Hard&#x2F;expensive is relative.<p>The Samsung SmartThings hub[1] is $99.  GE Link[2] and  Phillips Hue[3] Zigbee light bulbs are $15 at Home Depot.  Z-Wave replacement outlets[4] and switches[5] are less than $50.<p>And there are a ton of other Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible devices available.<p>Alexa has been an awesome addition to my home automation.  Instead of reaching for a remote control or a smartphone app I can just say &quot;Alexa, turn on the &lt;insert name here&gt; light&quot;.<p>[1]: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;shop.smartthings.com&#x2F;#!&#x2F;products&#x2F;samsung-smartthings-hub" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;shop.smartthings.com&#x2F;#!&#x2F;products&#x2F;samsung-smartthings...</a><p>[2]: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;GE-Link-60W-Equivalent-Soft-White-2700K-A19-Connected-Home-LED-Light-Bulb-PSB19-SW27&#x2F;205404345" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;GE-Link-60W-Equivalent-Soft-White...</a><p>[3]: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;Philips-60W-Equivalent-Soft-White-A19-Hue-Connected-Home-LED-Light-Bulb-455295&#x2F;206633282" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;Philips-60W-Equivalent-Soft-White...</a><p>[4]: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;Leviton-Z-Wave-Enabled-15-Amp-Scene-Capable-Receptacle-with-LED-Locator-White-Ivory-Lite-Almond-R02-DZR15-1LZ&#x2F;205298666" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;Leviton-Z-Wave-Enabled-15-Amp-Sce...</a><p>[5]: <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;Leviton-Decora-Z-Wave-Controls-15-Amp-Scene-Capable-Switch-White-Ivory-Light-Almond-R02-DZS15-1LZ&#x2F;205298583" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.homedepot.com&#x2F;p&#x2F;Leviton-Decora-Z-Wave-Controls-15...</a>