A smart hub with a screen is an all-in-one device that can help you manage your smart home devices, play music, watch videos, make video calls, and even control your home security.
It’s a central device that connects all your smart home devices and lets you easily control them.
When it comes to purchasing a smart hub with a screen, there are a few crucial things you should consider.
We spent hours researching and testing various smart hubs with screens to identify the best ones on the market. In this guide, we’ll share our findings and help you choose the best smart hub with a screen for your home.
Best Smart Hubs with Screen
If you’re looking for a central device to control your smart home, a smart hub with a screen might be the perfect solution.
These devices offer a visual interface for managing your connected devices and the ability to stream content and make video calls.
In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best smart hubs with screens.
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) | HD smart display with motion and Alexa
The Amazon Echo Show 10 is an excellent choice for a smart hub with a screen. Its sophisticated features and eye-catching display make it ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their home automation setup.
Pros
- The 10.1″ HD screen is perfect for video calls, recipes, and shows, and the speakers deliver premium, directional sound.
- The 13 MP camera with auto-framing and motion keeps you front and center during video calls, and the built-in camera allows you to monitor your home anytime with the Alexa app remotely.
- Set up compatible Zigbee and Matter devices without a separate hub, and ask Alexa to show you security cameras, control lights, and adjust thermostats.
Cons
- The device is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or adjust the angle of the screen.
- The device is quite expensive, which may make it difficult for some users to justify the cost.
- The device may be too advanced for some users who prefer a simpler, more straightforward smart hub.
The Echo Show 10 is the ultimate kitchen companion, with daily personalized recipes, hands-free cooking instructions, and timers.
You can even turn your home screen into a digital frame with Amazon Photos, and the device is designed to protect your privacy with multiple layers of privacy controls.
If you’re looking for a powerful, feature-packed smart hub with a screen, the Echo Show 10 is an excellent choice.
Its advanced features, impressive display, and intuitive interface make it perfect for anyone looking to take their home automation setup to the next level.
Echo Show 5
The Echo Show 5 is an excellent option if you’re shopping for a smart hub with a display. It fits in the palm of your hand, has a straightforward interface, and is loaded with useful functions.
Pros
- The 2 MP camera allows for easy video calling, and the built-in shutter provides added privacy.
- The 5.5″ touch screen is clear and easy to navigate, making it simple to manage your smart home devices and access entertainment options.
- The device is designed with privacy in mind, with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the device dimming periodically or displaying “Try This…” suggestions that cannot be disabled.
- The device may have limited compatibility with certain smart home devices.
- Some users have reported issues with Alexa not understanding certain commands or having limited music options.
The Echo Show 5 is a versatile device that can be used as an alarm clock, digital photo frame, and entertainment center.
The device is easy to set up and use, with a simple interface that can be customized to suit your needs.
The touch screen is responsive and compact to fit on a nightstand or desk without taking up too much space. Overall, the Echo Show 5 is a great choice for anyone looking for a smart hub with a screen.
One of the standout features of the Echo Show 5 is the built-in camera, which allows for easy video calling with friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. The camera also has a built-in shutter that can be closed for added privacy.
The touch screen is clear and easy to navigate, with various customization options available. The device can be used to manage your smart home devices, stream music and videos, and access various entertainment options.
While the Echo Show 5 is a great device overall, some users have reported issues with the device dimming periodically or displaying “Try This…” suggestions that cannot be disabled.
Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen, 2021 release)
The Echo Show 8 is an excellent choice if a screen-equipped smart hub is what you’re after. It has various useful features and is simple to install and operate, making it a flexible purchase for any household.
Pros
- The 8-inch HD touchscreen is vibrant and clear, making it easy to see and interact with Alexa and other features.
- The 13 MP camera is a great addition, allowing for high-quality video calls with friends and family.
- The built-in camera shutter and mic/camera off button offer peace of mind for those concerned about privacy.
Cons
- The device can sometimes be quirky, and some users report inconsistent performance.
- Some users find the setup process challenging, and the doorbell can be difficult to program.
- The device is a bit pricey compared to other smart hubs with screens on the market.
The Echo Show 8 is an excellent choice for a smart hub with a screen. It’s easy to use and offers many features, including video calls, entertainment options, and smart home control.
The device’s vibrant touchscreen and high-quality camera make it a pleasure to use, and the built-in privacy features offer peace of mind for those concerned about security.
While the device can be a bit pricey, it’s a solid investment for anyone considering upgrading their home automation setup.
One of the standout features of the Echo Show 8 is its 8-inch HD touchscreen. The vibrant and clear display makes seeing and interacting with Alexa and other features easy. The device’s 13 MP camera is also a great addition, allowing for high-quality video calls with friends and family.
The built-in camera shutter and mic/camera off button offer peace of mind for those concerned about privacy.
Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus
I recently tried out the Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with this smart display.
The device’s build quality is great and looks and feels premium. The 10.3-inch FHD display is perfect for watching videos and streaming content. The vibrant colors and images are sharp, making it a truly immersive viewing experience.
One of the standout features of the Smart Tab M10 Plus is the dual speakers with Dolby Atmos. The sound quality is top-notch, and the speakers provide a rich and full sound. It’s great for watching movies or listening to music without needing external speakers.
Another feature that I love about this tablet is its battery life. With a 5000 mAH battery, the device can last up to 7 hours, depending on your tasks. It’s perfect for taking on long trips or using it as a portable entertainment device.
The Smart Tab M10 Plus also has an Alexa-enabled dock, which is a really cool feature. It’s great for controlling your smart home devices or just asking Alexa to play your favorite songs. The interface is easy to use and responsive, making navigating through the different features and apps a breeze.
While it may not have the most powerful specs compared to other tablets on the market, the Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus still gets the job done. It’s perfect for streaming content or browsing the web and comes at a price that won’t break the bank.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable smart display. It’s packed with features, has great battery life, and provides an excellent viewing and listening experience.
Google Nest Hub
The Google Nest Hub is designed to be a central control point for all of your smart home devices, making it incredibly easy to manage everything in one place.
One of the standout features of the Nest Hub is the 7-inch touchscreen display. The screen is incredibly bright and clear, making navigating through various menus and displays easy. It’s perfect for quickly checking the weather or turning on/off lights without needing to navigate through an app on your phone.
Another great feature of the Nest Hub is its voice assistant capabilities. With Google Assistant built-in, you can use your voice to control all of your connected devices, set reminders and alarms, and even play music or videos.
The voice recognition is top-notch, meaning it rarely misunderstands what I’m saying. Regarding smart home integration, the Nest Hub supports a wide range of devices, including smart bulbs, plugs, and smart thermostats.
Setting up devices is a breeze, and once connected, you can control everything with just your voice or via the touchscreen display. The Nest Hub also comes with some other cool features, such as personalized recommendations based on your usage habits and the ability to stream content from YouTube or Netflix. It’s like having a mini entertainment center right in your living room.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Google Nest Hub to anyone looking for a smart hub with a screen. It’s incredibly easy to use, packed with features, and looks great in any room.
Whether you’re controlling your smart home devices, streaming content, or just asking Google Assistant random questions, the Nest Hub is sure to impress.
Buying Guide
If you want to buy the best smart hub with a screen, you should consider a few things before purchasing. Here are some key factors to remember:
Screen Size and Resolution
The screen size and resolution are essential factors to consider when choosing a smart hub with a screen. A larger screen size will make seeing and interacting with the device easier, while a higher resolution will provide a clearer and more detailed image. Look for a screen size that is at least 7 inches and a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels or higher.
Voice Assistant Compatibility
Most smart hubs, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, have a built-in voice assistant. Ensure the device you choose is compatible with the voice assistant you prefer.
Some smart hubs may also offer compatibility with multiple voice assistants, giving you more options for controlling your smart home devices.
Smart Home Device Compatibility
Before purchasing a smart hub, ensure it is compatible with the smart home devices you already own or plan to purchase. Look for a device that supports a wide range of smart home protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, to ensure you can connect all of your devices to the hub.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some smart hubs have built-in cameras, while others offer advanced security features like facial recognition or motion detection.
Look for a device that offers the parts you need to make your home automation experience as seamless and convenient as possible.