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Wink’s subscription was a business-model change, not a fee attached to buying a new hub: the company began requiring payment for its broader cloud service on July 27, 2020. Wink’s FAQ lists the price as $5.99 per month. Without an active subscription, some directly connected lights, switches, and locks can still be controlled locally through the Wink app on the home Wi-Fi network, but remote access and most cloud features are unavailable.
Why did Wink introduce a subscription?
In May 2020, Wink said it had supported more than 4 million connected devices since 2014, while relying on one-time hardware sales to cover continuing cloud costs, development, and customer support. It said long-term costs and economic pressure made a paid service necessary. The company acknowledged that the initial notice window was short and said it had no other way to continue Wink service as users knew it.
The announcement initially left customers uncertain about whether they would lose app access, voice control, automations, and integrations. Wink later extended the free period and set July 27, 2020 as the subscription start date. That revised date—not the initial announcement—is when the paid requirement took effect.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What does the $5.99 monthly subscription keep working?
Wink’s published FAQ lists the service at $5.99 per month. The app is free to download, but the broader service features below require an active subscription:
#1 Best Overall
- Connect & control your smart home — Easily link thousands of compatible devices from leading brands to create a connected home environment for lighting, comfort, voice assistants, energy use, and more.
- Automate your routines — Build custom automations using the SmartThings app to coordinate lights, sensors, switches, and other compatible devices throughout your day. Many automations now run locally for improved speed and reliability.
- Set up, manage, and automate devices using the SmartThings app on Android, iOS, or iPadOS. Works with popular voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
- Easy setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet — Set up the hub in minutes using the SmartThings app. Supports both wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Wide compatibility — Certified for Matter, SmartThings, Z-Wave Plus (V3 model only), Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Google Home, and Alexa. Designed for use in North America.
- Remote control over the internet when you are away from home.
- Cloud automations, including Robots, Schedules, and Shortcuts.
- Voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Wink API access and third-party integrations such as IFTTT and Yonomi.
- Sensor functions that depend on server-side automation processing.
What still works if you don’t pay?
Wink says a limited set of switches, lights, and locks connected directly to the hub can still be controlled using the Wink app while your phone is on the same local Wi-Fi network. In this mode, the phone communicates with the hub over the home network rather than sending the command through Wink’s cloud. Internet access is not required for that local control path, but the hub and phone still need power, the home network must work, and the device must be compatible with this limited mode.
Local control is not a substitute for the full service: it does not preserve remote access or cloud-dependent automations and integrations. Wink says devices are not removed from an account solely because the owner declines to subscribe. If you later resubscribe and have not deleted the devices or automations, cloud features can be restored.
Rank #2
- 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
Which option fits: pay, stay local, or migrate?
| Choice | Access and features | Cost or trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the subscription | Remote access, cloud automations, supported voice control, API access, and third-party integrations remain available. | $5.99 per month according to Wink’s published FAQ. |
| Do not subscribe | Limited local control of selected directly connected lights, switches, and locks; phone must be on the home Wi-Fi network. | No subscription charge, but cloud-dependent features are unavailable. |
| Migrate to another system | Depends on the replacement platform and whether it supports your devices and desired automations. | Requires checking compatibility and moving or replacing devices; migration details and costs vary. |
For a household that mainly needs basic control while at home, the local option may be sufficient if its devices are supported. If you depend on away-from-home access, cloud automations, voice assistants, or integrations, staying subscribed preserves those Wink services. Migration is the alternative if you want to stop relying on Wink’s subscription and cloud platform; verify every device and feature against the replacement system before switching.
How do you cancel Wink?
- Go to subscription.wink.com.
- Choose Manage Subscription.
- Select Cancel Subscription and complete the cancellation flow.
Wink says service remains active through the current monthly billing period, and future charges stop after that period. Its legal terms say the current period is not refunded when you cancel.
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
Was the Chamberlain MyQ change part of the subscription?
No. Wink separately reported that Chamberlain would end the Wink/MyQ integration effective June 1, 2020. Wink said Chamberlain had proposed requirements to generate tens of thousands of new MyQ users annually and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in yearly licensing fees. That integration loss was a separate change that compounded customer disruption in 2020; it was not a feature restored by paying the Wink subscription.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does buying a Wink Hub 2 avoid the fee?
No. The subscription applies to Wink account services and integrations, not just ownership of a particular hub, so buying another Hub 2 is not a way to bypass it. Wink’s FAQ also names Wink Bright, Wink Door/Window Sensor, Wink Motion Sensor, Wink Siren & Chime, and Wink Look Out among its products. A hub’s compatibility with a device does not by itself guarantee that cloud features work without a subscription.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![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
Rank #4
- Matter Bridge for Smart Home Integration: Bridge Zigbee, BTHome, and eWeLink devices to Matter platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home. Connect different smart home ecosystems and enjoy seamless cross-platform device control.
- Local Web Console, No Cloud Required: Access the local Matter Bridge web interface directly from your LAN without downloading an app or relying on cloud services. Configure and manage device bridging while keeping your data private and secure.
- Smart Home Security Protection: Pair with Zigbee sensors to create a local home security system. When intrusion is detected, the built-in 90 dB alarm and instant mobile notifications help keep you informed and your home protected.
- Support Home Assistant: Easily integrate Zigbee devices with Home Assistant through MQTT or bridge Home Assistant devices to Matter-compatible platforms, enabling greater flexibility across your smart home setup.
- Zigbee Hub with Broad Compatibility: Works as a Zigbee Hub and Zigbee Gateway, supporting SONOFF and a wide range of third-party Zigbee devices. Create local automations and build a reliable, connected smart home experience.
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