FHEM
FHEM is free, GPL version 2 home automation software that runs as a Perl server.
What FHEM is
FHEM is free, GPL version 2 home automation software that runs as a Perl server. It can automate household devices such as lamps, shutters, and heating, while recording events including temperature, humidity, and power use. Control options include web and smartphone frontends, telnet, and direct TCP/IP. FHEM can create device entries and logs when new device data arrives, save events to files or a database with regular-expression filters, notify external programs or scripts, and run timed commands. Its modular design includes over 430 modules, with support for adding device support. Listed examples include HomeMatic, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Philips Hue, Alexa, HomeKit, HomeBridge, and MQTT, as well as TVs, audio systems, and media software. Text, JSON, and XML interfaces are available over TCP/IP, SSL, or HTTP. FHEM requires a continuously running server such as a NAS, Raspberry Pi, PC, or Mac Mini, along with Perl and hardware connected to devices and sensors. Installation coverage includes several Linux distributions, Unix, macOS, and Windows; downloads and a container image are listed. Documentation includes a command reference, wiki, and forum.
Good
- Free GPL version 2 software
- Supports over 430 modules
- Can log events to files or a database
- Offers web, smartphone, telnet, and TCP/IP control
- Examples include Z-Wave, Philips Hue, and MQTT
Watch out
- Requires a continuously running server
- Needs Perl and connected hardware
- Forum entries are mostly in German
Who it suits
FHEM suits people comfortable running a continuously available Perl server and connecting compatible household devices and sensors. It offers local control and a modular approach to home automation.
Verdict
FHEM provides extensive automation and logging options for users willing to maintain a local server and compatible hardware. Its free software comes with the practical requirement to keep that server running.
Plans and prices
From FHEM's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| FHEM | Free | GPL v2 software · requires a continuously running server with Perl and compatible hardware |
The facts
Each one read from FHEM's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation features
- FHEM can automatically create devices and logs when it receives data from a new device, log events to files or a database with regular-expression filters, notify external programs or scripts, and run timed commands.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Documentation and support
- FHEM provides a command reference, wiki, and forum; the site says users may ask questions in English, though most forum entries are in German, and directs support requests to the forum rather than private email.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Downloads and containers
- The download section lists version 6.4 packages dated 2025-03-29, nightly versions, and a container image for Docker, Kubernetes, and Podman.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Energy monitoring
- Yeschecked 24 Sep 2026
- Home automation
- FHEM is a Perl server for automating household devices such as lamps, shutters, and heating, and logging events such as temperature, humidity, and power use.checked 8 Oct 2026
- How it is controlled
- The server can be controlled through web or smartphone frontends, telnet, or TCP/IP directly.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- Its text, JSON, and XML interfaces are available over plain TCP/IP, SSL, or HTTP.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The site identifies FHEM as GPL-licensed and specifies GPL version 2.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Local control
- Yeschecked 24 Sep 2026
- Media integrations
- The site lists support examples including TVs from LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Sony; Bose and Sonos devices; and Kodi, Plex, and Apple TV.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Modules
- The site describes FHEM as modular, with over 430 modules and the ability to add device support.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security and privacy statement
- The privacy notice says internet data transmission may have security gaps and that complete protection from third-party access cannot be guaranteed.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting requirement
- FHEM requires a 24/7 server such as a NAS, Raspberry Pi, PC, or Mac Mini, with Perl and attached hardware to access devices and sensors.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Supported installation systems
- The installation section covers Debian, Ubuntu, Raspbian, Unix, macOS, and Windows, and advises against deploying FHEM on Fritz!Box under the stated Fritz!OS conditions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Voice assistant support
- Yeschecked 24 Sep 2026
- Who it is for
- FHEM is intended for people who can run a continuously available Perl server and connect compatible hardware for household automation.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Z-Wave support
- Yeschecked 24 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Device and service support
- The listed protocol and integration examples include HomeMatic, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Philips Hue, FRITZ!Dect, Alexa, HomeKit, HomeBridge, and MQTT.checked 8 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 24 Sep 2026
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