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The Best Home Automation Companies

What's the Best Home Automation System?

Just a few years ago, the idea of home automation was a futuristic dream, a vision of Jetsons-style technology that promised to simplify every aspect of home life. Fast forward to today, and we're living in a future that even George Jetson would marvel at, thanks to the advancements in home automation technologies.

With smartphones, smart appliances, and smart lights, you can basically automate your entire living space. Whether you're looking for a small efficiency upgrade or to restructure your whole home into an automated utopia, there's an option out there for you. Modern home automation systems go beyond merely securing your home; they now encompass a wide array of functions, from ensuring your home's safety to providing entertainment - and much more in between.

Friday, April 18th

2025 Home Automation Company Reviews

Crestron Review Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award 5 Star Rating

Crestron

5 Star Rating Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Crestron's home automation systems, established in 1972, provide a sophisticated and customizable solution for luxury homes. With a sleek interface and a budgeting tool, Crestron offers centralized control over lighting, climate, security, and more. Despite a lack of transparency on refund policies and limited customer reviews, Crestron stands out for its comprehensive technology integration, promoting wellness through features like tunable LED lights and automated shades. Considering all factors, Crestron receives 5 stars in our review for its advanced home automation technology.

Savant Review 4.5 Star Rating

Savant

4.5 Star Rating

Savant offers luxurious home automation, focusing on upscale features like audio and lighting. While praised for quality, it comes at a high price, starting at $5,000 and exceeding $100,000 for extensive setups. The Savant app provides unified control, but extra entertainment features are costly. Considering that it's on par with other luxury options (or cheaper), Savant still stands out. Although they have a slightly lower BBB rating, Savant is still an excellent choice for your home automation needs.

Apple HomeKit Review 4 Star Rating

Apple HomeKit

4 Star Rating

Apple HomeKit provides a user-friendly and secure solution for home automation, seamlessly integrating various devices into a single app. However, the need to purchase items separately and limited device compatibility may impact whether or not it will fit a customer's existing technology. Despite these limitations, Apple HomeKit is a solid choice for cost-effective home automation.

Control 4 Review 4 Star Rating

Control 4

4 Star Rating

Control4 is a versatile home automation system offering flexibility in choosing smart home devices. You'll need to contact them for a personalized estimate, with costs ranging from $1,500 to over $10,000. While the system integrates well with existing technology, customer feedback is mixed. Altogether Control4 earns a solid rating in our review.

SmartThings Review 3.5 Star Rating

SmartThings

3.5 Star Rating

Samsung's SmartThings offers a free app and a hub to streamline home automation for Android users. While lacking bundled packages, it connects with numerous devices, transforming your phone into a central control hub. Prices vary based on devices, and the hub costs $79.99. With a 15-day return policy and up to a 10-year warranty on some items, Samsung's solid reputation and positive customer reviews make SmartThings a cost-effective choice, though it falls short in providing all-in-one home automation solutions.

Nice Review 3.5 Star Rating

Nice

3.5 Star Rating

Nice, an Italian multinational company established in 1993, specializes in home automation, security, and smart home solutions. To obtain a quote, potential customers need to contact local dealers, and the lack of online pricing or transparent return policies is a drawback. While the products include a touchscreen remote for comprehensive home control, the absence of customer reviews and limited warranty information raises concerns. Nice receives an average rating due to the lack of pricing transparency and customer feedback compared to competitors in the luxury home automation market.

Homeseer Review 3 Star Rating

Homeseer

3 Star Rating

Homeseer has over two decades of experience and is another product that caters to the DIY customer. Similar to another DIY solution in our review (Home Assistant), Homeseer doesn't support the breadth of products that HA does, but Homeseer is easier for the average homeowner to get up and running. Homeseer integrates directly with hundreds of 3rd party components, including SmartThings and Z-Wave devices, giving it an expansive footprint. However the website lacks clear guidance on getting started, and the pick-and-choose pricing model for individual components can make it confusing. Homeseer lets you save thousands of dollars compared with the higher rated solutions in our review, but is best suited for the DIY computer hobbyist.

Home Assistant Review 3 Star Rating

Home Assistant

3 Star Rating

Home Assistant offers a DIY home automation solution, but it requires significant technical expertise. If you know your way around Raspberry Pi and coding, you could save yourself thousands of dollars from the professional systems reviewed here. However, being a DIY system Home Assistant lacks bundled smart devices and full customer support. The absence of a refund policy, limited customer reviews, and the DIY nature make it suitable only for tech-savvy customers.

Guardian Review 2.5 Star Rating

Guardian

2.5 Star Rating

Guardian Security emphasizes comprehensive home security with automation features. Unfortunately, getting a quote requires a call, and customer reviews highlight issues like malfunctioning systems and poor customer service. With an "A+" BBB rating but widespread customer dissatisfaction, Guardian earns a lackluster rating in our review.

Vivint Review 2 Star Rating

Vivint

2 Star Rating

Vivint specializes in home security and automation, offering professional installation and monitoring. While their website allows browsing, pricing details require a call to a representative. The system integrates with popular devices, providing features like fire and flood protection. Baseline estimates for security plans range from $599.99 to $999.99. The company has a poor reputation with a high number of BBB complaints, making it less appealing compared to higher-rated alternatives in the home automation market.

Compare the Best Reviews

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A basic home automation setup typically includes features like a doorbell intercom and camera, smart lights, smart thermostats, motion detectors, sensors for doors and windows, as well as monitoring for smoke and carbon monoxide. For those with a more flexible budget, seeking a provider that integrates entertainment and environmental controls for television, music, lighting, and temperature is a wise move.

While a handful of providers offer do-it-yourself options, (and some of them even require coding knowledge for the very industrious DIYers) most home automation services are delivered through professional dealers. These experts conduct thorough assessments of your home's requirements, then proceed to design, build, and install a customized system.

A reputable professional home automation vendor usually responds within a week of your inquiry, providing a comprehensive price estimate. Many providers go the extra mile by visiting your home for a visual inspection and measurements for precision system installation.

The time required for installation and configuration can vary significantly. For straightforward systems, installation might take just a few days. On the other hand, more complex setups could extend to a month or more. It's essential to be aware that advanced systems might necessitate modifications to walls, floors, and ceilings to accommodate the mounting of equipment and wiring.

If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, don't worry. When looking for home automation solutions, here are some factors to consider:

  • Features. Does the provider offer the features you're looking for to upgrade your home? Does it offer security or automated energy saving? Make sure that the parts of your life that matter the most are addressed by the home automation you choose.
  • Reputation. When you need help, will the company you choose have your back? What kind of reviews are out there for the home automation service you choose? See how other customers felt about their completed home project before you dive in.
  • Value. Pricing on home automation systems varies and can depend on factors like the size of your home or the cost of installation. But make sure that the features you get and the quotes you see match up. Don't overpay for a "luxury” upgrade until you see what they're offering for your personalized home automation.

To help you make your house your dream home, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best Home Automation solutions available today. We hope to help you find the right home automation system so you can start enjoying your new futuristic home life that's even better than a sci-fi dream!

The Best Home Automation Companies Compare Home Automation Companies Compare Home Automation Company Reviews What are the best Home Automation Companies Best Home Automation Company Reviews

Home Automation Company FAQ

Sometimes referred to as a "smart home”, home automation lets you operate your lighting, appliances, security equipment and more - usually through an app on your mobile phone or through an online dashboard. Want your home to be playing your favorite relaxation music and have the thermostat set to "just right” every day after work? Home automation can do that - and much, much more.
It's true that most systems start with security as the foundation. From security cameras to smoke detectors, "smart homes” can give you peace of mind knowing that it's all under control and professionally monitored, if you choose a company that offers that. But, as technology advances, more features are being added "for fun”, like controlling all of your audio and video or letting your kids turn off lights at bedtime with a simple verbal command.
You could pay as little as $20/month or as much as $10,000+ to set up a smart home with all of the bells and whistles. Obviously the more features you want, the more you'll have to pay for the equipment. Monthly monitoring fees (for systems that include security features) are rarely more than $60/month.
Yes. Check with the provider of your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you can get a discount for the home automation system you're installing. A "smart home” can also save you money in the cost of utilities through managing your use of electricity and water.
Most of the time, yes. That's the appeal of "smart home” equipment: being able to monitor and control it from your phone, tablet or computer.
Sometimes. This is more common if you have security features that are professionally monitored. Read the terms and conditions carefully to determine if you're obligated to keep the service for a set period of time, and what the penalties are for early cancellation.
Possibly. If you've got features that are hard-wired into your home, maybe not. However, most of today's home automation systems use equipment that is easy to install and take down on your own, letting you use it wherever you live. Just be sure to change your home address in your provider's system, to allow emergency services to be dispatched to the correct location (if you're using a service that includes security monitoring).
It might! Home automation is in high demand, so having a system already set up may make your property more appealing to prospective buyers. Consult your real estate agent, though: they may not recommend that you install a home automation system solely for the purpose of increasing your home's value.
The Best Reviews of Home Automation Companies