Side by side
Amazon Alexa vs FHEM
Both stand on home automation. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose Amazon Alexa if you want voice control for compatible home devices, music, and tasks through an app or Alexa-enabled device. Alexa+ adds conversational assistance and broad service integrations; check regional availability and the $19.99 monthly subscription price for the full experience.
Visit Amazon Alexa Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Choose FHEM if you want free local home automation and can provide a continuously available Perl server with compatible hardware. Look elsewhere if you need a setup that does not depend on maintaining that server and its device connections.
Visit FHEMThe facts
| Amazon Alexa | FHEM | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Alexa+ subscription: $19.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | amazon.com | fhem.de |
| On home automation | #1 of 25 | #4 of 25 |
Amazon Alexa: what it does well
- Controls a range of compatible smart home devices.
- Voice-created Routines combine multiple actions.
- Alexa+ remembers context and offers four response styles.
- Works with listed services.
- Privacy settings allow review and deletion of requests.
What to know first
- Alexa+ feature availability varies by region.
- The Alexa+ chat plan is limited-use and text-based.
- Alexa+ subscription is $19.99 per month.
FHEM: what it does well
- Runs locally and is GPL version 2 software.
- Supports web and smartphone frontends, telnet, and TCP/IP control.
- Can log events to files or a database with filters.
- Timed commands and notifications to scripts support automation.
- More than 430 modules support a range of devices and services.
What to know first
- Requires a 24/7 server, Perl, and compatible attached hardware.
- The privacy notice says complete protection from third-party access cannot be guaranteed.
- Most forum entries are in German.
Alternatives to Amazon Alexa Alternatives to FHEM The whole list