You can use an Apple TV just as a HomeKit hub if you want, we did that for a couple of years. Or you can use an iPad or HomePod as a hub for remote access.
If you already have HomeKit, then hue is sort of a no brainer. It works great with HomeKit, including multiple Hue bridges. And if you need advanced automations, you can use Shortcuts.
The Gledopto RGBW controllers have decent safety certifications and work well either through Hue bridge or connected to a smartthings hub. Again, though, you get better group and scene controls through the Hue or HomeKit app.