Open Source Smart Home alternatives in 2026
Home automation, cameras and IoT devices under your own control, with no third-party cloud.
Quick comparison
Sorted by featured first, then GitHub stars as a tiebreaker — the same rule we use across the whole site.
| Tool | License | Minimum RAM | GPU | Docker | GitHub |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Assistant Lightest option100% FOSSMost popular on GitHub | Apache-2.0 | ~256MB | — | ✅ | ★ ~79,000 |
| Frigate Lightest option100% FOSS | MIT | ~256MB | — | ✅ | ★ ~20,000 |
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Alternative to SmartThings, Google Home
The open source standard for home automation, no brand cloud required.
Alternative to Ring, Nest Cam
AI object-detection NVR, a subscription-free alternative to Ring/Nest Cam.
Frequently asked questions
Which Smart Home tools are 100% free?
All 2 tools in this category are 100% FOSS: no paid plan or locked features.
Do I need a GPU to use these tools?
No, none of the 2 tools in this category need a GPU — they all run fine on CPU alone.
How much RAM do I need at minimum?
The lightest option on this list is Home Assistant, which runs on as little as 256MB of RAM — enough for a cheap VPS.