Smart home, built right.
The other systems in a mixed house. Home Assistant stays its own section.
Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Homey. A tag on a Home Assistant article cross-lists here without changing the canonical URL.
Platforms · Apple Home
Use Home Assistant with Apple Home in 2026: HomeKit Bridge for Siri, HomeKit Device for accessories, Matter sharing, Thread and the new Home architecture.
Home Assistant · Guides & Tutorials
Two ways to get iCloud calendars into Home Assistant: the Apple iCloud integration (calendars and Reminders since 2026.10) or CalDAV with an app password.
Buying guides · Sensors and switches
Five US outdoor smart plugs for Christmas lights compared on Home Assistant route, IP rating, LED load limits and GFCI needs. Research-based, with sources.
Buying guides · Lighting
Govee Christmas Lights 2, Twinkly Strings and Philips Hue Festavia compared on effects, outdoor ratings and what Home Assistant, Alexa, Google and Apple Home can control.
Buying guides · Radios
Which Thread border router to use with Home Assistant: ZBT-2, SMLIGHT, Apple TV, HomePod, Nest and Echo compared on compatibility, Thread 1.4 and price.
Buying guides · Deals
Black Friday 2026 smart home picks by budget: outdoor plugs, Christmas lights, sensors and Thread hubs, with notes on which ones work locally in Home Assistant.
Buying guides · Ecosystems
Smart home gift ideas by budget, filtered by Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Matter, with no-subscription picks and notes on which ones grow into Home Assistant.
Standards · Matter
Stuck at 'Checking network connectivity'? Why Matter-over-Thread pairing fails in Home Assistant, IKEA's known issues, and a fix-it checklist in order.