Samsung · Mainstream cloud hubs
SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen)
Zigbee 3.0 · Z-Wave · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth LE · no local API · about $70
cloud requiredcloud required
Protocols
Zigbee 3.0Z-WaveWi-FiBluetooth LE
2 W
Idle power
$70
List price
~5000
Devices (est.)
Specifications
| Category | Mainstream cloud hubs |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Zigbee 3.0, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE |
| Cloud dependency | cloud required |
| Local API | no local API |
| Voice assistants | Alexa, Google |
| Open source | closed-source |
| Directly supported devices (est.) | ~5000 |
| Idle power draw | ~2 W |
| Update outlook | long-term support 5y+ |
| List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026) | about $70 |
Best for: Family / casualBest for: Tech enthusiast / tinkerer
Setup & gotchas
🏭 Hardware is now built by Aeotec under the SmartThings name after Samsung exited its own hub manufacturing.
Editorial take
Our hands-on read — the specs above are the sourced facts.
Strengths
- + Dual Zigbee and Z-Wave radios cover most legacy sensors
- + Large multi-brand device ecosystem
- + Flexible automation and rules engine
Trade-offs
- − Heavily cloud-dependent for automations
- − Past platform migrations disrupted existing setups
- − No official local API
Related hubs
Frequently asked questions
Does the SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) require the cloud?
Yes. The SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) is cloud-required — a vendor account and an internet connection are needed, and routines run through the vendor cloud (no local API).
Which protocols and voice assistants does the SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) support?
Protocols: Zigbee 3.0, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE. Voice: Alexa, Google. It directly supports an estimated 5000 devices/brands.
How much does the SmartThings Hub (2018, 3rd Gen) cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $70 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 2 W. The hardware and firmware are closed-source.
Source & last checked
- Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018) page: samsung.com/us/smart-home/smartthings/hubs/samsung-smartthings-hub--2018--gp-u999sjvlgda/ ↗
- Sources last checked: 2026-07-20 · Prices: Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026
- Idle-power and device-count figures are vendor-claimed or community-measured estimates. Prices fluctuate. Details without warranty — check the current manufacturer spec sheet before buying.