Looking for the most versatile hub to unify automation routines across Aqara, Tapo/Kasa, Samsung SmartThings, and Amazon Alexa ecosystems. My setup includes a mix of Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi devices—no Thread support at this time. I strongly prefer local automation over cloud-based solutions, though I understand device limitations may require hybrid approaches.
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I guess the real question is “what is your overall home automation hub strategy?”. Are you using multiple ecosystems (Aqara, Philips, Lutron, etc) or are you trying to unify them all with something like Home Assistant, Homey, Apple Home? Also, size of your home will play a big factor (IMO) when using lots of devices in any of your protocols. For instance, my zigbee network failed regularly until I installed “routers” (smart plugs that expanded my zigbee mesh).
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Yes, trying to unify into something like HA or Homey. Home size is a factor, true, hence we’ve got a mixed bag, given from what I understand, all devices/protocols have limits, in different aspects like number of devices or number of hops, etc.
Strategy is open or can/will be adjusted, at the moment, Kasa/Tapo switches are the most, and I’d like to close the cloud link and run things locally, I see some custom code or tools out there, more stand-alone, but not sure from a ‘hub’ what works best with these devices.
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I think I’ve tried about every unifying platform. I am a big fan of Homey (easy scripting for automations with their visual tool). But, I kept dropping zigbee devices (I have 39…mostly leak and temp sensors). So, I went to Home Assistant. And, while a bit more stable, same result (dropping zigbee devices). Then, realized it was that I didn’t have enough zigbee routers. So, several strategically placed smart plugs that act as routers and problem solved. Our home is ~5,700 sq.ft. At this point, I’m using HA. Why? Well, ChatGPT does a pretty decent job of writing complex YAML for me. That said, I’ll probably pick something to use as a test-case for Homey (since I still have the Pro and Bridge). IMO, the only challenge with HA or Homey is the integration of voice. That is still the easiest way for my wife to tell lights to come on/off if they aren’t automated. And, since I’ve generally stayed with Philips and Lutron, that easily integrates with Apple Home and HomePods. Good Luck!
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I use HomeKit for voice control, Homey pro for automations. I was using HA but it made my smart home less stable for some reason. There was always a problem with something.
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I don’t know much about Homey Pro. With Apple HomeKit, do you know if it acts like a hub or a bridge? Having trouble connecting an FP2 sensor and considering a hub.
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Homekit is a hub. Im not sure why u would be having problems connecting it tho.
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I saw a video on YouTube with a guy that is speculating that Homey may introduce voice assistance. Would be great if they would. At this point, it’s just speculation due to some comments from Emile on the Podcast. It makes some sense, though.
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Interesting, waiting for news about the voice assistant from homey 