Smart Home Systems

Understand the platforms and technologies that connect your smart home before you buy.

Ecosystems & protocols

Ecosystems

An ecosystem is the platform you use to control your devices — through an app or a voice assistant. Choose one as your primary platform before building your smart home.

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Amazon Alexa

The largest ecosystem by compatible device count. Built around Echo speakers and the Alexa app. Best for Amazon Prime users and complex automations.

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Google Home

Tight integration with Google services (Gmail, Calendar, YouTube). Strong voice search and a clean, redesigned app. Great for Google-first households.

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Apple Home

The most privacy-focused ecosystem. Works through the Apple Home app and Siri. Requires Apple devices but offers tight HomeKit and Matter integration.

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Samsung SmartThings

A flexible hub-based platform that bridges multiple protocols — Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, and Wi-Fi — in a single app. Good for mixed-device setups.

Wireless standards

Protocols & Technologies

A protocol is the wireless language your devices speak. Unlike ecosystems, protocols are not tied to one company — a Zigbee bulb can work with multiple hubs and ecosystems.

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Matter

The new universal standard. A Matter device can work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and SmartThings simultaneously.

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Zigbee

A mesh protocol used by Philips Hue, IKEA DIRIGERA and many others. Reliable and low-power — but requires a hub.

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Z-Wave

A mesh protocol common in security devices. Operates at 908 MHz to avoid Wi-Fi interference. Requires a compatible hub.

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Thread

A low-power mesh protocol designed for Matter. Works alongside Wi-Fi and requires a Thread Border Router (many smart home hubs include one).

Not sure where to start?

Our beginner guide covers ecosystems, protocols and what to buy first.

Smart Home for Beginners →