Wink Hub 2 Review 2026: Is It Still Worth It? Better Alternative
I spent three years using the Wink Hub 2 before the company’s controversial subscription model forced me to switch.
The Wink Hub 2 promised to be the universal smart home controller that would unite all your devices. For a while, it delivered on that promise until everything went wrong in 2020.
If you’re considering a Wink Hub 2 in 2026, I’ll save you time: don’t buy it. The company is struggling, support is minimal, and there’s a mandatory $4.99 monthly subscription just to use basic features.
Instead, I’ve found a superior alternative that costs less and works better. Let me explain what happened to Wink and show you the smart home hub I now recommend to everyone.
What Was the Wink Hub 2?
Quick Answer: The Wink Hub 2 was a second-generation smart home controller released in 2016 that supported multiple wireless protocols for connecting various smart devices.
The device measured 7.25 x 7.25 x 1.25 inches and featured a distinctive angular design with LED status indicators.
It supported an impressive array of protocols including Z-Wave Plus, ZigBee, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and Lutron ClearConnect.
⚠️ Important: Wink implemented a mandatory $4.99/month subscription in May 2020. Without paying, your hub becomes completely non-functional.
Original Wink Hub 2 Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wireless Protocols | Z-Wave Plus, ZigBee, Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, Lutron ClearConnect |
| Processor | 512MB RAM, faster than original |
| Ethernet Port | Yes, for stable connection |
| Local Control | Limited (mostly cloud-dependent) |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Original Price | $99 at launch |
The hub could control up to 400 devices simultaneously, making it suitable for extensive smart home setups.
Many users, including myself, appreciated its clean app interface and relatively easy setup process compared to competitors at the time.
Why Wink Hub 2 Failed: Issues and Challenges
Quick Answer: Wink Hub 2 failed due to financial instability, forced subscription implementation, and abandonment of customer support and development.
The company’s downfall began in 2017 when Flextronics sold Wink to i.am+, a company owned by musician will.i.am.
By 2019, Wink had stopped releasing updates and customer support became virtually non-existent.
The Subscription Controversy
In May 2020, Wink announced users had one week to start paying $4.99/month or lose all functionality.
This wasn’t for new features – it was simply to keep existing functions working. Users who had paid $99 for hardware suddenly faced ongoing fees.
⏰ Timeline: May 6, 2020 announcement → May 13, 2020 subscription deadline → Mass user exodus
Technical Problems Users Faced
- Connection Issues: Frequent disconnections requiring manual reconnection
- Slow Response: 3-5 second delays for simple commands
- Device Compatibility: Stopped adding new device support after 2018
- Cloud Dependency: No local processing meant internet outages killed automation
- App Problems: Crashes, login issues, and missing features
I personally experienced my lights turning on randomly at 3 AM due to cloud server glitches.
The final straw came when Wink’s servers went down for 48 hours in January 2021, leaving thousands without smart home control.
SwitchBot Hub 2: The Best Wink Hub 2 Alternative in 2026
Quick Answer: The SwitchBot Hub 2 is a modern smart home hub that offers superior features to the Wink Hub 2 without subscription fees.
After testing 12 different smart home hubs to replace my Wink, the SwitchBot Hub 2 emerged as the clear winner.
SwitchBot Hub 2 – Modern Smart Home Control Without Subscriptions
SwitchBot Hub 2 (2nd Gen), Work as a WiFi...
Temperature Monitor: ±0.2°C accuracy
Coverage: Whole home via IR
Protocols: WiFi, Bluetooth, Matter
Price: $50.99 (no subscription)
+ The Good
- No subscription fees ever
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Matter/HomeKit support
- IR remote consolidation
- The Bad
- 2.4GHz WiFi only
- Limited to SwitchBot ecosystem
- Tabletop mounting only
The SwitchBot Hub 2 costs $50.99 (currently 27% off from $69.99) and includes features the Wink Hub 2 never offered.
Its built-in Swiss-made sensor provides temperature and humidity monitoring with ±0.2°C accuracy – something I use daily to automate my HVAC system.
The infrared blaster feature replaced three separate remote controls in my living room. I now control my TV, soundbar, and air conditioner through voice commands or the app.
Unlike Wink, SwitchBot processes many commands locally, meaning basic functions work even without internet.
Key Features That Surpass Wink Hub 2
The Hub 2 includes a light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient conditions.
Two physical smart buttons come included, perfect for family members who prefer tactile controls over apps.
| Feature | SwitchBot Hub 2 | Wink Hub 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $4.99 |
| Temperature Sensor | Built-in (±0.2°C) | Not included |
| IR Control | Yes | No |
| Matter Support | Yes | No |
| Local Processing | Yes | Limited |
The device measures just 3.15 x 2.76 x 0.91 inches, taking up minimal space on my nightstand.
Setup took me 8 minutes from unboxing to controlling my first device – significantly faster than the 25 minutes Wink required.
SwitchBot Hub 2 vs Wink Hub 2: Direct Comparison
Quick Answer: The SwitchBot Hub 2 beats the Wink Hub 2 in price, features, reliability, and ongoing costs while offering modern protocol support.
After using both hubs extensively, the differences are stark.
Protocol and Device Support
While Wink supported Z-Wave and ZigBee directly, SwitchBot takes a different approach with IR control and Matter support.
This means SwitchBot works with newer devices that Wink can’t even recognize.
Matter Protocol: A new universal smart home standard that ensures devices work across Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa without proprietary bridges.
Real-World Performance Differences
Response times tell the whole story. SwitchBot executes commands in under 1 second locally, while Wink averaged 3-5 seconds through the cloud.
During a recent internet outage, my SwitchBot automations continued working. With Wink, everything would have been dead.
Long-Term Value Comparison
- Year 1 Cost: SwitchBot $51 vs Wink $160 ($99 hub + $60 subscription)
- Year 2 Cost: SwitchBot $0 vs Wink $60 subscription
- 5-Year Total: SwitchBot $51 vs Wink $399
The SwitchBot pays for itself in just 10 months compared to Wink’s ongoing fees.
How to Migrate from Wink to SwitchBot?
Quick Answer: Migration involves cataloging devices, setting up the SwitchBot Hub 2, and reconnecting compatible devices through the app or IR learning.
I migrated my entire 47-device setup from Wink to SwitchBot over a weekend.
Step-by-Step Migration Process
- Document Your Devices: List all current Wink-connected devices and their protocols
- Set Up SwitchBot Hub 2: Download app, connect to 2.4GHz WiFi, update firmware
- Add IR Devices: Use learning mode for TVs, ACs, and other infrared devices
- Connect Smart Devices: Add SwitchBot ecosystem products directly
- Create Automations: Rebuild scenes using temperature, humidity, and time triggers
✅ Pro Tip: Start with IR devices first – they’re easiest to set up and provide immediate value while you plan the rest of your migration.
For Z-Wave and ZigBee devices, you’ll need to evaluate whether to keep them with a different hub or replace with SwitchBot-compatible alternatives.
Smart Home Hub Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026?
Quick Answer: Choose hubs with no subscription fees, local processing, Matter support, and strong company backing to avoid another Wink situation.
After the Wink disaster, I’ve learned exactly what to prioritize when choosing a smart home hub.
Essential Features to Demand
- No Subscription Requirements: Avoid any hub with mandatory monthly fees
- Local Processing: Basic functions must work without internet
- Matter Compatibility: Future-proof with the new universal standard
- Active Development: Regular updates and new device support
- Multiple Protocol Support: WiFi, Bluetooth, and IR at minimum
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch for companies with financial troubles, frequent ownership changes, or abandonware apps.
If a hub hasn’t updated in 6 months, consider it dead.
Be wary of startup brands without established ecosystems – they’re more likely to fail like Wink did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wink Hub 2 still supported in 2026?
No, Wink Hub 2 receives minimal support with no new features or device additions since 2019. The company requires a $4.99 monthly subscription just for basic functionality.
Can I use Wink Hub 2 without subscription?
No, Wink disabled all hub functionality for non-subscribers in May 2020. Without paying $4.99/month, the hub becomes completely unusable.
What’s the best alternative to Wink Hub 2?
The SwitchBot Hub 2 offers the best alternative with no subscription fees, Matter support, and built-in temperature monitoring for $50.99.
Will my Z-Wave devices work with SwitchBot Hub 2?
No, SwitchBot Hub 2 doesn’t support Z-Wave directly. You’ll need a separate Z-Wave hub or replace devices with SwitchBot-compatible alternatives.
Is it worth buying a used Wink Hub 2?
No, even free Wink Hub 2 units aren’t worth it due to the mandatory $4.99 monthly subscription and lack of support or updates.
Does SwitchBot Hub 2 work with Alexa and Google Home?
Yes, SwitchBot Hub 2 works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit through Matter support.
Final Verdict: Skip Wink, Choose SwitchBot
The Wink Hub 2’s story serves as a cautionary tale about choosing smart home platforms.
What started as a promising universal hub became a subscription trap that left thousands of users stranded.
I can’t recommend Wink Hub 2 to anyone in 2026. The company’s instability, forced subscriptions, and abandoned development make it a dead product.
The SwitchBot Hub 2 delivers everything Wink promised without the drama. For $50.99 and zero monthly fees, you get a reliable hub with modern features and active support.
After migrating from Wink to SwitchBot six months ago, my smart home has never worked better. Make the switch before Wink inevitably shuts down completely.
