The Homey Pro Mini emerges as a cost-effective entry point into the realm of locally controlled smart homes, offering a compelling alternative to cloud-dependent platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Priced at $199, this compact hub retains the core functionality of its more expensive sibling, the $400 Homey Pro, by running the same Homey OS software and supporting essential communication protocols such as Ethernet, Zigbee, Thread, and the promising Matter standard. This allows for direct communication between devices and the hub, eliminating the need for cloud processing and enhancing both privacy and responsiveness. While the Pro Mini sacrifices some processing power and radio support (Z-Wave, BLE, and IR) compared to the Pro, it retains the ability to create sophisticated automations and routines – termed “Flows” within the Homey ecosystem – across a wide range of connected devices. This makes it a viable option for users seeking a robust yet affordable local smart home control solution.
The core strength of the Homey ecosystem lies in its versatility and open approach to device integration. Boasting over 1,000 integrations with various smart home products and services, from established brands like Ikea, Sonos, and Lutron to newer players in the smart home landscape, Homey aims to provide a unified control platform. While only a subset of these integrations are officially supported by Homey, the vibrant community actively contributes to expanding the ecosystem through community-generated integrations. This crowdsourced approach, while potentially introducing variability in integration quality, dramatically broadens the range of devices compatible with the Homey platform, allowing users to incorporate a diverse range of gadgets into their smart home setups. The Pro Mini, leveraging this extensive integration library, empowers users to connect and control a multitude of smart devices, including lights, locks, robot vacuums, thermostats, and more.
The decision to omit certain radios in the Pro Mini reflects a strategic trade-off between cost and functionality. While the absence of Z-Wave, BLE, and IR might limit compatibility with some devices, Homey offers a workaround through the Homey Bridge, a separate accessory priced at $69. This modular approach allows users to add support for these protocols as needed, tailoring their setup to their specific device ecosystem. Furthermore, the Pro Mini’s processing power, although reduced compared to the Pro, is deemed sufficient for managing up to 20 integrations – a number Homey claims exceeds the average user’s requirements. This targeted approach to hardware specifications further contributes to the Pro Mini’s affordability, making local smart home control accessible to a wider audience.
The Homey Pro Mini’s performance and capabilities are inextricably linked to the Homey OS software. This platform provides the underlying logic and user interface for managing connected devices and creating automations. Flows, the core automation feature within Homey OS, allow users to define complex interactions between devices based on various triggers and conditions. For instance, a Flow could be programmed to automatically dim the lights and activate a smart thermostat when a motion sensor detects no presence in a room. The intuitive design of Homey OS, coupled with its extensive integration library, makes it an appealing option for both novice and experienced smart home enthusiasts. However, potential users should be aware that the functionality of some integrations, particularly those community-created, may vary.
The recent acquisition of Athom, the company behind Homey, by LG adds another layer of intrigue to the Homey story. While LG plans to integrate Homey software into its own ThinQ smart home platform, the commitment to maintaining Homey’s independent operation suggests a dual-pronged strategy. On one hand, LG benefits from incorporating Homey’s mature and versatile software into its own ecosystem. On the other hand, Homey continues to evolve as a standalone platform, catering to users seeking local control and a wide range of integrations. This arrangement potentially benefits both brands, leveraging synergy while preserving Homey’s distinct identity within the smart home landscape.
Furthermore, the recent release of Homey OS Dashboards and the Home Energy Management System reinforces Athom’s commitment to enhancing the user experience and expanding the platform’s capabilities. These additions provide more granular control over connected devices and empower users to monitor and optimize their energy consumption. The Dashboards offer a streamlined interface for managing smart home devices, while the Home Energy Management System provides insights into energy usage patterns, enabling informed decisions about energy conservation. These ongoing developments, coupled with LG’s backing, position Homey as a strong contender in the increasingly competitive smart home market, offering a compelling blend of local control, extensive integrations, and user-friendly software.
