WebThings Gateway
WebThings Gateway is free, self-hosted software for monitoring and controlling smart home devices through a web interface.
What WebThings Gateway is
WebThings Gateway is free, self-hosted software for monitoring and controlling smart home devices through a web interface. Local control lets users manage devices without a middleman, while Zigbee and Z-Wave support cover common protocols. A drag-and-drop rules engine creates “if this then that” automations. Devices can be placed on an interactive floorplan, with sensor data logged over time. Adapter add-ons extend device and protocol compatibility, and the add-on system can add notifications and interface features. Documentation lists more than a hundred community-contributed add-ons, while warning that their safety is not guaranteed. Docker is the recommended installation method for version 2.0; experimental Snap and source builds are also available. Docker hosts can run on Linux, Windows and macOS. Previous Raspberry Pi OS images are unavailable for Gateway 2.0, and the Raspberry Pi download is deprecated. Many add-ons may not yet work properly with Gateway 2.0. WebThings Cloud can provide an end-to-end encrypted remote-access tunnel.
Good
- Free self-hosted gateway software
- Local control through a unified web interface
- Drag-and-drop automation rules
- Supports Zigbee and Z-Wave
- Interactive floorplans and logged sensor data
Watch out
- Many add-ons may not work with Gateway 2.0
- Third-party add-on safety is not guaranteed
- Raspberry Pi download is deprecated
- Docker is recommended for version 2.0
Who it suits
WebThings Gateway suits users who want local, self-hosted smart home control with Zigbee, Z-Wave and customizable add-ons. It also fits people comfortable with Docker or other installation methods.
Verdict
WebThings Gateway provides local smart home management with automation and broad add-on support. Users should review compatibility and installation limitations before choosing Gateway 2.0.
Plans and prices
From WebThings Gateway's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| WebThings Gateway | Free | Self-hosted gateway software; Docker image; experimental Snap; source build |
The facts
Each one read from WebThings Gateway's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Add-on caution
- The documentation warns that the project cannot guarantee third-party add-ons are safe to use.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Its rules engine lets users create “if this then that” automations with a drag and drop interface.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Community add-ons
- The documentation says there are over a hundred community-contributed add-ons to choose from.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The documentation warns that many add-ons may not yet work properly with Gateway 2.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Install options
- The recommended installation method for version 2.0 is Docker; an experimental Snap package and source build are also available.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Adapter add-ons add compatibility with devices and protocols, and the add-ons system also supports notification and interface extensions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Local control
- Yeschecked 25 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- The Docker installation instructions include commands for Linux, Windows, and macOS hosts.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WebThings Gateway is software for smart home hubs that lets users monitor and control their home over the web.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Raspberry Pi status
- The previous Raspberry Pi OS images are not available for Gateway 2.0, and the Raspberry Pi download is marked deprecated.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project describes the gateway as enabling smart home control without a middleman, and WebThings Cloud can provide an end-to-end encrypted tunnel for remote access.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its forum, Matrix channel, or GitHub issues for support.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Unified interface
- It provides a unified web interface for monitoring and controlling smart home devices.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Zigbee support
- Yeschecked 25 Sep 2026
- Z-Wave support
- Yeschecked 25 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Device views
- Users can place devices on an interactive floorplan and view sensor data logged over time.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 25 Sep 2026
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