A lot of companies manufacture smart hubs that allow people to control their smart products through a single device.
There are dozens of manufacturers that claim to have the most reliable, functional and durable smart hubs. Sadly, not all can be trusted since the majority advertise poorly-built products that can lead to disappointment.
On the other hand, SmartThings and Vera are two popular smart hubs that are best-selling, highly-rated and durable products that have thousands of satisfied customers.
SmartThings vs VeraEdge: Pros & Cons and Verdict
In this article, we’ll compare, evaluate and rate the most important aspects of Vera Edge and SmartThings. We’ll also present detailed charts and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both smart hubs. Lastly, we’ll come up with a reasoned verdict and crown one as the leading product.
1. Installation Process
First of all, let’s cover the installation process of these smart hubs. Today’s purchasers of smart home products expect the setup process to simple, intuitive, and not require professional assistance.
So we need to be sure that SmartThings and VeraEdge have simple setup processes that meet the above criteria and can be completed in a few minutes.
SmartThings
SmartThings is a DIY smart hub that is so easy to activate that it’ll take no more than 5 minutes. The setup process is intuitive and easy to understand. Instead of writing a step-by-step guide, I’ll drop a detailed video that perfectly explains how to do it.
If you still find it hard to follow the instructions, SmartThings’ package includes a well-written user manual which you can use for further guidance. Alternatively, SmartThings’ community forum is a great area where you can find all the answers to your questions. As a last resort, reach out to SmartThings’ support. Those people are superb and will help with anything you think is relevant.
VeraEdge
VeraEdge is also a DIY smart hub that takes just minutes to install. I’ve personally completed the setup, and it’s super easy. I won’t write a step-by-step guide since Vera has uploaded a great video that’ll guide you through.
If you still have questions left, Vera’s package includes a beautiful guide and explains everything in detail. Another option is reaching out to Vera’s support team.
2. Design
Having a good design is essential for modern smart home products since shoppers seek devices that are both functional and visually attractive.
SmartThings
SmartThings is available in white and has a minimalistic design. Smart Hub’s dimensions are 4.2 x 4.9 x 1.3 inches, and it weighs around 0.5lb.
I’ve seen ST owners who complain about the lack of innovation, stating that the design is too simple and mainstream. In part, I would agree, as the majority of existing smart hubs tend to also be white in colour.
VeraEdge
VeraEdge is a uniquely designed smart hub that doesn’t look like its competitors. Unlike the majority of smart hubs, VeraEdge is only available in black and looks quite attractive. The dimensions of VeraEdge are 3.74 x 4.57 x 1.73 inches, and it weighs 10.4 ounces.
On the Vera hub’s surface, indicators show the status of your internet, power, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Service. If anything doesn’t function as it’s supposed to, the smart hub will let you know.
The majority of VeraEdge owners indicate that they are very happy with its design. On the other hand, a few have described the smart hub as being ‘ugly’ and unattractive.
3. Features
When people decide to purchase a smart hub, the decision will, to a large extent, be based on the device’s features and performance capabilities.
If SmartThings and VeraEdge weren’t able to meet our requirements, there would be no incentive to purchase. So that we can be informed about the main features – and hence the abilities – of SmartThings and VeraEdge, we’ve created a detailed chart that lists the features of both models.
| SMARTTHINGS | VERAEDGE | |
|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave and Zigbee Compatibility | Wi-Fi and Z-Wave Compatibility | |
| Amazon Alexa Support | Control 50-75 Devices | |
| Bluetooth | Alexa Support | |
| Centralized Control | Create Scenes | |
| Flexible Mobile Application | Remote Access | |
| IFTTT and Stringify Support | Local Control | |
| Several Modes | ZigBee Compatibility | |
| Functional Sensors | Flexible Web & Mobile Application | |
| Battery Powered | Geofencing | |
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So, both smart hubs have amazing features and can boast of being the best products on the market. If compared, SmartThing takes the top spot with its innovative and unique capabilities.
4. Supported Devices
This part of our article can be considered the most important since the main reason why people purchase smart hubs is their integrations. If SmartThings and VeraEdge didn’t support the major names in the smart home industry, they would be unable to meet the purchaser’s necessary criteria.
SmartThings
SmartThings Hub supports 99% of well-known and capable smart home devices. Since the supported device list is quite long, follow the link at SmartThings website for the full list of devices that can integrate with the smart hub. SmartThings syncs perfectly with Z-Wave and ZigBee devices.
As mentioned, SmartThings has a built-in Bluetooth, but it’s not active yet. As the CEO of ST said, it’ll be available in the coming months. As soon as the feature is active, SmartThings will become more third-party integration friendly. On top of this, Bluetooth will enable you to control specific devices directly from the hub.
SmartThings works with security cameras, but there’s a drawback you need to know. The majority of well-known security cameras offer free cloud storage, and if you pair it with SmartThings, soon (it’s in beta mode) you’ll have to pay for their cloud storage services.
That’s a drawback since not everyone is comfortable with paying a monthly fee for what they can otherwise get for free. SmartThings also works with IFTTT. The integration was pretty smooth, despite some minor delays (nothing too serious).
Suggested Read: Wink vs SmartThings: Pros & Cons and Verdict
There are a few important devices that cannot integrate with SmartThings. Luckily, there’s a solution since SmartThings has a powerful API that allows developers to write their device handlers (everything is available at SmartThings community forum). So if you, for example, own a Nest product, you can still connect it with SmartThings using the API.
The drawback here is that integrating such devices is a bit harder since it requires you to add scripts manually. If you don’t have any previous experience in this area, you might find it hard to complete the process — though you can still watch guides and read manuals to understand the basics.
The newest improvement to SmartThings is the Amazon Alexa integration, which gives you the convenience of voice-enabled commands.
VeraEdge
VeraEdge is a third-party integration-friendly smart hub that works with devices that use Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Z-Wave technologies. VeraEdge was designed to support up to 75 devices, and, as the company stated, VeraEdge exists for large DIY home automation systems.
Unfortunately, VeraEdge doesn’t have the built-in Bluetooth connectivity. VeraEdge supports the majority of smart home devices including Nest, Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset. One of the drawbacks of Vera is that it doesn’t work with security cameras.
If you own Arlo or even Nest security cameras, it’s impossible to pair them with the smart hub. So if you were planning on doing so, it’s better to think of alternatives since VeraEdge won’t meet your needs.
Frankly, VeraEdge integrates with dozens of smart home devices, but it’s nowhere near the SmartThings. VeraEdge is a decent smart hub, but it can’t keep up with the industry-leading products.
5. Mobile Application
Having a functional mobile application is essential for a hub since we need to control all our smart products with a single application. If SmartThings and VeraEdge don’t have intuitive and easy to use mobile apps, the user experience will be quite low, and people will look for alternatives.
SmartThings
SmartThings’ mobile application is decent and works quite well. During tests, we didn’t have a single instance where the application froze, crashed or glitched. Compared to its competitors, SmartThings’ seems to have the most functional, intuitive and clean mobile app.
Also, SmartThings allows you to configure several modes and has lots of fast access features. SmartThings is quite smart, and the hub can change modes automatically. For instance, if you’re in the ‘Home Mode’ and unexpectedly leave, SmartThings will notice and activate the ‘Away Mode’.
Another cool thing is that SmartThings allows configuring these modes so that they fit your needs and requirements. There’s also a ‘Night Mode’, and you can also create custom modes that will automate additional tasks.
For example, you can create a ‘Guest Mode’; so, if you have guests, lights will not turn off on their own. SmartThings also offers security modes that are effective. There are three modes to choose from – Armed (Away), Armed (Home) and Disarmed. You can configure them as you wish.
If you’re in the ‘Armed Away’, you can set the security camera to record, and whenever it detects activity, the siren should sound (or call the 911 if you have a monitoring contract purchased).
VeraEdge
Vera’s mobile application is quite buggy and messy. I don’t like the interface, it’s not clean and often crashes/freezes. I’ve also met other Vera owners, and all of them complained about the nonfunctionally of the mobile application.
VeraEdge allows you to create custom scenes so that it maximally meets your needs. The smart hub also has the geofencing feature, and it automatically arms or disarms the system.
What I like about the VeraEdga is that it’s designed to show the battery life of all our connected devices — but, sadly, the feature doesn’t seem to work. After a few months of use, all of my devices are still showing as having battery life at 100%.
Navigating the app is pretty fast, though. There are shortcuts you can set to access the most critical features and modes.
5. Advantages and Disadvantages
Before we move forward, it’s essential to know the advantages and disadvantages of VeraEdge and SmartThings. Hence we’ve created a detailed chart that illustrates the pros and cons of these smart hubs.
SmartThings Hub
| PROS | CONS | |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Mobile Application | Limited Bluetooth Connectivity | |
| Amazon Alexa Support | No Wi-Fi | |
| Compatible With Hundreds of Smart Devices | Problems Disabling Alarms | |
| Connects Wirelessly | Basic Design | |
| Powerful Developer Community | ||
| Extremely Flexible | ||
| Centralized Control | ||
| Battery Backups | ||
| Zigbee and Z-Wave Support | ||
| Easy to Install | Purchase SmartThings |
VeraEdge Hub
| PROS | CONS | |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Setup Process | No USB Ports | |
| Free to Use | No Bluetooth | |
| Mobile Application | Basic Design | |
| Plenty of Connections | Buggy Mobile Application | |
| Geofencing | ||
| Control 50-75 Devices | ||
| Wi-Fi and Z-Wave Compatibility | ||
| Remote Access | Purchase VeraEdge |
Both are capable products, but SmartThings is way more powerful and it’s the best smart hub on the market.
7. Support
It’s essential for a company to have a responsive customer care area since people who purchase smart products often find themselves unable to complete specific tasks. In such situations, buyers reach out to the support team.
If companies have lousy support teams, it’ll be a huge disappointment since customers will be left wondering how to get the support they need. Luckily, both Vera and SmartThings have outstanding customer care areas. These two companies also run community forums where people discuss various topics related to the smart hubs.
VeraEdge Review: Key Takeaway
VeraEdge is an advanced smart hub with advanced features and capabilities. Compared to its predecessor, VeraEdge has noticeably improved. It integrates with dozens of smart home products and works pretty smoothly.
VeraEdge is one of the best smart hubs on the market with high ratings and thousands of satisfied customers. Below, we’ll list the main features and pros of the Vera hub.
- Geofencing – This feature is quite useful since it automates the process of switching the modes on and off.
- Wi-Fi and Z-Wave – VeraEdge can connect with various smart home devices. The list is quite long, and, if you’re interested, jump to Vera’s website to find out what products integrate with the smart hub.
- Mobile Application – While the mobile app is buggy, it’s still nice and works at an acceptable level. It might cause trouble from time to time but, all in all, it’ll satisfy your needs.
- No Monthly Fees – VeraEdge is free to use, and there aren’t any monthly charges to use the smart hub.
So that wraps up the VeraEdge smart hub. It’s a decent device with excellent features and capabilities. It beats the majority of its competitors and is one of the best on the market.
SmartThings Review: Key Takeaway
SmartThings is the complete smart hub with diverse features, amazing capabilities, and potential. Let’s find out the key parts of this product and find out if it’s that good.
- Amazon Alexa – One of the most significant advantages of SmartThings is the integration with Amazon Alexa. The fact that ST can receive voice-enabled commands makes the smart hub a lot more attractive and exciting.
- ZigBee and Z-Wave Support – If you can’t find the devices you own on SmartThings’ supported device list, don’t worry, you can still connect them using ZigBee or Z-Wave.
- Bluetooth – SmartThings will soon be able to connect with devices via Bluetooth. It’ll make the smart hub even more integration-friendly.
- Mobile Application – SmartThings has a most advanced and clean mobile application that is easy to use, intuitive and free of bugs.
Today, SmartThings is the industry-leading smart hub with a bestseller status, high ratings and thousands of satisfied customers. SmartThings is well-built, durable and a capable hub that exceeds its competitors in every major aspect.
8. Comparison Chart: SmartThings vs VeraEdge
Lastly, before concluding our comparison article, we’d like to present a detailed chart where we directly compare SmartThings and VeraEdge.
| NAME OF THE SECURITY CAMERA | SMARTTHINGS | VERAEDGE |
|---|---|---|
| Security Camera Name | SmartThings | VeraEdge |
| IFTTT Support | Yes | No |
| Alexa Support | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Application | Yes | Yes |
| Z-Wave & Zigbee Support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Backup | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi Support | No | Yes |
| Flexibility | High | Average |
| Third-Party Friendliness | High | Average |
| Easy to Set Up | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications on Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions Of The Product | 4.2 x 4.9 x 1.3 inches | 3.74 x 4.57 x 1.73 |
| Problems | Limited Bluetooth Connectivity | No IFTTT and Bluetooth |
| Unique Feature | Strong Developer Community | None |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| Check Price |
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Both smart hubs are capable products with thousands of positive reviews and high ratings. In the battle of Vera Edge vs SmartThings, the key differences between these two are the features and capabilities, where SmartThings easily takes the top spot.
To date, there aren’t any smart hubs that could compete with SmartThings. It’s a well-priced product with excellent features and integrations.
The Bottom Line
Compared to VeraLite, VeraEdge has much improved. It’s more capable, complete and functional. VeraEdge has a lot of potential, and it’s one of the best on the market.
On the other hand, SmartThings has been leading the industry for a long time. It’s a complete smart hub that perfectly integrates with top smart home products.
Before hitting the purchase button, make sure to check if your current or future smart products can integrate with these smart hubs. It’s true that these two hubs share the majority of integrations, but there are small differences that require attention.
Ultimately, we recommend getting the SmartThings since it’s more reliable, capable and durable. SmartThings is well-known on the market, and it’s a highly-trusted smart hub with a strong community forum.
| Security Camera Name | SmartThings | VeraEdge |
| Amazon Link |
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Do not go with Vera. Their support is terrible. Started out good; now it is non-existent. I’ve had a ticket open for two years on geofencing not working. Can’t get anyone from support to address the issue. Also, when a device’s batteries die and you replace them, the device is no longer seen by the hub. To solve, you must rebuild the entire network (all devices) from scratch. Very poorly conceived design. I rue the day I chose Vera.
One thing you didnt mention is Vera’s 24×7 live technical support. This is unheard of in today’s email-only support world!
If you wake up at 3am and have a question on your mind, just call Vera! Vera’s techs are very friendly and i usually get one on the phone in less than two minutes.
They’ll even take remote control of your hub if you want them to.
I have used Vera Edge for about a year now. the pros are the GUI is good and straight forward. The cons I have experienced are that it is a pain to get many IP cameras working with it – there are only a few but in plug ins and then only for a few models. This is a pain! Most problems eventually seem solvable but it requires quite a few hours search on the internet
Second issue is I find the interface buggy. I am continually having problems with scenes not running correctly or devices going off half cock (e.g. siren alarms emitting the wrong sound or not switching on or off). so you have to get involved pretty quickly in writing code – though this is less difficult than it sounds as it is just entered via the GUI.
That being said – it seems possible to connect loads of devices one way or another. I find the remote app pretty good and remote access works well. there is a bit of a lack of flexibility though insofar as you cannot do some key customisations on the screen and how it is set up.
In terms of working with scenes (automating actions depending on triggers) the GUI is straight forward and easy to use – but it could do with a bit more flexibility.
given the above I am thinking of trying out a Smart Thing hub to see if its better
Thanks for the good comparison between the two, exactly what I needed. I did notice you specified multiple times, however, that the Vera supports Zigbee. I have a Vera Edge (just got it over the holidays), have not used it as of yet. The indication lights do not include Zigbee, only z-wave and wi-fi. They have two other models, both of which support Bluetooth and Zigbee (and include indication lights for connectivity).
Vera has been integrated with Alexa for over a year, and IFTTT integration is on the way. This article could stand some updating.
Updated. Thanks, Tim!