Is Home Assistant better than openHAB?

Home Assistant ranks higher in our list of home automation platforms (#1 against #4, score 95.0 against 89.0). Home Assistant is best for: local, open-source automation for tinkerers. openHAB is best for: vendor-neutral open-source server for tinkerers.

Which is cheaper, Home Assistant or openHAB?

Home Assistant: Free; optional Home Assistant Cloud subscription for remote access. openHAB: Free; the myopenHAB cloud connector is a free service.

Do Home Assistant and openHAB run on the same platforms?

Home Assistant supports Self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android. openHAB supports Self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android.

Home Assistant vs openHAB: Which Is Better? (2026)

95.0
Editorial score
89.0
7
Platforms
7
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Home Assistant if you want

Local, open-source automation for tinkerers.

Free and open source, with local automations, Matter support and more than 1,000 brands through integrations. Setup takes more effort than Apple Home or Alexa, and remote access needs the optional paid Cloud service or your own setup.

Choose openHAB if you want

Vendor-neutral open-source server for tinkerers.

Vendor-neutral and fully open source, running on Linux, Windows, macOS, Docker or a Pi with no cloud required. Its rules and setup take longer to learn than consumer apps, and its site does not state Matter support.

Side by side

	Home Assistant	openHAB
Score	95.0	89.0
Rank in list	#1 of 11	#4 of 11
Price	Free and open sourceFree; optional Home Assistant Cloud subscription for remote access	Free and open sourceFree; the myopenHAB cloud connector is a free service
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Platforms	Self-hostedLinuxmacOSWindowsWebiOSAndroidSelf-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android	Self-hostedLinuxmacOSWindowsWebiOSAndroidSelf-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android
Made by	Open Home Foundation	openHAB Foundation
Where automations run	Your own hardware, works offline	Your own server, Pi or Docker
Hub hardware	Home Assistant Green, or your own Pi or PC	None, any supported computer or Pi
Matter support	Yes, documented Matter integration	Not stated on vendor site
Best for	Local, open-source automation for tinkerers	Vendor-neutral open-source server for tinkerers
Strengths	Local control that keeps working without internet Over 1,000 brands supported through integrations Free open-source core with a large community	Runs on your own hardware with no cloud required More than 3,000 supported things through add-ons Vendor-neutral and run by a non-profit foundation
Limits	Setup and upkeep take more effort than a phone app Remote access needs the paid Cloud service or extra setup	Setup and rules take more effort than consumer hub apps
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Home Assistant vs openHAB

Is Home Assistant better than openHAB?: Home Assistant ranks higher in our list of home automation platforms (#1 against #4, score 95.0 against 89.0). Home Assistant is best for: local, open-source automation for tinkerers. openHAB is best for: vendor-neutral open-source server for tinkerers.
Which is cheaper, Home Assistant or openHAB?: Home Assistant: Free; optional Home Assistant Cloud subscription for remote access. openHAB: Free; the myopenHAB cloud connector is a free service.
Do Home Assistant and openHAB run on the same platforms?: Home Assistant supports Self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android. openHAB supports Self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android.