SmartThings to Homey Pro: The Real Reasons for my Hesitation

[@BudsSmartHome]

As an afterthought, I neglected to mention that I continue to view, control and create flows with SmartThings devices within Homey Pro via the "SmartThings2" Community App. 🟠Homey Community Forum guide for the SmartThings2 App can be found here: tinyurl.com/y5wy65ks 🟠This app allows you to "Control SmartThings Devices in Homey Pro (No Migration Needed!)"~ Video Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJDTc4KwhbeIZ5o 🟠The SmartThings to Homey set-up instructions "Using the CLI Install Method - Windows OS" can be sourced here: tinyurl.com/mwtj3syw The aforementioned video shows you how to integrate Samsung SmartThings devices into your Homey Pro hub using a SmartThings personal access token and the Homey SmartThings2 app. This setup allows me to fully explore and enjoy all the fantastic features of Homey and SmartThings simultaneously.

[@jsfraley7]

Thanks again Bud for your honest and appropriate statements on Homey Pro and home automation ideas. We are slowly making good progress with a number of new solutions in making our smart home smarter each day.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Glad to hear you’re making progress! Home automation is all about those steady wins-keep it up!

[@albertbodden]

I was in a similar situation as you, however about 6 months ago I switched from Smartthings to Homey Pro. I didn't have as many automations and devices as you, but very close. I spent about 2 months moving everything over and creating new flows. What I learned along the way was that I had kneecapped myself with ST and my way of thinking was broken. It was kind of like when I had a plumbing problem and I kept snaking out the main because I didn't want invest the time to simply replace the main, even when I KNEW it was the right thing to do. To a few of your points, it sounds like a few of your devices on your "unsupported" list are supported, as I'm using a few of those on my network. Also, if your security setup is anything like mine was, then it is only "rock solid" because it's so restrictive. After a month of tinkering I've found my security setup is very robust, but also WAY more flexible and integrated. I can use my Ring indoor cameras as motion sensors when I'm out of my house and they will also send me screen captures when they detect motion for example. Another example is that I'm about to configure the indoor siren for various tones easily within the app itself as well as push notifications to Alexa devices easily. Once I moved out of ST I realized the walled garden was actually holding me back from the smart home functionality I WANTED from ST in the first place.

[@BudsSmartHome]

@@albertbodden Thank you, Albert. Your experience is truly inspiring and has given me much to consider.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Hi Albert, I’m curious-of the devices I mentioned as unsupported, which ones did you discover as supported on the Homey Pro platform?

[@albertbodden]

​@@BudsSmartHome I've got two sonoff smart plugs in my HP ecosystem for example.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Good to know. Thanks, Albert.

[@donneizer3246]

Thanks Bud. I'm in the same situation. After I purchased my SmartThings/Aeotec hub and devices, my KZbinrs went to Home Assistant. Now many are heading to Homey. My SmartThings is rock solid and has many routines too. I also don't want to spend the time and money for the switchover. Thanks for the conversion guide too.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thanks for sharing, @donneizer3246! I’m glad to hear your SmartThings setup is running rock solid. It’s definitely tough when trends shift, but sticking with what works for you is always a smart move. Happy to hear the guide was helpful. 😀

[@ypark2877]

Wow that is a lot of devices and routines.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Yep. Could be somewhat painful to make the move, for sure!

[@ypark2877]

I have to wait until homey has yolink. Have some yolink and Smarthing devices. Limp along on a v2 hub and alexa echo. The old hub keeps ticking and works.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Yes, it looks like they may eventually brick the V2 hub. So far it’s been a good performer. Not to mention it has more memory than the newer SmartThings V3 or Aeotec hubs.

[@samiam732]

Homey send cool and I'd like the way you build automations. But it's too darn expensive.

[@BudsSmartHome]

Homey is definitely a powerful hub with a lot of great features. However, I totally understand your concern about the cost. It can be a big investment compared to other platforms.

[@Slimhaven1]

Biggest hesitation for me is LG purchasing as they ruin evrything they touch and I will not spend any more money on a company that builds junk and doesnt support it.

[@BudsSmartHome]

I totally understand your concern-hoping LG’s involvement brings improvements rather than setbacks. Time will tell!

[@joedman7815]

Homey is cloud or local based for management? I see they also charge a monthly fee, so for us DIY people, that is a big turnoff, or am I missing something?

[@BudsSmartHome]

Hi Joe, great question! Homey Pro is primarily local-based for device management, with most automations running locally on the hub. Cloud is optional and mainly used for remote access. The monthly fee is for their cloud platform, but it’s not required for local DIY setups. If you buy the Homey Pro (Early 2023) hub ( homey.app/en-us/homey-pro ) there are no monthly fees. You do have the option to purchase cloud backups for you hub at the cost of around $10 per year. You can also back the hub up locally to a PC or Mac if you prefer. Homey is targeting the release of the "Homey Pro Mini" in April 2025. It's similar to the standard Homey Pro, minus a Z-Wave radio and it can be preordered for $199 here: homey.app/en-us/homey-pro-mini I trust this information is helpful?

[@joedman7815]

@@BudsSmartHome thank you, very helpful!!!

[@grantp3911]

I'd get off the Homey ecosystem completely, not many people are using it. Aqara hubs, ie: M2 and M3 are better, more stable hubs in my situation, and the accessories like zigbee switches, zigbee sensors and the aqara presense sensors are so much better than, and cheaper than SmartThings The aqara hubs are also matter compliant, the Aqara M3 hub will eventually support everything matter related because aqara updates frequently, and their products are so much better looking than SmartThings' ugly looking and very pricey sensors and switches, etc. I dont know anything about Homey, but I will stay away from anything that is not FULLY commercial, Homey is more of an option for tinkerer's Besides, Aqara has now partnered up with home assistant and the Aqara hardware plays very nicely with home assistant, even via the matter integration. Just my opinion on Homey and (SmartThings which i barely use).

[@BudsSmartHome]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You make some excellent points. I agree that Aqara devices are impressive-I really like them too. Their hubs' local automation capabilities and Matter compatibility are particularly appealing. I lean toward solutions that maximize local control and Aqara's frequent updates and integration with Home Assistant make them a compelling option. I appreciate your insights!