Smart Home Hubs Compatible With Both Alexa And Google Assistant

As smart homes evolve, so does the need for seamless integration across platforms. Many households now rely on both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant—each offering unique strengths in voice control, routines, and third-party integrations. But managing two ecosystems can become chaotic without a central hub that bridges them effectively. The right smart home hub can unify your devices, streamline commands, and eliminate platform silos. This guide explores the top hubs that support both Alexa and Google Assistant, ensuring you maintain flexibility, avoid vendor lock-in, and get the most from your connected home.

Why Dual Compatibility Matters

Owning a smart home hub that works with both Alexa and Google Assistant isn’t just about convenience—it’s about resilience and choice. While Alexa excels in shopping, music, and Amazon ecosystem integration, Google Assistant leads in natural language understanding, calendar management, and real-time web queries. By choosing a hub compatible with both, users gain:

• Flexibility: Switch between assistants based on task or preference.
• Fallback options: If one service is down or unresponsive, the other can take over.
• Broad device support: Access to thousands of devices certified for either platform.
• Future-proofing: Avoid being locked into a single vendor’s roadmap.

“Interoperability is the future of smart homes. Users shouldn’t have to choose between ecosystems—they should be able to leverage the best of both.” — Raj Patel, IoT Product Strategist at HomeTech Labs

Tip: Prioritize hubs with Matter and Thread support—they’re designed for cross-platform compatibility and long-term reliability.

Top Smart Home Hubs Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

Not all hubs are created equal when it comes to dual compatibility. Some act as passive bridges; others serve as full-fledged command centers. Below are the leading models that offer robust support for both voice assistants, along with their key features and ideal use cases.

1. Samsung SmartThings Hub (v3 or later)

The Samsung SmartThings Hub remains one of the most versatile controllers in the market. It supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and now Matter over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Through its cloud-based architecture, it integrates natively with both Alexa and Google Assistant.

Users can control lights, locks, sensors, and thermostats using voice commands on either platform. SmartThings also allows for advanced automations (called \"routines\") that can trigger based on time, location, or sensor input—actions that sync across both assistants.

2. Apple HomePod mini (with HomeKit bridge functionality)

While primarily an Apple device, the HomePod mini has emerged as a surprisingly effective cross-platform hub thanks to its built-in Thread border router and Matter controller capabilities. Once set up within the Apple Home app, Matter-compatible devices appear in both Alexa and Google Assistant after linking accounts.

This makes the HomePod mini a stealth powerhouse for multi-assistant homes. It doesn’t respond to Alexa or Google voice commands directly, but it enables device interoperability behind the scenes.

3. Amazon Echo (4th Gen and later) with Built-in Hub

The latest Echo devices include a built-in Zigbee hub and Matter controller support. While inherently Alexa-first, they allow Google Assistant access through linked smart devices via Matter or IFTTT integrations.

For example, a Philips Hue bulb controlled by the Echo hub can be turned on via “Hey Google, turn on the living room light,” provided the bulb is shared with Google via Matter. This indirect but functional bridging makes the Echo a viable dual-support option.

4. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) with Matter Support

Like the Echo, the Google Nest Hub acts as a Matter controller and includes a built-in speaker for Google Assistant. When paired with Matter-certified devices, those devices also become discoverable in Alexa after account linking.

It lacks native Zigbee or Z-Wave radios, relying instead on Wi-Fi and Thread via Matter. However, its role as a certified Matter commissioner makes it a strong candidate for future-proof setups.

5. Hubitat Elevation

For users prioritizing local control and privacy, Hubitat Elevation offers impressive dual compatibility without relying on the cloud. Using community-developed drivers and webCore automation, it exposes devices to both Alexa and Google Assistant via secure HTTP endpoints.

While setup is more technical than consumer-grade hubs, the payoff is faster response times, offline operation, and no subscription fees. It’s particularly favored by DIY enthusiasts who want full control over their smart home logic.

Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance

Hub	Zigbee	Z-Wave	Thread/Matter	Alexa Native	Google Native	Local Control
Samsung SmartThings Hub	Yes	Yes	Yes (Matter)	Yes	Yes	Partial
Apple HomePod mini	No	No	Yes (Thread + Matter)	Via Matter	Yes	Yes
Amazon Echo (4th Gen+)	Yes	No	Yes (Matter)	Yes	Via Matter	Limited
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)	No	No	Yes (Matter)	Via Matter	Yes	Limited
Hubitat Elevation	Yes	Yes	Yes (via add-ons)	Yes (via integration)	Yes (via integration)	Full

Setting Up Dual-Assistant Integration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting both Alexa and Google Assistant to recognize devices managed by a single hub requires careful configuration. Follow this process for reliable results:

1. Purchase a Matter-enabled or multi-protocol hub such as the SmartThings Hub or Hubitat Elevation.
2. Connect and configure the hub using its primary app (e.g., SmartThings, Home app, or Hubitat dashboard).
3. Add smart devices via Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, or Thread—ensure they are Matter-certified if possible.
4. Link your Amazon account:
   • Open the Alexa app.
   • Go to Devices > Add Device > Smart Home > select your hub brand (e.g., SmartThings).
   • Log in and grant permissions.
   • Alexa will discover compatible devices.
5. Link your Google account:
   • Open the Google Home app.
   • Tap “+” > Set up device > Have something already set up?
   • Search for your hub (e.g., “SmartThings”) and sign in.
   • Confirm device discovery.
6. Test voice commands on both platforms. For example:
   • “Alexa, turn off the bedroom light.”
   • “Hey Google, what’s the temperature in the living room?”
7. Create cross-platform routines using IFTTT or the hub’s automation engine to trigger actions across assistants when needed.

Tip: Use unique, non-overlapping names for devices (e.g., “Front Porch Light – Alexa” vs. “Porch Lamp – Google”) to prevent voice command conflicts.

Real-World Example: A Family Balances Two Assistants

The Thompson family uses Alexa in the kitchen for timers, grocery lists, and Amazon orders. Their teenager prefers Google Assistant in her room for homework help and YouTube Music. Initially, each assistant controlled only a subset of devices, causing confusion and duplicated hardware.

They installed a Samsung SmartThings Hub and migrated all lights, plugs, and sensors under its control. After linking both Alexa and Google accounts, every device became accessible to both platforms. Now, Mom can say, “Alexa, goodnight,” to shut off all lights—including the ones her daughter controls via Google. Meanwhile, the daughter asks Google to adjust the thermostat, which responds via the same SmartThings-connected HVAC system.

The result? One unified system, no extra hubs, and everyone using their preferred assistant without friction.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Dual-Compatible Hub

Before purchasing, ensure your chosen hub meets these criteria:

• ✅ Supports both Alexa and Google Assistant via official integrations or Matter.
• ✅ Offers wireless protocol support (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread) matching your devices.
• ✅ Provides a mobile app with reliable automation tools.
• ✅ Includes Matter certification for future interoperability.
• ✅ Delivers acceptable response speed and uptime.
• ✅ Allows local processing (optional, but recommended for privacy and reliability).
• ✅ Fits within your budget—consider long-term value over upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I control the same device with both Alexa and Google Assistant?

Yes, if the device is connected through a compatible hub and properly linked to both accounts. Matter protocol simplifies this by allowing multiple controllers to manage the same device securely.

Do I need multiple hubs for dual compatibility?

No. A single modern hub like the SmartThings Hub or HomePod mini (with Matter) can serve both ecosystems simultaneously. Running multiple hubs is unnecessary and may cause signal interference or duplication.

What happens if one assistant goes offline?

If your hub supports local control (like Hubitat or HomePod mini), core functions continue working. Cloud-dependent hubs may lose remote access, but local automations often persist. Voice commands through the offline assistant will fail until service resumes.

Conclusion: Unify Your Smart Home Without Sacrificing Choice

The era of being forced to pick between Alexa and Google Assistant is fading. Thanks to Matter, Thread, and smarter hubs, homeowners can now enjoy the strengths of both platforms through a single, well-chosen controller. Whether you opt for the wide compatibility of SmartThings, the sleek integration of HomePod mini, or the DIY power of Hubitat, the goal remains the same: a responsive, intelligent home that adapts to how you live—not the other way around.

Start by auditing your current devices, identifying your preferred voice assistant for different tasks, and selecting a hub that bridges the gap. With the right foundation, your smart home won’t just work—it will work together.

💬 Have experience with dual-assistant hubs? Share your setup, challenges, and tips in the comments to help others build smarter, more flexible homes.