If you’re in the market for a smart home hub, consider the Wink Hub or the Wink Hub 2. Although they share a name, a few key differences between the two are worth considering before making your final purchase.
The main difference is that the Wink Hub 2 offers upgraded hardware and Wi-Fi support. It has a faster processor, more memory, and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, which can lead to faster and more reliable connectivity. However, whether those improvements are worth your increased cost depends on your specific needs and budget.
Another difference to consider is compatibility with certain smart home products. The Wink Hub 2 has added support for more devices, including Lutron Clear Connect and Kidde, which the original Wink Hub doesn’t support. However, both devices still work with many other products from popular brands such as Philips, Nest, and GE.
Wink Hub vs Hub 2
Wink Hub and Hub 2 are popular smart hub devices that allow users to control their smart home devices from one centralized platform. While both hubs have similar features and functions, some notable differences could make one more suitable for your needs than the other.
The original Wink Hub connects to smart devices using Wi-Fi and Z-Wave or Zigbee protocols, while the newer Hub 2 adds Bluetooth LE to the mix. This means that Hub 2 supports more devices than the original Wink Hub, which could make it a more flexible choice for larger smart homes with a wider range of devices.
The Hub 2 also features a more powerful processor and more memory than the original Wink Hub. This means it can handle more smart devices and automations than its predecessor and may respond quicker when you issue commands.
Another difference is in the design and form factor of the two devices. The Hub 2 has a sleeker, more streamlined design compared to the original Wink Hub’s boxy shape, which may appeal more to those who value aesthetics.
However, the user interface is one area where the two devices are similar, as the Wink app used to control both devices is identical. This means users should have no difficulty transitioning from the original Wink Hub to Hub 2, or vice versa.
While both devices offer similar features and functions, the Hub 2 adds key improvements to the original Wink Hub. So if you have a larger smart home with a wide variety of devices or value design and aesthetics, the Wink Hub 2 may be the better choice for you.
When choosing between Wink Hub and Hub 2, several key differences exist. Here are a few of the most important ones:
Size And Design
One of the most visible differences between the two hubs is their size and design. The Hub 2 is significantly smaller and sleeker than the original Wink Hub. It also offers more customization options, with interchangeable faceplates that allow you to match the device to your home’s aesthetic.
Connectivity
Wink Hub and Hub 2 offer various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. However, while the original Wink Hub only supported one radio frequency at a time, the Hub 2 can handle multiple frequencies simultaneously, making it more versatile and better equipped to handle a variety of smart home devices.
Performance
Regarding overall performance, the Hub 2 is generally faster and more reliable than the original Wink Hub. It also boasts improved security features, such as two-factor authentication, to help protect your connected devices from hackers and other threats.
Price
Perhaps the biggest difference for most consumers is the price. While the original Wink Hub is significantly cheaper than the Hub 2, it offers fewer features and less customization options. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need the latest and greatest features, the original Wink Hub may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line smart home hub with the most advanced features and customization options, it’s worth investing in the Hub 2.
In summary, the key differences between Wink Hub and Hub 2 are size and design, connectivity, performance, and price. Depending on your specific needs and budget, one may better fit your smart home than the other.
Which One Should You Choose: Wink Hub or Hub 2?
When it comes to choosing between Wink Hub and Hub 2, it depends on what you’re looking for in a smart hub. Both hubs are feature-rich and can control many smart devices, but each has strengths and weaknesses.
Wink Hub
Wink Hub is the first-generation smart hub from Wink. The hub is designed to work with a wide range of smart devices, including lights, locks, sensors, and more. The hub is easy to set up and can be controlled using the Wink app. Some of the key benefits of Wink Hub include:
- Affordable price
- Works with a wide range of smart devices
- Easy to set up and use
- Good automation features
- Compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT
However, there are also some drawbacks to Wink Hub. One of the most notable is that the hub is not compatible with Zigbee devices, which can limit your options if you have a lot of Zigbee devices. Additionally, the hub requires a reliable internet connection to function properly.
Hub 2
Hub 2 is the second-generation smart hub from Wink. Like its predecessor, the hub is designed to work with a wide range of smart devices and can be controlled using the Wink app. However, Hub 2 comes with some significant improvements over the original hub. Some of the key benefits of Hub 2 include:
- Faster processor for improved performance
- 5GHz Wi-Fi support
- Additional memory for faster and more reliable operation
- Compatible with both Zigbee and Z-Wave devices
- Improved automation features
Despite these benefits, Hub 2 has a higher price tag than Wink Hub and may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Additionally, while the hub is compatible with Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, it does not support as many protocols as other smart hubs on the market.
In conclusion, Wink Hub and Hub 2 are excellent for a versatile and powerful smart hub.
Choosing between them comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you have a lot of Zigbee devices and are on a tight budget, Wink Hub may be the better choice. However, if you need a more powerful hub with better performance and support for a wider range of devices, Hub 2 is worth considering.
Here’s my response:
Conclusion
After comparing the Wink Hub and the Wink Hub 2, I believe both have strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, let me summarize my findings below:
- Connectivity: The Wink Hub 2 boasts faster and more reliable connectivity due to its support for 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and Ethernet port. In contrast, the Wink Hub only supports 2.4GHz networks and has limited Ethernet functionality.
- Compatibility: Both hubs support the same range of devices and protocols, but the Wink Hub 2 offers added support for Bluetooth LE and Kidde devices.
- Performance: The Wink Hub 2 is faster and more responsive than the Wink Hub, which can sometimes suffer from lag or delays.
- Price: The Wink Hub 2 is more expensive than its predecessor, but the added features and improved performance may justify the extra cost.
Ultimately, your chosen hub will depend on your specific needs and preferences. The Wink Hub 2 is the way to go if you value faster connectivity and improved performance. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then the original Wink Hub might be the better choice.
Overall, both products are solid choices for controlling various smart devices. Whether you choose the Wink Hub or the Wink Hub 2, you’ll surely enjoy the convenience and functionality these hubs provide.