. This means that if your home internet connection goes offline, your Matter-certified devices will still be able to communicate and be controlled within your LAN, without relying on the internet or cloud services.
- 【Remote Control from Anywhere】Use the app to turn electronics on before you arrive home and off after you leave, no matter where you are. Using the smart plug that work with alexa manage your power usage and save money.
- 【Hands-free Voice Control】Control linkind homekit plug using simple voice commands through Apple HomeKit, Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings, without the need for physical input such as buttons or switches.
- 【Flexible Scheduling & Timer】Effortlessly reduce energy usage with automatic device shutdown after a set time. For example Chrismas Tree, TV, Lamp, Fan, Humidifier,Blenders, Lightbulbs
Hub Backup and Hub Replace
Samsung’s Hub Backup feature allows a secondary hub to become primary after the original goes offline. The transfer can be initiated manually or occur automatically after ten minutes if no action is taken. This is different from SmartThings Cloud’s periodic backup of hub and device data: cloud data backup does not itself provide a second local radio controller.
Hub Replace is a separate replacement workflow, and Samsung notes that it cannot be used while hubs are in a Hub Group. Confirm eligibility and remove or change the group configuration as instructed before attempting replacement. Buy a second hub for backup only when the cost and maintenance are justified by the home’s size or reliability requirements.
Common problems and fixes
“The device is not found”
- Move the device close to the hub for pairing, then relocate it after testing.
- Reset the device using its manufacturer procedure; a device already paired to another controller may reject a new inclusion.
- Confirm that the hub supports the device’s protocol and regional frequency.
- Check the exact model in the regional directory instead of relying on the product family name.
Thread device pairs but will not respond
- Verify that the controller includes a Thread Border Router and that the device is Matter over Thread rather than Matter over Wi-Fi.
- Check whether the Samsung host requires VG-STDB10A.
- Update hub and device firmware, then retry commissioning near the controller.
Zigbee range is unreliable
- Move the hub away from metal cabinets, dense electrical equipment and the Wi-Fi router’s immediate vicinity.
- Use powered Zigbee devices that act as repeaters where the product documentation supports that behavior.
- Consider an eligible Hub Group only after confirming that a second hub is supported in your configuration.
Automations work only when the internet is available
Not every SmartThings routine is local. Cloud integrations, some Wi-Fi devices and certain advanced actions require internet access. Test each routine with the phone disconnected from cellular and home Wi-Fi, then identify which device or action is cloud-dependent. Do not assume that joining a Hub Group makes every routine local.
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Cost, availability and regional limits
The $119.99 figure shown for the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 was a Samsung US catalog value accessed in 2026 and can change. It does not establish a worldwide price or guarantee stock. Samsung’s compatibility pages explicitly warn that availability varies by country. Taxes, shipping, radio frequencies, firmware and even the product name can differ by market. Buy from a listing that identifies your region and retain the model number and receipt in case the wrong radio variant is shipped.
A practical decision checklist
- Do any TVs, monitors, soundbars, Family Hub refrigerators, SmartThings Stations or existing hubs in the home qualify as built-in SmartThings hubs?
- Are all planned devices Wi-Fi, or do they require Zigbee, Thread, Matter or Z-Wave?
- For Matter products, is the transport Wi-Fi or Thread?
- Does the exact regional hub provide every required radio, including the correct Z-Wave frequency where applicable?
- Does Samsung list each exact device model and the functions you need?
- Does your Samsung host require VG-STDB10A for Thread or Zigbee?
- Would Hub Groups or Hub Backup solve a real coverage or resilience problem, or add unnecessary complexity?
Bottom line
Most buyers should first use a qualifying Samsung product they already own, or connect Wi-Fi devices directly without a hub. If you need a new standalone controller, investigate the Samsung-listed Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 and verify its current regional specification against every device protocol. Treat certification, model number, transport, dongle requirement and country availability as separate checks. Add a second hub only for a demonstrated coverage or backup need, not simply because SmartThings supports multi-hub features.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
