openHAB vs SwitchBot

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.

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.