HomeSeer HS4 vs SwitchBot
HomeSeer HS4
homeseer.comSwitchBot
switch-bot.comSide by side
| Figure | HomeSeer HS4 | SwitchBot |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.33/mo | $2.92/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 10 |
| Spec score · Smart Home Apps | 8.9 (#4) | 7.8 (#15) |
| Spec score · Home Automation | 8.8 (#4) | 7.8 (#20) |
| Spec score · Home automation platforms | 8.9 (#5) | 8.2 (#12) |
| Automation | HS4 processes automations locally and continues controlling the home during internet outages or a MyHS web service outage. | The app's automation feature can use a schedule, geofence, or SwitchBot device as a condition that triggers an action. |
| Camera integration | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Matter support | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant support | Yes | Yes |
Plans
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
SwitchBot
- Basic Monthly Plan$3.99 a month
- Plus Monthly Plan$6.99 a month
- Premium Monthly Plan$10.99 a month
- Family Monthly Plan (Sale)$20.99 a month
- Basic Annual Plan$34.99 a year
- Family Monthly Plan (Retail)$34.99 a month
- Plus Annual Plan$69.99 a year
- Premium Annual Plan$104.99 a year
- Family Annual Plan (Sale)$209.99 a year
- Family Annual Plan (Retail)$349.99 a year
In their own words
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.
SwitchBot
SwitchBot is a smart home ecosystem centered on intelligent home robots, with an app for device automations and scenes. Automations can use a schedule, geofence or SwitchBot device as a condition that triggers an action. Scenes can be started by tapping their name in the app or through Alexa or Google Assistant voice control. SwitchBot lists Matter, voice assistant, camera and energy-monitoring support. Matter can connect SwitchBot devices and some third-party infrared appliances with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant and SmartThings, though support varies by platform. Bluetooth and infrared devices need a SwitchBot Matter Bridge; some Wi-Fi products support Matter without a hub. The app is available for Android and iOS, with an APK available through customer support when Google Play is unavailable. The Smart Video Doorbell cloud-storage plans include event recording for the past 30 days, with options for one, two, three or ten devices. Listed monthly plans start at $3.99 a month; annual plans start at $34.99 a year.