Best Home Hub Replacement For Iris

• Best Smart Home Hub 2018

Our second pick for the best smart hub is the Samsung SmartThings. You can control your home’s security, energy usage, lighting and more from your smartphone app.

• Tested in 2018: The Wink Hub 2 in 2018 works even better than in 2018. After a range of new software updates and tweaks, the Wink Hub 2 is an extremely easy to use customer product that also allows for a touch more professional control and functionality compared to its top contender the Samsung SmartThings.
• Tested in 2018: The Wink Hub 2 in 2018 works even better than in 2018. After a range of new software updates and tweaks, the Wink Hub 2 is an extremely easy to use customer product that also allows for a touch more professional control and functionality compared to its top contender the Samsung SmartThings.

Lowe’s sent an email to Iris Smart Home Platform customers announcing it will shut down the platform and related services effective March 31, 2019. Iris customers can redeem eligible, connected Iris products for prepaid Visa cards but only via an online redemption link included in the email. Lowe’s stores will not handle redemptions.

Current Iris customers will not be charged for services as of January 31, 2019, and may continue to use the services until March 31, 2019, after which the system will go dark.

“After carefully evaluating a range of options, the decision was made to shut down the Iris platform once it was determined that none of the alternatives would allow Iris to continue to deliver the experience our customers have come to expect of us,” a Lowe’s spokesperson told Digital Trends. “Lowe’s remains committed to carrying the breadth and depth of smart home products and brands to meet our customers’ needs now and in the future.”

A Digital Trends editor who uses Iris logged onto the service via the link and received a rebate for $100 for his Iris hub and $140 for the Iris camera — which to his recollection was about what he paid for them.

If you use devices compatible with the Iris system that also work with other hubs and platforms, such as the SmartThings or Zwave platforms, those devices are not likely eligible for redemption. Only devices that are incompatible with other smart home platforms are eligible. Regardless, it can’t hurt to check on the redemption site.

Lowe’s also has an F.A.Q. with additional information about the shutdown and the redemption process.

Meanwhile the home security market has been exploding. Windows update 1607 failed to install. The best home security cameras continue to innovate with new features, while the number of home security systems on the market grows.

Here’s the text of the Lowes email with the subject line “Important Update About Iris Shutdown” received by a Digital Trends editor today:

Dear Iris Customer:

As a valued customer, we wanted to provide an important update regarding Iris. We have decided to shut down the Iris smart home platform and related services effective March 31, 2019. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are committed to providing the resources and support needed as you transition to comparable smart home products.

This email provides important information on the process and resources available for Iris customers. Please do not bring your connected Iris devices back to a Lowe’s store.

• We have created an online redemption process that will allow customers who have eligible, connected Iris devices to receive a Visa prepaid card to help migrate to another smart home platform.

• Upon logging into Iris, you will be directed to complete the redemption process using a customized, online tool. You will also be able to access additional information, such as redemption status and support articles.

• All Iris customers need to complete the redemption process through the Iris app or at home.irisbylowes.com/redemption by March 31, 2019.

• The online process is the only way you can receive a redemption for your already connected Iris items. Please do not bring connected items back to the store.

• Customers can return any Iris items they have purchased within the last 90 days that are not connected to the Iris platform via Lowe’s normal return policy (see your Lowe’s receipt for Lowe’s Return Policy details).

• Some customers may find the redemption value exceeds the amount owed via Lowe’s Return Policy.

• Many devices used with Iris are compatible with other smart home platforms. For example, SmartThings is a comparable platform to Iris, and to ease the transition, SmartThings’ support team is ready to assist you with the migration process.

• Some devices incompatible with other smart home platforms are eligible for redemption.

To find out more about the shutdown of the Iris platform, please read more here.

Updated February 1, 2019 to include a statement from a Lowe’s spokesperson.

Samsung SmartThings v.3

The Samsung SmartThings hub is still the best at integrating all your smart home devices, but it could still be improved in some areas.

Amazon Echo Dot

With a nicer design and vastly improved audio, the third-generation Echo Dot is Amazon's best, cheapest speaker yet.

Hubitat Elevation

If you put in the time, you can do a lot with the Hubitat Elevation smart home hub, but it's not for everyone.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of smart lights, digital locks, security cameras, thermostats, and more, but if you want to control them all from a single interface, then you're going to need a smart home hub. Based on our extensive testing, the Samsung SmartThings Hub v3 is the best smart home hub for the majority of consumers. Not only does it cost less than $70 and works with a wide range of devices, but its logic lets you set up fairly robust rules to trigger devices. Still, there areas where it can be improved.

Our favorite budget smart home hub is the third-generation Amazon Echo Dot; while not a hub in the traditional sense—you can only control devices connected to Wi-Fi— you can link lots of smart home devices in the Alexa app, and then trigger them using the Dot. Alexa's Routines also let you control multiple devices with a single command. Plus, the third-generation Dot has much improved audio over the previous model. Similarly, you can use Google Assistant to set up routines with Google Home-compatible smart home devices.
Make sure you check out all of our top picks for smart speakers, lights, locks, and more on our best smart home gadgets page. Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner, so expect some of these devices to go on sale soon.

Latest News & Updates (June 2019)

• The Hubitat Elevation now has a mobile app. Available for Android and iOS devices, it should allow users to more easily manage their smart home network; previously, they had to use a web-based interface, which is a bit clunky.
• Google is launching a new smart display this summer. The Nest Home Max ($229) will have a 10-inch display, 6.5MP camera, and will let users connect to and control smart home devices. The Nest Home Max will also have built-in support for Thread-enabled devices.
• Apple has added a few features to its HomePod to make it more functional: The update allows owners to set multiple timers, make calls (via their iPhone), and pair multiple HomePods for either stereo sound or for multi-room audio.

Best Smart Home Hub

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 5 x 5 x 1.2 inches Works With: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave Ports: Ethernet, USB Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

The third-generation Samsung SmartThings hub can connect to hundreds of devices — more than most other hubs — and lets you create a wide range of different scenarios for all of the gadgets in your home. The newest version of the hub has Wi-Fi, which means you have more flexibility in where you can place it in your house, but it's lost its battery backup, so you won't be able to control connected smart home devices if the power goes out.

Best Budget Smart Home Hub

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 3.9 inches (diameter) x 1.7 inches Works With: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Ports: 3.5mm audio Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

At just $49, the Echo Dot is half the price of most other hubs, making it an inexpensive investment for those just getting into smart home automation. However, it can control a wide variety of devices. The third-generation Dot has a larger and more powerful speaker than the previous model, and it has an updated design with a more attractive cloth cover. In addition to turning your lights and other devices on and off, the Dot can also read news headlines, weather reports, sports scores, and a host of other things.

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches Works With: Zigbee, Z-Wave, IFTTT, Wi-Fi Ports: Power, Ethernet Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

The Hubitat Elevation hub is not for smart home novices, but advanced users will appreciate the depth and complexity with which they can connect all of their smart home devices. The hub itself is small, but can connect to both Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. There's a learning curve to Hubitat's web interface, and there's no mobile app yet, but you can do far more with Hubitat than SmartThings.

Alexa-Enabled

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 5.9 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches Works With: Zigbee Ports: 3.5mm audio Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

The second-generation Echo Plus is larger, and delivers a much larger sound, than other Echo smart speakers. The plus also has a built-in Zigbee radio, which lets so-equipped smart home devices (such as Philips Hue lights) connect directly to your network—no bridge needed. The Plus sounds great, and connecting smart devices was a cinch, but it lacks the more complex interactions you can get with other hubs, and it doesn't support Z-Wave devices.

Best Google Home Hub

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 5.62 x 3.79 inches Works With: Chromecast, Nest, Philips Hue, SmartThings, IFTTT, WeMo, Honeywell Ports: None Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Best Smart Home Hub 2018

This Amazon Echo competitor also has a built-in speaker, can respond to voice commands, and can both control smart home devices and stream music. But where the Google Home separates itself is its integration with Google Assistant, which lets you search for everything and anything. Plus, if you also have a Chromecast, you can control it via voice through Google Home.

MORE: Amazon Alexa Guide: Tips, Tricks, and How-Tos

Best HomeKit Hub

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.9 inches Works With: HomeKit Ports: Ethernet, HDMI, microUSB Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Other Smart Home Hubs We Reviewed

Samsung Connect Home

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 4.7 x 4.7 x 1.6 inches Works With: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, SmartThings Ports: Ethernet Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

If you're looking for a Wi-Fi router and smart home hub in one, Samsung's Connect Home Hub mesh router has its SmartThings hub built in. We liked its ease of setup, its fairly speedy throughput, and the ability to expand its reach with extenders. Samsung offers the Connect Home (which offers speeds up up to 866 Mbps/5GHz and 400 Mbps/2.4GHz), or the Connect Home Pro (1733 Mbps/5GHz and 800 Mbps/2.4GHz).

as well as the Connect Home Pro

Apple HomePod

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 6.8 inches x 5.8 inches (diameter) Works With: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Ports: None Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Apple's smart speaker sounds fantastic, thanks to its multitude of speakers and microphones, which automatically tune the HomePod to whatever room it's in. However, Siri can't do nearly as much as Alexa and Google Assistant, and HomeKit lags when it comes to smart home device integration.

Wink Hub 2

SPECIFICATIONS

Size: 7.25 x 7.25 x 1.5 inches Works With: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Thread, Alexa, Google Home Ports: Ethernet Battery Backup: No

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Slim and sleek, Wink's second-generation smart home hub connects to a large number of smart home gadgets: Alexa, Google Home, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Lutron Clear Connect, and Kidde devices. It will also connect to Bluetooth LE, and has built-in support for Google's Thread interface. Plus, Wink added a more powerful processor, eight times the amount of memory, as well as 5GHz Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port. As with the original Wink Hub, the Hub 2's intuitive interface is good for those dipping their toes into smart homes, but power users may be put off by its lack of advanced features.