SmartThings is a capable hub, but to unlock Matter, Thread, and brand-specific ecosystems, you need a complementary hub. Here are the best bridges and controllers to pair with your SmartThings setup.
if you already use samsung smartthings, you know it's one of the most compatible smart home platforms around — it supports over 200 brands out of the box.1 but smartthings is primarily a zigbee and zwave hub. if you want to bring in matter devices, thread sensors, or gadgets from ecosystems like aqara, google, or apple, you need a second hub that acts as a bridge or controller.
the good news: matter was designed for exactly this. a matter-certified hub can talk to smartthings over your local network, so you don't need five different apps. here are the best hubs to pair with smartthings right now.
the aqara hub m3 is a professional-grade hub that doubles as a matter controller and thread border router.3 that means it can take aqara's enormous catalog of affordable sensors (motion, temperature, vibration, leak, etc.) and expose them directly to your smartthings app over matter.
why it works with smartthings: matter is the common language. once the m3 bridges your aqara devices into matter, smartthings sees them as native devices. no cloud-to-cloud lag, no weird workarounds.
who it's for: anyone who wants to add aqara sensors (some of the best value in smart home) without leaving the smartthings app.
the nest hub (2nd gen) is primarily a smart display, but it also includes a thread border router and matter controller.1 that makes it a natural companion for smartthings users who also have google devices — nest thermostats, google doorbells, or any matter-compatible gadget.
why it works with smartthings: you can control matter devices added via smartthings right from the nest hub's screen, and vice versa. it's a visual control panel that doesn't require its own ecosystem lock-in.
who it's for: smartthings users who want a glanceable dashboard on the counter and plan to add google or matter devices.
the homepod (2nd gen) is apple's most capable smart speaker, and it packs a thread border router and matter controller inside.1 if you're already in the apple ecosystem, this is the cleanest way to bring matter devices into both homekit and smartthings simultaneously.
why it works with smartthings: matter devices paired via the homepod are also controllable in smartthings. you get the best of both worlds — siri on the homepod side, smartthings automations on the other.
who it's for: smartthings users who also use apple home, want thread support, and don't mind the higher price tag.
the aqara hub m2 is the older sibling of the m3. it doesn't support matter or thread, but it's a rock-solid zigbee hub for aqara devices.3 you can connect it to smartthings via a cloud-to-cloud integration or through homekit bridging.
why it works with smartthings: if your aqara devices don't need matter (and many older sensors don't), the m2 is cheaper and just as reliable. you lose some speed vs. local matter control, but for basic automations it's fine.
who it's for: budget-conscious smartthings users who already own aqara zigbee sensors and don't plan to upgrade to matter soon.
| pick | protocol support | role | best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| aqara hub m3 | matter, thread, zigbee | matter controller + thread border router | adding aqara sensors via matter |
| google nest hub (2nd gen) | matter, thread, wifi | matter controller + thread border router + display | google ecosystem + visual dashboard |
| apple homepod (2nd gen) | matter, thread, wifi | matter controller + thread border router + speaker | apple home + smartthings crossover |
| aqara hub m2 | zigbee only | zigbee bridge | budget aqara sensor setup |
the key insight: you don't need to replace smartthings. you just need a hub that speaks matter or thread so your devices can talk to each other across ecosystems. the aqara m3 is the most versatile pick today, but if you're already in google or apple, their hubs pull double duty as both a smart speaker and a thread router.
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