Software · head to head
SwitchBot vs Hubitat Elevation
Hubitat Elevation
Software
Local home automation hub for advanced users
- From
- $189.95/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: SwitchBot switchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo; Hubitat Elevation limited app ecosystem compared to Amazon Alexa or Google Home platforms
- They diverge on capability: SwitchBot covers Button automation, Hubitat Elevation covers Local Processing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which SwitchBot and Hubitat Elevation actually diverge.
| Attribute | SwitchBot | Hubitat Elevation |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | $189.95/one-time |
| Pricing model | one-time | Unknown |
| Platforms | IOS, Android | Local hub (Model C-8), Local hub (Model C-7), Mobile app (iOS and Android) |
| Founded | 2015 | 2016 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 SwitchBot
- Button automation
- IR control
- Schedules
- Sensors
- Scene automation
- Voice control
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
Only in Hubitat Elevation
- Local Processing
- Rule Machine
- Z-Wave Plus
- Zigbee 3.0
- Dashboard
- Voice assistants
- Custom apps
- MQTT
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
SwitchBot
- Retrofit automationnot Hubitat Elevation
- Curtain controlnot Hubitat Elevation
- AC controlnot Hubitat Elevation
- Simple automationnot Hubitat Elevation
Hubitat Elevation
- Advanced automationnot SwitchBot
- Local controlnot SwitchBot
- Complex rulesnot SwitchBot
- Multi-protocol integrationnot SwitchBot
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
SwitchBot
- SwitchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo
Hubitat Elevation
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Amazon Alexa or Google Home platforms
- Requires purchase of hub hardware; no free tier
Pricing, plan by plan
SwitchBot
On request- Bot$29/month
- Button pusher
- Schedule
- Voice control
- Curtain$89/month
- Solar powered option
- Light sensor
- Schedule
- Hub Mini$39/month
- IR control
- Cloud access
- Voice assistants
Hubitat Elevation
$189.95/one-time- Hub Hardware$189.95/one-time
- Z-Wave Plus 800 and Zigbee 3.0
- Matter 1.5 support
- Local automation engine
- Cloud Backup (optional)$30/year
- Cloud backup of automations
- Automatic backups
- Remote Admin (optional)$36/year
- Remote access via cloud
- Mobile app remote control
Which should you pick?
Choose SwitchBot if
- You need button automation.
- You work on IOS, Android.
- You also want ir control.
Choose Hubitat Elevation if
- You need local processing.
- You work on Local hub (Model C-8), Local hub (Model C-7), Mobile app (iOS and Android).
- You also want rule machine.
Questions people ask
- Is SwitchBot or Hubitat Elevation better?
- Neither clearly leads. SwitchBot starts at On request and Hubitat Elevation at $189.95/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, SwitchBot or Hubitat Elevation?
- SwitchBot starts at On request and Hubitat Elevation at $189.95/one-time.
- Does SwitchBot or Hubitat Elevation run on more platforms?
- SwitchBot runs on IOS, Android. Hubitat Elevation runs on Local hub (Model C-8), Local hub (Model C-7), Mobile app (iOS and Android).
- What is SwitchBot best used for?
- SwitchBot is most often used for retrofit automation, curtain control, ac control, simple automation. Of those, retrofit automation and curtain control are not what Hubitat Elevation is typically brought in for.
- What can SwitchBot do that Hubitat Elevation cannot?
- SwitchBot covers Button automation, IR control, Schedules, Sensors. Hubitat Elevation covers Local Processing, Rule Machine, Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee 3.0.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Hubitat Elevation: Does Hubitat require a cloud connection or subscription?
No. All automations and device control run locally without cloud dependency. Hubitat does not require subscriptions for core features; optional cloud backup ($30/year) and remote admin ($36/year) are available.
SourceHubitat Elevation: How many devices can Hubitat control?
The Hubitat Elevation Model C-8 supports 1,000+ devices across 100+ brands through Zigbee, Z-Wave 800 Long Range, Matter 1.5, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi protocols.
SourceHubitat Elevation: Does Hubitat work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit?
Yes. Hubitat integrates with Alexa and Google Home for voice control, and also supports Apple HomeKit via direct integration for HomeKit devices.
SourceHubitat Elevation: What is the difference between the C-7 and C-8 models?
The C-8 ($189.95) features Z-Wave Plus 800, Zigbee 3.0, and expanded memory for handling complex automation. The C-7 is an older model with fewer protocol options and lower performance.
SourceHubitat Elevation: Can I access my hub remotely?
Yes. Local area network (LAN) access is always available. Remote access via the Hubitat mobile app and cloud services requires an optional subscription ($36/year for remote admin).
Source