openHAB Foundation · Open-source Linux hubs

openHAB (on Raspberry Pi)

Wi-Fi · REST · about $100

cloud optionalcloud optional

Protocols

Wi-Fi
4 W
Idle power
$100
List price
~600
Devices (est.)

Specifications

CategoryOpen-source Linux hubs
ProtocolsWi-Fi
Cloud dependencycloud optional
Local APIREST
Voice assistantsAlexa, Google, local (Whisper/Rhasspy)
Open sourcefully open-source
Directly supported devices (est.)~600
Idle power draw~4 W
Update outlooklong-term support 5y+
List price (Amazon.com, Q2/2026)about $100
Best for: Tech enthusiast / tinkererBest for: Privacy-first

Setup & gotchas

JVM-based means a 2GB Pi 4 is a stretch with openHAB + InfluxDB + Grafana running together. 4GB Pi 4 is the floor; an 8GB Pi 5 is the sweet spot.

Editorial take

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

Strengths

  • + Apache 2.0 license under the Eclipse Foundation — cleanest OSS governance of any hub
  • + Over 400 add-ons (bindings) with strong KNX and legacy Z-Wave support
  • + Multi-language rules engine: DSL, JavaScript, JSR223 Python

Trade-offs

  • Mainstream reach lags Home Assistant — smaller community, less video content
  • openHAB 4 changed the rules DSL — older 3.x tutorials are stale
  • JVM memory footprint is heavier than HA Python on a 2GB Pi 4

Frequently asked questions

Does the openHAB (on Raspberry Pi) require the cloud?
Not for core control. The openHAB (on Raspberry Pi) works locally (REST); the cloud is optional and mainly adds remote access and extra features.
Which protocols and voice assistants does the openHAB (on Raspberry Pi) support?
Protocols: Wi-Fi. Voice: Alexa, Google, local (Whisper/Rhasspy). It directly supports an estimated 600 devices/brands.
How much does the openHAB (on Raspberry Pi) cost and how much power does it use?
List price is about $100 (Amazon.com market observation, Q2/2026 — actual prices fluctuate). Idle power draw is roughly 4 W.

Source & last checked

  • openHAB official site: openhab.org/
  • 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.