Official vs Third-Party

Aeotec SmartThings devices pair instantly with full features. Third-party Zigbee 3.0 devices usually work too, but check that SmartThings is named in the listing.

Edge Drivers

SmartThings uses Edge drivers. Some devices pair with built-in drivers; others need a community driver installed from a channel link before they work properly.

Bonus Sensors

Aeotec’s SmartThings sensors include temperature readings, so every motion, door, leak sensor or button doubles as a room thermometer.

Mesh Routers

Plugs, bulbs and the Range Extender Zi repeat Zigbee signals. Add a few before placing sensors in garages, basements and outbuildings.

Local Execution

Many routines with Edge-driver devices run locally on the hub, so lights and sensors keep working even if the internet goes down.

The Multipurpose Sensor is SmartThings’ official door and window sensor, and it also reports temperature. In SmartThings it’s commonly used for garage doors too, thanks to its built-in motion sensing for tilt and vibration. It requires a Zigbee hub, also works with other compatible hubs, and averages about 4.5 stars from 360+ ratings.

The official SmartThings Water Leak Sensor detects leaks under sinks and beside appliances, also monitors temperature to warn of freezing pipes, and can trigger light-up or siren alerts and shut-off valves through SmartThings routines. With 520+ ratings averaging about 4.5 stars, it’s the most-reviewed SmartThings sensor. See our best Zigbee water leak sensors guide for more.

The official SmartThings Button controls lights, appliances and scenes at the touch of a button, includes an integrated temperature sensor, and mounts by magnet or 3M adhesive. In SmartThings, press, double-press and hold actions can each run a different routine. It averages about 4.5 stars from 320+ ratings. See our best Zigbee buttons and remotes guide for more options.

Aeotec’s Range Extender Zi exists to extend your SmartThings Zigbee network into dead spots. It’s compact, leaves the second outlet free, and has no switch to accidentally turn off. It averages about 4.4 stars from 180 ratings. See our best Zigbee repeaters guide for more.

Aeotec doesn’t sell a SmartThings-branded Zigbee plug, so THIRDREALITY’s 4-pack fills the gap. Its listing names SmartThings alongside Home Assistant and Echo, each plug offers real-time energy monitoring and a 15 A outlet, and all four act as Zigbee routers. It averages about 4.5 stars from 850+ ratings.

The ZL1 bulbs list SmartThings and Aeotec support and bring full color plus 2700 to 6500 K tunable white at about 800 lumens. They also repeat Zigbee signals. Pair them with SmartThings routines to shift from cool white in the morning to warm light at night. They average about 4.4 stars from 640+ ratings.

If you need motion sensors in several rooms, THIRDREALITY’s 2-pack costs less per sensor than Aeotec’s and names SmartThings in its listing. It’s marketed as pet friendly and averages about 4.1 stars from 400 ratings. Unlike Aeotec’s sensor, it doesn’t report temperature.

For covering many doors and windows on a budget, THIRDREALITY’s contact sensor 4-pack names SmartThings and Aeotec support and averages about 4.5 stars from 180+ ratings. Use the Aeotec Multipurpose for key doors and these for the rest.

The tilt sensor mounts on a garage door panel and reports open or closed. Its listing names Samsung SmartThings but notes a driver installation is required, so install THIRDREALITY’s Edge driver before pairing. It averages about 4.2 stars from 470+ ratings.

SONOFF’s S40 Lite lists SmartThings right in its title. It’s a simple ETL-certified 15 A plug that acts as a Zigbee repeater, without energy monitoring. It averages about 4.4 stars from 130+ ratings and is a cheap way to add one more router to your SmartThings mesh.

Sengled’s Zigbee Edison bulb names SmartThings in its listing and gives exposed fixtures a warm amber 2000K glow you can dim and schedule. It averages about 4 stars from 400+ ratings. Sengled’s own service has had disruptions, but on a SmartThings hub the bulb runs over Zigbee without Sengled’s cloud.

For under-cabinet, cove or TV backlighting, GLEDOPTO’s controller drives your own RGB+CCT LED strips and lists SmartThings compatibility in its title. You’ll need to wire it to a matching strip and power supply. It averages about 4.3 stars from 140+ ratings.

Get a hub

The Aeotec Hub2 V4, or a Samsung appliance with a built-in SmartThings hub.

Build the mesh

THIRDREALITY plugs and the Range Extender Zi first.

Add official sensors

Aeotec motion, multipurpose and leak sensors for key spots.

Fill in on a budget

THIRDREALITY motion and contact packs for everywhere else.

Add lighting

ZL1 bulbs, Sengled Edisons and GLEDOPTO strips.

Control it

SmartThings Buttons for one-touch scenes.

Do I need a separate hub for SmartThings Zigbee devices?

You need a SmartThings hub with a Zigbee radio. That can be the Aeotec Smart Home Hub or a recent Samsung TV, Family Hub fridge or smart monitor with a built-in SmartThings hub. A phone running the SmartThings app alone can’t talk to Zigbee devices.

What is a SmartThings Edge driver?

Edge drivers are small programs that run on the SmartThings hub and tell it how to talk to each device. Official and common devices use built-in drivers. Others, like THIRDREALITY’s tilt sensor, need you to enroll in a driver channel and install a driver before pairing. Edge drivers also let many automations run locally.

Does SmartThings still support Z-Wave?

SmartThings as a platform supports Z-Wave, but the current Aeotec Hub2 V4 listing states Z-Wave is not supported on that hardware. If you have Z-Wave devices, confirm your hub version before buying or migrating, or consider a hub like Hubitat or Homey that supports both. See our best Zigbee hubs guide.

Are Aeotec SmartThings sensors worth the extra cost?

For key locations, yes: they pair instantly with full features, add temperature readings, and have strong ratings. For covering many windows or rooms, THIRDREALITY multipacks offer far better value. Many SmartThings homes mix both.

Will these devices work if I leave SmartThings?

Yes. They’re standard Zigbee devices, and Aeotec’s listings note they work with other compatible Zigbee hubs. You can move them to Home Assistant, Hubitat or Homey later. See our best Zigbee dongles for Home Assistant guide if you’re considering a switch.