We use Google Analytics to collect anonymised information about visits to our site. We also embed videos from YouTube that can place cookies on your computer. Read more about the information we store, cookies and how you can choose to disable them in our privacy policy.
An independent consumer guide to smart homes.

An all-in-one solution for your smart home

4.7

Homey Pro 2023 has been at the top of our wish list for a long time and now we finally got our hands on it! It is the complete solution for those who want to take full control of your smart home. The power lies in Homey's automations and compatibility. Of course, there are competitors with similar idea but none with quite the same ease of use and possibilities.

A growing platform
Support for 50,000+ devices
1,000+ affiliated brands
Advanced Flow (Homey Pro)
Quite expensive
Somewhat plastic feeling

What is Homey Pro and who is it for?

This is Athom's more expensive model that allows you to pair your smart gadgets from different brands. Today, more than 50,000 products from more than 1,000 brands are supported. It comes in a new design that makes it easier to place it in the home and does not take up as much space.

Homey Pro vs. Homey Bridge

Not sure if you need a Homey Pro or the simpler Homey Bridge model, you can read our guide Homey Pro vs. Homey bridge where we wrote about the advantages and disadvantages of the different models.

How does Homey Pro work?

Apps coded by brands or enthusiasts for the Homey platform can be installed on your Homey. By installing the IKEA app, you can connect IKEA smart home accessories to your Homey. You will quickly have a platform where you can use a single app to automate different brands' devices together. It is possible that you have lamps at home from IKEA and Philips Hue and want to use the same command to turn them both on. Homey, then, is an excellent option.

Design and Build Quality

The Homey Pro, unlike the Homey Bridge, has a black glare exterior all around and is slightly taller. The unit has a compact and modern aesthetic that blends neatly into a modern home. The circular LED ring surrounding the bottom of the device not only adds an aesthetic touch, but also serves as a useful indicator of the status of the device. Homey Pro is clearly designed with care and attention to detail, providing a sense of quality while still being perceived as slightly plastic and fragile. However, it is a very welcome update compared to the previous design which had the shape of a ball.

Installation and Configuration

One of the most impressive aspects of Homey Pro is how easy it is to set up and configure. All you have to do is download the dedicated Homey app on your smartphone or tablet and follow the clear step-by-step instructions. The app guides you through the entire setup process, from connecting the device to your WiFi network to adding compatible devices. It's a smooth and user-friendly experience that allows even beginners to get started with Homey Pro without any problems.

Avantische Flow

Something that is unique to Homey Pro unlike Homey Bridge is “Advanced Flow”. This is a node-based interface that you can access in the Homey web app. Here you can create more complex and advanced feeds. You get a better overview and access more features. You need to buy Advanced Flow for a smaller one-time cost.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

One of the most critical factors when it comes to a smart home hub is its ability to communicate with different devices and protocols. Homey Pro excels here by supporting a wide range of wireless protocols, including Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to connecting and automating your smart devices, whether they are smart lights, thermostats, security cameras or other IoT equipment. The comprehensive compatibility is one of the greatest strengths of Homey Pro and makes it easy to integrate existing devices into your smart home ecosystem. Although the new smart home standard Matter has been introduced and in some cases eliminates the need for a hub, there are strengths in using a Homey Pro. On the one hand, you can use devices that are not yet Matter certified and take advantage of the power of Homey's automations. Homey Pro has Thread built in and supports the new Matter standard.

Functionality and Automation

One of the most exciting aspects of Homey Pro is its automation capabilities. Using the app's “Flows”, you can create complex automations and scenarios that react to a variety of events and conditions. For example, you can set the lights in your home to dim when the sun goes down, that the thermostat adjusts based on the temperature outside, or that the security cameras activate when a motion sensor detects activity. It is easy to create these automations by using the graphical interface and drag and drop feature. Homey Pro gives you full control over your smart home and the ability to create customized experiences that are just right for you.

Voice Control and Integration with Third-Party Platforms

For users who love voice control, Homey Pro is a great choice. It is compatible with popular voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control your smart devices with simple voice commands. A handy feature that allows you to control your home while multitasking or when you don't have your hands free.

Performance and Reliability

One of the most crucial factors when it comes to a smart home hub is its performance and reliability. Homey Pro has been equipped with a powerful processor that allows it to handle a large number of devices and automations at the same time. During our testing period, we experienced outstanding performance with fast response times and no noticeable lag in executing commands or automations. An impressive achievement considering the complexity of our flows and the number of devices to be controlled simultaneously.

Reliability is another important aspect to consider when it comes to Homey Pro. During our tests, the device turned out to be stable and reliable, without losing connectivity or requiring reboots. This is crucial for you to be able to rely on the smooth running of your smart home, especially if you are away from home and need to control devices remotely.

Ethernet Adapter

If you want to increase the speed, you can buy more Homey's ethernet adapter for just over 350 kr. Then you get speeds up to 480 Mbps. You still need to power your Homey with the USB-C cable as it does not work with PoE (Power Over Ethernet).

Home Pro Ethernet Adapter

App and User Experience

The Homey app is the hub of the user experience, and it's designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The app's interface is neat and easy to navigate, and it offers a clear overview of your connected devices and automations. There is also a large library of apps that you can install to extend the functionality of your Homey Pro. These apps enable integration with different devices and services and give you even more ways to customize your smart home.

Security and Privacy

When it comes to smart home products, security and privacy are paramount. Homey Pro has built-in security measures to protect your network and data. It also offers the ability to create separate user accounts with different permissions, which is useful if you share your smart home with family members or friends. In addition, Homey Pro is GDPR compliant and gives you control over your personal data.

Homey Pro handles all logic locally unlike Homey Bridge which does it in the cloud. So if you are careful about your privacy, Home Pro is a good choice.

Affordability

One of the most tangible issues when it comes to Homey Pro is its affordability. True, Homey Pro is in the higher price range of smart home hubs. However, when you weigh in on its extensive functionality, compatibility with multiple protocols and reliability, it quickly becomes apparent that it is an investment that could be worth the price for many users. If you are committed to creating a comprehensive and automated smart home, Homey Pro is an excellent choice. Also, keep in mind that Homey Pro does not require a recurring subscription.

This is included in the package when you buy your Homey Pro

Summary and Conclusion

Homey Pro has taken its place as a leading player in the smart home market for good reason. Its simple installation, wide compatibility, impressive automation capabilities and reliability make it a powerful and useful smart home hub. With the ability to integrate with voice assistants and third-party platforms, user-friendly app, Logic & Variables, Insights, Enery, Advanced Flows, Thread and Matter, Homey Pro offers a comprehensive experience for users who want to take control of their smart devices and create custom automations.

At the same time, it's important to note that price can be a barrier for some users, especially if they only have a few smart devices in their home. For these users, there may be more affordable options on the market such as Homey Bridge. But if you're ready to invest in a powerful smart home ecosystem and want a hub that can grow with your needs, Homey Pro is a great choice.

In summary, Homey Pro is an impressive device that allows you to take control of your smart home and automate your everyday life smoothly and reliably. With its extensive functionality and impressive performance, it's an investment that can take your smart home to the next level.

This article is not sponsored and no one has been able to influence our review in how we write or what we write.

Specifications

  • WiFi 5GHz & 2.4Ghz b/g/n/ac
  • Bluetooth LE 5.0
  • Z-Wave Plus 700
  • Zigbee 3.0
  • 433 MHz
  • Infrared
  • Matters
  • Thread
  • CPU — 1.8GHz Quad Core ARMv8
  • Memory — 2GB LPDDR4 RAM
  • Capacity — 8GB eMMC Flash
  • Power Supply 5V2A, USB-C

FAQ

What are the alternatives to Homey Pro?

Of course, there is Homey Bridge - Homey Pro's cheaper and simpler version. Some other products are Aeotec Smartthings, Aqara Hub M2, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Fibaro Home Center 3, Animus Heart, Philips Hue, etc.

Are Advanced Flows included when buying Homey Pro?

The No. Advanced Flow can be purchased retrospectively for a one-time cost of a few hundred dollars.

How big is Homey Pro

It is about 127 mm in diameter and about 40 mm high. The USB_C cable at the back needs about 40 mm before it can be bent.

Does Homey Pro work with Matter?

Yes. Homey Pro has Thread built in and is Matter certified. You can therefore access all your incompatible devices connected to Homey Pro in e.g. Apple Home