FHEM (open source) · Open-source Linux hubs

FHEM on Raspberry Pi

Wi-Fi · Bluetooth LE · REST · about $80

local-onlyno cloud lock-in

Protocols

Wi-FiBluetooth LE
3 W
Idle power
$80
List price
~1000
Devices (est.)

Specifications

CategoryOpen-source Linux hubs
ProtocolsWi-Fi, Bluetooth LE
Cloud dependencyno cloud lock-in
Local APIREST
Voice assistantsAlexa
Open sourcefully open-source
Directly supported devices (est.)~1000
Idle power draw~3 W
Update outlooklong-term support 5y+
List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026)about $80
Best for: Tech enthusiast / tinkererBest for: Privacy-first

Setup & gotchas

🛠️ FHEM rewards users comfortable editing configs by hand, it is one of the most flexible but least beginner-friendly options.

Editorial take

Our hands-on read — the specs above are the sourced facts.

Strengths

  • + Mature Perl-based server with very broad protocol and device support
  • + Completely local and highly scriptable for power users
  • + Long track record and stable, well-documented modules

Trade-offs

  • Dated, configuration-heavy interface with a steep learning curve
  • Perl-centric customization is unfamiliar to many newcomers
  • Smaller, mostly German-speaking community

Frequently asked questions

Does the FHEM on Raspberry Pi require the cloud?
No. The FHEM on Raspberry Pi runs local-only — REST, no vendor account is required for core automations.
Which protocols and voice assistants does the FHEM on Raspberry Pi support?
Protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE. Voice: Alexa. It directly supports an estimated 1000 devices/brands.
How much does the FHEM on Raspberry Pi cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $80 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 3 W.

Source & last checked

  • FHEM official site: fhem.de/
  • Sources last checked: 2026-07-20 · Prices: Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026
  • Idle-power and device-count figures are vendor-claimed or community-measured estimates. Prices fluctuate. Details without warranty — check the current manufacturer spec sheet before buying.