Home Assistant vs SmartThings
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading iot & smart home solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Home Assistant if you need Local Control and prefer a free starting option. Choose SmartThings if you prioritize Multi-Brand Support and want a free tier to start. Home Assistant has a higher user rating (4.9 vs 4.6).
Home Assistant vs SmartThings: At a Glance
| Criteria | Home Assistant | SmartThings |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Pricing Model | Open Source | Freemium |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Linux, Docker, Raspberry Pi, MacOS, Windows | IOS, Android, Web, Wearables |
| Category | IoT & Smart Home | IoT & Smart Home |
| Founded | 2013 | 1938 |
Feature Comparison: Home Assistant vs SmartThings
| Feature | Home Assistant | SmartThings |
|---|---|---|
| Local Control | ||
| Privacy First | ||
| Automation Engine | ||
| Custom Integrations | ||
| 150+ integrations | ||
| Voice Control | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| REST API | ||
| Linux support | ||
| Docker support | ||
| Raspberry Pi support | ||
| MacOS support | ||
| Windows support | ||
| Multi-Brand Support | ||
| Device Control | ||
| Automations | ||
| Cloud Backup | ||
| 500+ device types | ||
| Routines | ||
| IFTTT integration | ||
| IOS support | ||
| Android support | ||
| Web support | ||
| Wearables support |
Home Assistant vs SmartThings: Pricing Breakdown
Home Assistant Pricing
Model: Open Source
- Unlimited devices
- Full automation
- Local control
SmartThings Pricing
Model: Freemium
- Basic automations
- Device control
- Limited routines
- Advanced automations
- Priority support
- Cloud backup
Pros and Cons
Home Assistant
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.9/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 5 platforms (Linux, Docker, Raspberry Pi, MacOS, Windows)
- Rich feature set with 13+ capabilities
- Strong Local Control functionality
- Strong Privacy First functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
SmartThings
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.6/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Available on 4 platforms (IOS, Android, Web, Wearables)
- Rich feature set with 12+ capabilities
- Strong Multi-Brand Support functionality
- Strong Device Control functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Home Assistant vs SmartThings?
Choose Home Assistant if you:
- Need Local Control
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Linux and Docker
- Value Privacy First
Choose SmartThings if you:
- Need Multi-Brand Support
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on IOS and Android
- Value Device Control
Frequently Asked Questions: Home Assistant vs SmartThings
Is Home Assistant better than SmartThings?
It depends on your needs. Home Assistant has a 4.9/5 user rating while SmartThings has 4.6/5. Home Assistant excels in Local Control and Privacy First, while SmartThings stands out with Multi-Brand Support and Device Control. Consider your budget (Free vs Free), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Home Assistant or SmartThings?
Home Assistant offers a free plan and starts at Free. SmartThings offers a free plan and starts at Free. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use Home Assistant and SmartThings together?
While both are iot & smart home tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core iot & smart home needs.
What are the main differences between Home Assistant and SmartThings?
The key differences include: pricing model (Open Source vs Freemium), platform support (Linux, Docker, Raspberry Pi, MacOS, Windows vs IOS, Android, Web, Wearables), and feature focus. Home Assistant emphasizes Local Control, Privacy First, Automation Engine while SmartThings focuses on Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations. User ratings differ slightly: 4.9 vs 4.6 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Home Assistant and SmartThings.