Which smart home ecosystem?

An ecosystem is the app and voice assistant you control everything from. Pick one first — then buy devices that work with it.

Not sure? Take the quiz

Matter changes the question

Matter-certified devices work with all four — even with several at once — and pair locally without the brand’s cloud. 10 devices in our database support Matter, so choosing an ecosystem matters less than it used to.

See Matter devices

Apple Home

The Home app on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch, with Siri. Automations run on a home hub (HomePod or Apple TV), so they keep working when your internet is down.

Hub you’ll want: HomePod mini, HomePod or Apple TV (needed for automations and remote access; also a Thread border router).

Polished, private by design
Runs automations locally
Strong Matter and Thread support

Needs an iPhone to set up
Fewer advanced automation options
Android users in the house are left out

9 devices work with Apple Home

Google Home

The Google Home app and Nest speakers and displays, with Google Assistant. Works well across Android and iPhone.

Hub you’ll want: Nest Hub, Nest Mini/Audio or Chromecast with Google TV (Matter controller; some are Thread border routers).

Great voice assistant
Works on Android and iPhone
Matter support across most Nest devices

Many automations still run in the cloud
Google changes and retires products often

17 devices work with Google Home

Amazon Alexa

Echo speakers and displays with the Alexa app. The widest range of compatible devices through Alexa skills, plus Matter.

Hub you’ll want: Any recent Echo; some models add Zigbee, and newer ones are Matter controllers and Thread border routers.

Huge device support
Cheap speakers in every room
Built-in Zigbee on some Echos

Most skills depend on the brand’s cloud
Voice recordings go to Amazon by default

18 devices work with Amazon Alexa

Home Assistant

Free, open-source software that runs on your own hardware and talks to almost everything — locally where the device allows it.

Hub you’ll want: A Home Assistant Green/Yellow, a Raspberry Pi or a mini PC, plus a Zigbee/Thread USB radio if you use those devices.

Works offline, no account needed
Supports the most brands and protocols
Powerful automations and dashboards

You run and update it yourself
Steeper learning curve
Community integrations can break after updates

15 devices work with Home Assistant