# Home Assistant vs openHAB

> 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.

## 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 Home Assistant: Most smart homes, from beginners to advanced users
- Best for openHAB: Tinkerers who prefer a Java platform with text-file configuration

## Key differences

| 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 numbers

| Metric | Home Assistant | openHAB |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 91,266 | 1,144 |
| Forks | 38,802 | 473 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 17,497 | 507 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 |
| Latest release | 2026.9.4 | None |
| License | Apache-2.0 | EPL-2.0 |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | Python | Java |
| Docker image | Yes | No |
| Repository | https://github.com/home-assistant/core | https://github.com/openhab/openhab-core |

App pages: [Home Assistant](https://appsgit.com/apps/home-assistant), [openHAB](https://appsgit.com/apps/openhab)

## FAQ

### 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.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/home-assistant-vs-openhab
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