Calaos

Spec sheet

Purpose

Calaos is a home automation system that connects hardware to user interfaces for controlling a home.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Free plan

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · calaos.fr

Integrations

The current hardware list includes Wago PLC, KNX, MQTT, Zigbee via zigbee2mqtt, DMX via OLA, 1-Wire, Web API devices, receivers, cameras, Squeezebox, GPIO, Enphase, and Philips Hue via MQTT.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Security

Calaos Remote UI panels communicate with the server using HMAC-SHA256 authentication.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Support

The maker points users to its community wiki, forum, Discord server, and team email for help.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Automation

Calaos can automate connected items by time, ambience, or mood.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Camera integration

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · calaos.fr

Data backup

Calaos OS stores Calaos and service settings in one folder, which its documentation says makes backups simple.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Energy monitoring

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · calaos.fr

Hardware caveat

The maker says donated hardware may help add support but does not guarantee that the hardware will work.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Hardware requirement

Calaos OS installs on a 64-bit PC, and its documentation recommends a permanently powered computer connected to the network by cable.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Installer

Calaos Installer is a configuration tool, and its installer is documented as compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Interface limitation

Not all types of input/output are displayed or controllable in every Calaos user interface.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Interfaces

Its interfaces include Calaos Home for touchscreens, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and a web app reached through the server’s IP address.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Local control

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · calaos.fr

Music

Calaos lets users share music across the house and play it in different rooms.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Open source

The maker says the codebase was released under the GPL after the original company closed in 2013.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Project history

The Calaos site says the original French company closed in 2013 and its codebase was released as GPL, after which a community continued development.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

Recovery

Calaos OS records system state before software installations so users can roll back if an update goes wrong.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Requirements

Calaos OS requires a computer that stays powered on, a USB stick, and a network connection; a touchscreen is optional.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Self-hosted

Calaos OS is a preconfigured operating system installed on a dedicated computer that runs the Calaos server.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Self-hosted OS

Calaos OS is a ready-to-use operating system installed on a dedicated home automation computer and includes the Calaos server and additional services.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Software

Its software stack includes a server, touchscreen interface, HTML5 web app, configuration tool, and iOS and Android apps.Read 8 Oct 2026 · calaos.fr

System architecture

Calaos OS is built on Debian, and its application components run in separate Podman containers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Trial mode

Live mode boots Calaos OS from a USB stick without installing it or changing the computer’s disk.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Update recovery

Calaos OS records system state before software installation so the system can restart from a previous state if an update goes wrong.Read 8 Oct 2026 · doc.calaos.fr

Zigbee support

YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · calaos.fr

Where Specifiction places it

• Home Automation#16 of 258.0
• Home automation platforms#24 of 257.3