Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to HomeKit · 🤖 automation
HomeKit vs Gladys Assistant
Privacy-first home automation platform that runs locally on your hardware, supports Zigbee, Matter, and MQTT, and lets you automate your home without coding. Here is how Gladys Assistant ($0/mo open source) stacks up against HomeKit ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Gladys Assistant is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for HomeKit. Switching from HomeKit ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HomeKit.
Gladys Assistant
$0.00/mo · Open Source
HomeKit vs Gladys Assistant Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | HomeKit (Paid) | Gladys Assistant (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 3.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from HomeKit to Gladys Assistant
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HomeKit.
How to deploy Gladys Assistant
Clone https://github.com/gladysassistant/gladys or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Gladys Assistant instead of vibe-coding a HomeKit clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for HomeKit or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 4 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Home Assistant.
HomeKit vs Gladys Assistant FAQ
Is Gladys Assistant a good free alternative to HomeKit?+
Yes. Gladys Assistant is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for HomeKit. Privacy-first home automation platform that runs locally on your hardware, supports Zigbee, Matter, and MQTT, and lets you automate your home without coding.
What is the catch when switching from HomeKit to Gladys Assistant?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HomeKit.
How much do you save switching from HomeKit to Gladys Assistant?+
HomeKit costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Gladys Assistant is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Gladys Assistant instead of HomeKit?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/gladysassistant/gladys or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
