When comparing SmartThings vs D-Link Staples Connect, the Slant community recommends SmartThings for most people. In the question“What are the best smart hubs?” SmartThings is ranked 1st while D-Link Staples Connect is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose SmartThings is:
If for whatever reason SmartThings loses access to tethered power it can still function for 10 hours on a battery.
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Pros
Pro Includes a backup battery in case power fails
If for whatever reason SmartThings loses access to tethered power it can still function for 10 hours on a battery.
Pro Compatible with a wide variety of devices
A full list of supported devices can be found here.
Pro Has a Marketplace for user-submitted custom code
Adding extra code is as simple as copying and pasting the user submitted code. This allows for much added functionality and customization options.
Pro Offers a detailed way of setting up scenes
Pro Automatic home/away mode
When all connected devices leave the house, SmartThings automatically goes into 'away mode'. Once a device comes back in range, it will toggle to 'home mode'. You will need to configure what these modes do (whether it be locking the doors, turning the lights on/off, changing the thermostat's temperature...), but it's great that this is done automatically when you arrive home or leave.
Pro Most actions will still work without internet access
Your settings are stored locally, and as such when the internet goes down the automated tasks will still keep working - as long as they don't require any internet interaction.
Pro Very easy setup, pairing, and installation
To set it up, all you have to do is plug it in to your router (just initially), add in your Wi-Fi password, and then you're free to move it anywhere you choose.
Pairing is just as straightforward. While other systems have trouble connecting new devices even after multiple attempts, the Staples Connect typically worked on the first or second try.
Cons
Con Custom access isn't currently supported
Custom access is supported by other smart home ecosystems, but not with SmartThings. Custom access allows for things like configurable unlock codes for smart door locks, or allow access to certain SmartHomes products to certain users.
Con Pairing a device is more involved than it needs to be
Con Companion app can take a while to get used to
Con Spotty performance when multiple products connected
If you have lights from multiple different manufacturers, performance can take a significant hit. Some lights may turn on much quicker than other lights (Phillips Hue always seemed to be the first to react), but given enough time the changes always made it through to all the lights. Sometimes unpairing and re-pairing lights increased performance.
Con No support for WeMo products
Belkin's WeMo ecosystem isn't supported by Staples' ecosystem.
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