SmartThingsvs
Home Assistant
Home Assistant: Open-source hub that runs locally on your own hardware with no cloud dependency, handles complex automations, supports Zigbee and Z-Wave.
SmartThings
Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes
As of 30 August 2026, SmartThings is free to use. SmartThings is a leading open IoT platform that enables you to connect and control various smart devices from one intuitive mobile app. Softwr lists it under Smart Home. SmartThings is made by Samsung Electronics, launched in 1938, available on iOS, Android, Web.
Overview
What SmartThings does
SmartThings is a leading open IoT platform that enables you to connect and control various smart devices from one intuitive mobile app. It supports hundreds of devices and brands, making it easy to create a connected home.
What people use it for
- Smart home control
- Automation routines
- Device integration
- Remote monitoring
Related searches
The honest half
Where it falls short
Concrete and checkable, so you can decide whether any of them matter to you. This is the half of a review a vendor will not write about 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
Cross-shopped
What people choose instead of SmartThings
Each pairing was judged by two reviewers asking whether a buyer would genuinely weigh the two against each other. The ones that failed were deleted rather than published.
- SmartThingsvsApple HomeKit
Apple HomeKit: Prioritizes privacy with local processing via HomePod/Apple TV, seamless Siri integration, encrypted end-to-end data handling.
- SmartThingsvsGoogle Home
Google Home: Superior natural language processing for voice commands, tight integration with Nest devices and Chromecast, whole-home audio control.
- SmartThingsvsAmazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa: Largest device ecosystem, extensive third-party skill integrations, works with more brands than any competitor.
Pricing
What SmartThings costs
Taken from the vendor's own pricing page. Prices move, so check before you buy.
Basic (SmartThings app)
Free
- Device control and automation
- Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter
Capabilities
Features
Multi-Brand Support
Device Control
Automations
Cloud Backup
500+ device types
Integration with 500+ device types
Voice Control
Integration with Voice Control
Routines
Integration with Routines
IFTTT integration
Integration with IFTTT integration
IOS support
Available on iOS
Android support
Available on Android
Web support
Available on Web
Wearables support
Available on Wearables
Answered, with sources
Questions people ask
Each answer names the page it came from, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.
Does SmartThings work offline?
No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.
SourceWhich communication protocols does SmartThings support?
SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.
SourceWhat 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.
SourceDoes SmartThings support voice assistants?
Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
SourceBehind it
Who makes SmartThings
- Company
- Samsung Electronics
- Based in
- Seoul, South Korea
Keep looking
Where to go from SmartThings
- SmartThings alternativesEvery product people weigh against it
- SmartThings pricingPlans, floors and what the tiers exclude
- SmartThings badgesWhich rules it meets, and the figure behind each
- All Smart Home softwareThe full category
- Best Smart Home softwareThe shortlist, and how it was cut
Best Smart Home software for
Compare SmartThings with
- Home Assistant
- Amazon Alexa
- Apple HomeKit
- Google Home
- Blynk
- Roomba
- Homey
- Arduino Cloud
- Nest
- Matter
- Particle
- Z-Wave Alliance
- Eufy Security
- Govee
- Losant
- Lutron Caseta
- Meross
- Nanoleaf
Other Smart Home software
Open source home automation that puts local control and privacy first
Free plan11 researched notesIoT cloud platform with mobile app builder for connected devices
Free, then $29/mo13 researched notesCloud-based IoT platform with visualization and workflow automation
Free plan10 researched notes
Softwr does not host reviews and shows no star rating for SmartThings, because a rating we did not collect is not ours to publish. What is here is the pricing and platform detail from the vendor’s own pages, limitations we could state concretely, and alternatives a reviewer confirmed people weigh against it. Tell us if any of it is wrong.
More on SmartThings
SmartThings alternatives
What people switch to, and what they give up
SmartThings pricing
Every tier, and where the cost actually lands
Compare SmartThings
Put it head to head with anything we hold
SmartThings badge
Its rating, and an embed for your own site
Best Smart Home software alternatives
Contractor platform and Pro Series controllers for managing client irrigation across many properties
One-time controller purchase with optional cellular subscriptionApple's secure smart home platform integrated with Siri
Premium integrated control system for smart homes and buildings
