Smart home, built right.
HomeKit, Apple TVs, and HomePods, and how they meet Home Assistant.
Older HomeKit reviews that we are not republishing point at this hub. The iCloud calendar guide and the Home Assistant Apple Home guide have their own pages.
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.