Home Assistant
An open-source home-automation platform that puts local control and privacy first, and a self-hostable alternative to SmartThings, Google Home, and Alexa routines. Home Assistant connects 3,000+ integrations, runs automations entirely on your own hardware, and offers customizable dashboards, a voice assistant, and energy monitoring.
Overview
Description
Home Assistant is an open-source home-automation platform that puts local control and privacy first. It is a self-hostable alternative to SmartThings, Google Home, and Alexa routines: automations run on your own hardware, device state stays on your network, and there is no dependency on a manufacturer's cloud. With more than 3,000 integrations, a customizable dashboard, a local voice assistant, and energy monitoring, it can act as the single hub for an entire home.
Features
- Local-first automation: Rules, scripts, and scenes execute on-device with no cloud round-trip.
- 3,000+ integrations: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread, MQTT, and native support for most smart-home brands.
- Dashboards: Drag-and-drop Lovelace UI with cards, floor plans, and custom themes.
- Voice: Assist, a fully local voice assistant, plus optional Alexa/Google bridging.
- Add-ons: One-click add-ons for Zigbee2MQTT, ESPHome, Node-RED, databases, and more.
- Mobile apps: iOS and Android apps with presence detection and notifications.
Technology Stack
- Python (asyncio) core
- Home Assistant Operating System / Supervisor
- SQLite or PostgreSQL recorder database
- Docker or dedicated appliance (Home Assistant Green, Raspberry Pi)
Requirements
- A dedicated device: Home Assistant Green, Raspberry Pi 4/5, mini PC, or a VM
- SSD or NVMe storage (avoid microSD for the database)
- Zigbee/Z-Wave/Thread radio or Wi-Fi devices to control
Learning resources
ULTIMATE Home Assistant Beginner's Guide!
A beginner video covering installation, navigating the UI, adding devices, building dashboards, and writing your first automations.
By · Invalid Date
ArticleGetting started with Home Assistant
The official onboarding guide: choosing hardware, installing Home Assistant OS, creating your account, and adding your first integrations and automations.
By Home Assistant · Invalid Date