I’ve been chasing compact, unobtrusive ways to make a home smarter without turning my living room into a router-and-hub shrine. If you want automation that quietly fades into the background—no dedicated hub box on a shelf, no extra wall wart visible—there are increasingly good options that use either your existing Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or the devices’ own mesh systems. Below I share five affordable devices I’ve used and tested that add meaningful automation while staying visually minimal.

What I mean by “no visible hub” (and why it matters)

When I say no visible hub, I mean solutions that don’t require a separate, conspicuous hub device placed in a living area. Some options still rely on a hub-like function but embed it into other hardware you already have (a smart speaker or router) or use a cloud or mesh approach so you don’t need another box to stare at.

The benefits are straightforward:

  • Cleaner aesthetics — fewer boxes and LEDs in sight.
  • Lower clutter — ideal for renters or people with minimal décor.
  • Simpler setup — fewer cables and less networking fiddling.

    • Drawbacks? You may trade off some local control, faster local automations, or fewer integrations compared with a dedicated Zigbee/Z‑Wave hub. I’ll point out those tradeoffs per device.

    1. Wyze Bulb Color or Philips Hue Bluetooth bulbs — smart lighting without a hub

    Smart bulbs are the classic “no hub” starter. I keep a mix of Wyze Bulb Color and Philips Hue Bluetooth bulbs in rooms where I don’t want a bridge on display.

    Why these work:

  • They connect directly to your phone or to a smart speaker over Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi (Wyze uses Wi‑Fi; Hue offers Bluetooth). No separate bridge is required for basic control and scheduling.
  • They’re cheap compared with Zigbee ecosystems and still offer scenes, color control, and schedules.

    • Practical tips:

  • If you own a Hue Bridge already, you can use it for advanced routines. But Bluetooth mode gives you quick control and works well for individual rooms.
  • For multi-room synchronized routines or voice control, pair the bulbs with a smart speaker (Home Hub function of Amazon Echo or Google Nest acts as a coordinator without looking like a hub).

    • Tradeoffs: Bluetooth limits range and multi‑user control; Wyze’s cloud approach may introduce latency for instant automations.

    2. Aqara Zigbee devices paired via HomeKit or an existing smart speaker router combo

    Aqara makes very compact sensors and switches that are both affordable and inconspicuous. Normally they use a Zigbee hub, but here’s the trick: if you already have a HomePod Mini or a HomeHub‑capable device, you can integrate Aqara devices into Apple HomeKit without a separate Aqara HUB on your coffee table.

    What I like:

  • Tiny door/window sensors and motion sensors that stick out less than bulky sensors from earlier years.
  • Excellent battery life and reliable automations when bridged through HomeKit (or through certain smart speakers performing hub duties).

    • Practical tips:

  • Set up the Aqara devices via the Aqara app first, then add them into HomeKit through the Home app. If you don’t have a HomePod Mini, an Apple TV or iPad can act as the hub invisibly.
  • Use motion sensors for “away” automations (turn off lights when no motion for X minutes) and door sensors for entry alerts and scene triggers.

    • Tradeoffs: Requires an Apple home hub device to unlock remote and multi‑device automations; otherwise local integrations are limited.

    3. Tuya/Smart Life Wi‑Fi plugs — inexpensive automation, no extra box

    For me, smart plugs are the highest ROI gadget — they instantly automate any dumb device. Tuya-powered or “Smart Life” plugs are widely available, cheap, and connect directly to Wi‑Fi, so there’s no extra hardware to hide.

    Why I use them:

  • They’re plug‑and‑play: set timers, schedules, and power‑on states from the app or voice assistants (Alexa/Google Home).
  • Clip them behind furniture or inside cabinets for a completely invisible outcome (e.g., a lamp that only comes on on schedule).

    • Practical tips:

  • Check the plug depth: some are compact and won’t block the second outlet; those are winners for behind‑sofa setups.
  • Group plugs by room for simpler routines (e.g., “Good Morning” turns on two lamps and starts a kettle via a smart plug).

    • Tradeoffs: Wi‑Fi plugs can add traffic to your network; pick ones that support 2.4 GHz and a reliable manufacturer firmware to avoid flakiness.

    4. Eufy Security Doorbell (battery) — wireless entry automation with no base station

    If you want smart entry alerts without a hub, battery doorbells like Eufy Security (battery models) are excellent. They store video locally and send alerts over Wi‑Fi, avoiding the need for a visible chubby hub inside the house.

    What makes this practical:

  • Installation is minimal and the device itself is discreet on the door frame.
  • Local storage options avoid monthly cloud fees and keep a better privacy posture.

    • Practical tips:

  • Combine the doorbell with smart plugs or routines: when the doorbell rings and you’re home, trigger a hallway light to flash briefly so you don’t miss deliveries.
  • Use geofencing in the app to disable the bell at night or when you’re away.

    • Tradeoffs: Battery models need recharging; continuous recording still consumes battery faster. Check the integration options with your chosen voice assistant.

    5. Aqara Smart Curtain Motor or Switchbot Curtain — motorized privacy without a hub

    Motorized curtains are a neat way to automate a room without adding any extra hub in sight. Both the Aqara curtain motor (if paired to HomeKit via an existing Apple hub) and the SwitchBot Curtain provide local control and scheduling.

    Why they’re appealing:

  • They mount on the curtain rail and are virtually hidden behind the curtain fold.
  • Schedules, sun‑based automations, and physical remote or app control give you real convenience.

    • Practical tips:

  • Measure carefully: weight and track type matter. Many motor solutions are designed for common rails and are easier to install than they look.
  • Combine with light sensors or sunrise events to close curtains automatically in the evening.

    • Tradeoffs: Mechanical noise varies by model; some require a hub for advanced automation, but you can often pair them to a smart speaker for hubless use.

    Quick comparison

    Device Connection Visible hub needed? Strength Typical price
    Wyze Bulb / Hue Bluetooth Wi‑Fi / Bluetooth No Cheap, easy setup £10–£30
    Aqara sensors Zigbee via HomeHub No if you have HomePod/iPad/Apple TV Reliable, compact £10–£25
    Tuya/Smart Life plug Wi‑Fi No Very affordable, versatile £8–£20
    Eufy Battery Doorbell Wi‑Fi No Local storage, discreet £80–£160
    Aqara / SwitchBot curtain Bluetooth / Zigbee No with speaker/HomeHub Hidden automation, useful daily £60–£180

    If you prefer truly invisible automation, plan the ecosystem around one or two central devices you already own (phone + speaker + router). That way, new components plug into what’s already there and keep your surfaces spotless. I tend to start with smart bulbs and plugs, add discreet sensors where they make the most difference, and graduate to motorized coverings only when they solve a daily annoyance. If you want, I can outline a specific shopping list and setup steps for a typical two‑bedroom flat — tell me which voice assistant or phone ecosystem you use and I’ll tailor recommendations.