For a self-built Home Assistant server, choose a Raspberry Pi 4 or Raspberry Pi 5 with at least 2 GB of RAM. You will also need a suitable power supply, Ethernet, and a microSD card; Home Assistant recommends an A2-rated card with at least 32 GB. If you would rather avoid flashing an operating system and assembling parts, Home Assistant Green comes with the software installed.
Which Raspberry Pi works with Home Assistant?
Home Assistant’s Raspberry Pi installation guide offers images for the Pi 4 and Pi 5, and its installation overview sets a minimum of 2 GB RAM for this Home Assistant OS route. The board itself is only one part of a working setup: plan for storage, power, and a wired network connection during installation. See the Raspberry Pi installation guide and the broader Home Assistant installation overview.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There is a qualification for Pi 5 buyers: Home Assistant’s consumer setup guide provides a Pi 5 image choice, while its developer board table labels Pi 5 support “yes (beta).” Check both live pages before buying or installing, because the developer status may change. The support table also lists Pi 3 B/B+, but the consumer Pi Home Assistant OS guide focuses on Pi 4 and Pi 5. Do not assume the older board has the same guided setup. See Home Assistant’s Raspberry Pi supported-board table.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Pi 4, Pi 5, or Home Assistant Green?
The official pages provide no controlled performance comparison or comparative price data for these choices. Decide based on the setup you want, the hardware you already own, and the specifications Home Assistant publishes.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
| Option | What the official pages establish | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi 4 | Home Assistant OS installation guide offers an image; the installation overview specifies at least 2 GB RAM. | Someone who already has a compatible Pi or wants to assemble and configure a system. |
| Raspberry Pi 5 | Home Assistant OS installation guide offers an image; the developer board table marks support “yes (beta).” | Someone choosing a self-built system who is comfortable checking the current support status. |
| Home Assistant Green | Ships with Home Assistant OS installed; the product page lists a Rockchip RK3566 quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 processor at 1.8 GHz, 4 GB LPDDR4X memory, 32 GB eMMC, and Gigabit Ethernet. | Someone who wants dedicated hardware with less assembly and operating-system setup. |
Green is an alternative to a Raspberry Pi, not a Pi model. Its preinstalled software and documented storage make it a simpler starting point; the published specifications do not establish that it is faster than either Pi. Home Assistant describes Green for people who want dedicated supported hardware and are unfamiliar with Pi tinkering. Details are on the Home Assistant Green page.
What you need for a Raspberry Pi installation
- A Pi 4 or Pi 5 with at least 2 GB RAM. These are the models offered in Home Assistant’s guided Raspberry Pi OS setup.
- A power supply suitable for the board. Home Assistant warns that some mobile chargers may not supply suitable power and advises against powering the Pi from a computer USB port.
- A microSD card. Home Assistant recommends an A2 card with at least 32 GB.
- Ethernet. The installation guide calls for a wired connection while setting up the Pi.
These requirements and warnings are from Home Assistant’s Raspberry Pi installation instructions. The board alone is not a complete installation.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
How to install Home Assistant OS on a Pi
- Connect the Pi to your network by Ethernet and prepare its power supply and microSD card.
- Open Raspberry Pi Imager. Select Other specific-purpose OS > Home automation > Home Assistant, then choose the image matching your Pi 4 or Pi 5.
- Write the image to the microSD card, insert it into the Pi, and power on the board. Keep the Pi on the same network as the computer you use for setup.
- After it boots, open
homeassistant.localin a browser. If your network does not resolve that local name, connect using the Pi’s IP address.
Image versions can change, so use the live installation page for the current image rather than relying on a version number copied from an older guide.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Home Assistant OS or Container?
Home Assistant OS is the recommended installation type for most people bringing their own hardware. It is the straightforward choice if you want the guided Raspberry Pi setup described above. Container is a separate installation route: Home Assistant lists it for Pi 3, 4, or 5 and says it requires Docker and Linux command-line skills. Choose Container only if you specifically want that setup and are prepared to manage it; it is not the same installation experience as Home Assistant OS. The available routes are described in the installation overview.
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
Do you need a Zigbee or Thread adapter?
Not necessarily. Whether you need an extra radio depends on the protocols used by your smart-home devices and any hubs you already have. Home Assistant identifies its Connect ZBT-2 as a USB adapter for Zigbee and Thread; it is an optional accessory, not a requirement for every installation. Check the current Home Assistant hardware page for adapter details and availability.
Home Assistant’s Green page says Thread support for the ZBT-2 is under development. It also notes that a Thread-based Matter device needs a Thread border router on the network. Check the current Green documentation and your device’s protocol needs before choosing an adapter.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit 45W PD Power Supply for the Raspberry Pi 5
- Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K 60p)
Rank #4
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Which setup should you choose?
- Choose a Pi 4 if you already own one that meets the 2 GB minimum and want to build around it.
- Consider a Pi 5 for a self-built setup if you are comfortable verifying its current beta support status in Home Assistant’s developer documentation.
- Choose Green if preinstalled Home Assistant OS and less setup work matter more than using a Pi you own.
- Add a radio adapter only when needed for the Zigbee or Thread devices you plan to connect.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
