Our Verdict
Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) — 9/10. The most versatile mainstream smart home hub for users who want multi-protocol support and cross-brand automation in one affordable, well-supported device.
Building a smart home gets complicated fast when your devices speak different languages. The Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) acts as a universal translator, bridging Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN devices under one roof. If you want broad compatibility without committing to a single brand's ecosystem, this hub deserves a close look. For our hands-on testing notes, see our Samsung SmartThings Hub review.
Top Pick: Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen)
Score: 9.0/10 — The most versatile mainstream smart home hub for users who want multi-protocol support and cross-brand automation in one affordable, well-supported device.
TL;DR: The Samsung SmartThings Hub supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN protocols, works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and connects a huge range of third-party devices. It's the best choice for anyone prioritizing flexibility over ecosystem lock-in.
Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen)
The third-generation Samsung SmartThings Hub is the centerpiece of Samsung's smart home platform. Its standout feature is multi-protocol support: built-in Zigbee and Z-Wave radios let it talk to thousands of certified sensors, switches, locks, and bulbs, while LAN and cloud integrations extend reach to Wi-Fi devices. This means you aren't restricted to one manufacturer when shopping for accessories.
Setup runs through the SmartThings app, which walks you through pairing devices and building automation routines. You can trigger actions based on time, device state, location (geofencing), or sensor events — for example, turning on lights when a motion sensor trips after sunset. The hub connects to your router via Ethernet for a stable, always-on connection that keeps local automations responsive.
Voice control comes through both Alexa and Google Assistant, and a broad library of third-party app integrations enables more advanced routines. Power users can layer conditions and scenes to coordinate dozens of devices, while newcomers can start simple and expand over time.
This hub is best suited for households that already own — or plan to mix — smart devices from several brands. If you'd rather not be locked into a proprietary ecosystem and value the freedom to pick the best device in each category, the SmartThings Hub is built for exactly that.
| Model number | GP-U999SJVLGDA |
|---|---|
| Generation | 2018, 3rd Gen |
| Wireless protocols | Zigbee, Z-Wave, LAN/Wi-Fi |
| Network connection | Ethernet to router |
| Voice assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| App | SmartThings (iOS / Android) |
| Category | Smart Home Hubs & Controllers |
Pros
- Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN — broad cross-brand compatibility
- Works with both Alexa and Google Assistant
- Large library of third-party integrations for advanced routines
- Wired Ethernet connection keeps automations stable and responsive
- No lock-in to a single manufacturer's ecosystem
Cons
- Requires an Ethernet port on your router
- Many features depend on a cloud connection
- Advanced automation has a learning curve for beginners
Ready to build a multi-brand smart home? Check the latest price on the Samsung SmartThings Hub.
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Tip: Connect the hub directly to a free LAN port on your router rather than a switch downstream — a direct connection minimizes latency for local automations.
How the SmartThings Hub Compares
Because this guide focuses on a single featured catalog product, the table below summarizes how the SmartThings Hub stacks up across the dimensions buyers care about most. If you prefer fully local control without cloud dependence, compare it against the Hubitat Elevation C-8; if you want a touchscreen Alexa control panel instead, read our Echo Hub buying guide.
| Criterion | Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Zigbee, Z-Wave, LAN |
| Voice support | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Ecosystem lock-in | None — multi-brand |
| Connection | Wired Ethernet |
| Best for | Mixed-brand smart homes |
How We Chose
We evaluated smart home hubs on protocol breadth, third-party compatibility, voice assistant support, setup experience, and long-term flexibility. The Samsung SmartThings Hub earns its top spot for combining Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN support in one device while remaining brand-agnostic.
We weighed real-world reliability of local automations, the depth of the SmartThings automation engine, and the ease of expanding a system over time. Hubs that force you into a single manufacturer's accessories scored lower on flexibility, which is where this model pulls ahead.
Shoppers comparing options may also consider the Hubitat Elevation C-8 for local-first control or the Amazon Echo Hub for an Alexa-centric touchscreen setup.
Final Pick: Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen)
For most buyers building or expanding a multi-brand smart home, this is the hub to get. Its triple-protocol support, dual voice assistant compatibility, and extensive integration library make it the most flexible mainstream choice available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the SmartThings Hub need to be wired to my router?
Yes. The hub connects to your router via Ethernet, which provides a stable connection and keeps local automations responsive. Make sure you have a free LAN port available.
Which smart home protocols does it support?
It includes built-in Zigbee and Z-Wave radios plus LAN/Wi-Fi connectivity, letting it pair with a wide range of devices across many brands.
Does it work with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, the hub integrates with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, in addition to a broad library of third-party app integrations.
Is this hub good for beginners?
It works well for newcomers who start with simple routines, though its more advanced automation features have a learning curve. You can expand your setup gradually as you grow comfortable with the SmartThings app.
Will I be locked into Samsung devices?
No. A key advantage of this hub is that it avoids ecosystem lock-in, so you can mix and match certified devices from many different manufacturers.
![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)