Alternatives to FHEM

A GPL-licensed Perl server for home automation that switches devices and logs sensor data. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as FHEM.

  • Home Assistant

    A home automation server that talks to smart devices on your own network instead of through their clouds.

    FreemiumOpen sourceSelf-hostedAndroidiOSWeb

    Home Assistant is an Apache-2.0 local server with integrations for thousands of device types, dashboards and companion apps, though monthly releases occasionally break configuration.

  • openHAB

    Automate home devices from different manufacturers through one local server.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxWindowsmacOSSelf-hosted

    openHAB is a Java-based local server licensed EPL-2.0 that connects devices through bindings and runs rules on schedules, sensor changes and events.

  • ioBroker

    An open-source integration platform that connects smart home devices, protocols and online services.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    ioBroker connects hundreds of adapters for devices, protocols and online services with custom visualisations, and also covers building automation.

  • Domoticz

    A lightweight, open-source home automation system for monitoring and controlling lights, switches and sensors.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    Domoticz is a lightweight local controller that runs on a Raspberry Pi Zero and supports more than 150 devices, with fewer integrations than larger platforms.

  • Jeedom

    Open-source home automation software that brings multi-brand, multi-protocol devices into one interface.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Jeedom brings multi-brand, multi-protocol devices into one web interface without a cloud connection, backed by a large community though much of its site is in French.

  • Gladys Assistant

    A self-hosted, open-source smart home hub with dashboards, scenes, energy tracking and a voice assistant.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Gladys Assistant installs with one Docker command and offers no-code scenes, energy monitoring and a voice assistant, but has a smaller integration catalogue than FHEM's modules.

Also worth comparing

These listings name FHEM as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Apple Home

    Apple's Home app for pairing and controlling HomeKit smart home accessories across Apple devices.

    FreeProprietarymacOSiOS

    FHEM is a GPL-licensed Perl server with over 430 protocol modules, needing an always-on machine, extra radio hardware and technical configuration.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.