Best Home Automation Hubs & Controllers Under $100 (2026)

We selected devices under $100 by combining user ratings, feature set (protocols, energy monitoring, IR), brand interoperability, and value score to prioritize practical home-automation capabilities

This roundup covers home automation hubs and controllers under $100, highlighting compact smart plugs, Zigbee sensors, IR blasters, and multi-outlet Wi‑Fi modules ideal for automating lights, appliances, and entry monitoring. Selections were ranked by a value score that balances compatibility (HomeKit and common platforms), core features (energy monitoring, Zigbee support, IR control), user ratings, and price-to-feature ratio

Top Picks

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
    SwitchBot Hub Mini Smart Remote – IR Blaster

    SwitchBot Hub Mini Smart Remote – IR Blaster

    SwitchBot • ★ 4.2/5 • Budget

    IR blaster hub that learns from remotes and controls TVs and appliances via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Easy setup and portable USB-powered hub. Some users report connectivity and app usability mixed feedback

    • learns existing remotes in 5 seconds
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi compatibility
    • compact, portable design
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
    Zooz 800LR Z-Wave Scene Controller ZEN32 (White) – hub required

    Zooz 800LR Z-Wave Scene Controller ZEN32 (White) – hub required

    ZOOZ • ★ 3.9/5 • Mid-Range

    Z-Wave scene controller with main button and four remotes for triggering scenes or devices. Integrates with Z-Wave hubs; built to function as a multi-button controller with neutral-required 3-way compatibility. Customer note highlights solid build and reliable integration with Home Assistant

    • multi-button scene triggering
    • Z-Wave hub compatibility
    • neutral-based 3-way support
    Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide

Compatibility with your platform

Confirm the hub or controller lists support for your ecosystem—HomeKit, Google, SmartThings, or Wi‑Fi-only devices—to avoid pairing and automation limits

Protocol support (Zigbee, Wi‑Fi, IR)

Choose devices that support the wireless protocol you need: Zigbee for battery sensors and mesh reliability, Wi‑Fi for direct cloud control, or IR for legacy appliance control

Energy monitoring needs

If tracking consumption matters, prioritize smart plugs that include energy monitoring to measure real usage and identify savings opportunities

Form factor and installation

Consider compact designs and multi‑pack options for crowded outlets or limited space; smaller plugs preserve adjacent outlet access

Automation and voice control

Verify support for voice assistants and automation rules on-device or via the companion app so routines and remote control behave as expected