Home automation platform.
- Apache-2.0
- Python
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Home Automation & IoT comparison
Home Assistant vs openHAB: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick Home Assistant if you want the largest smart home ecosystem with a polished UI; pick openHAB if you prefer a vendor-neutral Java platform with text-based configuration and rules.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
GitHub numbers updated · refreshed daily
Vendor and technology agnostic open source software for home automation.
- EPL-2.0
- Java
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
Home Assistant vs openHAB, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  Home Assistant |  openHAB |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | EPL-2.0 |
| Language/stack | Python | Java (OSGi), runs on the JVM |
| Installation | Home Assistant OS image, Docker container, or supervised install | openHABian image for Raspberry Pi, Linux packages, Docker or Windows/macOS |
| Automations | Visual automation editor, scripts and blueprints, plus YAML | Rules via UI, Rules DSL, JavaScript and Blockly |
| Mobile apps | Official companion apps for Android and iOS | Official apps for Android and iOS |
| Learning curve | Low to start, deep when you need it | Steeper: things, items and channels concepts take time to learn |
| GitHub stars | 91,730 | 1,159 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 21,252 | 561 |
| Last commit | Oct 26, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Latest release | 2026.10.4Oct 24, 2026 | No GitHub releases |
| Main language | Python | Java |
| Official Docker image | Yes | No |
| Repository | home-assistant/core | openhab/openhab-core |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
Home Assistant is the default choice for most smart homes: it has a huge integration library, a dedicated OS image, UI-driven automations and companion apps. openHAB is a mature, vendor-agnostic platform on the JVM that appeals to people who like defining things, items and rules in text files and want long-term stability.
Best for
Choose Home Assistant for
Most smart homes, from beginners to advanced users.
Best for
Choose openHAB for
Tinkerers who prefer a Java platform with text-file configuration.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Is Home Assistant better than openHAB?
For most people, yes, because of its larger integration library, active community and easier setup. openHAB is a solid choice if you prefer its architecture and text-based configuration.
Can both run on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. Home Assistant offers Home Assistant OS for the Pi, and openHAB offers the openHABian image.
Do they need a cloud account?
No. Both run locally. Remote access is optional, through your own reverse proxy or VPN, or through each project's optional cloud service.
Which is more popular on GitHub, Home Assistant or openHAB?
Home Assistant has 91,730 GitHub stars against 1,159 for openHAB. Over the last twelve months Home Assistant received 21,252 commits and openHAB received 561, so Home Assistant is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.