Home Assistant
Home Assistant is a free, open-source smart home platform that you run yourself and that controls devices from many brands, mostly over your local network.
What it means for you
It suits people who want local control and flexibility and do not mind some setup. Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave devices usually need a compatible USB adapter, and our starter guide explains what to add.
Guides on this topic
- Home Assistant Starter Guide
What Home Assistant is, Green vs a mini PC, and which Zigbee, Thread and Z-Wave adapters to add.
- Do Smart Plugs Need a Hub?
When a plug needs a hub: Wi-Fi vs Matter, Thread border routers, Zigbee and Z-Wave.
- Matter vs. Thread Explained
How Matter and Thread differ, controllers vs border routers, and common myths.
Related terms
← All glossary terms · Search all guides for “Home Assistant”
Definitions are short and general. For model-specific details, check your device maker’s own documentation.