Samsung SmartThings

Samsung's SmartThings is an intriguing platform. Now focused on the software side rather than the hardware - although all existing SmartThings devices work, they just won't be made any longer - SmartThings is an open ecosystem, meaning the technology is compatible with a wide range of connected devices. The SmartThings Hub, including the new one that is made by Aeotec, has radios for both the Zigbee and Z-Wave standards, which means support for a lot of kit without the SmartThings branding too. Add in all the other gear that Samsung makes – from TVs to smartphones – and you've got a lot of choices and flexibility. The SmartThings app for your phone uses a clean interface and layout that makes it easy to control individual devices as well as group them together in rooms. SmartThings is not just one central place to control all your gadgets, it also knows how to talk to all those gadgets and how to get them to work togeher, so if you have a door lock from Yale and a smart bulb from Philips Hue you can pair them both to SmartThings and have your light turn on when you come home. It’s not the most intuitive system out there, but it is one of the most stable and if you’re willing to put a bit of time and effort in to get things set up, you’ll be well-rewarded with a proper smart home.

IFTTT

IFTTT (stands for If This Then That) isn't really a fully-fledged smart home platform but can connect smart home devices together. It works using 'Applets' made up of triggers ("if this") that then result in actions ("then that") – if it's 9am, switch on the smart home lights, for example. In fact, IFTTT was innovating even before Alexa, HomeKit and Google Assistant got going. It works with big names like Philips Hue, Belkin WeMo, Lifx, Ring, iRobot, Nest, Tado, and more, and can plug into Alexa and Google Assistant if needed. It doesn't quite have the simplicity and ease-of-use of some of the other options, but it definitely suits tinkerers who want to take more control over what their smart home gadgets are busy doing. You can also use IFTTT as an extra add-on to whatever major smart home platform you've chosen. IFTTT can be operated through the website and there are mobile apps available too. It's worth a look beyond the smart home scene as well, with Applets covering all kinds of apps, services, devices, and more – you can use it to do everything from automating your tweets to changing the wallpaper on your Android device.

Control4

Control4 systems don't have the same high profile of kit from the likes of Amazon or Google – it's more of a bespoke, tailored solution that can incorporate lighting, smart locks, home security systems, garage doors, wireless audio and more. It supports smart home standards like Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and works with more than 35,000 devices in total – though you do need to get a professional to install it. It's the audio and video capabilities that really stand out – there are numerous speaker options and this is definitely worth considering if you want to pipe movies and music around the home, and add in a few smart home extras at the same time. There's even a universal remote for controlling everything, and the option of a 7-inch or 10-inch touchscreen that lets you manage all your devices from one central console. Some smart home operations are possible via the accompanying iOS and Android apps, but it's a long way from the plug-and-play, instant setup and operation that you get with the smart home platforms from Apple, Amazon and Google. Control4 can do just about anything and everything you need from a smart home platform, and it'll plug right into everything you already own – from Philips Hue lights to Sky Q boxes. On the downside, it needs professional installation and updates, and it costs more than off-the-shelf kit. An option for those who want to define everything about their smart home system and have deep pockets.

Logitech

As well as having its own smart home products on the market, Logitech has a few devices that specialize in making the rest of your tech more autonomous – though it's stopped short of developing a full-fledged smart home platform. Logitech started out with its Harmony remotes, which have been smartening up homes for years now, but now the Harmony Hub and the Harmony Elite (a hub and a remote) have upped the ante – they can control a whole host of gadgets and smart home devices, with more integrations being added regularly. It's a particularly good system for tying all your entertainment and smart home devices together. So if you've ever wanted to bundle your PlayStation 5, Sonos, or Netflix, and basic TV controls with the rest of your smart home, you can do it. Again, the Hub is the most important bit for controlling your smart home, and then there's the Pop Home Switch that jumps onboard your smart home's Wi-Fi and scans for compatible devices it can control. It works with the likes of Lifx, Philips Hue, Lutron, Insteon, Samsung SmartThings, Nest and more, and as an added bonus can integrate with Alexa and Google Assistant too (though not Apple HomeKit).

SmartThings (Tuya)

Smart Life, developed by Tuya, provides the basic building blocks for companies to develop their own smart products. What it means for you is that there’s a lot of good budget smart home devices from a range of brands, all capable of working together under one roof. Brands including Teckin, Novostella, Gosund, Treatlife and Avatar all use the Smart Life app - which is a much better option than their own native apps. Smart Life is a great smart home system, which is an affordable, alternative to the mainstream platforms.