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Software · head to head

Control4 vs HOMER Energy

Control4 logo

Control4

Software

Premium integrated control system for smart homes and buildings

From
$1000/project
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
HOMER Energy logo

HOMER Energy

Software

Microgrid and distributed energy optimization software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only HOMER Energy has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Control4 requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option; HOMER Energy now owned by UL Solutions rather than being independent
  • They diverge on capability: Control4 covers Integrated Control, HOMER Energy covers Microgrid optimization.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Control4 and HOMER Energy actually diverge.

Attributes where Control4 and HOMER Energy differ
AttributeControl4HOMER Energy
Starting price$1000/projectFree
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsMobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hubWindows, Web
Founded20032009

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Control4

  • Integrated Control
  • Lighting
  • Climate
  • Security
  • Entertainment
  • 1000+ devices
  • Voice Control
  • Mobile app

Only in HOMER Energy

  • Microgrid optimization
  • Techno-economic analysis
  • Component library
  • Sensitivity analysis
  • Energy storage sizing
  • Renewable integration
  • Load profile analysis
  • Financial modeling

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Control4

  • Whole-home automationnot HOMER Energy
  • Commercial building controlnot HOMER Energy
  • Custom installationnot HOMER Energy
  • Luxury smart homenot HOMER Energy

HOMER Energy

  • Sizing and optimising off-grid and microgrid systemsnot Control4
  • Modelling the economics of solar, wind and battery combinationsnot Control4
  • Electric bill optimisation for grid-connected sites and EV chargingnot Control4
  • Utility-scale storage investment analysisnot Control4
  • Comparing least-cost configurations against load and resource datanot Control4

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Control4

  • Requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option
  • Limited device compatibility; works best with Control4-certified ecosystems
  • Subscription required for remote access and advanced features
  • System complexity requires technical knowledge or ongoing dealer support

HOMER Energy

  • Now owned by UL Solutions rather than being independent
  • Split into three separate products, HOMER Pro for off-grid and microgrids, HOMER Grid for bill optimisation and HOMER Front for utility-scale, so the right one depends on project type
  • Pricing is not shown on the product pages

Pricing, plan by plan

Control4

$1000/project

No published plan breakdown. See the Control4 review.

HOMER Energy

Free
  • HOMER GridFree
    • Grid-connected optimization
    • Basic components
    • Limited simulations
  • HOMER Pro$1500/year
    • Advanced optimization
    • All components
    • Unlimited simulations
  • Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Multi-user licenses
    • API access
    • Custom modules

Which should you pick?

Choose Control4 if

  • You need integrated control.
  • You work on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub.
  • You also want lighting.
Control4 review

Choose HOMER Energy if

  • You need microgrid optimization.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Web.
  • You also want techno-economic analysis.
HOMER Energy review

Questions people ask

Is Control4 or HOMER Energy better?
Neither clearly leads. Control4 starts at $1000/project and HOMER Energy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Control4 or HOMER Energy?
HOMER Energy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1000/project for Control4 and Free for HOMER Energy.
Does Control4 or HOMER Energy run on more platforms?
Control4 runs on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub. HOMER Energy runs on Windows, Web.
Can I use HOMER Energy for free?
Yes. HOMER Energy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Control4 starts at $1000/project.
What is Control4 best used for?
Control4 is most often used for whole-home automation, commercial building control, custom installation, luxury smart home. Of those, whole-home automation and commercial building control are not what HOMER Energy is typically brought in for.
What can Control4 do that HOMER Energy cannot?
Control4 covers Integrated Control, Lighting, Climate, Security. HOMER Energy covers Microgrid optimization, Techno-economic analysis, Component library, Sensitivity analysis.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Control4: What devices can Control4 control?

Control4 controls connected home devices including lighting, audio, video, climate control, locks, intercoms, and security systems. Compatibility varies by device brand and integration type.

Source
Control4: Does Control4 require a subscription?

Control4 systems work locally without subscription, but the Connect service subscription adds remote access and premium features. Connect pricing varies; as of 2026, base Connect is optional.

Source
Control4: Is professional installation required for Control4?

Yes. Control4 systems are professionally installed and configured by certified Control4 dealers. Installation complexity and cost depend on system scope and home size.

Source
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