But of course, if you do connect it, the Apple TV is also an excellent streaming box. There’s no need to actually connect your Apple TV to a TV if you only want to use it as a Home Hub. You can also use a wired Ethernet connection for even better response times. You can also fix the Apple TV to the back of a TV or tuck it behind some furniture to keep it totally out of view-the Apple TV still works just fine when it’s out of sight.Īn Apple TV connects to your Wi-Fi network and is a responsive and reliable smart-home hub. The sleek black design blends in with most people’s home entertainment systems. Both Apple TV models work equally well as a Home Hub. Using an Apple TV as a Home HubĪn Apple TV will set you back $150 for the HD version or $180 for the 4K version. If you want to use your smart home with Apple’s Home app, you need to set up an Apple Home Hub using an Apple TV, a HomePod, or an iPad. But it doesn’t let you do anything extra in Apple’s Home app. However, even if you have a smart-home hub already, you need to set up an additional HomeKit Home Hub to use automation and remote access in the Apple Home app.Ī Philips Hue Hub, for example, lets you automate and remotely access your compatible smart bulbs through the Hue app.

For example, Philips Hue smart bulbs work best with the Hue Hub, which is often included in Hue starter packs. You might already have a smart-home hub to use with your accessories. Do I Need a HomeKit Hub If I Already Have Another Hub? For people who don’t live in your home, you can limit their control to whenever they’re in your house. You can’t create any of these automations without a hub.Īn Apple HomeKit Home Hub also lets you give other people control over your smart home.

This could mean turning the lights on when you wake up in the morning, boosting the temperature before you get home, or automatically locking the door when you head out.

It doesn’t matter how far away you are-if you’re online, you can control your smart home through the hub.Ī smart-home hub also lets you create automations to use with your accessories. However, you always need to be connected to the same network as your smart-home accessories to be able to do so.Ī smart-home hub connects all your smart-home accessories to the Internet, allowing you to control them over the web even when you’re not in your home. You can use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or most other devices to control the accessories in your smart home just fine without a hub. You don’t need to have a Home Hub in your smart home.

What’s the Best Apple Device to Use as a Home Hub?.

Do I Need a HomeKit Hub If I Already Have Another Hub?.

Ipad hubs