Our Verdict
Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) — 8.5/10. A protocol-flexible smart home hub that bridges Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN devices across brands, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants powerful automation without ecosystem lock-in.
Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) (GP-U999SJVLGDA)
8.5/10 — A protocol-flexible smart home hub that connects Zigbee, Z-Wave, and LAN devices across brands, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants automation without ecosystem lock-in.
Overview
The Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) is a central controller designed to unify a wide mix of smart home devices under a single roof. Where many platforms push you toward a single brand, the GP-U999SJVLGDA leans on broad protocol support to bring together products that would otherwise live in separate apps and isolated routines.
It speaks Zigbee and Z-Wave directly, while also handling LAN-connected and Wi-Fi accessories through the SmartThings ecosystem. That combination is what makes it appealing to people who have accumulated devices over time from several manufacturers and are tired of juggling four or five apps to run their home.
This hub is best suited to enthusiasts and pragmatic homeowners who value device compatibility and flexible automation over the convenience of a tightly curated, single-vendor system. If your priority is keeping options open, this is a hub worth serious consideration. For a deeper purchase-focused breakdown, see our Samsung SmartThings Hub buying guide.
Key features
Native Zigbee and Z-Wave radios plus LAN/Wi-Fi connectivity let it bridge devices from many different brands.
Works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control and routine triggering.
Supports complex multi-device routines and conditions through the SmartThings app and third-party integrations.
A large library of third-party integrations expands what the hub can automate and respond to.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Model number | GP-U999SJVLGDA |
| Generation | 3rd Gen (2018) |
| Category | Smart Home Hubs & Controllers |
| Wireless protocols | Zigbee, Z-Wave |
| Network connectivity | LAN / Wi-Fi |
| Voice assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| App ecosystem | SmartThings + broad third-party library |
| Best for | Multi-brand smart home setups |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Excellent multi-protocol compatibility (Zigbee, Z-Wave, LAN)
- Works with both Alexa and Google Assistant
- Powerful, flexible automation routines
- Large third-party integration library
- Avoids single-brand ecosystem lock-in
Cons
- Setup can feel involved for newcomers
- Relies on a stable cloud connection for some features
- Advanced automations have a learning curve
Performance
In everyday use, the GP-U999SJVLGDA delivers on its core promise: it brings disparate devices together reliably. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices pair without needing separate bridges, and once a device is added it tends to stay responsive within the app's automation engine.
Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant is dependable, with commands routing through to grouped devices and scenes with minimal delay. Multi-step routines — like lighting, locks, and sensors reacting together — execute consistently once configured, which is where the hub really earns its place.
Take time to organize devices into rooms and scenes early. A little structure up front makes building advanced routines far less frustrating later.
The main friction comes during initial setup and when crafting more elaborate automations. There is a genuine learning curve, and some features depend on a healthy internet connection. For a patient user, though, the payoff is a cohesive, responsive home.
Value for money
The value proposition here is breadth. Instead of buying into one manufacturer's hub and accepting its device list, the SmartThings Hub lets you mix and match hardware you may already own or want to buy later. That future-proofing alone can save money over time.
It is an especially strong pick for hobbyists and homeowners building out a system gradually. If you only ever plan to buy devices from a single brand, a matching first-party hub like the Amazon Echo Hub might be simpler — but the moment you want variety, this hub's flexibility justifies its cost. If keeping everything running without the cloud matters to you, it's worth comparing against the Hubitat Elevation C-8, which emphasizes local smart home control.
Ready to build your hub-centric smart home? Check current pricing on the Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen).
Consider this hub a long-term foundation rather than a single-purpose accessory. Its value grows as your device collection diversifies.
Final verdict
The Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) (GP-U999SJVLGDA) earns a strong 8.5/10. Its triple-protocol support, dual voice assistant compatibility, and deep automation capabilities make it one of the most versatile controllers for a brand-agnostic smart home. A modest learning curve and cloud dependency are the only meaningful caveats against an otherwise excellent foundation.
What wireless protocols does the SmartThings Hub support?
It supports Zigbee and Z-Wave natively, along with LAN and Wi-Fi connectivity, which lets it bridge a wide range of devices from different brands.
Does it work with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes. The GP-U999SJVLGDA integrates with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control and routine triggering.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It can be, but the initial setup and advanced automations have a learning curve. Beginners should plan to spend some time organizing devices and learning the SmartThings app.
Do I need an internet connection to use it?
Some features and integrations rely on a stable cloud connection, so a reliable internet connection is recommended for the full experience.
Who is this hub best for?
It's ideal for users who want broad device compatibility across multiple brands without locking into a single manufacturer's ecosystem.
We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
![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)