Also, many Wi-Fi devices created for Alexa and Google Home aren’t compatible with hubs. You might not be able to control all features (like routines) in the app, though. If you own a smarthub, like SmartThings, Wink, Insteon, Hubitat, or HomeSeer, they also have apps with dashboards to control your devices. This means some of your commands will process more quickly than they would with Alexa or Google Home. HomeKit has some distinct advantages (like Apple Watch support) and, depending on your hardware, more local control. But just like Google Home and Alexa, you need to make sure all your devices have HomeKit support. If you’re an Apple fan, you can use HomeKit and the Home app. If you already own Google Home or Alexa speakers, definitely consider whether any smarthome gadget you buy is compatible with them. That list is growing all the time, though. You do have to make sure all your devices support your voice assistant of choice. The bonus here is all your smartphone, tablet, and voice controls are all in one place. The average smarthome might not need incredibly complex routines, in which case either Google Home or Alexa will work well as your single app. RELATED: What Is a Smart Plug? You Have Options for Which App to Use These devices come from four different sources.

After it’s correctly set up, you’ll only need the other apps for firmware updates and, occasionally, some additional features. If, however, you control every function of all your smarthome devices through a single app, you can eliminate all (or most) of the confusion. If you can’t remember which app locks the door every day, you have to dig through all of them one by one. It’s even worse when you have to change infrequently used options, like routines, timers, or scenes. If everyone is always second-guessing which app controls the living room lights and which controls the smart plugs, you might be tempted to give up in frustration. This is especially true if multiple family members interact with your smarthome. Other than voice, the best to way to control your smarthome is through a single app. The Key to Smarthome Bliss: A Single App Are the lights in this room controlled by Alexa, Google, Philips, Smart Life, or Magic Home?

Another app is controlling your camera