WebThings Gateway

What WebThings Gateway is

WebThings Gateway is free, self-hosted software for monitoring and controlling smart home devices through a unified web interface. Its rules engine lets users build if-this-then-that automations with drag-and-drop controls. Devices can be placed on an interactive floorplan, and sensor readings can be viewed over time. The gateway supports local control, Zigbee and Z-Wave. Adapter add-ons expand compatibility with devices and protocols, and other add-ons can extend notifications and the interface; the documentation lists over a hundred community-contributed add-ons. For version 2.0, Docker is the recommended installation method, with an experimental Snap package and source build also available. Docker instructions cover Linux, Windows and macOS hosts. The previous Raspberry Pi OS images are unavailable for Gateway 2.0, and the Raspberry Pi download is marked deprecated. The project warns that it cannot guarantee third-party add-ons are safe and that many may not yet work properly with Gateway 2.0. WebThings Cloud can provide an end-to-end encrypted tunnel for remote access. Support is available through the project forum, Matrix channel or GitHub issues.

Who it suits

WebThings Gateway suits people who want to control smart home devices locally through a self-hosted interface, with Zigbee and Z-Wave support. It may also suit users who want to create rules-based automations or view devices on a floorplan.

Limits

The documentation warns that many add-ons may not yet work properly with Gateway 2.0 and does not guarantee third-party add-ons are safe. Previous Raspberry Pi OS images are unavailable for Gateway 2.0, and the Raspberry Pi download is deprecated.

Getting started

1. Visit https://webthings.io/.
2. Choose an installation route: Docker is recommended for Gateway 2.0; experimental Snap and source build are also available.
3. Follow Docker host instructions for Linux, Windows, or macOS, if using Docker.
4. Set up the self-hosted gateway and use its web interface to monitor and control devices.
5. Use the rules engine to create automations or arrange devices on an interactive floorplan.

Verdict

WebThings Gateway combines local smart home control with automation, floorplan views and add-ons. Before choosing it, note the Gateway 2.0 compatibility warning for add-ons and the deprecated Raspberry Pi download.