Nabu Casa · Open-source Linux hubs
Home Assistant Yellow
Matter · Thread · Zigbee 3.0 · Wi-Fi · REST · about $175
local-onlyno cloud lock-in
Protocols
MatterThreadZigbee 3.0Wi-Fi
3.5 W
Idle power
$175
List price
~2200
Devices (est.)
Specifications
| Category | Open-source Linux hubs |
|---|---|
| Protocols | Matter, Thread, Zigbee 3.0, Wi-Fi |
| Cloud dependency | no cloud lock-in |
| Local API | REST |
| Voice assistants | local (Whisper/Rhasspy) |
| Open source | fully open-source |
| Directly supported devices (est.) | ~2200 |
| Idle power draw | ~3.5 W |
| Update outlook | actively maintained |
| List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026) | about $175 |
Best for: Privacy-firstBest for: Tech enthusiast / tinkererBest for: Matter / future-proof
Setup & gotchas
🔌 Yellow runs over PoE or USB-C — if you already have a PoE switch in your closet, you can skip the wall wart. CM4 is sold separately in BYO mode (about $55-90).
🧩 Multi-protocol firmware (Silicon Labs MGM210P) runs Zigbee plus Thread off one radio. Still in beta channel but stable in day-to-day use.
Editorial take
Our hands-on read — the specs above are the sourced facts.
Strengths
- + CM4-based dedicated HA hardware with PoE plus built-in Zigbee 3.0; optional Thread/Z-Wave
- + Over 2,200 integrations through HA Core — essentially anything with an API
- + Fully local, no cloud lock-in, no mandatory account
Trade-offs
- − CM4 supply has been tight since 2023; the Yellow sometimes ships as a BYO-CM4 kit
- − Learning curve is real — YAML and the automation editor reward patience
- − Thread Border Router needs an extra SkyConnect or multi-protocol firmware
Related hubs
Frequently asked questions
Does the Home Assistant Yellow require the cloud?
No. The Home Assistant Yellow runs local-only — REST, no vendor account is required for core automations.
Which protocols and voice assistants does the Home Assistant Yellow support?
Protocols: Matter, Thread, Zigbee 3.0, Wi-Fi. Voice: local (Whisper/Rhasspy). It directly supports an estimated 2200 devices/brands.
How much does the Home Assistant Yellow cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $175 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 3.5 W.
Source & last checked
- Home Assistant Yellow docs: home-assistant.io/yellow/ ↗
- Nabu Casa: nabucasa.com/ ↗
- 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.