Insteon

Pros
  • Hybrid technology
  • Easy to set up
Cons
  • Restricted to Insteon products

Insteon is a hybrid protocol: it uses both wired and wireless technology. You’ll need a central hub for this protocol, namely the Insteon Hub. The hub lets you connect your devices together and control them from anywhere using your smartphone.

Fans like Insteon because it’s fast and easy to use. But it’s definitely not as popular as the other protocols on this list, and it works only with Insteon-branded products, like light switches, smart outlets, sensors, and thermostats.

Insteon offers a ton of different smart home devices, but it doesn’t have the same level of flexibility as Z-Wave or Zigbee.