There are several smart home devices out in the market. All of these are related to the Internet of Things. In this post, we will mainly discuss GE Link Hub and Wink Hub. Both were owned by the same company Quirky, but Wink is a spin-off product. To know more about how better it is, read below.
Compatible with Wink App, Amazon Echo, SmartThings Hub or any other Zigbee rated device; Provides 800 lumens of light output and 2700K Soft White appearance
VOICE CONTROL: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (devices sold separately); A monthly subscription fee of $4.99 is required (effective May 20, 2020).
Our Verdict
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Comparing both the products throughout the article, no doubt Wink Hub wins the game. Wink Hub is more advanced and lets you connect to several devices, and you can start trying it out by first buying the initial Wink Starter Kit with two Sylvania light bulbs. On the other hand, GE Link Hub is only compatible with the light bulbs that are offered along with the kit. In case you are planning on buying new GE bulbs, it won’t support due to the firmware incompatibility. Let us further see what the different features of these two devices are.
Control is a significant difference between both of them. In GE Link Hub, you will able to control only the bulbs that came along with the kit. The newer versions of the GE bulbs won’t be compatible with the Hub due to updates. If you get new GE bulbs, the only way to connect it is through Wink Hub, whereas Wink Hub is compatible with almost all the devices and works well with devices that have a “Wink Compatible” seal. It can range from bulbs to sensors.
2. Size
Size is another difference you will notice between the both of them. The GE link hub is seamlessly small and can fit anywhere and can go without being noticed. On the other hand, with dimensions 7.25″ x 7.25″ x 1.75″, it is pretty huge compared to the GE Link Hub. The size might be the only advantage of choosing GE Link Hub over Wink Hub.
3. Distance
Distance is another thing that pops up in our heads when we compare the two. The GE Link Hub should be kept 10 feet away from your Wi-Fi source to get it working. In the Link Hub, you can plug it 5 feet apart from your Wi-Fi source. The newer upgrade of the Wink Hub also offers an Ethernet cable that you connect from your router to your Hub.
Both devices are compatible with any home devices. The GE link is compatible with devices like the Smart Hub, Amazon Echo, Amazon Alexa, or any other devices with Zigbee protocol. The same applies to the Wink Hub, and it can connect to any home devices. The function makes it to operate even more smoothly.
2. Wink App
GE Link Hub and the Wink Hub are both compatible with the Wink App. You can control anything from anywhere through your phone. From dimming your lights to altering the temperatures, the Wink App does it for you. It detects your presence and further varies the temperature. Through this app, you will also receive alerts on your phone to know what’s happening in your home.
3. Connectivity
Another thing similar to both of them is connectivity. The frequency band for the Wi-Fi to operate is 2.4 GHz, which usually means a more extended range. The Wink Hub 2 offers connectivity at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Works with Amazon Alexa to support dimming through voice control (hub required, Alexa device
Compatible with Wink App, Amazon Echo, SmartThings Hub or any other Zigbee rated device
Provides 800 lumens of light output and 2700K Soft White appearance
GE Link Hub, although not much in demand, is a moderate hub in case you just want to control the light bulbs provided along with it. It is small and comes in white. In the box, it comes along with a lamp. But the downfall is, the newer bulbs are not compatible with the Hub. Although we can buy GE bulbs and connect them to the Wink Hub but doesn’t serve the purpose. But on the brighter side, these bulbs can be indoor as well as outdoor. The device also works with Voice Commands, so that it’s not much of a problem.
Things We Like
Small
Compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant
Less Expensive
Can be inside as well as outside
Things We Don't Like
Does not connect to other devices other than bulbs
VOICE CONTROL: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (devices sold separately)
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The Wink Hub Hub is a 7.25 x 7.25 x 1.75 hub that comes in white. It matches with all the latest protocols and is compatible with devices from any brand. It also has a built-in memory, which is 64 MB. Commands can control the device through home smart devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or anything that supports the protocols. The control can range from sensors to security. Altogether 430 devices can be connected at once, so you don’t have to worry about buying another hub. Although slightly expensive, the features are definitely worth giving a try.
Things We Like
Compatible with any device
Built-in memory of 64 MB
Can connect 430 devices
Connectivity range is high
Things We Don't Like
Expensive
FAQ’s
1. Will my Hub work on a Wired LAN?
No, as of now only Wi-Fi works with the Hub
2. Can I connect more than one Wink Hub to my Wink account?
Yes, you can have many accounts.
3. Does the Wink Hub work with Amazon Alexa?
Yes, it does work with Amazon Alexa.
Final Thoughts
After the whole review, it is a bit obvious that the Wink is considerably better than the GE link. Not only because Wink Hub is a bit old, but also because of the features that the Link Hub has to offer. With an extra expenditure, things can get done comfortably and with ease. But all this doesn’t mean that none of us should purchase The GE Link Hub. If you are a tiny family, looking for simple controls or just want to give a try to smart home controls, then GE Link Hub is the one from where you have to start. The features and for that cost is not a wrong purchase of all.
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