Home Assistant: reviews and verdict

Software (or own hardware) from Home Assistant (Open-source project). Everything published about it in one place: journalist tests, YouTube reviews, specs and who it suits.

Updated November 2026

Works without internetYes, automations run on the hub
Built-in radiosZigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi, BluetoothRadios via a USB adapter or Home Assistant hardware
Price bandFree or near-free
SetupFor tinkerers
Journalist tests (2025–2026) 3 wins5 category picks

Strengths

  • Free and open source, with the largest integration catalogue
  • Fully local, no account required
  • Strong energy dashboard and camera support

Keep in mind

  • Steepest learning curve here
  • Radios need a USB adapter or Home Assistant hardware
Home Assistant vs Homey ProHome Assistant vs Hubitat ElevationHome Assistant vs Samsung SmartThingsSwitch from Home AssistantSwitch to Home AssistantHome Assistant brand profileOfficial website ↗

What journalists say

All journalist reviews →

12 articles from 2025 and 2026 that test or rank Home Assistant. Results use each publisher’s own wording.

YouTube reviews

All YouTube reviews →

Strengths, price band and setup are our own editorial assessment, the same data the Hub Advisor and Compare use. Check the maker’s spec sheet for your exact model.