Comparison · Home automation platforms

Homey vs openHAB: which is better in 2026?

Homey ranks higher in our list of home automation platforms (#2 against #4, score 92.5 against 89.0).

How we rank Share

  • 92.5
    Editorial score
    89.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    7
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Homey if you want

Local hub with a free cloud option.

Homey Pro runs locally with no subscription, and Homey Cloud starts free without a hub. Its support for more than 70,000 devices and its Matter, Thread and Zigbee support are broad, but community apps vary in quality.

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.

The main differences

  • Only openHAB runs on Linux.
  • Only openHAB runs on Windows.
  • Only openHAB runs on macOS.
  • openHAB is open source; Homey is not.

Side by side

HomeyopenHAB
Score92.589.0
Rank in list#2 of 11#4 of 11
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesCloud free up to 5 devices; Homey Pro is a one-time purchaseFree and open sourceFree; the myopenHAB cloud connector is a free service
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsiOSAndroidWebSelf-hostediOS, Android, Web, Self-hostedSelf-hostedLinuxmacOSWindowsWebiOSAndroidSelf-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android
Made byAthom B.V.openHAB Foundation
Where automations runHomey Pro, a self-hosted server or Homey CloudYour own server, Pi or Docker
Hub hardwareHomey Pro or Pro mini, none for CloudNone, any supported computer or Pi
Matter supportYes, listed under connectivityNot stated on vendor site
Best forLocal hub with a free cloud optionVendor-neutral open-source server for tinkerers
Strengths
  • Homey Cloud needs no hub and starts free
  • Homey Pro runs locally with no subscription
  • Matter, Thread and Zigbee support
  • 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
  • Community apps vary in quality
  • Homey Cloud costs more beyond five devices
  • Setup and rules take more effort than consumer hub apps
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Homey vs openHAB

Is Homey better than openHAB?
Homey ranks higher in our list of home automation platforms (#2 against #4, score 92.5 against 89.0). Homey is best for: local hub with a free cloud option. openHAB is best for: vendor-neutral open-source server for tinkerers.
Which is cheaper, Homey or openHAB?
Homey: Cloud free up to 5 devices; Homey Pro is a one-time purchase. openHAB: Free; the myopenHAB cloud connector is a free service.
Do Homey and openHAB run on the same platforms?
Homey supports iOS, Android, Web, Self-hosted. openHAB supports Self-hosted, Linux, macOS, Windows, Web, iOS, Android.