Control4 vs ioBroker
Control4
control4.comioBroker
iobroker.comSide by side
| Figure | Control4 | ioBroker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Smart Home Apps | 7.9 (#14) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Spec score · Home Automation | 7.9 (#17) | 8.4 (#9) |
| Spec score · Home automation platforms | 7.5 (#22) | 8.8 (#6) |
| Automation | Routines and scenes can automate actions such as adjusting shades and temperature, playing media, and controlling lights on schedules or in response to events. | Automations can be created with graphical rules, Blockly, JavaScript, TypeScript, or Node-RED. |
| Camera integration | Yes | Yes |
| Energy monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 2003 | 2013 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Integrations | Connect enables voice control integrations with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and HomeKit integration for control through CarPlay, iPhone, or Mac. | The documentation names Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX, Modbus, MQTT, manufacturer clouds, and voice assistants as integration examples. |
| Intended users | Control4 is designed for residential and business spaces, with systems installed and configured through authorized professional integrators. | The site describes ioBroker as beginner-friendly through graphical tools and Blockly, while also supporting advanced scripting and custom logic. |
| Local control | Yes | Yes |
| Local operation | Control4 systems work locally without a subscription; Control4 Connect adds features such as remote access, Apple integration, and enhanced service and support. | ioBroker runs locally on the home network, stores values, history, and rules on the user's computer, and does not itself require cloud storage. |
| Remote access | Control4 Connect enables remote control through the Control4 App while away from home. | Free ioBroker.net remote access is limited to browser visualization without editing and has limits on data volume and functionality. |
| Security | Control4 can integrate security panels, cameras, sensors, and locks, and supports remote monitoring, alerts, and remote door control. | For remote access, ioBroker initiates an outbound connection, so the user does not need to open a router port or use DynDNS. |
| Support | Control4 Assist provides manufacturer-backed remote support and system monitoring; Assist Premium adds 24/7/365 support, personalized system education, and biannual check-ins. | The project points users to its community forum, Discord, Facebook groups, documentation, and tutorials; it says community support is not contractually guaranteed. |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
| Zigbee support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
ioBroker
ioBroker brings devices and services from different makers into one local system for monitoring, control, and home automation. It runs on a home network and stores values, history, and rules on the user's computer, without requiring cloud storage for its own operation. Users install adapters for the devices, protocols, and online services they need; more than 800 are available. Integration examples include Zigbee, Z-Wave, KNX, Modbus, MQTT, manufacturer clouds, and voice assistants. Automations can use graphical rules, Blockly, JavaScript, TypeScript, or Node-RED. The platform supports local control, cameras, energy monitoring, and Matter, and is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted use. Its open-source platform and basic functions are free. Free ioBroker.net remote access is limited to browser visualization without editing and has data-volume and functionality limits. The free vis-2 license requires an internet connection each time ioBroker restarts. Without a license, the Matter bridge can expose up to five devices to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa.