Top hubs

Samsung SmartThings Hub v3

£79, samsung.com

Compatible with Zigbee and Z-Wave, and with Wi-Fi to connect onwards with the likes of Alexa, the SmartThings Hub is super smart – a great way to join all of your hardware to one point of control.

Philips Hue Bridge 2.0

£49.99, philips.co.uk

Philips are no longer providing updates for the first-gen Hue Bridge; however, the second-gen looks set to live for a good while longer, and it’s perfect for driving not just Hue bulbs but those from Ikea, Innr and more.

Apple TV 4K

From £179, apple.com/uk

If it’s HomeKit hardware you want to drive, Apple TV 4K is the easiest way to do it. You could use a HomePod or a plugged-in iPad, but we’d opt for the Apple TV every time – particularly since it doubles as a great video streamer.