Samsung SmartThings Hub (2nd Gen) Expired

Buy zwave devices where possible. They almost always work with almost every controller. Locks and actuators are the bulk of the "almost" because they often require a zwave plus/500 series controller for the encrypted enrollment process. Some multifunction devices, like 6-in-1 sensors, might not have all their functions supported. But ye olde zwave plus switch will work with a 1st gen zwave controller.

ZigBee devices usually have proprietary commands rather than following the ZigBee HA standards. Meaning if you ever leave smartthings, there is no guarantee that any SmarThinga ZigBee devices would be supported.

Avoid wifi devices. Each requires a custom connection app on the controller and it may involve internet servers that may or may not be there in 5 years. On top of that, wifi devices could become a threat to your others, e.g. the mirai botnet that infected wifi cameras.

Monoprice is a good place to get white box sensors. I have a vera and have had no trouble with any of it. you can find things on sale elsewhere cheaper from time to time but monoprice runs frequent sales so it's a great place to learn baseline pricing.

Watch for sales at Lowe's. They had GE zwave in wall switches on sale last month for around $30 after rebates. The iris garage door controller (rebadged linear gdz004) and thermostat (rebadged RTS ct101) are both zwave as well and a really good price with their coupons/rebates.

Both zwave and ZigBee are mesh networks but battery powered devices don't act as repeaters. Be prepared to buy some 110v devices to extend the network range. Lamp or appliance controllers can often be had for $25 (at least for zwave) and are both more useful and cheaper than a dedicated repeater.

Lastly, don't buy smartthings or wink if you don't entirely trust your internet connectivity. Both need the internet for some functionality. If your ISP goes down, some functions won't work.

Amazon has it for the same price.
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Sm...generation

Also, 10% cash back from Samsung website and 5% cash back from Walmart when using Discover card!!

Philips Hue seems more limited in terms of what you can do with it (lights only ? ) but getting started is easier. SmartThings supports myriad devices / switches / dimmers / locks etc, has integration with Google Home / Alexa and has an API.
Over a period of time, I've converted all the switches in my home to z-wave and got a Schlage connect lock. All of this works beautifully with SmartThings.