A smart home is nothing new. Everyone wants to live comfortably and customize their home according to their standard. Not all smart home controllers are the same and if you are thinking about changing your device to something new, then this article is for you. We will discuss all aspects of SmartThings vs Vera and what is best for you.

Also, this topic focuses on the best two products currently running successfully in the market.

If you are already a smart home user, it is needless to enlighten you with the benefits of it. The smart home will make your life easier, comfortable and cost effective, energy efficient, and resource efficient.

Furthermore, you can have your data with high security and customize your home with your coding language. It’s like dictating the home and its devices how to behave and how to work.

SmartThings vs Vera - Know what you really want:

There are different types of users looking for the same smart home automation. The first levels of users have very few requirements and less interest in smart devices and their uses.

If a user has some lights, cameras, and door locks, then the hassle of a smart controller is not for them. They should pause and look for smart plugs that will be very simple and easy to satisfy their needs.

The second level users have several appliances to be connected to the hub and want things to be really easy going and user-friendly.

In this case, they might face several issues in terms of connecting devices. One should be aware as to which device will be compatible along with the protocols to avoid such confusion.

Also, the technical support team can assist users at any time.

The third level is users are experienced in using devices as well as their languages. These users love to create their own home automation by programming it the way they want it to be. SmartThings can be a better option for them.

Smart Home: SmartThings and Vera

This article will shed light on the two devices namely: SmartThings and Vera. Along with that, there will be extensive analysis and research to provide an in depth knowledge of the two devices and its use.

Both these devices work effectively with different properties but giving the same output. Their unique characteristics will help you choose which device you actually want for your home.

The following details will give you a clear understanding as per your requirement.

Comparison between SmartThings and Vera:

In terms of Voice assistants:

Voice assistants are very famous where it is very easy to control your appliance by voice commands. Vera works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. There has been some report on using Iris products on Vera, which seemed to be solved by the customer support team.

SmartThings works with Alexa, Iris and Google Assistant.

In terms of the number of protocols:

Vera secure, the latest release of Vera supports up to 5 different protocols including Z-wave plus, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth and Veralink. Although it is detected that after installing a number of Zigbee products, further addition was not possible. This problem will be solved with the addition of the Wink hub connected to the Internet via Ethernet.

SmartThings, on the other hand, works with ZigBee, Z-Wave, IP. This device cannot be connected to Wi-Fi directly.

In terms of working locally and in the cloud:

Both Vera and SmartThings work locally. But with Vera, it is easier to work and handle devices locally without an internet connection. The Vera has devices running on Z-Wave which can function locally.

In SmartThings, the devices that run with Z-Wave and Zigbee will work locally. The Smart Home Monitor and Smart Lights apps work locally. Any cloud or virtual device will not work locally. Any devices connected in the LAN will not work locally.

Also if you have a device with Zigbee wave which is connected with a device supported on the cloud, then it will not work locally An example can be, an SYLVANIA running on ZigBee can work but, SYLVANIA connected with a LIFX bulb running on cloud to cloud will not work locally.

The Vera has devices running on Z-Wave which can function locally.

In terms of backup battery:

The Vera Secure has a built-in battery that can provide support up to 30 minutes and SmartThings can run up to 2 hours, in case of a power outage.

In terms of cost:

The latest release of Vera, Vera Secure is quite costly compared to SmartThings.

In terms of UI:

Although it is said the user interface of both the hubs are faster and easier to use. It is seen that consumers complain more about Vera not working than SmartThings. According to them, the Vera app can be pretty confusing and sometimes get hang as well.

In terms of scene capabilities:

Creating a scene in the app means creating a situation for a particular time or by the user or by a sensor. Such as, a user can set a time at sunset when several lights would turn on along with some music. Building this scene is flexible in both controllers.

For VERA Scene Editor, the recent U17 Firmware is built such that it had guided wizards that work with “if/then” and “or” circumstances but not with “and” conditions. Although it issue can be addressed by the use of plugins like PLEG or Combination Switch.

For SmartThings, the Rule Creator is very intelligent that helps to develop scenes at ease. This can work with “and/or” condition which is not offered in other scene editors.

In terms of coding:

The Vera can be programmed with the common language for home automation, LUA Scripting. On the other hand, SmartThings works with Groovy scripting.

A quick look to Vera:

Vera Control VeraPlus-US Smart Home Controller Hub

The family tree of Vera consists of Vera Edge, Vera Control Plus and Vera Secure.

The Vera Secure hub is the latest model and comes with several exciting features.

Super-fast processor and it has larger memory of DDR3 512MB

Works with other manufacturer’s device, so the user is not limited to anything

It has a built-in siren which alerts strangers from sneaking in, adding a new feature to old models

It has battery and cellular back up which can work when power is down

It works with 5 protocols: Z-wave plus, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth and Veralink

Works with several brands: including Amazon Alexa, Nest, Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, First Alert

It uses Veralink causing less interference between devices.

It is compatible with around 2000 devices

It will work locally, that is even without an internet connection

It supports Alexa and Iris voice assistants.

Pros of Vera:

innovative and precise geofencing to detect motion

can connect to 5 communication protocols

Can connect directly to Wi-Fi

can be accessed by many people with unique PINS

faster and easier installation process

backup battery to support when power is off

can work locally,

supports amazon Alexa and Iris

Cons of Vera:

it is not compatible with Ademco, Honeywell or Vista alarm panel or components..

Cellular backup requires a subscription

The setup and installation can be confusing

Vera compatible devices:

The following shows the names of equipment Vera can work with. This is to provide an idea for consumers so that they can decide well.

Hubs

Vera Plus

Vera Edge

Vera Secure

Ezlo Atom

EzloPlugHub Atom

Camera

VistaCam 700

VistaCam 1101

VistaCam 1000

Light

GoControl 60-watt Equivalent Light bulb

Aeotic LED Bulb

Aeotic LED Bulb 6

Aeotic LED Bulb 6 Multi White

Hank RGB Bulb

Zipato Bulb 2

Domitech Bulb

LG LED Bulb

Sensor

Philio Door/Window Sensor

3 Series Water Sensor

Centralite 2-Series Water Sensor

Philio Smoke Sensor PSG01

Philio 3in1 (Flood, Humidity, Temp), Z-Wave Plus

Philio 3 in 1 Multisensor integrates (Door, Window Sensor, Temperature &Light)

Aeotec Door/Window Sensor Gen5

Outlets

Centralite 4-Series Smart Outlet

Iris Smart Plug

Fibaro Wall Plug

Zooz Smart Plug

Aeotec Smart Energy Illuminator.

A quick look to 3rd Gen Samsung SmartThings Smart Home Hub:

Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation

Features:

It can connect and manage up to 200 equipment.

It can work in an area of 50 to 100ft

Easy installation within 15 minutes

Can easily adjust and be compatible with 40 different companies including Phillips, Honeywell, and Google

It can be managed by using SmartThings app in phone or Amazon Alexa

Deals with 3 protocols: ZigBee, Z-wave, and IP

It has to be connected by Ethernet cable to the router

It comes with A/C wall adapter and battery life up to 2 hours

It has a 1-year warranty

SmartThings Pros:

It has a back-up battery, a 4 AAA up to 10 hours

It can be used via Android or iOS apps

It can support a varied number of smart devices.

Faster and easier installation

Supportive help forum in their website

Appropriate size, not bulky

It has 2 USB ports

It has a built-in battery pack

SmartThings Cons:

The mobile app can be difficult to use

It takes a long time to pair with devices and is not easy to comprehend

It can work up to a distance of 130ft

It can work only with 3 protocols

It cannot connect directly; it has to be connected to the router for Wi-Fi access.

SmartThings Compatible Devices:

The following names are listed so that consumers can realize the products that can work with the hub they buy.

SmartThings

Water Leak Sensor

Multipurpose Sensor

Motion Sensor

Button

Phillip Hue

GU10 Downlight White &Colour Ambiance

Bulb E27 A60 White Ambiance

Bulb E27 A60 White

Lightstrip Plus White &Colour Ambiance 2M

Bulb B22 A60 White Ambiance

Bulb B22 A60 White

Bulb B22 A60 White &Colour Ambiance

Go White and Colour Ambiance

Downlight White Ambiance

LIFX

GU10 (International)

Mini, A19 B22

Mini White, A19 B22

Mini White, A19 B22

Mini, A19 E27

LIFX+ A19 Bayonet B22

LIFX+ A19 Edison Screw E27

Colour 1000 Wi-Fi LED Bulb (E27)

Colour 1000 Wi-Fi LED Bulb (B22)

ARLO

Q Plus HD Security Camera

Go

YALE

Assure Lock with Bluetooth (Z-Wave)

Assure Lock with Bluetooth (Zigbee)

AURORA

AONE controllers (dimmers) 120W AU-A1ZB120

RING

Video Doorbell Pro with Chime Pro

Video Doorbell Elite

Video Doorbell

Video Doorbell 2

INNR

GU10 Spot warm white

INNR B22 Bulb RGBW

E27 Bulb RGBW

B22 Bulb warm white

E27 Bulb warm white

INNR E14 Candle warm white

SmartThings vs Vera - Installation procedure:

Samsung SmartThings:

The installation begins with simple steps of connecting the hub with power supply and then with the internet.