Review:
Aeotec Smart Home Hub - Smartthings
Conclusion:
Aeotec is establishing a solid foundation with this Smart Home hub. You can really make your home smarter with this easy-to-use hub and well-functioning APP. The system works smoothly and does what it is supposed to do.
If you get this hub, you get the option to connect to many devices. You can do this via the built-in Z-Wave or Zigbee chip. These are wireless protocols that support different types of devices. Think of lamps, motion sensors, door contacts, smoke detectors, water leakage sensors, etc.
In addition to these protocols, you also have the option to add network devices. Think of washing machines, TVs and ovens.
The list of devices is quite large, but it is striking that they are mainly Samsung-oriented devices. For example, we miss the option to add my Philips TV or my solar panels. This probably has to do with the history of this hub. This hub was from Samsung. Hopefully, the acquisition of Aeotec will broaden its scope.
The devices we added all work as they should. Adding is also well explained. It's also nice that you can also scan a QR code on some devices, so you don't have to follow complicated procedures.
Control and configuration is done via the APP. It is simple, but well thought out, and reacts quickly and fluently.
Making rules should of course not be missing in a good Smart Home system. Think, for example, of automatically switching off the lamps and other equipment when you are away from home. Or turning on your alarm automatically.
The rule maker is logical and it is easy to make rules. You can have multiple triggers at once. You can also set the conditions, so there is an "and" and "or" option. We think you can automate a lot this way. But with really complex rules you will miss some options. For example, you cannot create variables or calculate anything.
What am I still missing in this controller?
Well an energy panel would be very nice. Here you could easily see what the consumption is in your home. You can find out, but then you have to open your devices individually. That's not really useful.
Good point
The price is a strong point because you can already get it for € 99.00. If you compare this with the competition, you sometimes pay four times that.
Conclusion:
So are you looking for a cheap solution for automating your home? Then the Aeotec Smarthing Smart home hub is your partner.
Price
Z-Wave and Zigbee support
Simple interface (works fine and fast)
Device support could be a bit more
Extended rules do not allow
Final assessment
8.0We would like to thank Robbshop for providing a test sample.
Tested with: APP version: 1.7.75.23
