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openHAB

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openHAB

openHAB is a powerful, open-source smart home platform built for users who want complete flexibility and full local control. It connects devices from many brands and protocols under one system and offers deep customization through a modular architecture that supports advanced automations, dashboards, and integrations.

Features

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Open-Source & Fully Local

openHAB runs locally on your own hardware, keeping data in your home and giving you full control over system behavior. This local-first approach provides fast performance and strong privacy.

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Extensive Integration Library

With hundreds of official bindings and community add-ons, openHAB supports a wide range of devices, services, and protocols. Its open structure makes it one of the most adaptable platforms available.

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Runs On Many Hardware Options

openHAB works on Raspberry Pi, PCs, servers, NAS devices, and dedicated hardware. This gives you flexibility to scale from small setups to advanced home automation systems.

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Advanced Automation Tools

openHAB supports multiple automation methods including Blockly, rules DSL, scripts, and graphical tools. Users can build anything from simple schedules to complex, multi-condition logic.

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Modular Architecture Through Add-Ons

Add-ons extend openHAB with new device integrations, automation tools, UI elements, and system capabilities. This modular design allows your smart home to grow without changing platforms.

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Customizable Dashboards

HABPanel lets you design personalized dashboards with widgets, tiles, and layouts. This is ideal for wall-mounted tablets, control centers, or custom smart home interfaces.

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Cross-Platform Voice Assistant Support

openHAB connects to Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri through dedicated integrations. This provides hands-free control while keeping your core automations local.

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Strong Community Support

An active global community contributes documentation, tutorials, bindings, and automation examples. This constant collaboration gives users reliable support and ongoing innovation.

Integrations

Aqara

Compact Zigbee smart sensors

Google

Voice-first smart home devices

Govee

Colorful smart lighting

Philips Hue

Premium smart lighting control

openHAB HABPanel Dashboards

openHAB offers multiple dashboard options, including the Main UI and HABPanel, giving you the freedom to design interfaces that match your home and devices. You can create layouts for tablets, desktops, or mobile access, all connected through your local openHAB setup.

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openHAB dashboard placeholder
Ipad Pro Outline White Border
openHAB dashboard placeholder

openHAB Automations

Automations in openHAB can be built through graphical editors, scripts, or rule engines, giving you full control over how devices interact. You can create simple routines or advanced logic that responds to multiple conditions, events, and sensor values.

When
ThirdReality Motion Sensor Motion is detected in the kitchen
And if (optional)
Time of Day It is between the hours of 9pm & 9am
Then do
Govee Strip Lights Turn on kitchen counter strip lights

Related Resources

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Compare openHAB With Other Smart Home Platforms

Smart home platforms vary widely in how they manage devices, privacy, and automation complexity. This comparison tool highlights openHAB’s strengths in local control, customization, and integration depth so you can see how it compares to other major ecosystems.

openHAB

openHAB

Home Assistant

Device Compatibility
openHAB supports thousands of devices and brands through its extensive library of bindings. Its open-source nature allows developers to continuously add new integrations for both modern and legacy smart home products.
Home Assistant supports thousands of smart devices across nearly every major brand and category. Its open-source nature and extensive integration library make it one of the most versatile platforms available.
Protocols Supported
openHAB works with a wide range of protocols including Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MQTT, Modbus, KNX, and Matter. It’s highly flexible and can bridge multiple communication standards within one system.
Home Assistant connects with almost every major protocol, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter, Thread, and Bluetooth. Additional support for APIs, MQTT, and custom integrations extends compatibility even further.
Ecosystem Size
The openHAB ecosystem includes hundreds of official bindings and community-developed add-ons. Its modular architecture ensures that nearly any device or service can be integrated with the right configuration.
With hundreds of native integrations and a thriving developer community, Home Assistant’s ecosystem continues to grow rapidly. Users can connect proprietary hubs and third-party systems under a single, unified platform.
Setup Process
Setup is moderately technical and requires installing openHAB on a compatible device such as a Raspberry Pi, PC, or NAS. Once configured, the web-based interface makes adding and managing devices straightforward.
Setup is more technical than plug-and-play but offers full flexibility. Installation varies by hardware, and once configured, devices integrate seamlessly through community-supported add-ons and guided setup flows.
Mobile App & Interface
openHAB offers a customizable web dashboard and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The interface prioritizes flexibility, allowing users to design detailed control panels for their connected devices.
The Home Assistant Companion app provides local and remote control, notifications, and sensor data. Its Lovelace dashboard system gives users deep customization over layout, appearance, and functionality.
Voice Assistant Integration
openHAB supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri through dedicated integrations. Users can also connect open-source voice systems like Rhasspy or Mycroft for local-only voice control.
Home Assistant supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri through official integrations, along with its own local “Assist” voice control. Advanced users can add privacy-focused options like Rhasspy for local-only processing.
Automation Capabilities
Its rule engine supports simple triggers or complex logic using scripts and conditions. Automations can be written in languages like Blockly, JavaScript, or Rules DSL for maximum flexibility.
Home Assistant’s automation engine supports simple routines and complex logic with triggers, conditions, and scripting. Users can build from templates or import community-created Blueprints for faster setup.
Remote Access
openHAB allows secure remote access through its cloud connector or self-hosted methods like VPN or port forwarding. All automations continue to operate locally, even without internet access.
Users can access their Home Assistant setup locally or remotely through Nabu Casa’s cloud service, VPN, or self-hosted solutions. Core automations continue to function even when offline.
Customization
Users can fully customize dashboards, automation rules, and device layouts. Themes, custom widgets, and integrations can be tailored to create a personalized smart home control environment.
Everything in Home Assistant can be customized, from dashboard design to automation logic and integrations. Users can build completely personalized interfaces and experiences tailored to their needs.
Cloud vs. Local Control
openHAB prioritizes local control, with cloud connectivity available only for optional remote access and external services. This keeps automations fast and data secure within your network.
Home Assistant prioritizes local control to keep your data private and automations fast. Cloud services are optional, giving you the choice between full independence or added convenience.
Data Privacy
Because it’s open source and self-hosted, all data stays under user control. No personal information or device data is shared unless explicitly configured for cloud services.
Because it’s open source and locally hosted, you decide where data is stored and who can access it. There are no hidden cloud dependencies or required external connections.
Security Standards
Secure authentication, encrypted connections, and community-reviewed updates protect the platform from vulnerabilities. Users have complete visibility into system configurations and network access.
Security depends on user configuration but is generally strong. Regular updates, encryption, and community transparency make it easy to maintain a secure setup.
Hub Requirement
openHAB does not require a proprietary hub. It runs on general-purpose hardware but may need USB dongles or bridges to connect Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread-based devices.
A dedicated hub isn’t required, though most setups use a central device like a Raspberry Pi or server. USB radios or bridges may be needed to connect Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread devices.
Hardware Options
You can install openHAB on Raspberry Pi, servers, PCs, or dedicated devices like openHABian. This flexibility lets users build systems scaled from small home setups to enterprise environments.
Home Assistant can run on Raspberry Pi, mini PCs, NAS units, or official hardware like the Home Assistant Green and Yellow. This flexibility lets users scale from basic setups to enterprise-grade control.
Pricing Model
openHAB is entirely free and open source, with no required subscriptions or licensing fees. Optional cloud access and integrations are also available at no cost.
The core software is free and open source. Optional paid services, like Nabu Casa for remote access and cloud-assisted voice control, add convenience without limiting local features.
Third-Party Integrations
openHAB integrates with IFTTT, Node-RED, MQTT, and REST APIs, among others. Its open architecture allows seamless interaction with virtually any third-party service or platform.
Home Assistant integrates with IFTTT, Node-RED, MQTT, and open APIs. Users can also build their own integrations or install thousands of community-made ones.
Community Support
The openHAB community is active and developer-driven, offering detailed documentation, forums, and tutorials. Frequent updates and shared resources help users troubleshoot and expand their setups.
An active global community drives development through forums, GitHub, and tutorials. Frequent updates and shared Blueprints make it easy for new users to find help and inspiration.
Future-Proofing
openHAB evolves continuously with support for new standards like Matter and Thread. Its open-source foundation ensures long-term adaptability and independence from vendor restrictions.
Home Assistant evolves quickly with support for new standards like Matter and Thread. Its open-source foundation ensures adaptability and long-term compatibility across devices and protocols.