The 6 best smart home hubs for 2024

Let’s hold this easy: A very good smart home hub helps you to management your home security tools, smart appliances, video calls and more — all from one place. It’s a smart speaker that works with a voice-activated digital assistant (like Alexa or Google) and has a touchscreen show. 

You can ask your home hub questions; stream audio (music, audiobooks, or podcasts) or video; show a dwell feed from a video doorbell; remotely management home equipment utilizing your voice; or make video calls. The best home hubs can even show a slideshow of your favourite digital photographs and video clips, plus give you quick access to the web for on-line procuring, or checking the weather, visitors, inventory market, information headlines or sports activities scores.

Home hubs are available quite a lot of designs. What units them aside are display screen measurement, display screen decision, the compatibility of the voice assistant with different tools, and the standard of the speaker. Some have a single speaker, whereas others supply stereo — significantly better for streaming music or video. When selecting a home hub, persist with one which’s suitable with tools you already personal and use.

What is the best home hub of 2024?

Our in-house tech experts have compiled this curated listing of the best home hubs accessible proper now. In addition to giving customers entry to a variety of capabilities, the best home hubs are customizable and supply safety and privateness options. These units are designed to provide you audio and visible entry to the web with out a pc or cell gadget. And as a result of they’ve a show, every is way extra versatile than a fundamental smart speaker.

Best home hub general: Google Nest Hub Max

Touchscreen Display Size: 10 inches | Screen Resolution: 1,280 x 800 pixels | Display Type: LED | Memory Card Slot: Yes | Compatibility: iOS, Android | Speakers: 2 (Stereo) | Microphones: 2 | Dimensions: 9.85 x 7.2 x 4 inches | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Power: AC energy | Search Engine: Google | Digital Assistant: Google Assistant | Camera: 6.5MP | Storage: 4GB

In addition to a 10-inch touchscreen, the Google Nest Hub Max’s base has stereo audio system that work with a 30-watt subwoofer to fill a room with wealthy and clear audio. This consists of streaming music, audio from streamed video content material (suppose YouTube, YouTubeTV, or some other supported service), or audio from video calls by way of Google Meet. 

This home hub places Google Assistant at your service, so you will get questions answered, entry data from the online, make a video name, or deal with a variety of different duties. As you’d count on, this home hub works with lots of Google’s personal companies, like Calendar, Google Photos, Google Maps, Google Shopping, YouTube, YouTube TV, YouTube Music and Google Play. When it involves audio or video streaming, you get entry to companies like Netflix, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Apple Music and Spotify. (Subscription charges could apply.)

You additionally get seamless integration with lots of of smart-home units from Google, Nest, Arlo, Hue, SmartThings, Nanoleaf, TP-Link and Wink. In reality, you should use your voice to remotely management home equipment from Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, LG, Kohler and plenty of different firms.

You’ll simply uncover all types of on a regular basis makes use of for this hub — from accessing how-to movies on YouTube to streaming your favourite music on demand. As a digital photograph body, it shows footage from Google Photos, or function an indoor safety digital camera that reveals a dwell video feed (by way of your smartphone) from inside your home when you’re away. 

Since the Hub Max is designed to cater to households, it could determine individuals utilizing face and voice recognition after which show acceptable content material. A toddler can stream kid-friendly music, for instance, or a father or mother can stop a toddler from putting on-line orders or accessing inappropriate movies. For a family that is already invested within the Android or Google Home ecosystems, you will not discover a higher home hub.

Best finances home hub: Amazon Echo Show 5 (third Generation)

Touchscreen Display Size: 5.5 inches | Screen Resolution: 960 x 480 pixels | Display Type: LCD touchscreen | Memory Card Slot: No | Compatibility: iOS, Android, FireOS | Speakers: 1x 1.7″ speaker | Microphones: 1 | Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.2 x 3.6 inches | Connectivity: W-Fi, Bluetooth | Power: AC energy | Digital Assistant: Alexa | Camera: 2MP 

This is probably the most reasonably priced Amazon Echo smart units with a display screen you will get. Released in 2023, it presents a 5.5-inch show, so it does all the pieces a smart speaker can do, offers you entry to the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, and it has the flexibility to show photographs, video and graphic-based data — all for lower than $90.

The Echo Show can show information and climate at a look and be used for streaming music and podcasts. Using it is inbuilt microphone and digital camera, it additionally permits permits customers to simply take part in video calls. 

On the display screen, you possibly can stream and show video content material from Amazon Prime Video (in the event you’re an Amazon Prime member) or see who’s at your door if in case you have a suitable video doorbell put in. And while you use voice instructions, you possibly can management different smart home gear that is suitable with Alexa, together with many smart thermostats. 

While it helps music and audio streaming companies like Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, SiriusXM, iHeart Radio and Audible, it doesn’t work with Netflix or many different video streaming companies, since that is very a lot an Amazon-centric gadget. 

When it is not in any other case in use, the Amazon Echo Show 5 serves as a digital image body and shows your favourite pictures which are saved on the free Amazon Photos cloud service. It does this utilizing an animated slideshow format. It can even function a digital alarm clock. 

It’s kid-friendly, too. If you are a father or mother, you possibly can subscribe to Amazon Kids+ ($4.99 per 30 days) and permit your children to entry age-appropriate music, movies, video games and different content material utilizing this gadget. In reality, Amazon additionally presents a model of the Echo Show 5 designed simply for children. What units it aside is that it presents inbuilt parental controls and content material filters. It additionally features a one yr subscription to Amazon Kids+. Echo Show 5 Kids is at present 45% off its ordinary value of $100, so you should buy it for simply $55.

Best finances home hub: Amazon Echo Show 8 (third Generation)

Touchscreen Display Size: 8 inches | Screen Resolution: 1,280 x 800 pixels | Display Type: LCD | Memory Card Slot: No | Compatibility: iOS, Android, FireOS | Speakers: 2x 2-inch full rage neodymium drivers with passive bass radiator (helps spatial audio) | Microphones: 4 | Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 4.2 inches | Connectivity: Dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, Zigbee | Power: AC energy | Search Engine: Microsoft Bing | Digital Assistant: Alexa | Camera: 13MP 

The third technology of the Amazon Echo Show 8 was launched in 2023. We like that the gadget’s inside audio system now assist spatial audio. You can even entry an enormous quantity of audio and video with a subscription from Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, SiriusXM, Audible, the Amazon FireTV channels and extra.

You can remotely management any Alexa-compatible smart tools, or use the Alexa digital assistant to get questions answered, or entry the web. Thanks to its 13MP digital camera and enhanced {hardware}, video calls are clearer and sound higher than ever. And when it is not in use, the hub serves as a digital photograph body. You additionally get quick access to your calendar, to-do lists and reminders. 

The Echo can be suitable with a variety of smart home tools from Amazon and different firms, so it could management smart lights, plugs, door locks, a thermostat, a video doorbell, or many different kinds of smart home equipment. If there’s ever an emergency, Alexa Emergency Assist is on the market 24/7 by way of the home hub. Plus, dad and mom can make the most of parental controls and the Amazon Kids+ service to supply their kids age-appropriate content material by way of the home hub. For households that already depend on Alexa and different Amazon companies, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (third Generation) will make an excellent addition to a home.

Best massive display screen home hub: Amazon Echo Show 15

Display Size: 15.6 inches | Screen Resolution: 1080p | Display Type: LCD | Memory Card Slot: No | Compatibility: iOS, Android | Speakers: 1.6-inch full-range drivers | Microphones: 6 | Dimensions: 15.8 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 | Power: AC energy | Search Engine: Microsoft Bing | Digital Assistant: Alexa | Camera: 5MP | Storage: 16GB | Remote: Voice distant included

Designed to be held on a wall, the Amazon Echo Show 15 is a centralized data and leisure middle for the entire household. It can be utilized as a household messaging and scheduling system and show all types of content material on its massive, 15.6-inch show. 

Basically, this extra-large model of the Amazon Echo Show can do all the pieces that the Echo Show 8 can do, nevertheless it takes full benefit of a bigger and extra detailed, 1080p decision show. This makes it notably helpful for streaming video. In reality, this home hub helps Amazon’s FireTV, so it could function a full-featured smart TV in addition to a home hub. Access all the favored video and music streaming companies you need, together with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+ and numerous different companies you subscribe to.

When you want data, Alexa is at all times only a voice command away. One good function is that the Echo Show 15 could be hung horizontally or vertically on a wall. And whereas you should use voice instructions, the gadget additionally comes with a handheld Alexa voice distant management. 

We suggest this home hub as a household software that makes it straightforward to share calendars, create and show sticky notes and keep knowledgeable. Anytime the gadget is not getting used, as its screensaver, it could showcase your favourite photographs or well-known artistic endeavors. While Amazon recommends hanging the Echo Show 15 within the kitchen, it may be utilized in any room.

Best home hub for high-quality audio: Amazon Echo Show 10 (third Generation)

Touchscreen Display Size: 10.1 inches | Screen Resolution: 1,280 x 800 pixels | Display Type: LCD | Memory Card Slot: No | Compatibility: iOS, Android, FireOS | Speakers: 2x one-inch tweeters, 1x 3-inch woofer | Microphones: 7 | Dimensions: 9.9 x 9 x 6.7 inches | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Zigbee | Power: AC energy | Search Engine: Bing | Digital Assistant: Alexa | Camera: 13MP (with movement monitoring) | Storage: 16GB

There are some things that set every of the Amazon Echo home hub fashions aside. The Echo Show 10 (third Generation) suits in between the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 15 by way of display screen measurement. This mannequin works on a tabletop, desk or shelf. It’s additionally notable for high quality stereo audio that may actually fill a room. 

Another nice function; When you are on a video name, the digital camera will lock onto your face. If you progress across the room, the entire unit will rotate to maintain you targeted within the body. The 10-inch show makes it straightforward to see the individuals you are speaking to, whereas the gadget’s 13MP digital camera ensures you are clearly seen. The video calling performance works with a number of common companies, together with Skype and Zoom.

Like the entire different Amazon Echo home hubs, this one works with the Amazon Alexa digital assistant and 1000’s of smart units and home equipment. It can even function an indoor surveillance digital camera while you’re not at home. Using your smartphone, entry a dwell video feed from the room the place the Echo is positioned, and remotely management the digital camera’s motion. Numerous versatile communications, informational and leisure performance has been constructed into the Amazon Echo Show 10, so if the individuals in your family already depend on Alexa, this gadget will make a superb addition.

Best home hub with pill performance: Google Pixel Tablet

Touchscreen Display Size: 11 inches | Screen Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 pixels | Display Type: LCD | Memory Card Slot: No | Compatibility: iOS, Android, Chromecast | Speakers: 4 | Microphones: 3 | Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches (pill solely), 6.6 x 3.7 x 2.7 inches (speaker base) | Weight: 17.39 ounces | Connectivity: USB Type-C 3.2, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth | Power: Battery (as much as 12 hours per cost) | Search Engine: Google | Digital Assistant: Google Assistant | Camera: 8MP (entrance and rear) | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Processor: Google Tensor G2, Titan M2 safety coprocessor | Operating System: Android

The Google Pixel Tablet is completely different from each different mannequin on the market. 

Yes, it is a full-featured Android pill that is filled with cutting-edge options you’d count on from the corporate behind the Android working system and Google Pixel telephones. But you may also place it in a base to remodel it right into a full-featured Google home hub — one that may do all the pieces that the Google Nest Home Hub can do and extra.

So while you spend money on the Google Pixel Tablet, what you are getting is 2 highly effective units in a single — each of that are supported by the Google Assistant and all of Google’s hottest companies. Plus, you possibly can customise the pill by putting in  Android apps from the Google Play Store, and stream audio or video content material from nearly any service you subscribe to. The pill is powered utilizing Google’s proprietary Tensor G2 processor and the Titan M2 safety coprocessor. It’s seamlessly suitable with all different Google Pixel units and may show your favourite photographs in your Google Photos account.

What we love in regards to the Google Pixel Tablet is that it presents higher performance and extra energy than most tablets that price two to a few occasions as a lot. It additionally comes with the charging speaker dock that transforms the pill right into a home hub (and retains the pill’s battery charged on the similar time). For anybody who already makes use of any Android-based smartphone, particularly a Google Pixel cellphone, this Google Pixel Tablet is the best cell companion — and a strong home hub. Overall, it presents a extremely good worth for the funding and is extraordinarily customizable. Be positive to learn our full evaluate of the Google Pixel Tablet to find why we thinks is among the many very best Android tablets round.

How to choose the best home hub

The function of a home hub is to function a single gadget for working your smart home, getting data and streaming audio and video. Before making your buy, take into account the place in your home the hub will go, and what kinds of options you may primarily be utilizing it for. 

Here are 9 essential issues to think about when selecting which home hub is best suited for your family: 

• Display measurement and backbone: This determines how a lot content material could be displayed on the display screen and the way detailed it will likely be. If you intend to observe video content material, make video calls, or show high-resolution photographs, 1080p decision is right. 
• Placement: Some home hubs are designed to be positioned on a flat tabletop, desk or shelf, whereas others (notably these with bigger screens) could be mounted on a wall. After figuring out wherein room you may be putting the home hub, resolve the place it will likely be probably the most accessible.
• Speaker high quality: If you intend to observe video; do video calls; or stream music, podcasts or audiobooks, a home hub with high-quality stereo audio system is right. Speakers that assist spatial audio will present a extra immersive listening expertise.
• Digital assistant: One of the principle functions of a home hub is to supply quick access to a digital assistant that may reply to your questions and voice instructions. Based on which home hub you select, it can both assist Google Assistant (“Hey, Google”) or Amazon Alexa. Which possibility you select ought to be primarily based on what smart home gear you already use to make sure full compatibility. If your smart lights, video doorbell, home safety cameras, or smart espresso machine, for instance, assist the identical digital assistant because the one constructed into your home hub, you’ll use voice instructions to remotely management these different smart units.
• Compatibility: All of the home hubs featured on this roundup assist each iOS and Android-based cell units. However, you must also give attention to functionality along with your different smart home units. 
• Camera: The digital camera constructed into the home hub is used primarily for video calls. The increased the decision (measured in megapixels), the extra element somebody will see throughout a video name with you. Based on which home hub you might have, if the individual you may be video calling with has a suitable gadget or app, you’ll provoke a video name with a voice command similar to, “Hey Google, call Grandma.”
• Screensaver: When you are not utilizing the home hub for different duties, all of them can show an animated slideshow that includes your favourite digital photographs or video clips. In some circumstances, this content material have to be saved regionally utilizing the home hub’s inside storage, however generally, the home hub can retrieve photographs you might have inside a folder or album within the cloud. The Amazon Echo Show 15 additionally has the flexibility to show well-known artistic endeavors. 
• Online procuring: Since Amazon is the world’s largest and hottest on-line retailer, it is sensible that the corporate’s personal home hubs will mean you can use voice instructions or the touchscreen to buy on-line. If there’s an merchandise, like paper towels, you’ve got already bought from Amazon that you just need to reorder, use the voice command “Hey Alexa, reorder paper towels,” and the home hub will place the order with Amazon and have it shipped to the tackle on file. All of the Google home hubs additionally assist on-line procuring by way of Google Shopping. Many home hubs additionally mean you can order meals from common supply companies or quick meals chains utilizing voice instructions. Or, order an Uber, Lyft or taxi utilizing a voice command.
• Special options: Each of the home hubs featured on this roundup supply a handful of distinctive options that set them aside. These options would possibly embrace enhanced stereo audio system that assist spatial audio, assist for a handheld distant management, a base that rotates so it tracks your motion while you’re taking part in a video name, or the flexibility to remotely management the opposite smart units and home equipment in your home.

Save 20% and get a present card while you improve your home hub by means of Amazon

Amazon presents a singular program that means that you can trade-in your outdated home hub (or sure different Amazon tools) while you buy a brand new Echo home hub. Take benefit, and Amazon gives you a present card for the appraised worth of your trade-in, plus a 20% low cost in your new Amazon Echo home hub. Visit Amazon’s product web page for any of its home hubs. Below the displayed value, click on on the “Save 20% with Trade-in” button after which comply with the on-screen prompts.