Home Assistant vs Control4
An honest comparison for Oklahoma homeowners considering smart home automation.
Both platforms can create amazing smart homes. But they differ dramatically in cost, flexibility, and long-term ownership.
Home Assistant
Open-source platform running locally on your network. Complete privacy, no subscriptions, 2,500+ device integrations.
One-time cost, $0/month forever
Control4
Proprietary system with polished interface. Requires certified dealer for all changes. Limited device ecosystem.
Plus $99-$120/year subscription
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
See how the platforms stack up across key criteria.
| Feature | Home Assistant | Control4 |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $350-$2,500 | $10,000-$50,000+ |
| Annual Subscription | $0 (optional $65/yr) | $99-$120/year |
| 10-Year Total Cost | $350-$2,500 | $12,000-$55,000+ |
| Device Compatibility | 2,500+ brands | Limited to certified |
| Works Without Internet | Yes (100% local) | Partially |
| Data Privacy | Complete (local only) | Cloud-dependent |
| DIY Expandable | Yes | No (dealer only) |
| Professional Interface | Customizable dashboards | Polished, proprietary |
| Dealer Network | Growing | Established |
| Support Model | Local installer + community | Dealer-dependent |
The Real Cost Over 10 Years
Subscription fees add up fast. Here's what Oklahoma homeowners actually pay.
Home Assistant (Mid-Tier)
Control4 (Mid-Tier)
* Estimates based on typical mid-sized Oklahoma home (3,000 sq ft, 20-30 devices). Actual costs vary by project scope.
When to Consider Each Platform
Choose Home Assistant If You:
- Want to avoid monthly subscription fees
- Value privacy and local data control
- Have existing smart devices to integrate
- Want flexibility to expand yourself later
- Care about long-term ownership costs
- Want your system to work without internet
- Appreciate open-source and community support
Consider Control4 If You:
- Have unlimited budget for home automation
- Want a single vendor for everything
- Prefer dealer-managed systems
- Building a luxury spec home for resale
- Need Crestron-level enterprise integration
- Don't mind ongoing subscription costs
Why Oklahoma Homeowners Are Switching to Home Assistant
Storm reliability: When Oklahoma storms knock out internet, cloud-based systems stop working. Home Assistant keeps running because it's local to your home.
No dealer dependency: With Control4, you need a dealer for every change. Home Assistant gives you freedom—and we're here in Oklahoma when you need professional help.
Real savings: The average Oklahoma household could save $30,000-$50,000 over 10 years by choosing Home Assistant over Control4.
Local support: Unlike Control4 dealers who may be hours away, Leios Consulting is based right here in Yukon, serving OKC, Edmond, Moore, Norman, and all of Oklahoma.
Ready to see what Home Assistant can do?
Get a free consultation and discover how much you could save with open-source smart home automation.