HomeGenie

Free plan AndroidAPILinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What HomeGenie is

HomeGenie is a free, open-source ecosystem for local control of smart homes and connected devices. HomeGenie Server runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi, providing automation, dashboards, a code editor, virtual modules, logs, charts, and filters. Its local Lailama AI interprets natural-language commands and produces API calls that users can inspect and edit. Server automation supports C#, JavaScript, and Python, with GPIO, I2C, SPI, and PWM access on supported hardware. Native integrations include ZigBee, Z-Wave, MQTT, KNX, and X10, plus Web APIs and physical devices. VisionCore uses video feeds and YOLO models for detections and recordings. HomeGenie Mini firmware supports ESP32 and ESP8266 with local JavaScript automation and scheduling. Panel turns Android devices into dashboards with Gemini voice control and UPnP discovery. The project began in 2009 and is primarily maintained by its original founder.

Who it suits

HomeGenie suits users wanting open-source, local-first smart-home control across computers, ARM devices, microcontrollers, and Android dashboards. It also fits people comfortable with scripting and hardware integrations.

What it does well

Free and open source
Local control and local AI
ZigBee and Z-Wave support
C#, JavaScript, and Python automation
Runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and ARM

What to know first

No stated paid plans or trial terms
Some hardware access requires supported devices
Panel is an Android dashboard
Project primarily maintained by its original founder

Limits

HomeGenie is presented as free and open source.

Getting started

Open the HomeGenie website
Choose a server host running Windows, macOS, Linux, or an ARM device
Install HomeGenie Server locally
Connect supported devices or protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, MQTT, KNX, or X10
Create automations with C#, JavaScript, or Python
Use Panel on an Android device for dashboard control

Verdict

HomeGenie offers broad local automation, scripting, device connectivity, and open-source components. Its range is useful for technically inclined smart-home builders who prefer local operation and customizable hardware.

Questions

Is HomeGenie free?

HomeGenie is listed with a free pricing model and a free plan. It is also described as open source.

Which platforms can run HomeGenie?

The listed platforms are Android, API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows. HomeGenie Server also runs on ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi.

Can HomeGenie work without internet access?

HomeGenie Mini devices can run without internet access, including setup and core functionality. The ecosystem is designed around local control.

What smart-home protocols are supported?

The server lists native Zigbee, Z-Wave, MQTT, KNX, and X10 support. It can also connect web APIs and physical devices.

Is HomeGenie open source?

Yes. The maker describes the project as 100% open source, including HomeGenie Mini firmware.

Facts from HomeGenie's own pages

Analytics: The server provides historical data logs, time-range navigation, interactive charts, and filters such as moving averages. · homegenie.it, 8 Oct 2026
Automation: The server includes customizable dashboards, an integrated code editor, virtual modules for prototyping, and historical sensor logs with charts and filters. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Automation and programming: The server supports automation scripts in C#, JavaScript, and Python, plus hardware access through GPIO, I2C, SPI, and PWM on supported hardware. · homegenie.it, 8 Oct 2026
Firefly: Firefly is a DIY gateway that combines IR, 433/315 MHz RF, and X10 devices, with modular components that plug into its board without soldering. · homegenie.it, 8 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · homegenie.it, 24 Sept 2026
HomeGenie Mini: HomeGenie Mini is open-source firmware for ESP32 and ESP8266 devices, with local JavaScript automation and a built-in scheduler. · homegenie.it, 8 Oct 2026
Integrations: The server lists native support for ZigBee, Z-Wave, MQTT, KNX, and X10, plus GPIO, I2C, SPI, and PWM access on supported hardware. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Local AI: The server’s Lailama AI runs language models locally and can generate API calls to orchestrate devices; users can inspect and edit the generated scripts. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Local control: Yes · homegenie.it, 24 Sept 2026
Mini connectivity: HomeGenie Mini supports HTTP, WebSocket, MQTT, and Serial, and can be discovered by SSDP/UPnP or connected to HomeGenie Panel and Server. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Mini firmware: HomeGenie Mini is open-source firmware for ESP32 and ESP8266 devices, with local JavaScript automation and no internet requirement for setup or core functionality. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Open source and history: The About page says the project began in 2009, is 100% open source, and is now primarily maintained by its original founder. · homegenie.it, 8 Oct 2026
Panel integrations: HomeGenie Panel integrates Google Gemini for conversational voice control and acts as a UPnP control point for discovering media servers and smart TVs. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Panel platform: HomeGenie Panel turns an Android device into a dashboard and control hub with a built-in automation engine and customizable interface. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Pricing: The opened maker pages describe HomeGenie as open-source but do not state plan prices or trial terms. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Product: HomeGenie describes itself as an open-source ecosystem for controlling smart homes and connected devices, with firmware, a backend server, and mobile apps. · homegenie.it, 8 Oct 2026
Programming: The maker documents C#, JavaScript, and Python support through a unified API bus. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Project history: The maker says HomeGenie began in 2009 as a personal project and is now primarily maintained by its original founder. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose: HomeGenie describes itself as an open-source ecosystem for controlling smart homes and connected devices, built around local-first software and hardware. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Security: The maker says HomeGenie communications use end-to-end encryption and that Panel encryption keys are exchanged within the private home network rather than over the internet. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Server: HomeGenie Server is a self-hosted automation engine that the maker says runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Support: The About page links to a Q&A discussion forum and says user and developer involvement is welcome. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
VisionCore: VisionCore processes video feeds for AI detections, event-based MP4 recording, and live stream monitoring, with visual metadata available to automation and local AI. · homegenie.it, 9 Oct 2026
Zigbee support: Yes · homegenie.it, 24 Sept 2026

Where HomeGenie stands on Freedom251

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