Building a smart home often leads to the need for a central controller to unify and automate your devices. While countless hubs flood the market—each with pros and cons—a HomeSeer HomeTroller offers a superior alternative.
HomeSeer's core strength lies in its ability to automate diverse smart devices based on custom conditions, all controllable remotely from anywhere. But is it just another smart hub? Far from it.
HomeSeer distinguishes itself from cloud-dependent hubs. Its HomeTrollers are "Internet Independent," functioning seamlessly during ISP outages. This local processing also enhances security, keeping control in your hands rather than relying on potentially vulnerable third-party services.
This reliability proved vital when Revolv hubs—acquired by Nest in 2013—were discontinued earlier this year. Cloud server shutdowns bricked those devices entirely. HomeTrollers avoid this fate: as long as the hardware endures, your automations persist, offering unmatched longevity.
HomeSeer uses "drivers" and "plugins" interchangeably for integrations. Entry-level models support up to five Linux-compatible drivers simultaneously, while premium ones handle unlimited drivers for both Linux and Windows.
Many drivers are free, but most require a one-time purchase after a trial—typically $30-$40. This model sustains support for an expansive ecosystem, including niche protocols unattainable for free in competitors like SmartThings or Wink.
Mainstream integrations like Z-Wave, Insteon, and Sonos are free. Exotic options, such as Arduino or DD-WRT routers, incur fees but enable unparalleled flexibility. HomeTrollers also integrate with IFTTT for broader services and Amazon Echo for voice control.
HomeTrollers are essentially dedicated PCs, not low-power hubs. The lineup includes five models, starting with the $199.99 Zee S2 (900MHz quad-core CPU, 1GB RAM).
Higher-end SEL and SEL Pro feature 1.58GHz dual-core Celeron CPUs with 2-4GB RAM. Top-tier SES 6 ($899.95) and SES 6 Pro ($1,195.95) boast 1.80GHz Celeron CPUs, 2-4GB RAM, and run Windows 7 Embedded, complete with VGA/DVI, HDMI, and audio ports.
This robust hardware powers local processing without cloud reliance, justifying the power draw for serious automation enthusiasts.
Aimed at advanced users, HomeSeer demands thoughtful setup but rewards with depth. A vibrant community, webinars on YouTube, and tools like HSTouch Designer ($199.99) enable custom, branded interfaces—ideal for professionals.
For versatile, robust smart home automation, HomeSeer excels. It's pricier and more complex than app-centric hubs, but delivers power, customization, and independence from internet or vendor whims.
In my years optimizing smart homes, it's a standout choice.
Have you tried HomeSeer? Share your thoughts in the comments.
