Private and open-source alternatives to Google Home
6 smart home rated against the same public privacy criteria as Google Home (Google Nest), with our picks first.
Why look for an alternative?
- Open source: no. Closed source.
- No trackers or telemetry: no. The Android app includes Google Firebase Analytics.
- No ads or data sales: no. Part of Google's advertising business. Voice interactions with the Assistant may be used for ad personalization, though recordings and sensor data are not.
- Independent audit: partial. Nest devices are assessed by third-party labs such as DEKRA, but only short validation summaries are published.
See the full Google Home rating.
The alternatives
Domoticz Grade B
Open source home automation system written in C++ that runs locally on Linux, Windows, Raspberry Pi or Docker, with a web interface, scripting and support for many devices and protocols.
Domoticz scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the smart home criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
ESPHome Grade B
Open source system for building custom firmware for ESP32, ESP8266 and other microcontrollers from YAML files, turning them into local smart home devices that integrate with Home Assistant.
Based in Switzerland. ESPHome scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the smart home criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
Zigbee2MQTT Grade B
Open source bridge that connects Zigbee devices to an MQTT broker through a USB or network coordinator, so they can be used locally without the manufacturers' hubs or clouds.
Zigbee2MQTT scores 80 out of 100 (grade B) on the smart home criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales.
Home Assistant Grade C
Open source home automation platform that runs locally on a Raspberry Pi, mini PC or server and controls thousands of device brands, with companion apps for phones and computers.
Based in Switzerland. Home Assistant scores 65 out of 100 (grade C) on the smart home criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
Gladys Assistant Grade D
Self-hosted, open source smart home software that runs locally on a Raspberry Pi, mini PC or NAS, with Zigbee, Matter and MQTT support. Optional paid remote access and backups through Gladys Plus.
Based in France (Nine Eyes). Gladys Assistant scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the smart home criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.
openHAB Grade D
Open source, vendor-neutral home automation platform written in Java that runs locally and connects devices and services through add-ons, with rules, a web interface and mobile apps.
Based in Germany (Fourteen Eyes). openHAB scores 50 out of 100 (grade D) on the smart home criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: open source and no ads or data sales.