FHEM

A GPL-licensed Perl server for home automation that switches devices and logs sensor data.

FreeOpen sourceSelf-hosted
Official websitefhem.de

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About FHEM

FHEM runs as a server that automates household tasks such as switching lamps, shutters and heating, and logs events like temperature, humidity and power consumption to files or a database. It supports many home automation protocols through over 430 modules, and creates devices and logs automatically when new hardware reports in.

It is controlled through web and smartphone frontends, telnet or TCP/IP with text, JSON or XML interfaces. It needs an always-on machine with Perl, such as a NAS or Raspberry Pi, plus USB sticks for CUL, EnOcean or Z-Wave.

Strengths

  • Over 430 modules for many protocols
  • Automatic device and log creation
  • Timed commands and event triggers
  • Text, JSON and XML interfaces

Limitations

  • Needs an always-on server and extra radio hardware
  • Configuration is technical

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source under the GPL.
License
GPL
Developer
FHEM e.V.
Platforms
Self-hosted
How it runs
Self-hosted
Account
Not required
Works offline
Yes
Best suited for
Home automation hobbyists who want a local server supporting many protocols
Categories
Automation
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to FHEM

Compare all

Software that can replace FHEM for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • 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.

FHEM as an alternative

Listings that name FHEM as an alternative.

  • 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 necessarily a direct replacement.

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