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SPECIFICTION
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FHEM

fhem.de

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Spec score 8.5 #7 of 25 in Home Automation

What it is

FHEM is free, GPL version 2 software for automating household devices from a self-hosted Perl server. It can control lamps, shutters, heating, and other compatible equipment while recording temperature, humidity, and power events. Control is available through web or smartphone frontends, telnet, or TCP/IP. FHEM can create devices and logs when new device data arrives, write events to files or databases with regular-expression filters, notify external programs or scripts, and run timed commands. Its text, JSON, and XML interfaces work over plain TCP/IP, SSL, or HTTP. The modular system lists more than 430 modules and supports devices and services including HomeMatic, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Philips Hue, FRITZ!Dect, Alexa, HomeKit, HomeBridge, and MQTT. Media examples include major television brands, Bose, Sonos, Kodi, Plex, and Apple TV. It offers local control, energy monitoring, voice-assistant support, installation guidance, packages, containers, documentation, and a forum.

Spec sheet

Free plan
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · fhem.de
License
The site identifies FHEM as GPL-licensed and specifies GPL version 2.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Automation features
FHEM can automatically create devices and logs when it receives data from a new device, log events to files or a database with regular-expression filters, notify external programs or scripts, and run timed commands.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Device and service support
The listed protocol and integration examples include HomeMatic, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Philips Hue, FRITZ!Dect, Alexa, HomeKit, HomeBridge, and MQTT.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Documentation and support
FHEM provides a command reference, wiki, and forum; the site says users may ask questions in English, though most forum entries are in German, and directs support requests to the forum rather than private email.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Downloads and containers
The download section lists version 6.4 packages dated 2025-03-29, nightly versions, and a container image for Docker, Kubernetes, and Podman.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Energy monitoring
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · fhem.de
Home automation
FHEM is a Perl server for automating household devices such as lamps, shutters, and heating, and logging events such as temperature, humidity, and power use.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
How it is controlled
The server can be controlled through web or smartphone frontends, telnet, or TCP/IP directly.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Interfaces
Its text, JSON, and XML interfaces are available over plain TCP/IP, SSL, or HTTP.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Local control
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · fhem.de
Media integrations
The site lists support examples including TVs from LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Sony; Bose and Sonos devices; and Kodi, Plex, and Apple TV.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Modules
The site describes FHEM as modular, with over 430 modules and the ability to add device support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Security and privacy statement
The privacy notice says internet data transmission may have security gaps and that complete protection from third-party access cannot be guaranteed.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Self-hosting requirement
FHEM requires a 24/7 server such as a NAS, Raspberry Pi, PC, or Mac Mini, with Perl and attached hardware to access devices and sensors.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Supported installation systems
The installation section covers Debian, Ubuntu, Raspbian, Unix, macOS, and Windows, and advises against deploying FHEM on Fritz!Box under the stated Fritz!OS conditions.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Voice assistant support
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · fhem.de
Who it is for
FHEM is intended for people who can run a continuously available Perl server and connect compatible hardware for household automation.Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
Z-Wave support
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · fhem.de

Plans and prices

FHEM Free GPL v2 software · requires a continuously running server with Perl and compatible hardware Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de

Every FHEM plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free GPL v2 software
  • Local control with many interfaces
  • Over 430 modules
  • Supports Z-Wave and voice assistants
  • Includes energy monitoring

Limits

  • Requires a continuously running server
  • Requires Perl and compatible attached hardware
  • Forum support is mostly in German
  • Internet transmission may have security gaps

Who it suits

FHEM suits people able to operate a continuously available Perl server and attach compatible household hardware. It supports self-hosted automation across Linux, macOS, Windows, web, Android, and iOS environments.

Verdict

FHEM offers broad, local, modular control for users comfortable maintaining their own server and hardware. Its free license and extensive protocol support come with ongoing self-hosting responsibilities.

Where Specifiction places it

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