Question

Can I set up my smart home using amazon echo dot (3rd gen) or do I need the echo plus with smart hub? I plan on having multiple dots

Answer 1

Yes, you can set up your home with Amazon Echo. I have 53 smart home devices all controllable through echo and all are either wired or use Wi-Fi. I have yet to need a device that does not have a Wi-Fi version. If you live in a castle with 6ft thick granite walls, then you may have Wi-Fi issues. Otherwise, Wi-Fi and ethernet is all you will need.  

Answer 2

Depends what you're trying to do and what hardware you're trying to connect. You won't be able to get very far with a dot on its own.  

Answer 3

I don't recommend going wifi but echos (+) will get you to where you want to go fast.  

Answer 4

Do yourself a favor and start with something like smartthings for a hub

Answer 5

It’s fine to start with the echo +. Stay simple and if, for some reason you outgrow the echo +, you can upgrade. You should be fine with that for quite a while for what you want to do.  

Answer 6

I have 3x Dots only and they work well with my Hue lighting and Smartthings Hub and Harmony Hub

Answer 7

The real question is where are you planning to go with this? And I mean blue sky here. I you never think you will want more than remote control and a few routines then an Echo might work for you. If you want true automation or you get a good number of devices then you will probably end up going to a hub and tossing stuff. If you think you might go to a hub then might as go for it. You can often get a SmartThings hub and an Echo 2 for the same price as and Echo Plus. At very least make sure to only get devices supported by multiple hubs to keep your options open.