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Google Home vs SmartThings

Google Home logo

Google Home

Smart Home

Google's smart home platform with Google Assistant

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Smart Home

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Google Home web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app; SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • They diverge on capability: Google Home covers Google Assistant, SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Home and SmartThings actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Home and SmartThings differ
AttributeGoogle HomeSmartThings
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, ChromeOSiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub
Founded20161938

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Home

  • Google Assistant
  • Multi-Room Audio
  • 10,000+ devices
  • Nest products
  • Chromecast
  • Third-party apps
  • Smart Displays support

Only in SmartThings

  • Multi-Brand Support
  • Device Control
  • Automations
  • Cloud Backup
  • 500+ device types
  • IFTTT integration
  • Wearables support

Both cover

  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • Android support
  • IOS support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Home

  • Controlling and automating smart home devicesnot SmartThings
  • Viewing Nest camera feedsnot SmartThings
  • Creating automation routinesnot SmartThings
  • Managing household device settingsnot SmartThings
  • Voice control via Google Assistantnot SmartThings

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Google Home
  • Automation routinesnot Google Home
  • Device integrationnot Google Home
  • Remote monitoringnot Google Home

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Home

  • Web version (home.google.com) has limited controls compared to the mobile app
  • Battery-camera live streams on the web app auto-stop after 5 minutes
  • Requires compatible Google/Nest or third-party smart-home hardware - it is a control app, not a standalone product

SmartThings

  • Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
  • Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
  • API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Home

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Home review.

SmartThings

Free
  • Basic (SmartThings app)Free
    • Device control and automation
    • Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Home if

  • You need google assistant.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS.
  • You also want multi-room audio.
Google Home review

Choose SmartThings if

  • You need multi-brand support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
  • You also want device control.
SmartThings review

Questions people ask

Is Google Home or SmartThings better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Home starts at Free and SmartThings at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Home or SmartThings?
Google Home starts at Free and SmartThings at Free.
Does Google Home or SmartThings run on more platforms?
Google Home runs on iOS, Android, Web, ChromeOS. SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
Can I use Google Home for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Google Home best used for?
Google Home is most often used for controlling and automating smart home devices, viewing nest camera feeds, creating automation routines, managing household device settings. Of those, controlling and automating smart home devices and viewing nest camera feeds are not what SmartThings is typically brought in for.
What can Google Home do that SmartThings cannot?
Google Home covers Google Assistant, Multi-Room Audio, 10,000+ devices, Nest products. SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Both handle Voice Control, Routines, Android support, IOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Home: Is Google Home free?

The basic Google Home service is free. A paid subscription called Google Home Premium is available for enhanced features.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?

No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.

Source
Google Home: What does the free tier of Google Home include?

The free tier includes basic device control, automation setup, access to Gemini voice assistant, suggested automations, and basic home dashboard tracking.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.

Source
Google Home: What additional features does Google Home Premium unlock?

Premium adds enhanced Gemini-powered features, advanced video event descriptions, Home Brief summaries, video search by description, and advanced automation capabilities.

Source
SmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?

Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.

Source
Google Home: How much does Google Home Premium cost?

The exact price is not shown on this page. The site directs users to the Google Store for purchase details.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

Source
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