Side by side
Amazon Alexa vs HomeSeer HS4
Both stand on smart home apps. 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 AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
HS4 centers on local home automation, with device integrations, camera tools, and alerts. Consider the listed license cost and MyHS subscription requirement for selected voice and IFTTT integrations.
Visit HomeSeer HS4The facts
| Amazon Alexa | HomeSeer HS4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Alexa+ subscription: $19.99 a month | MyHS Plus: $39.95 a year |
| Plans published | 6 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | amazon.com | homeseer.com |
| On smart home apps | #1 of 39 | #5 of 39 |
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.
HomeSeer HS4: what it does well
- Automations run locally during internet outages.
- Supports Matter, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.
- Includes camera viewing and recording.
- Provides spoken, email, and text alerts.
What to know first
- Software license is listed at $149.95 a month.
- Alexa, Google speaker, and IFTTT need MyHS subscription.
- Only Ubuntu Linux and Raspberry Pi are tested.
Alternatives to Amazon Alexa Alternatives to HomeSeer HS4 The whole list