SmartHomeNG vs Zigbee2MQTT
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted home automation options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
SmartHomeNG
Modular home automation framework with KNX focus
VS
Zigbee2MQTT
Bridge Zigbee devices to MQTT without vendor hubs
| Feature | SmartHomeNG | Zigbee2MQTT |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Home Automation | Home Automation |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Python | TypeScript |
| Setup difficulty | Hard | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 512 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, docker | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 127 | ★ 15,477 |
| First released | 2013 | 2018 |
| Replaces | Loxone | SmartThings |
Why pick each one
Choose SmartHomeNG if…
- Released under the GPL-3.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in Python
- Lightweight — runs in 512 MB RAM
Choose Zigbee2MQTT if…
- Frees devices from vendor hubs
- Wide device support
- Local control
Frequently asked questions
Is SmartHomeNG or Zigbee2MQTT better?
Zigbee2MQTT is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider SmartHomeNG if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are SmartHomeNG and Zigbee2MQTT free and open-source?
Yes. SmartHomeNG is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Zigbee2MQTT under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run SmartHomeNG and Zigbee2MQTT with Docker?
SmartHomeNG: yes. Zigbee2MQTT: yes.