When creating an integrated and efficient smart home system, selecting the right smart home hub can play a pivotal role.
With the recent release of the Homey Bridge, you may be comparing it to the more established Homey Pro (Early 2023), both by Athom. This in-depth comparison aims to outline their key differences, allowing you to make a more informed decision about the device best suited to your needs.
Product Summaries
Homey Pro
Homey Pro (Early 2023) is a top-tier smart home hub, bringing an assortment of advanced features and wide-ranging compatibility. It integrates over seven wireless technologies (Wi-Fi, Z-Wave Plus, Bluetooth, Zigbee, 433 MHz, Infrared, Matter, Thread), and has compatibility with over 50,000 devices and services.
In addition, Homey Pro offers wired connectivity through the Homey Pro Ethernet Adapter for increased reliability, and the Satellite Mode extends wireless coverage throughout your entire home using Homey Bridge. Moreover, the Homey Pro functions locally, ensuring high reliability and minimal latency.
Homey Bridge
The Homey Bridge, conversely, enhances your Homey experience by connecting devices via Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, 433 MHz, and Infrared. The Bridge connects to your Wi-Fi network and serves as an antenna within your home. It can automatically switch its Z-Wave frequency depending on geographical location and transmit 433 MHz in eligible regions.
For cloud-connected devices, Homey Bridge works seamlessly without needing any extra hardware, and for non-cloud devices, you can simply add the Homey Bridge. Also, the Bridge comes with three months of Homey Premium for free, offering Homey Insights and Homey Logic for unlimited devices after upgrading from the limited five devices in the free version.
What's the difference between Homey Pro and Homey Bridge?
The differences between the Homey Pro and Homey Bridge can be found in their user orientation, device compatibility, and functionality. The Homey Pro caters to tech enthusiasts, offering a robust set of features, a wide range of device compatibility, and the ability to function locally for improved reliability and low latency.
It also supports advanced technologies such as Matter and Thread. It's a comprehensive smart home management with extensive device compatibility and advanced feature set. Supports the latest wireless technologies and offers both local and cloud functionality.
The Homey Bridge, on the other hand, aims to simplify the smart home experience for the average user, offering the bridge between cloud-connected and non-cloud devices, with a focus on affordability and simplicity.
It's an antenna inside your home, bridging the gap between various wireless technologies. Primarily used to connect non-cloud devices to the Homey ecosystem.
Pros & Cons
Homey Pro
Pros
- Wide compatibility with many devices and services
- Integrates seven wireless technologies, including Matter and Thread
- Everything functions locally for reliability and low latency
- Satellite mode for extended wireless coverage
Cons
- Higher price point
- May offer more advanced features than the average user requires
Homey Bridge
Pros
- Affordable and user-friendly
- Works with both cloud-connected and non-cloud devices
- Comes with three months of Homey Premium for free
- Automatic Z-Wave frequency switching and 433 MHz transmission
Cons
- Lacks support for Matter and Thread
- A subscription may be required after the free three months of Homey Premium
- Limited to five devices on the free version
Spec Comparison Table
| Specification | Homey Pro (Early 2023) | Homey Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Device | Advanced Smart Home Hub | Smart Home Bridge |
| Primary Function | Comprehensive smart home management with extensive device compatibility and advanced feature set. Supports the latest wireless technologies and offers both local and cloud functionality. | Acts as an antenna inside your home, bridging the gap between various wireless technologies. Primarily used to connect non-cloud devices to the Homey ecosystem. |
| Wireless Technologies | Wi-Fi, Z-Wave Plus, Bluetooth, Zigbee, 433 MHz, Infrared, Matter, Thread | Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, Zigbee, 433 MHz, Infrared |
| Device Compatibility | Over 50,000 devices and services | Unlimited (with Homey Premium subscription) |
| Homey Premium | Not included | Three months free with purchase |
| Ethernet Connectivity | Available with Homey Pro Ethernet Adapter | Not Available |
| Local Functionality | Yes | No |
| Satellite Mode | Available | Not Available |
| Cloud-Connected Device Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Non-Cloud Device Compatibility | Yes | Requires Homey Bridge |
| Support for Matter and Thread | Yes | No |
| Free Version Device Limit | Not applicable | Limited to 5 devices |
Conclusion
If you are a tech enthusiast and seek a smart home hub that offers advanced features, extensive device compatibility, and local functionality for reliability and low latency, the Homey Pro is an excellent choice.
However, if you are an average user seeking a simple, effective, and budget-friendly solution for your smart home needs, the Homey Bridge, which offers straightforward functionality and affordability, is a great alternative.
You can buy the Homey Bridge here and the Homey Pro here.
