Exploring Vera Edge and SmartThings Hub for Home Automation

I’ve been using Vera Lite for my home automation setup, but now I’m faced with an interesting challenge. I need to set up a new hub for Location A, and I’m torn between choosing Vera Edge and SmartThings Hub. My current setup doesn’t involve any non-Z-Wave devices, so Vera Edge seems like a natural fit. However, I’m also considering future-proofing my system, especially if I decide to add Philips Hue lightstrips down the line. I’ve heard that Vera supports both Z-Wave and Zigbee, which could be a big plus if I want to expand my ecosystem without adding another hub.

Another consideration is my heavy reliance on Apple devices. I’ve been impressed with how seamlessly HomeKit integrates with my iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. I’m hopeful that HomeKit will continue to evolve and offer even better integration with third-party devices. If Vera Edge can play nicely with both Z-Wave and HomeKit, it might be the way to go. On the other hand, SmartThings Hub has a strong developer community and a wide range of integrations, which could be beneficial in the long run.

I’m also curious about the community support for Vera Edge. I’ve heard great things about this community’s willingness to help and share knowledge, which is invaluable for someone like me who’s still learning the ropes. If anyone has experience with either Vera Edge or SmartThings Hub, especially in a mixed ecosystem with Apple devices, I’d love to hear your insights and recommendations. Thanks in advance for your help!