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Remote Work · head to head

IFTTT vs SmartThings

IFTTT logo

IFTTT

Remote Work

Automate almost anything with IFTTT

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: IFTTT free plan limited to only 2 applets total; SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • They diverge on capability: IFTTT covers If-then applets, SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IFTTT and SmartThings actually diverge.

Attributes where IFTTT and SmartThings differ
AttributeIFTTTSmartThings
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub
CategoryRemote WorkSmart Home
Founded20111938

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 IFTTT

  • If-then applets
  • Webhooks
  • Smart home integration
  • Social media
  • Email notifications
  • Data logging
  • 650+ services
  • Smart home devices

Only in SmartThings

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

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

IFTTT

  • Casual automation with up to 2 simple applets via free plannot SmartThings
  • Power users requiring 20 applets and multi-action capabilities via Pro plannot SmartThings
  • Advanced automation with unlimited applets and AI services via Pro+ plannot SmartThings

SmartThings

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

Where each one falls short

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

IFTTT

  • Free plan limited to only 2 applets total
  • Free plan applets run at standard speed; fastest speeds require Pro tier
  • Free plan excludes webhooks, multi-action applets, and Twitter integrations
  • Free plan limited to 30-day onboarding support; paid plans offer ongoing customer support

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

IFTTT

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 Applets maximum
    • Standard Applet speeds
    • DIY or published Applets access
  • Pro$2.99/month
    • 20 Applets maximum
    • Fastest Applet speeds
    • Multi-action Applets
  • Pro+ (Annual)$35.88/year
    • Equivalent to $2.99/month with 40% annual discount
  • Pro+$8.99/month
    • Unlimited Applets
    • All Pro features included
    • Fastest Applet speeds

SmartThings

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

Which should you pick?

Choose IFTTT if

  • You need if-then applets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want webhooks.
IFTTT 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 IFTTT or SmartThings better?
Neither clearly leads. IFTTT 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, IFTTT or SmartThings?
IFTTT starts at Free and SmartThings at Free.
Does IFTTT or SmartThings run on more platforms?
IFTTT runs on Web, iOS, Android. SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
Can I use IFTTT for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is IFTTT best used for?
IFTTT is most often used for casual automation with up to 2 simple applets via free plan, power users requiring 20 applets and multi-action capabilities via pro plan, advanced automation with unlimited applets and ai services via pro+ plan. Of those, casual automation with up to 2 simple applets via free plan and power users requiring 20 applets and multi-action capabilities via pro plan are not what SmartThings is typically brought in for.
What can IFTTT do that SmartThings cannot?
IFTTT covers If-then applets, Webhooks, Smart home integration, Social media. SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

IFTTT: Is there a free version of IFTTT?

Yes, IFTTT offers a free tier that allows users to create up to 2 Applets with standard speeds and unlimited runs. The free plan includes DIY or published Applets access, a mobile app, and 30 days of onboarding support.

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
IFTTT: How much does IFTTT Pro cost?

IFTTT Pro costs $2.99/month (or $35.88/year with 40% annual savings). Pro users get up to 20 Applets with fastest speeds, multi-action Applets, Webhooks access, Twitter Applets, and customer support.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

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

Source
IFTTT: What does the IFTTT Pro+ tier include?

IFTTT Pro+ costs $8.99/month ($107.88/year with 40% annual discount). It includes unlimited Applets, all Pro features, AI services access, multiple account connections per service, query and filter code capabilities, and prioritized customer support.

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
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