If you started to install smart devices, you realized that you need apps to manage the devices. The more popular are Tuya, Smart life and eWeLink. However, they come with a drawback: They rely on the third party cloud, if you loss internet connection you won't be able to control the devices. In order to solve that you can re-flash the devices with another software. In other words, override the software of the device which will allow you to control the device locally. I'll discuss some I've used just for put them in your radar.

ESPHome

ESPHome is a system to control your ESP8266/ESP32 and RP2040 by simple yet powerful configuration files and control them remotely through Home Automation systems.

This is by far the most popular software, highly customizable and configurable through YAML files that make the programming easily readable. There many devices supported, if they have and ESP82XX/ESP32 chip surely there is already a template for the device. You can also experiment with ESP devkit boards for your specific needs.

PROS:

  • Fully integrated with HomeAssistant.
  • No need to know how to program, YAML files are used to instruct the programming of the devices.
  • Easy to install.
  • Documentation is very extensive.
  • Very active community to find support.
  • OTA updates.

CONS:

  • Need to recompile the software if you want to change something in the device configuration.
  • Web UI component is very limited to control the device from the Web.
  • Time to read the documentation (is it really a con?)

LibreTiny (AKA LibreTuya)

LibreTiny is a port of ESPHome to work with non-ESP chips, like devices with Beken chips (e.g. BK7231N/T devices, CBU, CB3s, WB3L chips, etc.). This means, it is fully compatible with ESPHome configurations through YAML and it can be installed through Tuya-CloudCutter for supported devices, so opening the device and solder wires is not needed.

PROS:

  • Fully integrated with HomeAssistant.
  • No need to know how to program, YAML files are used to instruct the programming of the devices.
  • Can be installed through Tuya-CloudCutter.
  • Easy to install.
  • You can get YAML templates for specific supported devices here.
  • Documentation is the same as ESPHome for YAML configuration.
  • Very active community to find support.
  • OTA updates.

CONS:

  • Need to recompile the software if you want to change something in the device configuration.
  • Some Tuya devices now work with a TuyaMCU, which is an extra layer of communication between the device and you. This requires extra steps.
  • Web UI component is very limited to control the device from the Web.
  • Time to read the documentation (is it really a con?)

Tasmota

Tasmota is an open source firmware for Espressif ESP8266, ESP32, ESP32-S or ESP32-C3 chipset based devices created and maintained by Theo Arends. Tasmota allows you to control the device using MQTT, Web UI and HTTP. Automate using timers, rules or scripts within the device using the Web UI.

PROS:

  • Fully integrated with HomeAssistant through MQTT.
  • Everything can be configured from the Web UI.
  • No need to know how to program.
  • Easy to install.
  • No need to recompile for single changes.
  • Documentation is very extensive.
  • Very active community to find support.
  • OTA updates.

CONS:

  • Needs a MQTT broker to be fully integrated with homeassistant.
  • I found some of the documentation instructions outdated.
  • Time to read the documentation (is it really a con?)

OpenBeken

OpenBeken is a Tasmota/ESPHome replacement for new Tuya modules featuring MQTT and Home Assistant compatibility. It is designed to work with Beken chips (e.g. BK7231N/T devices, CBU, CB3s, WB3L chips, etc.). In appearance it is very similar to Tasmota, but it is not a port like LibreTiny to ESPHome. OpenBeken is a new firmware. It can be installed through Tuya-CloudCutter for supported devices, so opening the device and solder wires is not needed.

PROS:

  • Fully integrated with HomeAssistant through MQTT.
  • Everything can be configured from the Web UI.
  • No need to know how to program.
  • Easy to install.
  • No need to recompile for single changes.
  • Can be installed through Tuya-CloudCutter.
  • You can get configuration templates for specific supported devices here.
  • OTA updates.

CONS:

  • Needs a MQTT broker to be fully integrated with homeassistant.
  • Documentation is still a work in progress.
  • Some Tuya devices now work with a TuyaMCU, which is an extra layer of communication between the device and you. This requires extra steps.

No re-flash solutions

If you do not want to re-flash the devices, there a another few alternatives

  • TinyTuya, is a python module controls and reads state of Tuya compatible WiFi Smart Devices (Plugs, Switches, Lights, Window Covers, etc.) using the local area network (LAN). First you need to use Tuya-CloudCutter to disconnect the device from the cloud.
  • ZigBee, is a low-power wireless mesh network standard targeted at battery-powered devices in wireless control and monitoring applications. ZigBee devices can be integrated to HomeAssistant through Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA or deCONZ but you will need a Zigbee Gateway.
  • Matter (and Thread), is a local protocol. Device control is done without the need of any cloud. From a technical perspective, you can use a Matter-compatible device with Home Assistant without connecting to a vendor-specific cloud. It allows to control devices through a protocol that runs on top of the existing network infrastructure, using your existing Wi-Fi/Ethernet routers and Thread. It is still _under HomeAssistant development. Similarly to ZigBee, you will need a Matter bridge in order to connect/use the devices.
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