Smart home beginners confused about whether they need a hub
People who bought WiFi devices and wonder if they're missing something
Anyone seeing 'requires hub' on product listings and unsure what it means
1. The Quick Answer
It depends on what devices you want to use.
You DON'T need a hub if:
You only use WiFi smart devices (most smart bulbs, plugs, and cameras)
You use Matter-over-WiFi devices with a compatible smart speaker
You're happy controlling devices through individual manufacturer apps
You DO need a hub if:
You want to use Zigbee or Z-Wave devices
You want complex automations that WiFi devices can't handle
You want local control without internet dependence
You have many devices and want to unify them in one system
Let's break down what this actually means and help you decide.
2. What Is a Smart Home Hub?
A smart home hub is a central device that connects to and controls other smart devices. Think of it as the brain of your smart home—it communicates with devices, runs automations, and often provides a single app to control everything.
What a Hub Does
Translates protocols: Zigbee and Z-Wave devices can't talk directly to your phone or WiFi network. The hub translates their signals so your apps can control them.
Runs automations locally: Many hubs process automation logic on the device itself, so your "when motion detected, turn on lights" works without internet.
Unifies control: Instead of five apps for five brands, you control everything through the hub's app.
Enables advanced automations: Complex "if this AND that, then do those" logic that basic WiFi devices can't handle.
The Confusion: "Hub" Means Different Things
The term "hub" gets used loosely, which causes confusion:
Devices like SmartThings Hub or Hubitat that support Zigbee/Z-Wave. These are "true" hubs.
Key Takeaways
Most WiFi smart devices don't require a hub—they connect directly to your router
Zigbee and Z-Wave devices always require a compatible hub or coordinator
Voice assistants (Alexa, Google, Siri) can unify WiFi devices without a separate hub
Matter significantly reduces hub requirements for new smart home setups
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a hub before understanding what devices you actually want
Thinking a hub replaces voice assistants (they serve different functions)
Not Sure Where to Start?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll recommend the perfect smart home setup for your needs and budget.
Current smart home users considering adding Zigbee or Z-Wave devices
People trying to decide between WiFi devices and hub-based systems
Protocol hubs:
Brand bridges: Devices like Philips Hue Bridge or Lutron Smart Bridge that only work with one brand's products.
Voice assistants: Echo, Google Home, and HomePod are sometimes called "hubs" but they're really controllers—they don't support Zigbee/Z-Wave directly (with some exceptions).
Matter controllers: Smart speakers that support Matter can control Matter devices without a separate hub.
When Product Pages Say "Requires Hub"
If a product listing says 'requires hub,' it usually means you need either: (1) a protocol hub like SmartThings for Zigbee/Z-Wave devices, or (2) the brand's own bridge like Hue Bridge for Philips products. Check what protocol the device uses to know what you need.
3. WiFi Devices: No Hub Required
Most popular smart home devices today use WiFi and connect directly to your router. No hub needed.
WiFi devices connect directly to your router and communicate through the manufacturer's cloud servers. When you tap "turn on" in the app:
Your phone sends the command to the manufacturer's servers
The servers send it to your device
The device turns on
This works fine for most people. The downsides: requires internet, adds devices to your WiFi network, and you're dependent on the manufacturer's cloud.
The Voice Assistant as "Controller"
If you have an Alexa, Google Home, or Apple device, you already have a way to unify WiFi devices. Link your device accounts to your voice assistant, and you can control everything with voice commands or the assistant's app. This isn't a "hub" in the traditional sense, but it accomplishes the same unification goal.
4. When You Do Need a Hub
Certain devices and use cases require a dedicated hub.
Zigbee Devices
Zigbee is a low-power mesh protocol popular for sensors, buttons, and some lights. Zigbee devices cannot connect to your WiFi—they need a Zigbee coordinator (hub) to function.
Common Zigbee devices:
Philips Hue bulbs (require Hue Bridge)
Aqara sensors (require Aqara Hub or compatible hub)
IKEA Tradfri (require IKEA Gateway or compatible hub)
Many motion sensors, door sensors, and smart buttons
Hub options for Zigbee: SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant (with Zigbee coordinator), Amazon Echo (4th gen has Zigbee built-in), Aqara Hub
Z-Wave Devices
Z-Wave is another mesh protocol, known for reliability and used heavily in security systems and high-end installations. Like Zigbee, Z-Wave devices need a compatible hub.
Common Z-Wave devices:
Many smart locks (Yale, Schlage Z-Wave versions)
Security sensors (door/window, motion)
Smart switches (GE/Jasco, Zooz, Inovelli)
Garage door controllers
Hub options for Z-Wave: SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant (with Z-Wave stick), Ring Alarm base station
Advanced Automations
If you want automations more complex than "turn off lights at 10pm," a hub helps:
"If motion in hallway AND it's after sunset AND the alarm is disarmed, turn on hallway light at 30%"
"When front door unlocks, if it's Person A, play their preferred music"
"If no motion for 30 minutes in any room, set thermostat to away mode"
Hubs like Hubitat and Home Assistant excel at this kind of conditional logic across different device brands.
Local Control (No Internet Required)
If you want your smart home to work when your internet is down, a local hub is essential. WiFi devices that depend on cloud servers stop working without internet. Zigbee/Z-Wave devices controlled by a local hub (like Hubitat or Home Assistant) continue working.
Matter Changes This
Matter devices can operate locally without a dedicated hub—just a Matter controller (smart speaker). If local control is your main reason for considering a hub, Matter devices with a HomePod, Nest Hub, or Echo might be enough.
5. Types of Hubs
If you decide you need a hub, here are your main options.
IKEA Gateway: Required for IKEA Tradfri (though many work with other Zigbee hubs)
These bridges often provide the best experience for their products but don't help with other brands.
Avoid Collecting Multiple Hubs
It's easy to end up with a Hue Bridge, an Aqara Hub, a SmartThings hub, and a Lutron Bridge. This defeats the purpose of unified control. If possible, choose devices that work with one hub, or use Home Assistant to tie everything together.
6. The Matter Factor
Matter is changing the hub landscape significantly.
How Matter Reduces Hub Need
Matter devices work directly with Matter controllers—smart speakers like HomePod, Nest Hub, and Echo. You don't need a separate hub for:
Matter-over-WiFi devices (connect to your router, controlled by Matter controller)
Matter-over-Thread devices (connect to Thread border router built into many smart speakers)
When You Still Need a Hub with Matter
Existing Zigbee/Z-Wave devices: Matter doesn't make old devices compatible. You still need a hub for legacy devices.
Complex automations: Platform automation capabilities (Alexa Routines, Google Home automations) are still limited. Advanced users may want Hubitat or Home Assistant.
Device types Matter doesn't support yet: Cameras, robot vacuums, and some appliances aren't Matter-compatible.
The Practical Impact
For new smart home setups, Matter significantly reduces the need for a dedicated hub. If you buy Matter-certified lights, plugs, locks, and sensors, a smart speaker may be all you need. This is a meaningful simplification for mainstream users.
7. Decision Framework
Use this framework to decide if you need a hub.
Start Without a Hub If...
You're new to smart home and exploring
You only want a few devices (lights, plugs, thermostat)
You're comfortable with multiple apps or use a voice assistant
You're buying Matter devices and have a Matter controller
Add a Hub If...
You want Zigbee or Z-Wave devices (sensors, some locks, some switches)
You want automations that cross device brands
Local control without internet is important
You have 20+ devices and want centralized management
Which Hub to Choose
Want easy setup with broad compatibility: SmartThings
Want Zigbee basics with Alexa: Echo 4th gen
Want affordable sensors with HomeKit: Aqara Hub
Want local control and powerful automations: Hubitat
Want maximum flexibility and don't mind tinkering: Home Assistant
8. Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Buying a Hub Before You Need One
Don't buy a hub "just in case." Start with WiFi or Matter devices. Add a hub when you hit a limitation you can't solve otherwise.
Mistake 2: Thinking a Hub Replaces Voice Assistants
A hub controls devices but doesn't provide voice control. You'll still want an Alexa, Google, or Siri device for voice commands. They work together, not instead of each other.
Mistake 3: Accumulating Multiple Hubs
One hub for Hue, one for Aqara, one for SmartThings... defeats the purpose. Try to consolidate. Home Assistant can bridge many ecosystems if you need multiple protocols.
Mistake 4: Choosing the Wrong Protocol
If you buy a Zigbee-only hub (like Hue Bridge) and then want Z-Wave devices, you need another hub. Consider your likely future devices when choosing hub protocols.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Matter
If you're buying new today, Matter devices may eliminate your need for a hub entirely. Check if Matter versions exist before committing to Zigbee/Z-Wave.
Mistake 6: Underestimating Setup Complexity
Home Assistant is powerful but requires real time investment. If you want simple setup, start with SmartThings or stick with WiFi devices. Be honest about your technical comfort level.
9. Your Next Step
The question isn't really "do I need a hub?" It's "what devices do I want, and do they need a hub?"
List the devices you want. Smart lights? Sensors? Locks? Thermostat? Start with what you actually want to control.
Check if WiFi or Matter versions exist. For most common devices, they do. If so, you probably don't need a hub.
Identify any Zigbee/Z-Wave requirements. If specific devices you want only come in Zigbee or Z-Wave, plan for a hub.
Consider automation complexity. If your automations are simple (schedules, basic triggers), voice assistant apps are fine. Complex logic benefits from a hub.
Start simple, upgrade if needed. Begin with WiFi/Matter devices and a voice assistant. Add a hub when you hit real limitations—not hypothetical ones.
Use Revimote's Product Finder to filter devices by protocol. We'll show you which products need hubs and which work standalone.
Remember
A hub is a means to an end, not a goal. The goal is a smart home that works reliably for your life. Many people achieve that with WiFi devices and a voice assistant—no hub required. Others need the power and flexibility a hub provides. Neither approach is wrong; it depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
Local control without internet requires either a local hub or Matter devices
Start without a hub using WiFi or Matter devices; add one when you hit real limitations
Accumulating multiple brand-specific hubs instead of consolidating
Choosing a hub that only supports one protocol when you'll need others
Ignoring Matter as an alternative to hub-based systems
Underestimating the setup complexity of enthusiast hubs like Home Assistant