I need some advice before I fall into the rabbit hole. I have a few smart devices at home, Samsung TVs, Ecobee, LG washer n dryer, fridge and some smart switches. I would like to add some sensor and install some smart switches.
I prefer like to have a central repository to control all the devices.
Most of the devices if not all are connected via wifi through an app or smarthing.
What other hardware would you advice I buy and your setup recommention. BTW, I already ordered the Zigbee ubs from Amamzon.
I kept mine simple and used a smartthings hub to handle my zigbee needs and make up for Alexa’s shortcomings. Those two really do complement each other will, especially when you discover the usefulness of virtually switches and sensors (particularly a virtual Alexa by, which operates as a switch but behaves like a sensor, so you can trigger Alexa to do things from outside of Alexa)
For a cheap start you can choose home assistant, you just need a raspberry pi. For a more commercial solution you can look at a platform like Homey (I am using this, it is more expensive but also more of an “out of the box” experience. In all cases before you decide check if the platform you step into supports the sensors and devices you have. This will mostly be the case but there can be exceptions that make the one platform a better altetnative then the other.