Samsung's SmartThings platform has evolved significantly since its acquisition of the original SmartThings startup. What started as a crowdfunded project became one of the most widely recognized smart home ecosystems, and the hub hardware has gone through several generations. The third-generation hub, in particular, arrived with broader radio support and a refreshed design — but the question for shoppers today is whether it still holds up against newer alternatives and platform shifts.
What the SmartThings Hub Does
At its core, a SmartThings Hub acts as a central bridge between your smart home devices and the SmartThings cloud platform. Rather than relying on individual devices to each connect directly to your Wi-Fi network — which can get crowded fast — the hub consolidates communication across multiple wireless protocols. The third-generation hardware supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi, giving it compatibility with a wide range of sensors, switches, locks, and other devices that use those standards.
The hub also enables local processing for certain automations, meaning some routines can continue to run even if your internet connection drops. This is a meaningful advantage over cloud-only platforms, particularly for critical automations like lighting schedules or security sensor triggers. For users who prioritize local processing above all else, the Hubitat Elevation takes this concept even further by running entirely on-device without cloud dependency.
Protocol Support and Device Compatibility
Built-in support for low-power sensors, bulbs, and switches from many manufacturers.
Compatible with Z-Wave locks, sensors, and relays — useful for longer-range mesh networking.
The hub itself connects via Wi-Fi, unlike earlier generations that required Ethernet.
Works with SmartThings cloud for remote access, voice assistants, and third-party service integrations.
One of the platform's historical strengths is its broad device compatibility. SmartThings maintains partnerships with numerous manufacturers, and the "Works with SmartThings" certification program covers hundreds of devices. However, as the smart home landscape has shifted toward Matter and Thread, the relevance of older Zigbee and Z-Wave ecosystems is a topic worth exploring in our hub protocol comparison guide.
The Matter and Thread Question
The biggest shift in the smart home world since the third-generation hub launched has been the rollout of Matter — the unified smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. SmartThings has been a strong supporter of Matter, and the platform can act as a Matter controller. The complication is that the third-generation hub does not have a built-in Thread radio, which is the preferred low-power mesh protocol for many Matter devices.
Samsung addressed this by offering a separate Thread USB dongle (originally bundled with the SmartThings Hub V3 in some regions, sold separately in others). If you want Thread-based Matter device support on the V3 hub, you need that dongle. Newer Samsung hardware — including certain Samsung smart TVs, monitors, and refrigerators — now include built-in Matter and Thread support, effectively serving as hubs without separate hardware.
Key Takeaway
If you already own a recent Samsung smart TV or Family Hub refrigerator, you may not need a separate SmartThings Hub at all — many of these devices can function as Matter controllers built into the SmartThings platform.
SmartThings App and Automations
The SmartThings mobile app is where most users interact with the platform. It provides device onboarding, dashboard customization, automation building, and scene management. The app has gone through numerous redesigns over the years, with Samsung working to streamline what was historically a somewhat cluttered interface.
Automations in SmartThings are built around a simple "if this, then that" model. You define triggers (a sensor detects motion, a time of day arrives, a mode changes) and actions (turn on a light, send a notification, change a thermostat setting). For more advanced users, SmartThings also supports custom code through its Groovy-based platform — though Samsung has been migrating away from Groovy toward a more standardized API model, which has been a point of friction for power users with custom integrations.
Voice Assistant Integration
SmartThings integrates with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control connected devices by voice. Samsung's own Bixby is also supported on Galaxy devices. The integration is generally solid for basic commands — turning lights on and off, checking sensor status, arming security modes — though more complex queries can sometimes be hit or miss depending on how devices are named and organized.
Who Should Consider a SmartThings Hub?
A SmartThings Hub makes the most sense if you fall into one of these categories:
- Existing SmartThings users with a collection of Zigbee or Z-Wave devices who want to keep their current setup running.
- Smart home hobbyists who want broad protocol support and flexible automations without committing to a single manufacturer's walled garden.
- Samsung ecosystem households who already own Galaxy phones, Samsung TVs, or appliances and want everything under one platform.
On the other hand, if you're starting fresh and primarily interested in Matter and Thread devices, you may want to evaluate whether a dedicated hub is necessary at all — or whether a newer platform with built-in Thread support, like the Amazon Echo Hub (2023), is a better long-term investment. See our full Echo Hub review for a head-to-head comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SmartThings Hub V3 support Matter?
Yes, the SmartThings platform supports Matter. The V3 hub can act as a Matter controller, but it requires a separate Thread USB dongle for Thread-based Matter device connectivity, as it lacks a built-in Thread radio.
Can I use SmartThings without a hub?
Many Wi-Fi and cloud-connected devices work with SmartThings without a hub. Additionally, recent Samsung smart TVs and appliances can serve as built-in Matter controllers. However, Zigbee and Z-Wave devices require hub hardware.
Is the SmartThings Hub V3 still being sold?
Availability varies by region. Samsung has been shifting toward integrating hub functionality into its TVs and appliances, and newer standalone hub options may be available. Check current availability before purchasing, and see our SmartThings Hub buying guide for detailed specs and recommendations.
What happens to my automations if the internet goes down?
Certain automations can run locally on the hub, meaning they continue to function without an internet connection. However, cloud-dependent integrations and remote access features will not work during an outage.
Can I migrate from SmartThings Hub V2 to V3?
Yes, Samsung provides a migration process within the SmartThings app. Your devices and automations can generally be transferred, though some custom configurations may require manual reconfiguration.
The SmartThings platform remains one of the most flexible smart home ecosystems available, with broad device support and deep Samsung integration. Whether the third-generation hub specifically is the right purchase today depends heavily on your current device inventory, your interest in Matter and Thread, and whether you already have Samsung hardware that can serve as a hub. For a full specs breakdown and purchasing details, see our SmartThings Hub buying guide.
![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 - Amazon.com](https://homesystemsguide-images.s3.amazonaws.com/managed-images/samsung-smartthings-hub-2018-3rd-gen-ce7289a0_10.jpg)