Google Home vs HomeSeer HS4
Google Home
home.google.comHomeSeer HS4
homeseer.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Home | HomeSeer HS4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $10/mo | $3.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 6 |
| Spec score · Home automation platforms | 9.4 (#1) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Spec score · Smart Home Apps | 9.2 (#2) | 8.9 (#4) |
| Spec score · Home Automation & Smart Home Software | 9.1 (#1) | 8.7 (#3) |
| Spec score · Home Automation | 9.1 (#2) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Camera integration | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Intended users | Google Home is designed for people managing compatible smart home devices, including cameras, doorbells, speakers, displays, thermostats, lights, locks, and appliances. | HomeSeer describes HS4 as suitable for DIY hub builders, from hobbyists setting up a first system to experienced developers building complex automation workflows. |
| Local control | Yes | Yes |
| Matter support | Google Home supports Matter devices, allowing compatible products from different ecosystems to work together through a Matter hub. | Yes |
| Purpose | Google Home brings compatible smart devices together in one app to set them up, control them, and automate the home. | HS4 is smart home automation software for building a Windows or Linux controller to remotely and automatically control home devices. |
| Support | The Google Play listing provides app support by email at [email protected]. | HomeSeer offers product documentation, contact support, user forums and developer help for creating plugins. |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Google Home
- Free Google Home appFree
- Google Home Premium Standard$10 a month
- Google Home Premium Standard$10 a month
- Google Home Premium Advanced$20 a month
- Google Home Premium Advanced$20 a month
HomeSeer HS4
- HS4 Smart Home Software$149.95 a month
- MyHS LiteFree
- MyHS Plus$39.95 a year
- MyHS PRO$59.95 a year
- MyHS Business$99.95 a year
- HS4 Smart Home Software$149.95, paid once
In their own words
Google Home
Google Home brings compatible smart devices into one app for setup, control, and home automation. The dashboard can pin favorite devices and show camera feeds, alerts, and activity from connected first- and third-party products. Compatibility includes Google and Nest devices, Matter devices, and thousands of partner products carrying the Works with Google Home badge. Automations can come from suggestions, be drafted with Gemini from text, or be built in an editor with starters, conditions, and actions. Gemini for Home supports natural spoken requests, including multiple requests in one go. On the web, users can monitor cameras and doorbells, adjust devices, run automations, and create them with a script editor. The app is available on Android and iOS, and the service has a free plan. A Matter hub is needed to manage Matter devices while away from home. Many features also require the app, Wi-Fi, and internet access; availability can vary by country and language. Premium Standard is $10/month or $100/year, and Premium Advanced is $20/month or $200/year.
HomeSeer HS4
HomeSeer HS4 is smart home automation software for building a Windows or Linux controller that manages devices remotely and runs automations locally. HomeSeer says local processing lets home control continue through internet or MyHS web service outages, and that sensitive information is stored at home rather than in the cloud. HS4 supports Matter, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. Its product page lists free integrations such as Philips Hue, Harmony Hub, Ecobee, Tuya, Wemo, Rachio, LIFX, and Chromecast. The responsive web interface includes live camera viewing, camera recording, automatic local backup, and device categories; alerts can be spoken or sent by customizable email and text. The software is downloadable for Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, though HomeSeer says only Ubuntu Linux and Raspberry Pi have been tested. The software license is listed at $149.95 a month. MyHS Lite is free for one system and one user with remote access; Alexa, Google smart speaker, and IFTTT support require a MyHS subscription. HomeSeer offers a 30-day trial and a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.