10 Best Homebridge Alternatives

Homebridge is a NodeJS server that can run on your network and be used to automate a variety of actions. It is particularly useful for controlling smart home devices.

It easily integrates with third-party plugins to ensure you enjoy greater control. It has a relatively simple interface so you can easily get acquainted with how everything works.

Homebridge faces stiff competition when it comes to platforms that help users automate smart home device processes. Some of the competitors include openHAB, Google Home, ioBroker, and CyBear Jinni.

However, the best alternative to Homebridge is Home Assistant thanks to its cross-platform design, ease of use, and support for hundreds of plugins.

Why Would You Need Homebridge Alternatives?

Homebridge is not a privacy-focused platform and that means third-party entities can take advantage and collect information that you would otherwise want to keep confidential.

Another downside to using Homebridge is that it does not support as many devices as some of its competitors. That means you may not be able to install it on some of your devices.

Given all this and more, you might want to explore alternative tools. The ones that I have listed below are rich in features and cater to all your needs.

Read on to find out more.

Best Homebridge Alternatives

1. Home Assistant

Home Assistant is one of the most popular alternatives to Homebridge. It is a free, open-source option you can download and start using immediately.

It is also a cross-platform option that can work seamlessly on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. One of the things that makes it a good choice is that it does not run any external advertisements.

Home Assistant places its emphasis on privacy. That means it does not store your data in the cloud so you do not have to worry about third-party entities collecting your information.

Additionally, It utilizes state-of-the-art security encryption to ensure that all your information remains safe. The tool boasts a clean user interface that makes it easy to navigate and get an overview of your smart home devices.

It incorporates a dark mode so you can enjoy comfortable usage in poorly lit conditions. Another impressive thing about this tool is that its usage can be enhanced through additional plugins, add-ons, and extensions.

Once installed, Home Assistant will automatically scan the network and let you know about all the devices you can connect to. Its setup wizard is straightforward so you’ll be able to update everything within a short time.

You can download the app directly from Google Play and the App Store.

2. openHAB

openHAB is a Java-based home automation tool that can help you connect different smart devices into a single system.

It is another tool that places a lot of value on privacy which is why you can rest assured that none of your information will be accessible to third-party entities.

The tool does not run any commercial advertisements so you won’t have to worry about getting bombarded with unnecessary information.

Unlike Homebridge, it supports connection to Chromecast. That means you can project your content to any device that has Chromecast.

openHAB has IFTTT integration allowing you to connect different services to automatically trigger actions within the system. This is another cross-platform solution meaning you can use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.

The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Also Read: HOOBS vs Homebridge

3. Google Home

Google Home provides a centralized way for you to control your smart home devices. It has one of the best-looking interfaces making it easy for anyone to organize their devices and get an overview about each one.

It connects to Chromecast-enabled devices and makes it possible for you to browse through trending and popular content. Unlike Homebridge, it incorporates a search function that lets users find things by entering a few keywords.

For instance, you can find online content by specifying the type you need. That can include videos, pictures, audio, and more.

The tool allows you to play, pause, and even stop media on all connected devices. You also get to customize your TV screen thanks to the beautiful photos and art available.

The app allows you to automate a variety of actions. For instance, you can set the home temperature to change at specified intervals.

You can also turn on the lights and lock doors without being present at home. Google Home works on different platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

You can download and install it directly from the App Store and Google Play.

4. ioBroker

ioBroker is a tool that makes it easy for you to connect your smart devices and gain control from a central location. It has a user-friendly web interface allowing you to gain control from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet.

In contrast to Homebridge, ioBroker easily connects to other smart apps including Google Home and Alexa to ensure that you get an enhanced experience when it comes to what you can do in a smart home.

While you can automate different processes including turning on lights, locking doors, and adjusting room temperature, you also get to do those things through the voice command function.

ioBroker is another free, open-source solution so you can download it and start using it immediately. It is compatible with different systems including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS.

The app is on Google Play and the App Store.

5. Home app

Home is an excellent app that simplifies the way you control your smart devices. It is compatible with Mac and iOS so you shouldn’t be surprised if you find it pre-installed on some of your devices.

Like most alternatives on this list, Home allows you to control most of the smart home processes. For instance, you can turn lights on and off, adjust room temperature, turn on appliances, and so forth.

The tool also makes it possible for you to keep an eye on your home cameras. For instance, you can get to know who is at the front door without being home.

You can even talk to visitors remotely thanks to the microphone feature. Home is a lightweight solution that takes up little room on your device and hardly uses a lot of the system’s resources.

6. CyBear Jinni

CyBear Jinni is another smart home platform that simplifies the way you control your smart devices. It is also a free, open-source alternative to Homebridge which is why you can start enjoying its benefits immediately.

And in case you have some programming knowledge, you can even go ahead and modify it to suit your preferences. The tool supports Linux and Android systems.

CyBear Jinni does not store any of your data in the cloud so you don’t have to worry about anyone collecting your information. It integrates with a variety of apps and tools including Google, Xiaomi Yeelight, Lifx, Switcher, Node-RED, Tasmota, and MQTT.

Take note that the tool can create personalized automations to suit different parts of the home or office.

7. Scrypted

Scrypted is another high-performance integration platform. It distinguishes itself from Homebridge because it mainly deals with the integration of smart video devices such as security cameras.

It can bridge your cameras to three main hubs including Google Home, Apple Homekit, and Amazon Alexa. It works with multiple camera models so you won’t have to worry about getting new hardware.

Scrypted supports models like Unifi, Amcrest, Hikvision, ONVIF, RTSP, Ring, Arlo, Nest/Google, Tuya, Reolink, and more. It can be installed in Docker or on a desktop depending on your preference.

Featuring a simple interface, it allows you to control most of your smart home devices from any location as long as you are connected to the internet. The app allows you to enjoy live streams and recorded content.

You also get to control a variety of functions using voice commands. In case you have any questions regarding Scrypted, you can always join its online community where you’ll get to interact with others who are already using it.

You can download the Android app version and install it directly from Google Play.

8. EVA ICS

EVA ICS is an automation, control, and monitoring platform that can easily ensure that you enjoy more benefits at home or the office. It is regarded as one of the fastest extended automation platforms in the world.

It is unique because it handles millions of objects and events on a single node. It is a good alternative to Homebridge especially if you want something that protects your devices and system.

For instance, data from different nodes are synchronized by multiple push or pull workers that verify each other and ultimately act as a firewall. Another unique thing about this platform is that it can easily install and ensure operations without the need for an internet connection.

9. Homegear

Homegear is a software you can use to connect and control your IoT devices. The software is written in C++ language which is why it is also one of the fastest solutions you can get.

All data communication to and from the network is encrypted and this helps ensure that you remain safe. Encryption also helps to protect your privacy so that no third-party entities can create a profile based on your usage data.

Homegear is a free, open-source alternative to Homebridge and that means you can make contributions to its development as long as you have the know-how.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can increase its functionality through extensions. You can add new devices and systems using PHP, Python, C++, and XML.

It provides you with a flexible way of connecting your devices since it can work as a full-fledged smart home central system or a basic interface to connect to other software.

10. Homeway

Homeway is another simple yet powerful solution you can turn to when you want to control your smart devices in a centralized manner. It is exceptionally easy to set up since it has a straightforward wizard allowing you to have everything in place within a few seconds.

Once installed, you do not need to worry about any maintenance since it updates itself automatically. The software incorporates bank-grade encryption to ensure that all your information is safe.

Homeway works with High Availability setups and has server networks all across the world which is why it is also capable of delivering fast speeds. The software connects to Alexa and Google Assistant to provide you with smooth voice command functionality.

It also has a web interface allowing you to gain access from anywhere in the world. It does not contain any form of external advertisements that can end up becoming a nuisance.

Wrapping Up

Homebridge alternatives such as Home Assistant and openHAB not only have a ton of features but also place a lot of emphasis on keeping your information private.

Alternatives such as ioBroker and CyBear Jinni are free and open-source so you can even modify them without worrying about any copyright infringements.

Depending on your needs and requirements, you can pick the one you like.