Open-source alternatives to SmartThings
The most popular self-hosted, open-source alternatives to SmartThings (smart home automation) are Home Assistant (91,590 GitHub stars), Tasmota (24,876 GitHub stars) and Node RED (23,756 GitHub stars). SelfHostHub lists 12 options below, taken from its Internet of Things and Automation categories; 8 support Docker and all of them can run on your own server.
Comparison of self-hosted SmartThings alternatives
| Project | GitHub stars | Licence | Language / platform | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Assistant | 91,590 | Apache-2.0 | Python, Docker | Home automation platform. |
| Tasmota | 24,876 | GPL-3.0 | C, C++ | Open source firmware for ESP devices. Total local control with quick setup and updates. Control using MQTT, Web UI, HTTP or serial. Automate using timers, rules or scripts. Integration with home automation solutions. |
| Node RED | 23,756 | Apache-2.0 | Nodejs, Docker | Browser-based flow editor that helps you wiring hardware devices, APIs and online services to create IoT solutions. |
| Thingsboard | 22,571 | Apache-2.0 | Java, Docker, K8S | IoT Platform - Device management, data collection, processing and visualization. |
| EMQX | 16,827 | Apache-2.0 | Docker, Erlang | Scalable MQTT broker. Connect 100M+ IoT devices in one single cluster, move and process real-time IoT data with 1M msg/s throughput at 1ms latency. |
| evcc | 7,392 | MIT | deb, Docker, Go | Extensible Electric Vehicle Charge Controller and home energy management system. |
| Domoticz | 3,823 | GPL-3.0 | C, C++, Docker, Shell | Home Automation System that lets you monitor and configure various devices like: Lights, Switches, various sensors/meters like Temperature, Rain, Wind, UV, Electra, Gas, Water and much more. |
| Gladys | 3,245 | Apache-2.0 | Nodejs, Docker | Privacy-first home assistant. |
| OpenRemote | 1,927 | AGPL-3.0 | Java | IoT Asset management, Flow Rules and WHEN-THEN rules, Data visualization, Edge Gateway. |
| ioBroker | 1,381 | MIT | Nodejs | Integration platform for the Internet of Things, focused on building automation, smart metering, ambient assisted living, process automation, visualization and data logging. |
| openHAB | 1,157 | EPL-2.0 | Java | Vendor and technology agnostic open source software for home automation. |
| HandBrake Web | 805 | AGPL-3.0 | Docker | Use one or more instances of HandBrake video transcoder on a headless device via a web interface. |
Star counts and licences come from the awesome-selfhosted dataset and may lag GitHub slightly.
Browse the full categories
All self-hosted Internet of Things (IoT) · All self-hosted Automation
Frequently asked questions
What is the best open-source alternative to SmartThings?
By GitHub stars, Home Assistant is the most popular self-hosted alternative to SmartThings listed here, followed by Tasmota and Node RED. The best fit depends on the features and stack you need.
Is there a free self-hosted alternative to SmartThings?
Yes. All 12 projects on this page are open source and can be self-hosted at no licence cost; you pay only for your own server.
Which licences do these SmartThings alternatives use?
The most common licences among them are Apache-2.0 (5), GPL-3.0 (2) and MIT (2).
Can I run a SmartThings alternative with Docker?
8 of the 12 alternatives list Docker as a supported platform.