Smart home controllers cover hubs, relay modules, network gateways and similar devices that tie lights, switches, sensors and security equipment into one system. They suit anyone fitting out a smart home, an office or a small building.
Our range includes over 60 models, among them Aqara, Shelly, Homey, Aeotec, TP-Link and Sonoff.
How to choose a smart home controller
Wireless protocol. The controller has to speak the same language as your devices: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Wi-Fi or LoRaWAN. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices pass signals on to one another, which keeps the network stable in a large house, while LoRaWAN gateways are built for long distances and industrial sensors.
Ecosystem. Check that the controller works with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Home Assistant if you already use one of them. Matter support lets you mix devices from different makers without extra go-betweens.
Local control. A controller that runs its automations itself keeps working when the internet drops, whereas a system that depends on cloud services may lose some functions offline. If speed and privacy matter to you, choose local control.
Installation and power. Relay modules usually sit behind an existing switch or in a socket box, while hubs plug into a mains socket or are powered over Ethernet (PoE). Any work on 230 V wiring should be done by a qualified electrician.
Room to grow. Look at how many devices the controller supports and whether it allows custom automations. A hub that copes with five sensors may feel cramped once the system expands.
Brands we carry
- Aqara: makes Zigbee hubs and sensors, many of which work with Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa.
- Shelly: known for Wi-Fi relay modules that fit behind existing switches and can be controlled over the local network.
- Homey: the Homey Pro hub brings devices on several protocols, such as Zigbee, Z-Wave and Matter, into one system.
- Aeotec: builds Z-Wave devices and hubs for the SmartThings ecosystem.
- Sonoff: offers low-cost Wi-Fi and Zigbee switches, relays and Zigbee bridges.
- TP-Link: alongside networking equipment, it runs the Tapo and Kasa smart home lines, managed from a single app.
- Milesight IoT and Dragino: specialise in LoRaWAN gateways and sensors for building and industrial monitoring.
- Ubiquiti and Verkada Hardware: Ubiquiti is known for its UniFi networking and access control solutions, while Verkada makes cloud-managed security hardware such as cameras.
Also in our range: Hekatron and Yeastar.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a hub if my devices use Wi-Fi?
No, Wi-Fi devices usually connect straight to your router and are controlled through the maker's app. A hub becomes useful when you want to combine devices from different brands, build shared automations or use Zigbee or Z-Wave sensors.
Are Zigbee and Z-Wave devices compatible with each other?
Not directly, because they are different radio protocols. You can run both together through a multi-protocol hub or a system that supports Matter, such as Homey Pro.
Does a smart home controller work without the internet?
It depends on the model. Controllers with local control run automations themselves, so lights and sensors keep working offline. If the system relies on the cloud, remote control and some automations may stop without a connection.
What is the difference between a controller and a smart relay?
A relay is an actuator: it switches a single circuit, such as a light, on and off. A controller or hub links many such devices, sensors and switches and lets them act on shared automations. Some relays have their own control features and work without a hub.
