One of the least expensive Z-Wave hubs out there. Also capable Zigbee and other protocols using USB sticks and additional plugins. I've been using various versions of the HomeTroller Pi for about 3 years, and I can't complain.

I wanted to replace my Samsung Smartthings with something that didn't require an internet connection to work. We frequently have ISP outages here lately, so having a controller that must have an internet connection to work isn't a good idea. You'll want an internet connection to register, add 'plug-ins', and interface with Alexa if you're so inclined. But for example, if I want to adjust a Zwave dimmer from my smartphone, I can do so even when my ISP is down and I only have my LAN and WiFi within the house. That's especially helpful if you have lighting you control by a motion sensor, or a bathroom fan by a humidity sensor and your ISP is down. The Homeseer Pi G2 is about the size of a pack of cigarettes (remember those?) so finding a place to put it isn't an issue. No fans, so you could even have it by your head in a bedroom if you needed to. If you want to control Zigbee, you'll need to buy a compatible interface that can plug into one of the USB ports like a Nortek: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0157GOEA8 Mine is also controlling my Kasa (TP-Link) switches which use the local network. HS4 is the current Homeseer software version it comes with. Yes, you could build one yourself from a Raspberry Pi, but by the time you'd add the cost of the software license and work through the details of installing it, a pre-engineered and supported 'Hometroller' is darn near the same cost, but minus a bunch of work. Save your ambitions for configuring your devices to operate the way you want them! Overall, a winner from my perspective. I have no experience with any other Homeseer product. There are a few 'undocumented features' that I expect will be worked out as time passes, but nothing I haven't been able to work around so far. And as I get more familiar with it, I see more opportunities for more automation around the house. So I suppose I'll keep adding things and learning as I go.

My assumption with this product and my rationale for returning the device had to do with its condition upon receipt, and this user's inability to establish the required credentialing for log-in to the appropriate web site. For the former, I reported this occurrence to Amazon on the day of receipt via my I-phone. Despite this caveat, I also proceeded and attempted to log into the device as required by the manufacturer's instructions but the entry of both the licensing credentials and the passcode provided on the reverse side of the device was rejected. And, after several attempts, this user decided it was not possible to use the device. My assumption is a previous user had also attempted to use the device without success. As an addendum to the above review, this user wanted to add an important caveat to an initial review listed above in order to be fair to the overall assessment of this product. After returning the product purchased first, another new device (i.e., the same model) was purchased through a second vendor. The initialization and ease of use of this second device proved to be straight forward and without issue in contrast to this individual's experience with the first device. In addition, this device, when used as a hub for connecting to a small Z-wave network, worked seamlessly to connect to a series of landscape lights. And, for this reason, my initial rating of the Home Troller Pi G2 Hub should be changed to a 4 (four) stars and not a 1(one). And this rating would be changed to a 5 if the distance limitations of a z wave network were not so limiting. MFB

HomeSeer is possibly the most rock-solid home automation controller on the market - at least from my (subjective) observation. My current deployment ran 8 years straight, in automating 150 devices in our house - until the hardware died due to thunderstorm related brown outs, that killed multiple devices. (yes, I know UPS, and we had this, but does not help if power is out for hours and then blinks back on and off.) Said that, HomeSeer does require quiet some technical understanding. You do not have to be a master in Python, but you need to be able to find your way around Linux and simple scripts. If you do not know what 'vi' is, or how to run something as a Windows 'service', perhaps stick to Alexa. If you have the technical understanding, and can make it work, it will not disappoint. in our house, it drives from water pumps to security lighting, various light switches, to regulating climate in the house. And it is the only product that I feel comfortable with going onto a two week business trip and leaving the family alone with it, because I know, it will simply chug along. For support, there is an active support community out there via the HomeSeer forum. Said this, HomeSeer is not for everyone. And as much as I like my Homekit devices and its user interface (which I have to reconfigure ever so often each year because it self destructs) HomeSeer needs to be set-up once and it simply works. Hence, I would never trust Homekit with my climate control or water supply, but I have trusted HomeSeer with that for years - and it has not disappointed me.

I think that the software is feature rich and very flexible. My biggest issue is with the license entitlement process - it is impossible. I called technical support twice and I am, unfortunately, stuck in purgatory. Speaking of stuck, my power went out for an hour and this thing became autistic. Finally, there is no way to set a static IP address, so I have to guess at an address or scan my network to try and find the thing. Support will tell you to assign a MAC ADDRESS TI A SOECIFIC DHCP , blah, blah. I should not have to. Just let me set an IP through the application.

Only picked up 1 of my 2 Insteon HD cameras. No sound from the one it did pick up . They say you can use the Insteon plug in , hD Insteon camera not in compatibility list!

A lightning strike took out my old Zee S2 and the power supply for it, so i had to get something new. I didn't even realize there was a new hardware version out, but kind of glad for the storm. The install process walked me through replacing my old device / license so i didn't lose investments in plugins, the software runs really snappy on this better hardware and is cleaner, less buggy, and feels like it has finally made it to prime time in all aspects. I run Zwave, Global Cache, MagicHome, Alexa, and PushOver to tie together infrared, IP, Zwave and SMS text messaging together in one app and have several programmed events. All of this took a little over 2 hours to get back up and running including "including" about 20 Zwave devices in the new network. I haven't had a single glitch in anything yet. If i could fix anything it would be to make it easier to make smaller dashboard buttons on virtual devices because that part of the config screen drops below the edge of the phone and won't allow you to scroll to it and select. If that's the only flaw - then I have no real complaints - much better and flexible platform for automation than almost anything else without spending a fortune for it.

I have been using the Pi Hub with HS4 for quite some time now and am loving it. The system comes with built in Z-Wave support but with add-ons supports a huge variety of different systems from lighting and security to audio/video and networking equipment. The software is easily accessible from any web browser and can be controlled and monitored from any mobile device. My system is set up with several events that control my lighting and HVAC system based on occupancy and time of day. I was able to set up voice control for all my devices using the Amazon echo and can easily control my devices individually or in groups. I would recommend this system to anyone looking for a customizable setup.

and the product does not work. It is difficult to configure and there are many issues. There is no way to reach any person on the phone. There is no tech-support do not buy this product there is no one available at the company to support you. They have automated phone response. You call their tech-support they put you in a Q but no one ever calls you back nor ever answers the phone as far as I am concerned this company is a total fraud.

I tried very hard to install this unit. I talked with their tech support over and over over again, having me try this then try that. I finally concluded this was a colossal waste of my time… the pi hub simply does not work.