Softwr

Software · head to head

Homey vs SmartThings

Homey logo

Homey

Software

Connect all your smart home devices in one app

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Software

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SmartThings has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Homey homey Cloud without a subscription connects at most 5 devices; SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • They diverge on capability: Homey covers Multi-protocol support, SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Homey and SmartThings actually diverge.

Attributes where Homey and SmartThings differ
AttributeHomeySmartThings
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, WebiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub
Founded20141938

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Homey

  • Multi-protocol support
  • Advanced flows
  • Voice control
  • Energy insights
  • Timeline
  • Zones
  • Google Assistant
  • Amazon Alexa

Only in SmartThings

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

Both cover

  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Homey

  • Bringing Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices from different brands into one appnot SmartThings
  • Building home automations visually with Flownot SmartThings
  • Charting device and sensor history through Insightsnot SmartThings

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Homey
  • Automation routinesnot Homey
  • Device integrationnot Homey
  • Remote monitoringnot Homey

Where each one falls short

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

Homey

  • Homey Cloud without a subscription connects at most 5 devices
  • Unlimited devices require the Homey Premium subscription at $2.99 per month
  • Advanced Flow, Insights, and Logic and Variables are locked behind Homey Premium
  • The free month of Premium is only offered to new subscribers signing up through iOS or Android

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

Homey

On request
  • Homey Pro$399/month
    • Local processing
    • 1000+ apps
    • Advanced flows
  • Homey Bridge$69/month
    • Cloud processing
    • 500+ apps
    • Basic flows

SmartThings

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Homey if

  • You need multi-protocol support.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want advanced flows.
Homey 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 Homey or SmartThings better?
Neither clearly leads. Homey starts at On request and SmartThings at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Homey or SmartThings?
SmartThings has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Homey and Free for SmartThings.
Does Homey or SmartThings run on more platforms?
Homey runs on IOS, Android, Web. SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
Can I use SmartThings for free?
Yes. SmartThings has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Homey starts at On request.
What is Homey best used for?
Homey is most often used for bringing zigbee, z-wave, wi-fi and bluetooth devices from different brands into one app, building home automations visually with flow, charting device and sensor history through insights. Of those, bringing zigbee, z-wave, wi-fi and bluetooth devices from different brands into one app and building home automations visually with flow are not what SmartThings is typically brought in for.
What can Homey do that SmartThings cannot?
Homey covers Multi-protocol support, Advanced flows, Voice control, Energy insights. SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Both handle IOS support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

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

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
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

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

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Homey

More on SmartThings

Keep looking

Other head to heads