By CEDIA - Tue, Mar 25, 2025 - Blog
Open source smart home tools let homeowners create customised solutions. Thanks to open source software and codebases, homeowners can build unique systems that bring devices from different manufacturers together – without paying a subscription fee.
To help you decide if an open source solution is right for you, we’ll outline the benefits and run through the best open source smart home tools available. Like what you read about? Whether you’re a code whizz or a novice, a Smart Home Professional will help with installation and make sure you get the most out of your tools.
An open source smart home tool is free software that you use to control smart devices and functions (e.g. smart lighting, thermostats and security systems). Open source tools are flexible. You have the freedom to modify code to create unique experiences.
So, how are they different from other smart home tools? Whenever you think of smart homes, you probably think of control and customisation. By using open source technology, you take this to the maximum as you aren’t restricted by manufacturers’ barriers. If you connect your devices using a proprietary system (i.e. a commercial product sold by a company), you must use the system as intended. With an open source tool, you become the creator. You also maintain more privacy, with ownership over your data.
Another major difference of open source technology is that it’s usually free. With many proprietary systems, you’ll have to pay a subscription.
Open source tools are developed by communities for communities. The nature of open source solutions means you’ll usually need more technical knowledge, but the communities will support you. Plus, a professional installer can set things up.
Considering choosing an open source platform over proprietary technology? While it’s usually the more complex option, it has lots of benefits.
The advantages of open source smart home tools include:
Most open source platforms let you access their code for free – no subscription fees or licensing costs.
You’ll likely have to pay for a professional installer, but you may still need one when using proprietary technology so it’s not necessarily an extra expense.
With proprietary technology, you can only take customisation so far. With an open source solution, you can alter the code in any way you like. Want to program complex automation that you’ve never seen before? Go for it.
Open source tools aren’t affiliated with vendors, so you’re not locked in with one. Commercial smart home systems often only work with proprietary devices. That limits your options and forces you to buy particular products, even if they’re the most expensive (but not the best).
Open source technology is device-agnostic, so you can integrate your system with your favourite appliances. There’s no need to stick to one brand.
Sometimes, companies discontinue commercial systems. After a period, you might not be able to update your control panel or replace compatible devices.
With open source technology, you won’t suffer because of one company’s whims. You’ll always have access to the code and be able to control it.
Building your smart home system with open source tools is a great way of keeping control over your data. Almost all commercial systems force users to send data to the cloud, which is vulnerable to security threats.
Plus, as open source code is publicly available, you know what you’re connecting your smart home devices to. You (or a professional) can examine the code and change anything you don’t like.
Proprietary systems usually require their own hardware, whereas you can program open source codes onto older hardware. Reusing devices that already exist (e.g. Raspberry Pi) is more sustainable. If you change your system, you can use the same device with a new codebase.
One of the great things about open source tools is the community that forms around each one. When you encounter a problem, there are forums full of people willing to troubleshoot. Of course, it varies depending on each open source solution (the more people who use it, the more people who’ll help). But, in general, you’ll find more community support with open source smart home tools than their commercial equivalents.
Remember though that the community doesn’t replace the need for professionals. While enthusiasts will guide you through a DIY solution, more complex systems will still benefit from installation by a Smart Home Professional.
Open source tools’ communities of developers aren’t just there to help you: they’re also there to push things forward.
You don’t need to wait for a new product or an update to improve your smart home system. There are always innovations with open source technology.
Most commercial systems need a constant internet connection. If you’re looking for an offline smart home, consider an open source solution.
Offline smart homes increase reliability as you won’t suffer outages due to poor internet. They also remove your reliance on cloud services, which enhances cyber security.
Another benefit of being offline is that local control makes your smart home run smoother. Keeping things away from the cloud speeds up response times so you’ll have less latency.
There are lots of open source smart home tools available. We’ve outlined some of the most popular.
Overview: Home Assistant is a popular and comprehensive open source smart home solution. It lets users locally control a huge range of smart devices in one place.
Key features: It boasts over 1,000 integrations so it’ll be well-suited to most existing devices and other systems. It also has a user-friendly interface.
Why it’s great: As it’s easy to use, it’s simple to master its impressive automation options. This all-in-one solution is also backed up by enthusiastic supporters and developers. Choose Home Assistant and you’re joining a strong community.
Overview: openHAB (open Home Automation Bus) is an extremely popular open source software for smart homes.
Key features: It’s written in Java code and supports multiple Internet of Things (IoT) communication protocols (e.g. Z-Wave, Zigbee), so you can control your system without Wi-Fi. It also has a built-in rule engine that’ll help you make the most out of home automation.
Why it’s great: Like any good open source solution, it’s highly customisable. So, you can use openHAB however complex your home setup is.
Overview: Domoticz is an easy-to-use option for smart home automation. It’s great for programming routines for your lights, sensors and security cameras.
Key features: It supports lots of smart home devices while staying straightforward to use.
Why it’s great: Because of its simplicity, it’s ideal for connecting and automating the basics.If you’re looking for a small setup, Domoticz is a strong choice.
Overview: Node-RED is a flow-based open source programming tool that lets you integrate and automate smart home devices.
Key features: Node-RED’s visual interface has drag-and-drop programming. It’s easy for users to create custom (and complex) automation workflows by intuitively moving things into place. It also has an extensive library of pre-built integrations.
Why it’s great: It stands out for those who prefer visual programming over traditional coding.
Overview: OpenMotics is an open source platform for home automation that emphasises energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key features: This comprehensive solution has a modular system for easy expansion. It also supports a wide range of devices. In line with its energy efficiency angle, it has built-in energy monitoring tools.
Why it’s great: OpenMotics integrates energy management into home automation, so it’s a brilliant option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy consumption. If you’re interested in making your smart home as eco-friendly as possible, OpenMotics is a serious contender.
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