The Best Home Automation Companies

Sunday, September 15th

2024 Home Automation Company Reviews

Crestron

• Pricing from $33,000 to $1,000,000+
• Automation for lights, security, sound, TV, and more
• App access to your entire home
• Options for wellness integrations
• Tailored to your home
• Online baseline quotes
• "A+" rating from the BBB

Crestron presents home automation systems that transform your living space into a "simply smart" sanctuary. Offering a comprehensive solution, the intelligent platform enables centralized control of every aspect of your home, for better security, comfort, and convenience. It even claims to be a benefit to your overall health and wellness. Established in 1972, Crestron has earned acclaim for its award-winning designs, whole-house control, and cutting-edge technology in home automation systems.

Budgeting tool to get started

Tailored for the luxury residential market, Crestron's home automation systems offer a sleek interface, simplifying access to all aspects of home automation. Addressing previous complexities in programming, the interface makes installation and setup a much simpler process. Adding or modifying functionality in the future becomes a straightforward endeavor. To get started building your dream home automation system, you can view the home system products to get a better idea of what you're buying. Crestron also offers a budgeting tool to help you get a ballpark idea of costs for your specific home.

Complete package with upgrades over time

Dubbed an "OS for your home," Crestron Home delivers a state-of-the-art operating system. Beyond integrating proprietary components, it seamlessly incorporates your preferred devices and other specialized systems already in place. Covering lighting, shades, climate, home access, audio, and video, Crestron's home automation offers limitless possibilities. The control is consolidated into a single app on your phone or tablet, with the option to incorporate tabletop or wall-mounted screens in each room for effortless access. Exceptionally scalable and expandable, a Crestron network can support over 250 network devices. This scalability accommodates various features such as lighting modules, touchscreen panels, gateways, bridges, sensors, and more. The company promises seamless upgrades, staying abreast of technological advancements, and timely system updates.

Tailored system for each home

Instead of offering a "type” of system, every Crestron Home system undergoes customization to meet the unique needs of each homeowner. During a consultation, you discuss your automation preferences, resulting in a bespoke system. But, you can easily get a basic quote ahead of time through the online budgeting tool. During this process, we looked at the numbers for a house with average square footage (around 1900 sq ft). First, we priced out a home with the baseline features, and then went back through and checked the pricing on all the highest-end features. The price at Crestron for an average 1`900 sq ft home ranged from $33,000 to $1,00,000+. This includes things like automated window shades, hidden or automated electronics (like mirrored TVs or TVs that "open” from the wall), a house intercom system, and more.

Automate your health

An interesting feature of Crestron is the way the company highlights wellness regarding home automation technology. Tunable LED lights and automated shades can be configured to align with your body's natural daily rhythm, promoting your well-being and enhancing rejuvenating sleep. Crestron sound systems allow you to fill your living space with a variety of natural audio environments from preferred streaming services or audio sources. Speakers strategically positioned in "vertical gardens," (gardens on your walls) can bring the outdoor ambiance indoors, while Crestron shading solutions ensure the right amount of light enters for plant care. Well-positioned, dependable heating and cooling systems, in conjunction with Crestron Horizon smart thermostats, maintain the ideal thermal conditions. Crestron Home seamlessly integrates with the Delos Wellness platform, offering visibility into advanced smart water filtration and air purification solutions designed to clean household water better and allow you to monitor and filter the air within your home.

Could use more details for refunds or guarantees

Finding details about a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy was extremely difficult. Most of the terms and conditions page is for vendors looking to resell Crestron materials to customers. After digging through the site, we tried customer service chat to get the answers. Unfortunately, we were told that information could only be shared via email. The company promised it would take under 24 hours to get us the details from a different department, but we never heard back. It seemed odd that it was so hard to find details about returns or how Crestron supports customers with this extremely expensive process, and it was disappointing that we couldn't find any more details.

Not a lot of buzz for Crestron

In terms of Crestron's reputation, the pre-purchase customer service experience with Crestron had some shortcomings. Blog reviews noted that while representatives may excel in knowledge and friendliness, reaching them can be challenging. Proactivity may be necessary to secure a quote, as delays were encountered in responses through channels like live chat. However, Crestron is owned by the parent company Geeks of Technology LLC., and this company had a top-notch "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, supporting Crestron as a standup retailer. On the other hand, outside of some techie blogs, there aren't any third-party reviews for Crestron. Given how expensive the process is, it would be helpful to see more testimonials and third-party reviews.

Most robust technology integration

Despite these shortcomings, Crestron stands out as one of the most robust and comprehensive home automation solutions. Tailored for larger residences, it offers unparalleled control over lights, shades, music, video, thermostats, security, pool, scheduling, timers, and remote access. Customer feedback consistently highlights seamless integration, user-friendly interfaces, and ease of maintenance, making Crestron one of the top choices out there. For this reason, it gets 5 stars in our review and our top spot overall among today's options for home automation.

Savant

• Pricing from $10,000 to $100,000+
• Automation for lights, security, sound, TV, and more
• App access to your entire home
• Options for entertainment integrations
• Tailored to your home
• "A-" rating from the BBB

Savant specializes in creating home automation systems that are designed to be forward-thinking and user-friendly. As one of the pioneering companies to embrace mobile technology, Savant primarily caters to individuals who own luxury homes, castles, and yachts. Their commitment to detail in both devices and systems is particularly noteworthy, tailored to meet the demands of discerning clients, albeit at a significant cost.

Fill out a form to begin

Becoming a Savant customer requires you to start by filling out their form to help connect you with a local dealer. You'll be asked for your name, address, whether or not you already have Savant technology in your home, and what services you're most interested in. There is no way to see pricing on the website itself. You'll have to contact the company and the local dealer to get pricing even for individual smart home devices.

Luxury features for high-end homes

At the forefront of Savant's offerings are innovative luxury features designed to level up your living experience. Navigating the Savant website provides access to a range of online brochures and guides focusing on upscale audio, remote control, lighting, home theater, shades, entry and cameras, and flexible energy management solutions. With Savant, you can control lighting throughout your homes and outdoor spaces, optimize energy usage by automatically turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, schedule lighting, and thermostat settings remotely, and even receive alerts about extreme temperatures in specific areas, making it ideal for wine cellars.

Basic kit

The pricing structure for Savant systems is contingent on the configuration and is heavily influenced by the dealer/installer's markup. However, we were able to dig up some basic numbers through outside research. According to customers, Savant's prices for a basic setup could range from $5,000 for just a small system hub up to $10,000 to start off your home. This is for smaller homes that aren't mansions or castles, of course.

Top tier kit

For those with the financial means, exploring Savant for a home automation system is worth consideration. If you're looking for the high end of the budget, the costs through Savant could be over $100,000. This may not include installation costs and other extras you can add to your Savant system.

Your entire home in one app

The Savant app is a one-stop shop for taking care of your home. Everything is collected in one easy-to-use place. You can control your Savant home features through wall-mounted tablets that run the Savant app, through your mobile device, or even through your Apple TV. The idea is that the app can integrate with any technology you have to unify your smart home all in one place.

Entertainment features are extra

Savant's extensive features extend to entertainment, allowing you to customize playlists, stream HD video from major providers, and create a cinematic ambiance with a single tap. The system enables the monitoring and security of the entire home through a unified mobile app screen, providing a comprehensive view of entrances with compatibility for popular Ring devices. However, these advanced capabilities come at a cost, and Savant primarily caters to a high-end market.

2-year warranty

The only detail regarding returns at Savant is that the company mentions not offering refunds for cloud storage purchases in its terms of service. Beyond that, there's no clarity on return periods or refunds. But on the bright side, all Savant products are covered by a 2-year warranty. The company promises to replace or repair any defective products during this time.

Solid reputation, but you pay for the privilege

In terms of reputation, Savant is one of the better services out there. Testimonials from customers and technicians affirm that the company fulfills its promises of delivering high-quality home automation systems. The company also holds an "A-” rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4.5-star average rating from third-party review sites. However, it is essential to bear in mind that moving forward with Savant requires deep pockets due to the premium nature of their offerings.

Ideal for anyone with the means

At the end of the day, Savant is expensive, but based on the preview prices we found from customers, it's not the most expensive option out there. For this reason, it stands out as one of the top contenders for home automation services in our review. If you have a generous budget for this kind of upgrade, you owe it to yourself to see what they can offer you for your personalized home automation system.

Apple HomeKit

• Pricing starts around $2,300+
• Automation for lights, locks, thermostat, and more
• App access to your entire home
• Buy individual items as needed
• "A+" rating from the BBB

When people think of smart technology, Apple is one of the first brands that comes to mind. The company offers an impressive method for home automation through the Apple HomeKit.

Robust features

HomeKit offers robust security features and privacy policies. Its primary attraction lies in the ability to swiftly establish, directly manage, schedule, or automate various devices using a single app instead of requiring separate apps for each device. With a few HomeKit-compatible devices and an iPhone or iPad for control, you can configure a smart home system from scratch and have it operational within minutes.

Set up in minutes

For the everyday smart-home user, HomeKit simplifies the device setup process, usually taking seconds to minutes, and the Home app is straightforward to navigate. All your devices are conveniently displayed and controlled from a single dashboard, with most controls just a button press or two away, a feature not always found on other platforms. The primary requirement is having an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. To enable automated actions and remote access to devices when away, a go-between device acting as a smart-home hub is necessary - an Apple TV, a HomePod, or a HomePod mini smart speaker. Without a hub, accessing the HomeKit system remotely is not possible.

Individual devices for your whole house

Apple HomeKit offers everything you can imagine to upgrade your standard home into a smart home. The only downside? There aren't "kits” that are pre-designed for you. Instead, you need to buy each item individually. You can find home devices for air conditioners, air purifiers, bridges, cameras, doorbells, fans, faucets, garage doors, humidifiers, lights, locks, outlets, receivers, routers, security, sensors, speakers, sprinklers, switches, thermostats, TVs, and windows, but you'll have to grab each item as you need it rather than buying an all-inclusive package.

Costs start around $2,300 for a basic home

Pricing for a whole home is harder to gauge for the Apple HomeKit than with other companies in our review. Since you have to buy each item separately, that means that each light bulb in your home, each fan motor, each window, each lock, needs to be upgraded separately. For example, the cheapest smart home device from Apple is a Nanoleaf light bulb for $19.95. Imagining that you have at least 20 bulbs in your home (considering those inside of ceiling fans as well as decor lamps) you're looking at $399 for just a basic lighting upgrade.

Price goes up quickly

The most expensive item is an AmpliFi Wi-Fi router that extends your Wi-Fi connection to assist with smart home items around your entire property. This costs $699.95. Plus, other items like $329.95 for a smart lock or $249.95 for an outdoor camera could bring your home automation package total up quickly. So, to get a baseline, let's imagine a basic package that includes the following: 2 door locks (front and back door), 20 light bulbs, a smart thermostat, and 10 smart light switches, your total would be $2,308.30. This is notably much cheaper than some of the full-service luxury home options, but it does limit you to only devices that work on the Apple HomeKit network, and some commonly-used full automation features that are integrated into a home aren't offered.

Remote access requires an extra purchase

To control smart devices within a HomeKit system, you use the pre-installed Home app, often found on the last page of your app collection. The Home app features a user-friendly design that lets you manage interactions with multiple devices in one place, eliminating the need for separate apps for each gadget. However, for remote access, you'll need an Apple TV or HomePod to serve as a hub, enabling control and automation of devices when you're away.

14-day return policy

Thankfully, all of the Apple HomeKit products are protected under Apple's general return policy. According to Apple's return page, in the "rare instance” that a product doesn't meet your expectations, you have the option to return or exchange it with a receipt within 14 days of receiving the product from Apple.

Solid company with small usability limitations

Unsurprisingly, this industry giant has a top-notch "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, finding individual reviews for the HomeKit items proved a little more difficult. We did find a few blog reviews that rated the HomeKit 4 stars on average. Customers who used the products praised the effectiveness of Siri for voice commands, the high level of personal security, and the ease of setup. However, if you're not an iOS user, the entire system is a drawback, since you'll have to switch over to devices that use Apple technology (which was a complaint from more than a few customers).

Solid choice for cost-effective automation

While the Apple HomeKit is the quick and easy way to get home automation, there are definitely some drawbacks. If you're not an iOS user already, you'll have to switch over. There are also some limitations to what devices you can automate or upgrade. If you want a fully integrated home system, Apple HomeKit isn't it. But if you're looking for something more "surface” level that allows you to automate the important things like lights, thermostats, music, and locks, you'll be more than happy, especially considering the low cost compared to some competitors in our review. For this reason, Apple HomeKit earns a higher-than-average rating.

Control 4

• Pricing from $3,000 to $20,000+
• Automation for lights, security, sound, TV, and more
• App access to your entire home
• Tailored to your home
• Call for a quote
• Integrates with most technology
• "A-" rating from the BBB

Control4 stands out as a comprehensive whole home automation system, seamlessly integrating various smart home elements like intercom, climate control, audio, video, lighting, and security. Established in 2004, it has evolved into a tech ecosystem, encompassing over 10,000 products from different vendors. The goal is that the system can allow you more flexibility to choose the products and brands that are right for your home.

Calling is the only way to get started

If you're interested in installing a Control4 home automation system, there are two ways to snag an estimate. You can either dial the toll-free number or complete the "Find a Smart Home Pro" form on the website which will connect you with a local vendor for Control4 products so you can schedule a visit to your home. In either case, you have to talk to a representative and discuss your home automation needs and usage preferences. Following this, a local Control4 dealer will offer you an initial estimate. Naturally, costs are contingent on selected components and installer fees as well as the size of your home. Disappointingly, there is no way to get an online estimate at this time.

Wide array of home integrations

The Smart Home OS3 mobile app serves as the central command hub for Control4, providing an advanced yet easy-to-use interface. With Smart Home OS3, you have precise control over various elements such as locks, lights, cameras, home theater settings, shades, security systems, garage doors, thermostats, intercom, and more. You can navigate effortlessly between different areas of your house by designating your favorite rooms in the app. Control4 stands out for its automation capabilities, allowing you to execute commands like turning off lights and the TV while arming the alarm when leaving home. Voice commands can activate specific functions, such as kitchen lights or initiating a cooking show. You can also direct music to different areas of your home through music integration.

Information on pricing is limited

Without an official quote from the company, it's impossible to get concrete figures for how much a Control4 home automation will cost. But we did some digging into reviews from customers who used this company, and this is what we found: A basic starter kit for a Control4 home automation system may cost around $3,000. However, if you want a fully upgraded system with all the bells and whistles, you might be looking at $20,000 or more. Though this is cheaper than some of the luxury options on our list, that's a wide margin of pricing. So, limit your expectations for prices until you call for a quote.

Control4 works with what you have already

The software from Control4 operates on an "open" platform, giving you freedom of choice. Whether you prefer products from various manufacturers or opt for the ones purpose-built for the smart home, the decision is entirely yours. Control4 technology is already integrated into products from renowned brands like Bose, Dish, Denon, LG, Samsung, and Sony.

2-year warranty

While we couldn't find any details about refunds or guarantees, the warranty policy at Control4 is competitive. The company offers a 2-year warranty on smart home devices. This means they'll take care of it if the equipment malfunctions within the 2-year timespan as long as you've purchased the devices directly from Control4's website.

Some complaints about dealers are troubling

While Control4 shows positive reviews highlighting its user-friendly interface, abundant options, swift component replacements, and robust software, there is a substantial amount of negative feedback. Let's start with the good news first. Control4 has a solid "A-” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, dissatisfied customers cite issues with installations, confusion stemming from numerous products, service-related problems, connectivity issues, and reliance on costly service engineer calls. Many complaints may be attributed to the quality of the dealer responsible for installation rather than inherent flaws in Control4, so you may want to check individual dealer reviews before you buy from that particular location.

Solid option with room to grow

Control4 presents compelling features for those seeking home automation solutions. As a company that works to integrate with your existing technology, Control4 stands out from the pack. However, with customer satisfaction landing on both ends of the spectrum, this provider falls short of securing one of our highest ratings. Anticipating further upgrades in the future, we look forward to seeing Control4 ascend in our rankings. For now, the company earns a solid rating for its impressive integration abilities.

SmartThings

• Pricing starts at $79
• Automation for music, appliances, and lights
• App access to your entire home
• Charge your phone with the hub
• Buy individual items as needed
• 15-day returns
• "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB

If you're an Android OS user or someone fond of Google or Samsung technology, there's a smart home solution designed just for you. SmartThings is Samsung's home automation app that offers the ability to connect all of your Google or Android devices in one place and automate your home. The app itself is free, but to connect to the devices you have in your home, you'll want the SmartThings hub, which is the brain that makes your entire home run seamlessly in the background.

Create your own package

For Samsung superfans, SmartThings is already a no-brainer. To get started you need the SmartThings app which is free to download, and a SmartThings hub to connect all of your smart devices in one easy-to-access place. The only drawback to this system is that you do need to piece together all of your smart devices yourself. So, while you can add your smart refrigerator to the SmartThings app, there isn't a SmartThings bundle where you can buy all the items you need at once. So, if you don't already have smart technology interspersed around your home, you might need to do some extra shopping to get full home automation.

Connect with hundreds of products

SmartThings transforms your phone into a central hub, effortlessly managing all the smart devices linked to it. With SmartThings, you can oversee security through Ring, create ambiance with Philips lighting, regulate energy usage with Aeotec smart plugs, optimize laundry cycles with Samsung washers and dryers, and much more. For even more convenience, the SmartThings Station allows you to automate home routines. Imagine connecting lighting and the TV, defining a "sleep" mode, and simply selecting it on your phone to watch all connected devices adjust automatically. The SmartThings Station also serves as a wireless phone charger. The majority of Samsung products seamlessly integrate with SmartThings, and it is also compatible with various other brands like Cielo, Samsung Thermia, Miro SmartHome, Moodo, Aeotec, Arlo, Nest, Ring, and KWEATHER, among others.

Prices change depending on your devices

The only thing that Samsung sells that's directly related to SmartThings is its hubs, priced at $79.99. Beyond that, you can buy some smart home items from Samsung, like a smart refrigerator for up to $3,099. You can also find items like smart ovens or laundry machines. However, for basics like light switches or security items, you might need to shop at one of the retailers that are supported by the SmartThings hub. As such it's impossible to get an idea of a full home automation package price from what Samsung itself offers.

Charge your phone from your hub

As a fun extra, the SmartThings hub also functions as a wireless charger. The SmartThings Station is known for its "super-fast" wireless charging capability. Specifically, it can charge compatible Samsung phones at 15 watts, which is approximately three watts more than standard wireless charging, provided you use a 25-watt brick. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S22 went from a depleted battery to fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours.

15-day returns and up to 10-year warranty

According to Samsung's return policy, you have 15 days to make a return if you don't like your hub. For some of their other home automation items and smart appliances, you can find up to 10-year warranties for parts and repair. This is one of the better warranties we've seen in our review, but you do need to shell out for a fancy refrigerator to get it.

Solid reputation and popular with customers

Unsurprisingly, Samsung has an "A+” rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, showing that SmartThings is backed by a reliable industry giant. We were able to find reviews on a variety of retailers showing that the SmartThings hub has an impressive 5-star average across multiple retailers outside of Samsung. The only drawback is that customers who prefer Apple or iOS technology won't be able to integrate with the SmartThings technology, so it does leave out plenty of customers.

Cost-effective despite missing items

While SmartThings provides a convenient and straightforward approach to home automation, it does come with certain drawbacks. If you're seeking a fully integrated home system, SmartThings may not be the ideal choice since you need to buy all of your home automation devices separately. However, if you prefer a more basic solution that allows you to automate certain appliances, you'll likely be satisfied, especially considering the lower cost compared to some of Samsung's competitors in our review. On the other hand, since SmartThings integrates devices like basic light switches or smart door locks rather than offering their own, SmartThings falls behind its nearest competitors.

Nice

• Pricing only available through calling
• Designed for your home
• App access to your entire home
• Control from one remote
• Connectivity with apps and mobile devices
• All-in-one system
• Internationally-owned

Established in 1993, Nice is an influential Italian multinational company specializing in home automation, home security, and smart home solutions. Offering an extensive range of integrated and connected products for gate automation, garage doors, sun shades, parking, wireless alarms, and home security systems, Nice caters to residential, commercial, and industrial needs.

Presence in over 100 countries

With a global presence, it markets its products to over 100 countries through 24 branches across five continents, 14 production plants, 13 research and development centers, and a workforce of 2,300 employees. Nice North America serves as the American and Canadian-managed division, aligned with the company's Italian heritage, which emphasizes passion for design and a commitment to offering technologically advanced, aesthetically pleasing, and user-friendly products.

Call to get a quote

To buy a system from Nice, you first have to make sure that there's a seller in your area. When you click the "buy now” button on one of their systems, you'll be directed to a map where you can choose a local dealer to help you upgrade your home. From there, you have to call the dealer to get any further information. While you can browse what systems might look like in general on the website, the actual features in your home will be unique. So, without a call, you can't get prices for specifics. This is a little behind some more modern companies that allow for online estimates.

Helpful categories for home solutions

Nice organizes its products by "solutions.” This means that when you get started on the site, you can scroll through different key solutions for your home and the company will suggest the best options based on your needs. Some example solutions include:

• Home management
• Energy management
• Security
• Surveillance
• Health and wellness

Clicking through one of these options, like the home management section, will take you to a purchase page where the entire security system is listed. Each solution has a package suited to the needs related to it. For example, the home management section offers lighting and climate control, sun shades, media and audio, surveillance, utilities, and control of smart appliances.

No pricing transparency

Unfortunately, this luxury brand doesn't share any details about pricing. As noted above, you have to call to find any kind of price or estimate. While we can usually find past customers who've talked about pricing online or in reviews, there wasn't any mention of prices for Nice anywhere online. Keeping in mind that this is an international brand and luxury-focused, we imagine the prices are pretty steep for a bespoke home automation package.

Control everything from the palm of your hand

A unique feature of the Nice products is the remote that you can use to control every aspect of your home. While the products also work with your smart devices like iPads or mobile devices, you can control everything you need from the HR40 remote as well. The remote is a touchscreen, with the ability to view your video doorbell through the remote as well as talk through a 2-way intercom.

3-year warranty on some items

The return policy isn't particularly transparent at Nice. While it says that you can return your products, there isn't a timeline to do so. All parts of the product must be returned at the same time to qualify and you have to get a return authorization number before sending back your items. Some items are under a 3-year warranty, like wall panels, but other products don't have warranties listed on the terms and conditions page.

No buzz for Nice

Unfortunately, just as we couldn't find any discussion of the prices at Nice, we also struggled to find any reviews. Even though Nice North America is the US branch, we couldn't find any pages on the Better Business Bureau under any of the names the company operates under, Italian or US. Further, the only reviews out there for Nice appear to be from Glassdoor which only talks about what it's like to work at the company rather than reviewing the actual home automation products. You may need to reach out to the individual dealers to get details about testimonials, but the lack of reviews remains a bit of a red flag.

Not bad, but competitors do it better

While we love a good designed-for-you home automation system, Nice just doesn't stand up against competitors. It doesn't offer online pricing, and with no reviews or testimonials and a confusing return policy, it falls behind similar companies that serve the luxury market. If you're a homeowner in Europe or Canada, this might still be a solid retailer, but for the US homeowners, there are better options on our list with more robust customer service.

Homeseer

• Smart home hub starts at $135
• Automation for light switches, sensors, thermostat, and more
• Buy individual items as needed
• Don't need to pay a programmer to integrate new components
• DIY-friendly
• Buy individual items as needed

With over two decades of experience, Homeseer stands out as a top provider of smart home solutions. The company's mission revolves around prioritizing the essentials and saving you money by avoiding the high pricing and maintenance of more professional systems.

DIY home automation

The smart home hubs and software offered by Homeseer aim to combine the reliability, security, and performance of locally managed automation with the global connectivity provided by emerging cloud technologies. The goal of Homeseer is to incorporate devices that are easy to install and budget-friendly. However, like some of the other options in our review, Homeseer requires a DIY element, which means you may need a little tech expertise to fully make use of this system.

Smart home products sold here

Unlike some of the other DIY-style home automation sites on our list, Homeseer offers smart home devices along with hubs and software. While you still have to piece together everything you want, rather than buying it in an all-inclusive package, you can buy just what you need and get everything all in one place. You can expect to find hubs, software, lighting, z-wave products, home sensors, and water management technology. While there are plenty of options, some products redirect you to other sellers, and it can be unclear what you actually need to buy if you're starting from scratch.

Website isn't great for beginners

Getting started on Homeseer isn't the easiest task. It isn't immediately clear from the front page if you just start buying items to upgrade your home or if there's a correct order of operations. They offer items like smart hubs, smart home software, smart lighting, and Z-Wave sensors. However, there isn't a quick guide or tutorial on what you need to buy in order to get started. There is a "Help” tab, but all of the help options are organized by each individual item you might need to buy rather than a tutorial on what you need and how to set it up.

Pick-and-choose your pricing

Since you have to buy each element separately, the pricing for Homeseer is all over the place. For example, the cheapest smart home device from Homeseer is a sensor for $9.50. The most expensive item is a hub for $799. So, to get a baseline, let's imagine a basic package includes the following: 4 sensors around your house (one on each side of the house), 10 smart light switches (at $49 each), a hub, and a software option ($199). Your total would be $1,526. This is far less expensive (by orders of magnitude) than the more professional (and expensive) all-in-one systems in our review.

Not locked in to one vendor

One of the advantages of DIY solutions like Homeseer and Home Assistant is that you're not locked into one vendor for your smart devices. For example, Homeseer sells their own light of smart wall switches to control lights in your home. However, if you don't like the look of the Homeseer light switches, you can choose smart switches from other companies - such as Leviton or Lutron (or others) - which integrate with Homeseer.

Add automations between components

Plus, you can automate these disparate 3rd party components. Do you want to automatically lower your window shades, turn on the outside flood lights, turn on indoor led light red, and turn on a tv, if your backyard gate is opened between 11pm and 4am during the weekdays? Homeseer ties all these components together. More professional systems may or may not be able to do this - but it will cost you thousands more - and you'll be waiting on their programmers. Homeseer lets you do all this with their configuration screens, without any programming. As smart technology evolves, and new products are brought to market by various companies, DIY solutions are better positioned to take advantage of these advances and their compoents.

Add-ons for developers

If you're a developer, and you love technology, you might enjoy this product more than the average homeowner. This is because Homeseer allows you to create your own software plugins if you want to add or create new product integrations for your home. While this is a feature that won't matter to most customers, the availability of diving into the code yourself may appeal to the most technically savvy of homeowners.

30 day refund policy

We were glad to see that Homeseer offers an extremely reasonable refund policy. For most items that Homeseer sells, they offer a 30 day no-questions-asked 100% full refund (minus shipping costs) for unbroken items purchased through their site. This gives you a good opportunity to try the item and see if it works for your home. If you can't provide the item with its original documentation and packaging, you may be charged a restock fee up to 15%.

Great business practices but few customer ratings

While Homeseer currently holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, it was difficult to find many third-party reviews. In fact, we only found 2 posted customer reviews - not enough to tell us anything. There is an active user community on sites like Reddit and the Homeseer forums. We found a lot of people answering questions on these sites, mainly having to do with configuring devices and troubleshooting 3rd party integrations.

Great solution for the DIYer

Homeseer is a very good product for the homeowner who isn't afraid to set up a system themselves and wants to avoid the high purchase and maintenance cost of professional systems. Despite the small learning curve in getting started (we recommend reaching out to Homeseer directly or taking a look at their forums to get what you need), Homeseer integrates with a wide range of products and positions you to quickly use new technology as it becomes available.

Home Assistant

• Pricing from $99 to $135 per item
• Connectivity with 1,000+ devices
• App access to your entire home
• Tailored to your home
• DIY system
• Free source code

If you're looking for a home automation product that is completely DIY, Home Assistant is the most complete place to look. There's one caveat though: you ‘ll need to be pretty tech savvy to get it working. This open-source option feels more like a GitHub coding project than something designed for the average homeowner. But, there is the added benefit of having local control and privacy, driven by a global community of hobbyists and do-it-yourself enthusiasts, if you don't know what Jekyll or Raspberry Pi are (platforms for running and developing code), you might feel a bit out of your depth.

Learn to build your own tech

"Getting started” is a loose term with Home Assistant. The company does have impressive levels of tutorial information, but if you're not a confident techie with experience in building computers from scratch, even the helpful instructions and tutorial videos may not be enough. While Home Assistant offers "difficulty levels” for ways to install the home automation program, it requires that you have skills or materials already on hand.

Get started with Home Assistant Green

For example, the easiest way to set up Home Assistant is the Home Assistant Green. This comes with the software pre-installed, but you have to have an ethernet connection available and pay for the "Green” level module. On the harder end, you have to DIY the entire process by getting Raspberry Pi, a mini low-cost computer, and downloading the Home Assistant program to the computer. The site notes that this will help you learn how to DIY if that's what you're looking for.

An option for beginners and one for techs

There are three actual products you can buy at Home Assistant; otherwise, you're left to your own devices to get the materials you need and work with the program yourself. Home Assistant Green is a pretty easy plug-and-go process as long as you have an ethernet connection and can follow the tutorial video. However, the other products require a bit of work. You can buy a Raspberry Pi computer chip which requires you to be able to install Home Assistant onto the computer chip, plus you'll still need an ethernet cable and an SD card (not sold with the chip). Finally, you can buy Home Assistant Yellow, which works in tandem with the Raspberry Pi chip. Yellow comes with the components you need to DIY your Home Assistant, but you'll still have to buy the Raspberry Pi chip too to make it all run. You'll need to be able to install a computer module yourself (and a heat sink).

Basic kit: Home Assistant Green

Green is the easiest way to get the Home Assistant program working for your house. This option costs $99 according to the Home Assistant website. However, when you hit "Buy Now”, the site redirects you to a retailer that offers the product you need. Home Assistant doesn't sell any of its own products. While $99 was an accurate estimate for most of the retailers, it was a little odd to be redirected to make a purchase, and not all of the third-party sites felt modern or trustworthy.

Top tier kit: Home Assistant Yellow (With Raspberry Pi)

Yellow (and the Raspberry Pi chip) are a combo, but you have to buy each item separately to use them properly. In both cases, you are also redirected away from Home Assistant to purchase the items you need. The chip comes in around $60 depending on where you buy. The Home Assistant Yellow module costs between $124 to $135 depending on which retailer you choose.

Buy your smart devices separately

Notably, none of these packages come with any smart home devices. Home Assistant collaborates with over 1,000 brands, but you have to buy all of your smart home devices separately, making this project even more work. However, once activated, Home Assistant automatically scans your network for recognized devices, simplifying the setup process. The program comes with dedicated Home Assistant apps, serving as a handy companion for quick device control and timely notifications about activities in your home - accessible even on your wrist with the Apple Watch.

No refund policy or customer support

There are no refunds or guarantees from Home Assistant itself. Since you're buying everything from third-party websites, returns or guarantees will be determined by the actual seller. Further, Home Assistant's website actually says that there's no support on the "contact” link, which is a huge downside especially if you're not well-versed in tech.

Not a lot of customer reviews

Outside of some Reddit forums, there isn't a lot of buzz for Home Assistant. The company doesn't have any presence on the Better Business Bureau as the code Home Assistant offers is open source. There are exactly 3 reviews on Trustpilot, which doesn't instill a lot of confidence, but the reviews are all 5 stars. So, those who felt confident enough to use the Home Assistant program found that it was an effective home automation tool.

Best for those with computer expertise

While the concept of a free program to upgrade your home automation system is a unique idea, it just doesn't work for most homeowners. Home Assistant Green may be a good option if you're not a tech-savvy homeowner, but there are better and more robust home automation retailers out there. Home Assistant assumes that you already have smart home devices and a network set up, so if you're looking for a place to give you a full package from the ground up, this won't be the place for you. But if you're a DIYer or you love working with computers, this might be a fun side project that could keep costs down.

Guardian

• Pricing estimated around $129 to $1,249+
• Monthly membership costs
• Automation for lights, security, sound, TV, and cameras
• App access to your entire home
• Tailored to your home
• Call for a quote
• "A+" rating from the BBB

With over 70 years of experience, Guardian presents itself as an intelligent security system designed for comprehensive coverage of your home or business. Rather than just focusing on home automation as its own perk, Guardian differentiates itself by specializing in home security through home automation. Certified technicians handle the installation, evaluating your security and automation needs to provide tailored solutions. Guardian's services include personalized quotes, professional installation, and round-the-clock monitoring by experts.

Call for a quote

To become a Guardian customer, individuals can search for their zip code on the company's website to determine service availability. If Guardian operates in your area, you can contact the provided number. A technician will then be assigned to visit your home and discuss your specific needs. Following the purchase, the technician installs the system, for a seamless setup process. Disappointingly, there is no way to get a quote from Guardian without calling in first or providing all of your personal information. Given that many of our top competitors do offer online quotes (even just basic estimates), this was a pretty large ding against Guardian.

Security-focused automation features

Focused on security, Guardian offers a variety of compelling features. The system encompasses fire monitoring, smart locks, cameras, doorbell and door lock systems, thermostats, video analytics with daily highlights, home devices, motion detection, light activation, Bluetooth control, garage door management, and security reminders. While it may lack additional entertainment features found with other home automation providers, Guardian excels in providing robust security solutions. Guardian's system is compatible with the Apple Watch, allowing you to easily activate or deactivate security measures, control locks, garage doors, lights, and more directly from your wrist. This functionality is also accessible through a dedicated phone and tablet app, offering you multiple options for overseeing your security system.

Basic option: Base Package

We did some outside research to see if anyone had some basics for pricing on a Guardian home system. This is what we found. The Base Package requires customers to buy a security system package priced at $149. This package includes one IQ2 control panel, one motion detector, and three door and window sensors. The professional monitoring agreement must have a minimum term of 60 months, with a base rate of at least $45.99 per month. Any extra equipment, if required, must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.

Top tier option: No Annual Contract

For those who prefer to avoid a lengthy commitment, Guardian provides a no-annual-contract option. To be eligible, customers need to buy a security system package priced at $1,249, with a minimum monitoring agreement of one month. Similar to the Base Package, any other equipment beyond the items provided in the package must be paid for in full at the time of your initial purchase.

One pad for all your features

One feature we loved was the Guardian IQ, a cutting-edge home security touchscreen panel and smart home automation controller. This pad provides various features, including hands-free Bluetooth disarming, a built-in 5MP camera, a glass break detector, advanced encryption technology, and more. You also have the option to personalize your home automation settings to align with your security system.

7-day in-home trial

Guardian offers an orientation mode, a distinctive feature not commonly found with other security system providers. During the initial 7-day period after installation and activation, excluding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, you get a trial period to acclimate to the new system without dealing with false alarms or the associated fines. Though there isn't a statement on whether you get a refund if you don't like it, this trial period is helpful.

Lots of complaints

Guardian Protection has a Better Business Bureau rating of 3 out of 5 stars, supported by approximately 275 customer reviews. On top of this, Guardian holds an "A+” rating from the BBB. External reviews, however, show a different story. At one third-party review site, Guardian had just 1.7 stars on average with over 2,000 reviews to back up that rating. Customers have problems with their systems malfunctioning and are asked to pay for a technician to come out. Many customers expressed frustration that the products don't work properly but it's on them to pay to fix it. Others complained that things like cameras have limited recording times compared to other security programs. Overall, customers are pretty disappointed in the customer service at Guardian, which is a major red flag.

Needs to focus on customer service

Despite an "A+” rating from the BBB, Guardian falls behind the pack due to thousands of unhappy reviews. While it's nice to have a security-focused option that offers home automation, Guardian just doesn't hit the mark for customer service. So, despite its long history in the security industry and some unique technology perks, Guardian overall gets a lower rating in our review.

Vivint

• Pricing starting from $600
• Automation for music, appliances, and lights
• App access to your entire home
• Paid warranty

Vivint specializes in the sale of home security systems, smart home systems, and cameras, offering comprehensive services for installation and monitoring. With required professional installation, Vivint assists you in tailoring the system to your home's specific needs.

Professional setup and guidance

This includes setup guidance and thorough instructions on system usage. While DIY options are not available, this may help you get a complete package with very little hassle. However, Vivint does require you to speak with a representative to schedule a consultation to get any details about pricing or particular system elements for your home.

Call for an estimate

If you want to look through what Vivint offers, you can do that easily on the website. But if you want to move forward at all with prices, you'll have to call Vivint to get started. Unfortunately, Vivint doesn't offer any kind of online estimator tool, so you're definitely going to have to talk to a rep to get more information. This sets Vivint behind a bit, considering that other companies offer prices for individual items or even an online estimate.

Automation and security features

Vivint facilitates seamless connectivity with popular devices such as Google, Amazon, and Nest, so you can control various aspects of your home automation through the Vivint app or hub. Whether adjusting the AC, playing music, or replenishing snacks, these tasks can be effortlessly managed within the Vivint system. Vivint provides specialized detectors to safeguard homes against fires, carbon monoxide exposure, and flooding. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors can halt air conditioning airflow to mitigate oxygen supply until emergency responders arrive. Flood detectors, strategically placed, can detect water accumulation, notifying you of potential issues like burst pipes, basement leaks, or overflowing sump pumps.

Costs at least $600

While we couldn't get concrete numbers for the home automation, many of the items and features included in those systems also appear in Vivint's home security. For that, we found a baseline estimate for pricing on the website. It can give you a ballpark (if not totally accurate to your home) idea of what Vivint's services might cost you. On the low end, Vivint charges $599.99 for its most basic home security plan. At the high end, the full security plan (with features like automated door locks and smart lights) is $999.99. While adding more home automation and tailoring it to your home will certainly be more expensive than just security devices, this does give you a place to work from in terms of cost.

Security features included

Since security is included in home automation, we wanted to highlight a few of those features too. Vivint offers constant monitoring and security specialists are available around the clock to respond during emergencies. The inclusion of the Smart Drive, a hard drive storage unit, allows the recording of up to 30 days of continuous 24/7 security monitoring, so you can keep track of what's going on around your home at all times.

Paid warranty or 120 days of coverage

Vivint takes care of its equipment, but it comes with a price. When you choose Vivint's Premium Service, the company will handle the repair and replacement of any parts in the security system at no additional cost. If you decide not to go for the Premium Service, your equipment will still be under warranty for 120 days.

Poor reputation and lots of complaints

Despite positive customer reviews elsewhere, Vivint's Better Business Bureau rating presents a stark contrast. Vivint holds the record for the highest number of BBB complaints among the home automation vendors we reviewed, tallying nearly 6,100 complaints over the preceding three years. In 2021, Vivint settled an FTC complaint, accused of violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act by improperly accessing credit reports of potential customers. The "C+” rating from the BBB is one of the worst in our review and stands out in stark contrast to other well-rated home automation companies.

Not worth it considering poor reviews

Given the abundance of negative BBB issues and mixed customer feedback, Vivint leaves much to be desired. While their home automation system offers extensive functionality, customer satisfaction appears to be lacking. With other similar companies out there that have much better ratings, Vivint falls near the bottom of the pack. It's worth your while to explore alternatives among higher-rated home automation companies before considering Vivint.