Samsung SmartThings is a free app-based smart home platform that connects Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Matter devices through a hub, with setup done entirely through the SmartThings app. It works well in Australian homes for mixed-brand automation, but relies on Samsung's cloud for some features and has a smaller local retail footprint than Google or Amazon ecosystems.
What Is Samsung SmartThings?
SmartThings is Samsung's smart home platform, built around a free app that acts as the control centre for lights, plugs, sensors, locks and climate devices. Unlike a single-brand ecosystem, SmartThings is designed to bridge multiple wireless standards, including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and, more recently, Matter and Thread. This makes it genuinely useful in Australian households where people often buy devices from different brands over time rather than settling on one ecosystem from day one.
SmartThings can run with or without a dedicated hub. Many Samsung phones, some Samsung TVs and newer Samsung appliances include SmartThings support natively, which is why plenty of Australians already have a foothold in the ecosystem without realising it. For broader device support, particularly Zigbee and Z-Wave sensors, a physical hub is still the more reliable route.
If you're still deciding between SmartThings and other platforms available locally, it's worth reading a general comparison of which smart home platform suits Australian homes before committing hardware budget to any single ecosystem.
Setting Up SmartThings in Australia
What You'll Need
To get started, you'll need a compatible smartphone with the SmartThings app installed, a stable home Wi-Fi network, and either a SmartThings-compatible hub or devices that connect directly over Wi-Fi. Australian homes run on 240V power, so any mains-powered smart plugs, switches or hubs sold here should be rated for the local supply. If you're installing anything that involves fixed wiring, such as a smart switchboard device or hardwired dimmer, that work should go to a licensed electrician rather than being treated as a DIY job.
Most SmartThings hubs plug into your router via Ethernet and draw power from a standard wall socket, so there's no special wiring involved for a typical setup.
Step-by-Step Setup
The general setup flow for SmartThings in Australia looks like this:
- Download the SmartThings app and create or sign in with a Samsung account.
- Connect your hub to your router with the supplied Ethernet cable and power it on.
- Follow the in-app prompts to detect and register the hub to your account and location.
- Add devices one at a time through the app's "Add device" flow, choosing the correct brand or protocol when prompted.
- Group devices into rooms and create automations (called "Scenes" or "Routines") once everything is detected and responding correctly.
For households wanting a hub built specifically to extend SmartThings into Zigbee and Z-Wave territory, the Aeotec Smart Home Hub (SmartThings) is designed for exactly this role. It suits people already using the SmartThings app who want to bring in Z-Wave locks, sensors or Zigbee devices that aren't natively Wi-Fi based, without juggling a separate app for each protocol. The trade-off is that you're adding another physical hub to your network cabinet or shelf, and you're still dependent on the SmartThings app and account structure for day-to-day control.
Aeotec Smart Home Hub (SmartThings)
Best for: Australians using the SmartThings ecosystem who want a single hub to manage Zigbee, Thread, Matter, and local Australian-frequency Z-Wave devices without a subscription.
What we like
- Supports multiple protocols including Zigbee 3.0, Thread, Matter, and Australian-frequency (921.4 MHz) Z-Wave Plus.
- Requires no ongoing mandatory subscription fees to use the hub or SmartThings platform.
- Includes both 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for flexible placement near your home router.
- Works directly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home via SmartThings cloud integrations.
Worth knowing
- Wi-Fi connectivity is strictly limited to 2.4 GHz bands with no 5 GHz support.
- Does not natively expose connected Zigbee or Z-Wave devices outbound to Apple Home via Matter.
- Relies on Samsung's cloud infrastructure for initial setup, general app controls, and remote management.
- Uses a DC barrel jack connector instead of a modern USB-C power input.
Adding Devices: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi and Matter
One of SmartThings' genuine strengths is protocol flexibility. Wi-Fi devices connect directly to your router and then register with the app. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices need a hub with the matching radio built in, which is why the choice of hub matters more than it might first appear. Matter-compatible devices add another layer, letting compatible gear work across SmartThings, Google Home and Apple Home with fewer walled-garden restrictions than older standards allowed.
If you're not sure how Matter and Thread fit into this picture, it's worth reading a plain-English explainer on what Matter means for Australian smart homes before buying new devices. Not every "Matter-enabled" product behaves identically across platforms.
Expanding Range with a Separate Hub
If your SmartThings hub's built-in Zigbee radio isn't covering your whole house, or you'd rather run Zigbee devices independently of any single brand's app, a standalone coordinator is an option worth considering. The SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle, for example, is aimed at people who want local Zigbee control without being tied to a brand-specific hub. That suits more technical households running their own automation software rather than relying purely on the SmartThings app. It's not a drop-in SmartThings accessory, though, so it's better suited to a separate or parallel setup than a one-click addition to an existing SmartThings installation.
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle
Best for: Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or openHAB users who want one local Zigbee coordinator for mixed-brand devices instead of a brand-specific hub
What we like
- Home Assistant's ZHA documentation lists the ZBDongle-E (EFR32MG21 variant) among its recommended EZSP adapters, and Zigbee2MQTT lists it under its EmberZNet adapters
- ITEAD says it works with ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT, openHAB, ioBroker, Domoticz and Jeedom, so Zigbee devices can be controlled locally without a vendor cloud
- Powered from a USB port (ITEAD lists DC 5V, 100mA max), so there is no extra power adapter or mains plug to find a spot for
- ITEAD says it can be reflashed as a Zigbee router, and Sonoff's dongle guide says Thread (OpenThread RCP) firmware is another option
Worth knowing
- Not a standalone hub - it needs a computer or single-board machine running Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT or similar software
- ITEAD quotes 30 direct child devices in coordinator mode, so larger networks lean on mains-powered Zigbee routers
- Windows and macOS need a USB serial driver, according to ITEAD
- Several similarly named Sonoff dongles exist, so it is easy to buy a different variant from the one a guide assumes
Samsung SmartThings Station: Hub and Charger in One
For a simpler single-device option, the Samsung SmartThings Station combines a Matter and Zigbee hub with a 15W wireless phone charger in one unit. This suits people who want a tidy bedside or entryway hub that doubles as a charging pad, rather than a rack-mounted Zigbee coordinator tucked away near the router. It's a good fit for smaller apartments or share houses where minimising visible hardware matters, including many rental and strata situations where residents want fewer cables and boxes on display.
The trade-off is scope: it's built around Matter and Zigbee. If your household also has a lot of Z-Wave devices, you may still need a second hub to cover everything. Checking exactly which device categories it supports before buying is worthwhile if you already own specific sensors or locks.
Samsung SmartThings Station with 15W Wireless Charger
Best for: Samsung Galaxy users wanting a compact SmartThings, Matter, and Zigbee hub integrated with a bedside wireless charging pad.
What we like
- Operates as a Matter controller, Thread Border Router, and Zigbee 3.0 hub according to Samsung.
- Combines home automation control with a 15W Qi-certified fast wireless charging pad.
- Features a programmable physical button capable of triggering up to three SmartThings routines.
- Supports dual-band Wi-Fi across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
Worth knowing
- Never officially released in Australia, leaving imported units without an Australian manufacturer warranty or local plug.
- Lacks an Ethernet port and Z-Wave support, relying entirely on a wireless network connection.
- The programmable button is physically obstructed while a mobile phone rests on the charging pad.
- Full 15W charging speeds require a Samsung Galaxy handset, falling back to slower speeds on other devices.
Also stocked at: JB Hi-FiThe Good GuysKogan AUBunnings
For a closer side-by-side of SmartThings' own hub hardware against other local options, see this comparison of the Aqara Hub M3, Philips Hue Bridge and SmartThings Station.
Known Limits of SmartThings in Australia
Cloud Dependence and Internet Outages
Like most mainstream smart home platforms, SmartThings leans on Samsung's cloud for app access, remote control and some automation processing, even though many routines can run locally once set up. If your internet connection drops, some functions may be affected until the connection to Samsung's servers reur is restored. If this matters to you — for example, if you rely on smart locks or sensors for security — it's worth reading more about how smart home devices behave when the internet drops. That way you know what to expect before you're relying on it during an outage.
Retailer and Hardware Availability
SmartThings-branded hardware has historically had a smaller retail footprint in Australia compared with the US market, and some accessories popular overseas aren't always stocked locally or arrive later. Checking Australian retailers for current stock, AU power plugs and local warranty support before buying imported SmartThings hardware is a sensible precaution, since grey-import units may not include Australian plug fittings or local warranty backing.
Renters and Strata Considerations
SmartThings itself is largely renter-friendly in software terms, since most hubs and devices are plug-in units rather than fixed installations. Battery-powered sensors with adhesive mounts, Wi-Fi smart plugs and Zigbee hubs generally don't require drilling or rewiring, which suits share houses and apartments where altering fixtures isn't allowed under a lease or body corporate rules. That said, tenancy agreements and strata by-laws vary. Rules about external devices, door hardware changes or anything affecting common property should be checked with your property manager or body corporate before installation. This isn't something a smart home guide can settle for you. Anything involving mains wiring, including hardwired switches or permanently connected hub power supplies in shared meter cupboards, should go to a licensed electrician. In strata buildings, it's worth confirming whether any approval is needed first.
When to Consider an Alternative Hub
SmartThings isn't the only route to a multi-protocol smart home, and it's not automatically the best fit for every household. You may want a single hub that leans heavily into local, cloud-independent Matter and Zigbee control across brands. If so, the Aqara Hub M3 is built around connecting Zigbee sensors and Thread accessories locally. That may suit households less interested in Samsung's ecosystem and app. Some households juggle several brands and want one centralised automation layer with more advanced routine building. Homey Pro (2023) is positioned for multi-brand smart homes wanting centralised control. However, it represents a different setup and learning curve compared with the SmartThings app.
Aqara Hub M3 Matter & Zigbee Coordinator
Best for: Smart-home owners wanting a multi-protocol hub to link Aqara Zigbee sensors and Matter accessories locally across Apple Home, Google Home, or Home Assistant.
What we like
- Operates as a Matter Controller, Matter Bridge, Thread Border Router, and Zigbee 3.0 coordinator according to Aqara specifications.
- Features 8 GB of encrypted local eMMC storage and a dual-core processor to run automations locally without requiring a subscription.
- Supports both dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and wired Ethernet with Power over Ethernet (PoE 802.3af).
- Includes a 360-degree infrared transceiver with air conditioner status detection and a built-in 95 dB speaker.
Worth knowing
- Direct Zigbee child-device pairing is restricted strictly to Aqara-branded accessories.
- Does not include an Australian USB wall power adapter in the retail packaging.
- Lacks hardware support for Z-Wave devices.
- Cloud connection is still required for remote push notifications, weather triggers, and geofencing.
If you've already invested in SmartThings devices but are considering a change, it helps to understand how to switch smart home platforms without starting over before buying new hardware. Not all devices migrate cleanly between ecosystems.
Sources
- NSW Government: Strata renovation rules
- Energy Safe Victoria: Electrical DDIY – Don't do it yourself
- Electrical Safety Office Queensland: Don't do your own electrical work
- NSW Government: Making changes to a rental property
Where to buy
Retailers stocking the products in this guide. Prices and stock change often, so check the retailer before you buy. We may earn a commission from these links at no extra cost to you.
- Aeotec Smart Home Hub (SmartThings): Check price at Amazon AU · Check price at eBay AU · Check price at u-buy.com.au
- Samsung SmartThings Station with 15W Wireless Charger: Check price at Amazon AU · Check price at Bunnings · Check price at Big W
- SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle: Check price at Amazon AU · Check price at Big W · Check price at eBay AU
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