ioBroker vs openHAB

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.

openHAB is free, open-source home automation software that runs on the user's hardware and can operate without a cloud service. It supports more than 400 technologies and systems, with over 3,000 supported things available through add-ons. Its automation engine includes rules, time and event triggers, scripts, actions, notifications and voice control. Servers can run on Linux, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, Docker and Synology; access is available through web, iOS, Android and other apps. Integrations include Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. The project says data stays privately at home and that local devices are contacted directly when possible. The myopenhab.org service is free when used with the openHAB Cloud connector. The project describes itself as vendor-neutral and says it avoids lock-in. For Raspberry Pi, openHABian provides an image with preconfigured settings and software. The project has no company behind it; the openHAB Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation, supports openHAB and its development. The community shares examples and tutorials and provides help.