Google Home brings compatible smart devices into one app for setup, control, and home automation.
Best Home Automation & Smart Home Software in 2026
Home automation and smart home software helps you control connected devices, create automations and manage a home from a central app or service. Options include hosted services, desktop tools and self-hosted systems. Compare Android support first if you use a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet. Then check iOS, web, Windows, macOS or Linux access, plus pricing, free plans, trials and whether the code is open…
Homey is a smart-home platform for controlling connected devices and building automations.
OpenRemote is a free, open-source IoT platform that brings different protocols and data sources into one management system.
- 4
HomeSeer HS4
HomeSeer HS4 is smart home automation software for building a Windows or Linux controller that manages devices remotely and runs automations locally.
Free planAndroidiOSWebLinux7.8From $39.95 a year - 5
Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa is a cloud-based voice service available through Amazon and third-party devices, with Android, iOS, and web access.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb7.6Free plan - 6
FHEM
FHEM is free, GPL version 2 home automation software that runs as a Perl server.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.1Free plan - 7
Jeedom
Jeedom is open-source home automation software for connecting equipment and controlling and automating how it operates.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.1Free plan - 8
Hubitat Elevation
Hubitat Elevation is a home automation hub that runs automations and stores device data locally rather than in the cloud.
AndroidiOS6.9$184.95 one-time - 9
ioBroker
ioBroker connects devices and services from different manufacturers for monitoring, control, and home automation.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS6.9Free plan - 10
Calaos
Calaos is a free home automation system connecting hardware with interfaces for controlling a home.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.6 - 11
openHAB
openHAB is free, open-source home automation software that runs on the user’s own hardware.
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.6 - 12
Apple Home
Apple Home is a free app for controlling compatible smart home accessories across Apple devices.
Free planiOSmacOS6.5Free plan - 13
HomeGenie
HomeGenie is a free, open-source ecosystem for controlling smart homes and connected devices with local-first software and hardware.
AndroidAPILinuxmacOS6.5 - 145.8From $7.99 a month
- 154.7
- 164.6
- 17
Indigo
Perceptive Automation
4.3 - 18
Samsung SmartThings
Samsung
4.3
Choosing well
Check Android access
If your phone is the main control screen, confirm that the service has an Android app before choosing it.
Review tablet and iOS support too when a household uses more than one mobile platform.
Match your setup
Platform coverage ranges across Android, iOS, web, Windows, macOS, Linux and self-hosted installations. Pick a setup that fits the computers and phones you plan to use.
Desktop-focused tools can suit a home server or computer, while a hosted web service may be easier to reach from different devices.
Compare plans and trials
Pricing models include free, freemium and paid software. Check whether a free plan covers the controls you need and whether paid access starts at a stated price.
A free trial may be available for a product, so review its trial terms before committing.
Decide who controls the system
Self-hosted and open-source options can suit readers who want to run or inspect the software themselves. Check the licence and the platform requirements before installing.
A hosted service can reduce setup work, but read its platform and plan details to confirm it fits your home.
Questions people ask
Can I use these tools on an Android phone?
Android support varies by product. Check the platform details for an Android app or use a listed web interface when available.
Are free smart home tools available?
Yes. The category includes free plans and free software. Review the listing's pricing model and plan note before choosing.
Is open-source smart home software available?
Yes. Open-source code is offered by tools in this category. Check the licence and installation platform before using one.
Can I run smart home software on Linux?
Linux is a supported platform for tools in this category. Confirm whether the product is a Linux app, a web service or a self-hosted install.
Do any products offer a free trial?
A free trial is available from products in this category. Check the individual pricing note for its length and terms.