Samsung SmartThings works with hundreds of smart home devices across lights, locks, cameras, and sensors. You run all of them from one app. This complete list shows what works with SmartThings and how to get going.

TL;DR: SmartThings surpassed 430 million users globally by January 2026, with over 390 partner brands in its ecosystem (Samsung, 2026). The platform supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter devices from a single app. Start with a hub, add your devices, and build automations from there.

What Are Samsung SmartThings Compatible Devices?

Parks Associates found that 45% of US internet households now own at least one core smart home device (Parks Associates, 2025). SmartThings works with a wide range of those devices, including smart bulbs, locks, cameras, thermostats, and sensors. You control all of them from the SmartThings app and set them to run on their own with smart rules.

Why Choose SmartThings as Your Hub?

  1. Unified Control: You manage all devices from one app. No need to switch between apps for each brand.
  2. Wide Device Support: SmartThings works with 390+ brands across Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols.
  3. Smart Routines: Set devices to act on triggers like time, location, or sensor data. They run automatically without your input.
  4. Voice Control: SmartThings works with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby for hands-free control throughout your home.

How Do You Set Up SmartThings Compatible Devices?

Parks Associates reports that 52% of DIY smart home users hit setup or connectivity issues (Parks Associates, 2025). Getting the basics right from the start saves you time. You'll need a SmartThings Hub to get started. Some Samsung TVs and Wi-Fi routers also have SmartThings built in. The hub links all your devices together through the SmartThings app.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Install the SmartThings App: Download it on iOS or Android. It's your command center. Simple. Fast.
  2. Connect Your Hub: Plug in. Power on. Link to your network using the app. Takes 2 minutes.
  3. Add Your Devices: Use the app to find and add each device. Tap. Pair. Done.
  4. Create Routines: Build your first rule. Start simple: one trigger, one action. Expand later.

What Smart Lights Work with SmartThings?

Smart lights dominate SmartThings adoption. According to Parks Associates, smart lighting is the top device category for new users (Parks Associates, 2025). Easy. Visible. Instant gratification. They're the fastest way to feel the power of your hub.

Which Thermostats Are Compatible with SmartThings?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that heating accounts for 42% of home energy spending (EIA, 2024). A smart thermostat cuts that cost. Pair it with SmartThings location rules and watch your bills drop. The system adjusts temperatures automatically when you leave or arrive.

  • ecobee: Ecobee thermostats link to SmartThings and include room sensors for balanced heating across your home.
  • Google Nest Thermostats: The Nest Learning Thermostat works within the SmartThings app alongside your other devices.
  • Honeywell Home: Honeywell T-series thermostats connect through the SmartThings cloud integration for remote temperature control.

What Security Cameras and Doorbells Work with SmartThings?

The Connectivity Standards Alliance has certified over 10,400 Matter products as of late 2024, and SmartThings became the first platform to add Matter 1.5 camera support (CSA, 2026). That opens the door for more cameras to connect natively.

  • Arlo Cameras: Arlo sends live video and motion alerts through SmartThings. You can trigger recording based on SmartThings routines.
  • Ring Video Doorbells: See who's at your door from the SmartThings app. Ring motion events can trigger SmartThings automations like turning on porch lights.
  • Samsung SmartThings Cam: Built for SmartThings, it gives you clear indoor video with local processing on the hub.

Which Smart Locks Connect to SmartThings?

The Z-Wave Alliance lists over 4,500 certified devices, including 125 Z-Wave Long Range products designed for locks and sensors that need extended range (Z-Wave Alliance, 2025). Most smart locks use either Z-Wave or Matter to connect.

  • Yale Assure Locks: Check and control your doors from your phone. Yale's Matter-enabled models connect directly without a separate bridge.
  • Schlage Smart Locks: Manage access codes and lock status from the SmartThings app. Schlage Encode Plus supports HomeKit and SmartThings simultaneously.
  • August Smart Locks: Lock and unlock from anywhere and get alerts when the door opens or closes.
  • Kwikset Smart Locks: These work with Matter and link to SmartThings. They offer keyless entry with strong encryption.

What Sensors Does SmartThings Support?

Motion sensors, door sensors, water detectors - they're the backbone. According to research from home automation experts, sensors add more value than any other device category because they trigger rules automatically (Home Automation Hub, 2025). No manual tapping. No waiting. They just work.

  • SmartThings Motion Sensors: They detect movement and trigger lights, alerts, or camera recording based on your rules.
  • SmartThings Multipurpose Sensors: These track open/close states, temperature, and vibration. Use them on doors, windows, and garage doors.
  • Aqara Water Leak Sensor: The Aqara Water Leak Sensor sends Zigbee alerts to SmartThings when it detects moisture. Place one in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement.

How Do You Build SmartThings Automations?

Build automation rules. Three pieces: trigger. Condition. Action. Motion detected? Time-of-day? Sensor reading? Pick one. SmartThings automations run on their own. You add limits: only at night. Only when you're away. Then choose what happens next.

Automation Ideas

  • Morning Routine: Adjust the heat, turn on lights, and unlock the front door when your alarm goes off.
  • Away Mode: Lock the doors, turn off lights, and drop the thermostat when everyone leaves.
  • Night Security: Lock doors, turn on exterior lights, and start cameras each night at a set time.

Start with simple automations. "Turn on porch light at sunset" needs just one trigger and one action. Once you're comfortable, layer in conditions and multiple actions for sophisticated routines that handle security, lighting, and climate together.

How Does SmartThings Work with Voice Assistants?

NPR and Edison Research found that 35% of US adults now own a smart speaker (NPR/Edison Research, 2024). SmartThings connects to all three major voice platforms: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Bixby. Just say a command and your device responds.

Devices in SmartThings show up as native devices in Alexa and Google Home. You don't need to add skills or link each brand on its own. Voice control works for single devices, rooms, and full scenes.

How Does Matter Expand SmartThings Compatibility?

The Connectivity Standards Alliance certified over 10,400 Matter devices by end of 2024 (CSA, 2024). Matter is the future. Open standard. No silos. Any Matter-ready product connects to SmartThings instantly. Your hub stays relevant as the ecosystem evolves.

SmartThings was the first platform to support Matter 1.5, which added camera and energy device types that weren't in earlier versions. Samsung also added Thread 1.4 with two-way mesh sharing, so SmartThings hubs can share Thread networks with Apple Home and Google Home.

SmartThings Protocol Comparison

ProtocolRangeSpeedDevice CountMeshBest For
Zigbee100mFast200+YesLights, sensors, plugs
Z-Wave100mSlower200+YesLocks, thermostats
Wi-Fi50mFastestUnlimitedNoCameras, speakers
Matter100mVariesUnlimitedYesFuture standard
Thread100mFastUnlimitedYesApple/Google interop

How Do You Connect a New Device Step by Step?

Adding a new device to SmartThings takes under five minutes for most products. Open the app and tap the plus icon. Pick your device brand from the list or tap "Scan nearby" to find it on its own. For Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, place them close to your hub and follow the pairing steps.

After pairing, put the device in a room and give it a clear name. Names like "Kitchen Counter Plug" or "Front Door Lock" make rules easier to build and voice commands faster than bland defaults. Test the device right after setup to make sure it works before you build rules around it.

For troubleshooting setup issues, check our SmartThings Hub troubleshooting guide for fixes. The full Samsung SmartThings developer documentation covers advanced setup options.

SmartThings supports Zigbee and Z-Wave devices from hundreds of manufacturers alongside Wi-Fi and Matter devices. The platform's broad compatibility means most existing smart home devices will work without requiring a hub replacement or new hardware investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many devices can SmartThings control at once?

The SmartThings Hub V3 holds up to 200 Zigbee devices and 200 Z-Wave devices at once. Wi-Fi and Matter devices link through your router and don't count against these caps. Most homes run 30-80 devices with no issues.

Does SmartThings require a monthly subscription?

No. SmartThings has no monthly fees for core features including device control, automations, and voice assistant integration. Some premium features like extended video history require Samsung's paid tiers, but the platform itself is free.

Can I use SmartThings with Apple HomeKit?

Yes, through Matter. Any Matter-enabled SmartThings device appears in Apple Home automatically. Samsung also added direct HomeKit integration for select device categories. This lets iPhone and Apple Watch users control SmartThings devices through the Home app and Siri.

What happens if my internet goes down?

Local rules using Zigbee and Z-Wave devices keep running on the hub with no internet. Cloud-based routines, voice control, and the mobile app need a live connection. SmartThings has moved to Edge drivers that run commands on the hub, cutting cloud needs for most daily tasks.