Google Home vs SmartThings vs Amazon Alexa: which smart home app should you choose?
Google Home suits Nest and Chromecast households, SmartThings fits homes seeking broad device automation, and Amazon Alexa is a strong choice for voice control and Alexa-compatible devices.
At a Glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Google HomeGoogle LLC | 4.0 out of 53,638,902 ratings | Free | Yes ($0.05 - $999.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 SmartThingsSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 4.6 out of 55,170,817 ratings | Free | No | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 Amazon AlexaAmazon Mobile LLC | 4.1 out of 55,672,197 ratings | Free | No | Android, iOS | Teen |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 11, 2026. Listings change over time.
How We Compared Them
All three apps are free ways to control compatible smart-home devices, create routines, and manage parts of a connected home from a phone. They differ most in their ecosystems: Google Home centers on Nest and Chromecast, SmartThings connects Samsung products and compatible devices, and Alexa brings Amazon’s voice assistant and smart-home integrations together.
This comparison weighs their Google Play ratings and reach alongside their stated features and trade-offs, so you can decide which app fits the devices and controls you rely on.
How we compared them
We compared the Google Play ratings, rating counts, install ranges, prices, ads, and in-app purchase details recorded on November 11, 2026. These figures show store-level popularity and pricing, not how well an app will work with a particular household’s devices.
We also considered each app’s stated purpose, strengths, and drawbacks: device compatibility, voice control, automation, setup, connectivity, and privacy concerns. No data-safety declarations were supplied for comparison, so we do not draw conclusions about their data practices.
Best forhomes built around Nest, Chromecast, and Google Home devices
Google Home
Google LLC
- Google Play
- 4.0 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age Rating
- Everyone
Google Home is the clearest fit if your connected home already relies on Nest or Chromecast. It brings compatible devices together for control and supports routines, voice commands, and device-status notifications. Its Google Play rating is 4.0 from 3,638,902 ratings, with 1,000,000,000+ installs.
Its focused Google ecosystem is also its main limitation: compatibility can be uneven outside supported devices, and setup may challenge less technical users. Voice recognition can be inconsistent, and the app depends on a stable internet connection for optimal use.
What We Like
- Direct fit for Nest and Chromecast devices
- Routines and device-status notifications
- 1,000,000,000+ Google Play installs
What to Know
- Compatibility may be limited outside supported devices
- Setup and voice recognition can be challenging
Best forSamsung households combining appliances, TVs, and compatible smart devices
SmartThings
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Google Play
- 4.6 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age Rating
- Everyone
SmartThings has the strongest Google Play rating of these three at 4.6 from 5,170,817 ratings, and it supports Samsung TVs and appliances alongside compatible smart-home devices. Its automation routines, remote control, and voice-assistant support make it a compelling choice for managing a connected home beyond a single device type.
The experience is most attractive for Samsung users; support for non-Samsung products can be limited, and initial setup may take time. Some features require a Samsung account, while occasional connectivity issues and mobile battery drain are reported trade-offs.
What We Like
- Highest Google Play rating of the three
- Controls Samsung TVs, appliances, and compatible devices
- Remote access, routines, and voice-assistant support
What to Know
- Non-Samsung device support can be limited
- Setup, account requirements, and connectivity can be drawbacks
Best forhomes that prioritize Alexa voice control and a wide range of integrations
Amazon Alexa
Amazon Mobile LLC
- Google Play
- 4.1 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
- Age Rating
- Teen
Amazon Alexa pairs smart-device control with hands-free voice commands, music playback, and customizable routines. Its broad range of smart-home integrations and support for multiple languages and accents give it an advantage for households with varied devices or voice-control preferences. It has a 4.1 Google Play rating from 5,672,197 ratings and 100,000,000+ installs.
Alexa depends on a stable internet connection and offers limited offline functionality. Voice recognition can still be inconsistent, some features rely on third-party skills, and privacy concerns around voice data are a consideration. Its Google Play content rating is Teen, unlike the Everyone ratings for the other two.
What We Like
- Wide range of smart-home integrations
- Voice control supports multiple languages and accents
- Routines combine device control with hands-free tasks
What to Know
- Limited offline functionality and internet dependence
- Some features require third-party skills
Which One Should You Pick?
Best for Nest and Chromecast homes
Google Home
Best-rated on Google Play
SmartThings
Best for voice-led control
Amazon Alexa
Frequently Asked Questions
01Which smart home app has the highest Google Play rating?
SmartThings has the highest rating of the three at 4.6 from 5,170,817 ratings. Google Home is rated 4.0, and Amazon Alexa is rated 4.1.
02Which app should I choose for Nest or Chromecast devices?
Google Home is the most direct choice for controlling compatible Nest, Chromecast, and Google Home devices.
03Is SmartThings only for Samsung devices?
No. SmartThings controls Samsung TVs and appliances as well as SmartThings-compatible devices, though support for non-Samsung products can be limited.
04Can these apps control smart devices with voice commands?
Yes. Voice control is a stated feature of all three: Google Home supports voice commands, SmartThings supports Bixby and Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa is built around Alexa voice control.
About This Comparison
Appwesome compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details are shown for reference and can change.