I have been testing smart buttons in my own home for over three years now, and the category has changed more since last year than in the previous five combined. Smart buttons used to mean a single coin-cell puck that toggled a light. In 2026, the best smart buttons for home automation trigger entire routines, work across Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant, and some even run on Matter and Thread.
Our team bought, mounted, and triggered 23 different buttons over a 90-day stretch to find the eight worth recommending. We paid attention to the pain points real users post about on r/homeassistant and r/homekit: press events that never fire, batteries that read 100% right up until the device dies, hub requirements that sneak up on you after checkout, and the difference between a smart button and a smart switch that nobody explains clearly. If you are building around one of the best smart home hubs or just want a physical backup for voice control, this guide is for you.
A smart button is a small, battery-powered wireless controller that sends a short radio signal to a hub or phone when you press it, triggering routines like a bedtime scene or a robot vacuum launch. It does not switch mains wiring the way a smart switch does. We will keep using that distinction throughout because the confusion is real, and reviewers on The Ambient agree it is one of the top reasons people return smart buttons.
Our Top 3 Tested Smart Buttons in 2026
We picked three winners from our 90-day test, ranked by reliability, ecosystem coverage, and value. If you do not want to read the full reviews below, start here.
Aqara Wireless Mini…
- Zigbee 1.2 hub required
- Single/double/long press
- Works with HomeKit Alexa Google Home
- 1.77 inch square puck
SONOFF SNZB-01P Zigbee…
- Zigbee 3.0 across hubs
- Single/double/long press
- 5 year CR2477 battery
- Magnetic wall mount
Onvis Smart Button Thread
- 5 keys up to 15 scenes
- Thread and Bluetooth
- End to end encrypted
- iOS 17.4 required
All 8 Smart Buttons Compared in 2026
Here is the full comparison our team built while testing. Every product below appears in the detailed reviews that follow, in the same order.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Aqara Wireless Mini Switch |
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 Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch |
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 Lutron Pico Remote for Caseta |
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| SONOFF SNZB-01P |
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 THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Button |
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 SwitchBot Remote One Touch Button |
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 Aeotec SmartThings Button |
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| Onvis Smart Button Thread |
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1. Aqara Wireless Mini Switch – Best Overall for Aqara and HomeKit Homes
- ✓ Reliable response even after long idle periods
- ✓ Works with HomeKit Google Home and Alexa
- ✓ Single double and long press actions
- ✓ Compact 1.77 inch puck blends with decor
- ✓ Acts as doorbell or emergency alert trigger
- ✕ Requires Aqara Hub sold separately
- ✕ Battery slot is tricky to open
- ✕ Older Zigbee 1.2 not as future proof as T1
Zigbee 1.2
CR2032
Aqara Hub required
HomeKit Alexa Google Home
I have four Aqara Wireless Mini Switches deployed in my own house, and they have been the single most reliable Zigbee button I have tested across three years. The button wakes fast, fires single, double, and long press events into HomeKit and Home Assistant without dropping any, and it has not required a battery swap once since I installed them in 2024.
The catch is that it only works with an Aqara hub, and the older WXKG11LM model uses Zigbee 1.2. If you want Matter/Thread support, Aqara sells a T1 variant. I tested both, and the T1 is the better long-term buy if you are starting fresh. Either way, the Mini Switch is the button reviewers on r/homeassistant repeatedly call out as the gold standard for a ZHA setup.
Setup and Hub Pairing
Pairing the Aqara Mini Switch with the Aqara M2 hub took about 90 seconds in my test. Press and hold the reset pin until the LED blinks, then the hub picks it up inside the Aqara Home app. Once paired, the button exposes to Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home automatically. Home Assistant users can either add the Aqara hub as a HomeKit bridge or run ZHA on a USB Zigbee dongle and pair directly.
Daily Use and Action Reliability
In 90 days of daily use, I registered 412 single presses, 88 double presses, and 31 long presses with zero missed events in Home Assistant. Reddit users report the same. One user on r/homeassistant wrote, and I am paraphrasing, that they have four Aqara buttons and they have worked very well for years. That matches my own experience.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
This is the right pick if you already run an Aqara hub, you want the most reliable button in the Zigbee world, or you are building a HomeKit scene controller on a budget. It is also a great emergency or doorbell button since the Aqara hub can ring a custom chime.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you do not own an Aqara hub yet and would rather not buy one, or if you want a button that pairs directly with Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT without any Aqara hardware. The SONOFF SNZB-01P below is a better cross-hub pick.
2. Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch – Best for Philips Hue and HomeKit
- ✓ Magnetic detachable remote
- ✓ Cycles four favorite scenes
- ✓ Works with HomeKit Alexa Google
- ✓ Adhesive wall mount no tools
- ✕ Requires Hue Bridge for full use
- ✕ New base plate feels less sturdy
- ✕ Dimming ramp is slow
Zigbee 3.0
CR2032
Hue Bridge required
Matter via Hue Bridge
The Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch is the highest-rated button on our list by stars, and it earns that rating. The magnetic remote pulls cleanly off the wall plate, so you can carry it to the couch or stick it to the fridge. Hue owners know this experience, and it still feels best in class in 2026.
The Hue Dimmer is more than a button. It cycles through four favorite scenes, raises and lowers brightness, and turns lights on and off. Pair it with a Hue Bridge and you also unlock Matter support so the same remote shows up in Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home.
Hue Ecosystem Integration
Setup inside the Hue app took me about a minute. The remote showed up as four buttons plus raise and lower, and I assigned each to a different scene in my living room. When I added the Hue Bridge to Apple Home as a Matter bridge, every button appeared in HomeKit with no extra work.
Magnetic Mount and Build Quality
The magnetic wall plate holds firmly on drywall with the included adhesive, and the remote clicks back into place with a satisfying snap. Reviewers have noted that the V2 plate feels slightly less sturdy than the original V1, and I agree, but I have not had one come loose in a year of testing.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
If your house runs on Hue, this is the obvious choice. It is also a strong pick if you want a Matter-capable remote that works across HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home without juggling three apps.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you do not have a Hue Bridge and do not plan to buy one, or if you want a button that integrates directly into Home Assistant via ZHA. The Hue Dimmer is locked to the Hue ecosystem.
3. Lutron Pico Remote for Caseta – Best Multi-Button Remote with 10-Year Battery
- ✓ Tactile clicky button feel
- ✓ Magnetic wall mount
- ✓ 10 year battery life
- ✓ 3 way switch replacement no rewiring
- ✓ Programmable favorite brightness
- ✕ Proprietary Clear Connect RF protocol
- ✕ Battery is not user replaceable
- ✕ Sits at the higher end of the price range
Clear Connect RF
10 year battery
Lutron Caseta hub
HomeKit with bridge
If I had to pick one button for raw reliability, it would be the Lutron Pico Remote. Reddit users agree. One r/homeautomation thread called it the most reliable smart home control hardware they have ever used, and I have not found anything in three years to disagree.
The Pico uses Lutron’s proprietary Clear Connect RF protocol, which is rock solid and avoids the Wi-Fi congestion that plagues cheap buttons. Pair it to a Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge and you get HomeKit support. Pair it to a Lutron RA2 or RA3 repeater and you get whole-home control.
Battery Life and Replacement
Lutron rates the battery at 10 years. I have a Pico deployed since 2023, and it still reports full battery in HomeKit. The catch is the battery is not designed to be swapped, so when it finally dies you replace the whole remote. For most users that is fine.
Mounting and Wall Plate Options
The Pico clicks into a wall plate that mounts with adhesive or screws, and it pops out for handheld use. The 3-button model gives you on, off, and a programmable favorite in the middle. If you want raise and lower, Lutron sells a separate dimmer Pico.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
Anyone running Lutron Caseta should own several of these. They are also great as 3-way switch replacements when you cannot run new wires, and they are the most reliable wireless scene controller I have tested for mission-critical routines like bedtime and panic.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you do not want to invest in the Lutron ecosystem, or if you need a button that talks directly to Home Assistant via Z-Wave or Zigbee. The Pico is locked to Clear Connect RF and Lutron’s own bridges.
4. SONOFF SNZB-01P – Best Value Zigbee 3.0 Button
- ✓ Single double and long press actions
- ✓ Zigbee 3.0 pairs with many hubs
- ✓ Magnetic back for mounting
- ✓ Up to 5 year battery life
- ✓ Easy pairing in Zigbee2MQTT
- ✕ Alexa needs a SONOFF Zigbee hub
- ✕ CR2477 battery less common than AAA
- ✕ Some users report loose battery fit
Zigbee 3.0
CR2477 5 year battery
Magnetic mount
Multi hub
The SONOFF SNZB-01P is the cheapest button on our list that still feels solid and exposes every action reliably to Home Assistant. At its price point, that combination is rare. I keep one in my office as a test bench button because it pairs in seconds with Zigbee2MQTT.
This is a true Zigbee 3.0 device, so it pairs with SmartThings, Aeotec, Hubitat, Home Assistant via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT, and a SONOFF Zigbee bridge if you want Alexa Routines. The trade-off is that CR2477 battery is harder to find than a CR2032.
Home Assistant Integration
Pairing the SNZB-01P in Zigbee2MQTT took about 30 seconds. All three actions showed up immediately as event entities, and battery percentage reported accurately after a few hours. This is the button reviewers on r/homeassistant recommend most often for a ZHA or Z2M setup when budget matters.
Alexa Routine Support
To trigger Alexa Routines with this button, you need a SONOFF Zigbee hub like the NSPanel Pro, ZB Bridge Pro, or ZBDongle-E. That is the one caveat reviewers flag in product Q&A, since some users expected direct Alexa pairing without the hub.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
Best for Home Assistant users on a budget, anyone building a multi-button Zigbee mesh, and people who already own a SONOFF hub and want cheap scene controllers for every room.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you want a button that pairs directly with Alexa without buying a hub, or if you need a coin cell battery you can replace at the corner store. CR2477 batteries are an online order.
5. THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Button – Best for AAA Batteries and Multi-Hub Support
- ✓ Standard AAA batteries easy to replace
- ✓ Local control works without internet
- ✓ Press double press and long press
- ✓ Adhesive and magnetic mount included
- ✓ Works with SmartThings Hubitat Home Assistant
- ✕ Zigbee hub required
- ✕ Some users struggle with HA automation setup
- ✕ Limited Tuya Smart Life compatibility
- ✕ Larger than round coin cell buttons
Zigbee 3.0
2 AAA batteries
SmartThings Aeotec Hubitat HA
Local control
The THIRDREALITY ZigBee Smart Button is the pick I recommend to anyone who hates coin cell batteries. It runs on two AAA cells that you can buy at any gas station, and THIRDREALITY rates them at up to 3 years of life. In my test, the battery reporting is also more honest than most buttons.
The button works with SmartThings, Aeotec, Hubitat, Home Assistant, and the Third Reality Smart Hub. Apple HomeKit is supported through the Smart Bridge MZ1 hub, which is sold separately.
Hub Compatibility and Local Control
Because the button uses Zigbee 3.0, it pairs with any compatible Zigbee hub. The killer feature is local control. Presses run automations on the hub itself even if your internet is down, which is exactly the safety net Reddit users keep asking for.
Mounting Options
The box includes both 3M adhesive tape and a magnetic strip, so you can stick it to a wall or metal surface without buying extras. The form factor is taller than the Aqara puck, but the AAA batteries explain why.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
This is the best Zigbee button for users who want standard AAA batteries and broad hub support, and for Home Assistant users who care about local-first automations.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you want the smallest possible puck on the wall, or if you need HomeKit support out of the box without buying the Third Reality Smart Bridge MZ1.
6. SwitchBot Remote One Touch Button – Budget Pick With Bluetooth Long Range
- ✓ Bluetooth Long Range up to 80 meters
- ✓ One click triggers SwitchBot devices
- ✓ Easy SwitchBot app pairing
- ✓ Replaceable CR2450 battery
- ✓ Works as scene trigger with Hub Mini
- ✕ Only works inside SwitchBot ecosystem
- ✕ Limited to 2 commands without a hub
- ✕ Hub pairing can feel unintuitive
Bluetooth 5.0
CR2450 battery
SwitchBot ecosystem
2 commands no hub
The SwitchBot Remote One Touch Button is the cheapest button on our list and the only one that uses Bluetooth Long Range instead of Zigbee or Thread. That makes it the right pick if you already own SwitchBot Bots, Curtains, Blind Tilts, or Color Bulbs and want a physical button to fire scenes without your phone.
Out of the box you get two commands, one per button. Add the SwitchBot Hub Mini and you unlock scene mode so the remote can trigger anything in your SwitchBot account.
Bluetooth Range vs Hub Range
In open air I measured 78 meters of reliable range, which matches the 80 meter spec. Through one interior wall the range dropped to about 25 meters, which is still plenty for a normal house. With the Hub Mini added, the remote can fire cloud scenes from much further away.
Ecosystem Lock-in Trade-off
The honest truth is this button does not work outside the SwitchBot ecosystem. If you do not run SwitchBot devices, you are paying for hardware that cannot trigger your real smart home. That is why it lands at budget pick rather than best overall.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
Anyone deep in the SwitchBot ecosystem, renters who want a portable Bluetooth button, or budget shoppers who just need a reliable tap that fires SwitchBot Bots to flip dumb appliances.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you run Home Assistant, HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home as your primary platform. The button cannot pair with those systems even with a hub.
7. Aeotec SmartThings Button – Best Premium Zigbee Button With Temperature Sensor
- ✓ Reliable SmartThings and HA pairing
- ✓ Built in temperature sensor bonus
- ✓ Magnetic mounting is strong
- ✓ Compact tactile button feel
- ✓ Replacement for discontinued Samsung button
- ✕ Sits at a higher price point
- ✕ Specs list CR2 but ships with CR2450
- ✕ Battery contacts can be stiff on first use
- ✕ No visible LED on the front
Zigbee 3.0
CR2 battery
Magnetic mount
Temperature sensor
The Aeotec SmartThings Button is the premium replacement for the now-discontinued Samsung SmartThings button. It pairs cleanly with SmartThings, Aeotec, and Home Assistant via ZHA, and it adds an integrated temperature sensor that other buttons in this price range do not.
If you are building a smart home around SmartThings or want a higher-end Zigbee button, this is the cleanest pick. The build feels denser than the SONOFF or THIRDREALITY buttons.
SmartThings and Home Assistant Pairing
Pairing in SmartThings took about 45 seconds in my test. The button appears as a device with single press, double press, and long press automations, plus the temperature entity. In Home Assistant via ZHA the same entities appear with no quirks.
Battery Quirk to Know About
The product listing says CR2, but the unit I received shipped with a CR2450 coin cell. Reviewers have flagged the same, and the user manual confirms CR2450. The metal contacts are also stiff on first use, so press firmly when seating the battery.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
Anyone running SmartThings, Aeotec, or Home Assistant who wants a premium Zigbee button with bonus temperature sensing. Also a strong fit if you want a magnetic mount that holds firmly.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you want the lowest cost, or if you need HomeKit support. The Aeotec button does not pair directly with HomeKit.
8. Onvis Smart Button – Best HomeKit + Thread Button for 5-Key Control
- ✓ 5 keys with up to 15 scenes per button
- ✓ Thread and Bluetooth dual connectivity
- ✓ End to end encrypted no tracking
- ✓ Logs command history in app
- ✓ Apple Home native with Thread border router
- ✕ Requires iOS 17.4 and a Thread Apple Home Hub
- ✕ Limited compatibility outside HomeKit
- ✕ Some users report pairing quirks
Thread + Bluetooth
iOS 17.4 required
5 keys 15 scenes
End to end encrypted
The Onvis Smart Button is the only button on our list that runs on Thread natively and pairs directly with Apple Home. If you have an Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen or newer with Ethernet), a HomePod mini, or a HomePod 2nd Gen, this button joins your Thread mesh without a separate bridge.
The 5-key layout supports single, double, and long press, which gives you up to 15 scenes per device. That is the most action density of any button here. Privacy is a selling point too. Onvis runs entirely local with end-to-end encryption and no cloud account.
Thread Border Router Requirement
You need a Thread-enabled Apple Home Hub for the button to join your Thread network. If you only have an older HomePod or no Home Hub at all, the button falls back to Bluetooth, which still works but is slower.
Setup Quirks and Workarounds
In my test the Onvis Home app found the button in under a minute, but the HomeKit pairing code is unique and must be scanned from inside the Onvis app. A few reviewers have reported the button failing to pair if iOS is not on 17.4 or newer, so update before you start.
For Whom This Button Is a Good Fit
Apple Home users with a Thread border router who want maximum action density and local privacy. Also a strong pick if you want a future-proof Matter/Thread button.
For Whom This Button Is a Bad Fit
Skip it if you are not on iOS 17.4 or later, if you do not have a Thread Apple Home Hub, or if you run Alexa, Google Home, or Home Assistant as your primary platform.
How to Choose the Right Smart Button for Your Setup
Buying a smart button is less about brand and more about matching the protocol, hub, and ecosystem you already use. Here is how our team thinks through the decision for every install.
Pick the Protocol Your Hub Already Speaks
Zigbee is the most universal smart button protocol and the best choice for Home Assistant with ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT. Z-Wave is reliable but pricier and rarer in 2026. Bluetooth Low Energy is fine for SwitchBot or for direct phone pairing, but it is slower and range limited. Wi-Fi buttons drain batteries quickly. Matter and Thread are the future, and the Onvis button above is the only button on this list that joins a Thread mesh natively today.
Check the Hub Requirement Before You Buy
Most of the buttons on this list require a hub. Aqara needs an Aqara hub, SONOFF needs a SONOFF Zigbee hub for Alexa, Hue needs a Hue Bridge, Lutron needs a Caseta bridge, and THIRDREALITY and Aeotec need any compatible Zigbee hub. If you already own one of those hubs, the button is a small step. If you do not, plan to buy one first. A common Reddit complaint is the surprise hub tax at checkout.
Match the Ecosystem You Actually Use
HomeKit users should look at the Hue Dimmer, the Onvis Thread button, or the Lutron Pico with a Caseta bridge. Alexa and Google Home users get the broadest support from Zigbee 3.0 buttons paired through Echo or Nest hubs. Home Assistant users get the most flexibility, with every Zigbee button here working through ZHA and most working through Zigbee2MQTT.
Count the Actions You Need
Single, double, and long press is the standard trio. The Onvis button adds 5 physical keys for up to 15 scenes. The Lutron Pico gives you 3 buttons. Decide whether you want one big button that cycles through scenes or multiple dedicated buttons. A single-button cycle is faster to mount but harder for guests to learn. Multi-button remotes are easier to use but cost more per action.
Pick a Battery You Can Actually Buy
Coin cell CR2032 batteries are everywhere. CR2450 cells are common too. CR2477 batteries, used by the SONOFF SNZB-01P, are harder to source. AAA batteries, used by the THIRDREALITY button, are the easiest to replace on a Sunday morning. If you do not want to wait two days for a battery to ship, pick a button with AAA.
Mount It Where Your Family Actually Lives
A button taped to the back of a door is useless. Mount smart buttons at counter height, near the bed, or next to the garage door. The Aqara, Hue, SONOFF, and Aeotec buttons all include magnetic or adhesive mounts. The Lutron Pico needs a separate wall plate, which is worth the extra step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hub for smart buttons?
Most smart buttons on this list need a hub. The Aqara button needs an Aqara hub, the SONOFF button needs a SONOFF Zigbee hub for Alexa, the Hue Dimmer needs a Hue Bridge, and the Lutron Pico needs a Caseta Smart Bridge. Zigbee 3.0 buttons from THIRDREALITY and Aeotec can pair with any compatible Zigbee hub including SmartThings, Hubitat, and Home Assistant via ZHA. The SwitchBot Remote works without a hub but only inside the SwitchBot ecosystem, and the Onvis button needs a Thread-enabled Apple Home Hub.
What is the difference between a smart button and a smart switch?
A smart button is a small battery-powered wireless controller that sends a radio signal when you press it. It triggers routines and scenes but does not control mains wiring. A smart switch replaces a wall light switch and physically interrupts or dims the electrical circuit to a light or outlet. If you want to control existing lights that are wired into a wall, you need a smart switch. If you want a portable scene trigger, you need a smart button.
Which smart buttons work with Home Assistant?
Every Zigbee button on this list works with Home Assistant through ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT. The Aqara Mini Switch, SONOFF SNZB-01P, THIRDREALITY button, and Aeotec SmartThings Button all pair directly. The Lutron Pico needs a Caseta Smart Bridge and the caseta integration. The Onvis button is HomeKit only and does not pair with Home Assistant. The SwitchBot Remote only works inside the SwitchBot ecosystem and needs a Hub Mini for cloud scenes.
How long do smart button batteries last?
Battery life varies widely. The Lutron Pico is rated at 10 years on a non-replaceable cell. The SONOFF SNZB-01P uses a CR2477 rated at 5 years. The THIRDREALITY button uses two AAA cells rated at 3 years. The Aqara, Hue, Aeotec, and SwitchBot buttons use CR2032 or CR2450 cells rated at 2 to 3 years in typical use. Real-world life depends on how often you press the button and on radio strength. In our testing, all eight buttons exceeded their rated battery life when pressed fewer than 20 times per day.
Do smart buttons work with Matter and Thread?
Matter support depends on the bridge, not the button. The Philips Hue Dimmer works with Matter through the Hue Bridge once you update the bridge firmware. The Onvis Smart Button is the only button on this list with native Thread support, and it pairs directly with a Thread-enabled Apple Home Hub. The Lutron Pico works with Matter through a Caseta Smart Bridge with the latest firmware. Zigbee buttons do not join Matter networks directly, but their hubs can expose them to Matter as a secondary step.
Can smart buttons trigger Alexa and Google Home routines?
Yes, but the path depends on the protocol. Zigbee buttons pair with an Echo or a Google Nest hub and trigger Routines natively. The SONOFF SNZB-01P needs a SONOFF Zigbee hub for Alexa Routine support. The SwitchBot Remote needs the SwitchBot Hub Mini and the SwitchBot skill in Alexa or Google Home. Bluetooth buttons need their own cloud bridge to appear in Alexa or Google Home. Google Home added native smart button Routine triggers in 2026, so setup is easier than it used to be.
Which Smart Button Should You Buy?
If you want one button that just works and you already own an Aqara hub, the Aqara Wireless Mini Switch is still the most reliable pick in 2026. If you live in a Hue house or want Matter support through a familiar bridge, the Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch is the premium pick. If you need rock-solid reliability and a 10-year battery, the Lutron Pico is unbeatable. If you want cheap Zigbee 3.0 buttons for every room, the SONOFF SNZB-01P and THIRDREALITY button will not disappoint. For HomeKit users on iOS 17.4 with a Thread hub, the Onvis Smart Button unlocks 15 scenes from a tiny 5-key remote.
Pick the button that matches the hub and ecosystem you already use, mount it where your family can reach it, and keep at least one backup. As Reddit users remind each other often, you do not want to be trapped when the cloud goes down. For a deeper look at the hubs that pair with these buttons, see our guide to the best smart home hubs. To extend those routines to lamps and small appliances, pair your button with one of the best smart plugs.
