Samsung SmartThings Reviews

Homeowners who are unfamiliar with smart solutions might want to consider giving the Home Monitoring Kit a closer look, which perfectly blends the security and home automation solutions. The package includes a set of devices necessary to run a smart household, but the system serves as a springboard for further customization by adding extra sensors, cameras or locks. The heart of the system is the appropriately named SmartThings Hub, a small white box that fits anywhere in the living room. It needs to be connected to the power source and your router, but it houses four AA batteries as backup for an unexpected power outage. The hub communicates wirelessly with the other devices, constantly monitoring their status and allowing remote control over them.

The kit also features three kinds of smart products: a motion sensor, two multipurpose sensors and a special outlet. All of them are cordless, therefore their placement is completely up to you and your imagination. The pair of multipurpose sensors should be placed on your front door or window so that, after being armed, they will send an alert every time someone moves the object they are attached to. Even better, they sense vibration, doubling as a glass break sensor.

Although Samsung SmartThings doesn’t offer cameras as part of their kits and it is impossible to place an additional order for them, there is still a list of supported devices that can be integrated to the system. The current selection is restricted mainly to NetGear cameras. There are two NetGear Arlo Wire-Free cameras (a standard and a pro with HD) that are weatherproof but recommended for indoor use. The NetGear Arlo Q and Arlo Q Plus are strictly for indoor use, but in exchange they provide a higher quality video resolution and a two-way talk feature. Interestingly, there are no strictly outdoor cameras, but they make up for their absence with a doorbell camera that comes in two flavors (standard and pro). This presents an opportunity for homeowners to check on any guests and talk with them remotely. All cameras listed above connect seamlessly to Samsung’s SmartThings app.

The company placed its stake on smart self-monitoring, meaning that there is access to a multifunctional app to review alert notifications and manage all the wireless devices in your home. As a result, the app is available for all the relevant platforms: Android, iOS, Windows Phone and even Apple Watch. Through the application you are one touch away from activating electronic devices, scheduling the lights, opening locks, and reviewing security history. It’s also possible to set up a geofence and issue certain commands that are carried out every time your phone enters the main hub’s designated range. However, smartphone control is just the tip of the iceberg. Samsung SmartThings works hand in hand with Google Home and Amazon Echo, substituting finger-gestures on the touchscreen with more convenient voice commands.

Once the smart hub is yours, it’s simple to upgrade it by adding SmartThings compatible home automation devices. We’ve already touched on this subject with the power outlet, but there are other products in Samsung’s arsenal, too. Most of them are related to lighting one way or another: whether you have hard-wired, LED or CFL lighting, you’ll find an appropriate smart switch that brightens or dims the lights to your will. This is more than just a novelty, though, since smart switches eliminate the constant worry of leaving for vacation with the lights on, not to mention the large savings on the energy bill. Samsung also has different packs of SYLVANIA smart light bulbs; some of them are even multi-colored. These are the ones linked to you motion sensors, turning on and off whenever someone enters the room.

Samsung SmartThings has a very well-designed website, and it’s a pleasure to browse. The FAQ is informative and there are videos here and there that also help you to learn about the service. The customer support team is eager to help you, too, proven by the three different channels presented. You can contact them via email, over the phone or by initiating a live chat session, although this option is only available between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.