INSTEON HUB ALTERNATIVES & INTEGRATIONS

TECHNOLOGY, SOFTWARE AND HUB OPTIONS FOR INSTEON USERS

Note:  Insteon is a LOCAL technology that does not require the web or cloud to function.  But the Insteon Hub used the Insteon cloud.

At time of writing, the Insteon cloud service requires a $39.95 annual subscription.  Some Insteon users who previously enjoyed free service have asked about other options.  Unfortunately running a cloud service is actually incredibly expensive with bills that can easily exceed $30K a month at scale. 

Insteon is a flexible and powerful protocol, with a strong user following with numerous devices installed around their homes.  Aartech Canada has been distributing Insteon from the very beginning.  Insteon switches, dimmers and keypads do not require a cloud service to operate locally.  So any existing links and scenes work whether the Internet is down, the cloud service stops working, or the smart home hub breaks down.  So the devices still work but the hub is offline.  There are several ways to continue using Insteon and expand the system with other devices.

INSTEON HUB ALTERNATIVES

EISY - (new version of ISY994 & Polisy)

From the makers of the ISY, the new generation is called EISY. EISY runs its own embedded software and allows users to  automate a number of different technologies and systems including Insteon ,Zigbee, Matter (pending) , IP/WiFi enabled devices, Lutron Caseta and even Telsa vehicles.  EISY is definitely aimed at highly tech savvy users.   Insteon support require a 2413U PLM.  ZWave/Zigbee support requires a ZMatter USB dongle.

HOMETROLLER OR HOMESEER

Homeseer is available as a software product, or embedded in one of their Hometroller smart hubs.  Those who prefer not to set up a 24/7 computer and windows updates can use Hometroller.  Hometroller-Plus and Hometroller-Pro can support Insteon.  Hometroller stores all programming and runs all logic locally, it's not cloud dependant.  Hometroller natively supports ZWave and it can work with Insteon.  You'll need a 2413U, 2413S, 2448 USB interface or Insteon Hub to enable Insteon support and the "Mark Sandler Insteon Plug-In" is the way to go.  For Insteon Hub users this is a great option. 

HOME ASSISTANT SOFTWARE

Home Assistant is a software platform that can support Insteon, ZWave, Zigbee and a number of other platforms.  It can run on a raspberry computer server.  Home Assistant is powerful and requires a tech savvy user to set it up but the options are virtually limitless for those willing to build a system around Home Assistant.  Since it's a local platform, all programming and routines are stored and run locally so it's not cloud dependant.  Home Assistant can be used with an Insteon PLM, 2448A7 USB stick or an Insteon Hub locally.  For those people with an Insteon Hub that has gone offline, this is another option.   https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/insteon/   DO NOT factory reset your hub as it may not be recoverable.

HUBITAT HUB

While Hubitat does not have native Insteon support, there is a community written driver that purports to use an Insteon Hub (model 2245-222) as a bridge to Insteon.  It is marked as-is and like many of these solutions, expect to roll up your sleeves and work with the community for support.  We do not promote Hubitat as an Insteon hub and can't offer any support for integration or confirm it will work.  Hubitat is a very powerful hub with built-in support for ZWave, Zigbe and many IP/WiFi devices.  It's inexpensive, powerful and incredibly flexible.  The Hubitat community is vibrant and the developers continue to improve the platform.  Hubitat stores and runs all programming locally and it can be accessed remotely and tied in to Alexa and Google without paying any fees.  There is an optional paid service that provides remote administration, backups and warranty extension.

OpenHAB

Another great software solution is OpenHAB.  OpenHAB supports a computer with a PLM connected or it can talk to an Insteon Hub for those users looking to migrate from their hub to another solution.  Do NOT reset your Insteon Hub.  You can learn about OpenHAB Insteon support here.

INSTEON ALTERNATIVES

Lutron Caseta or RadioRA

Lutron's Caseta Wireless system is perfect for small jobs, condos and smaller homes.  It's rock solid and uses a very fast, reliable and interference free frequency to provide wireless lighting control.  Caseta offers switches, dimmers and plug-in modules.  They also use battery powered Pico remotes that can be wall mounted for remote and scene lighting control.   Caseta is DIY and installer friendly.  RadioRA takes it to another level, supporting larger homes but it requires an authorized installer.  Many Insteon users are now installing Caseta devices.  The Caseta Bridge allows for smart phone control.  The Caseta Pro Bridge allows for integration with third party systems and hubs.

WiFi

WiFi is a standard wireless protocol supported by all wireless routers and access points.  It's safe to say that almost all homes have a WiFi network so it makes sense to consider WiFi smart home devices.   For simple automation like app control, voice control or timers, most WiFi devices will do the trick.  Enbrighten WiFi is a great example of low cost flexible smart home devices.  Leviton's Decora Smart WiFi is a complete line of keypads, switches, dimmers and plugs that just work.  In fact at time of writing, Leviton is the only WiFi manufacturer we carry that supports multi-button scene keypads.  Keep in mind that WiFi devices need the home WiFi network to be functional, and in the case of Leviton's keypads - they require live Internet connection to function.  One downfall of WiFi is that if the home's router is changed, reset, or the WiFi password changes, it's necessary to reprogram all the WiFi devices with the new network/password.

Z-Wave

For many years, ZWave has been the smart home automation protocol of choice for most brands including alarm companies, hub and software developers.  ZWave has matured over the years to become a fast and flexible technology.  Devices that are ZWave certified will work with most ZWave certified hubs.  ZWave has very limited support for scene keypads but has a huge following of manufacturers and device types including thermostats, locks, plugs, dimmers, switches and sensors.

Zigbee

Zigbee is a wireless technology similar to ZWave but sort of like vhs and beta back in the day, ZWave and Zigbee took a different path.   Zigbee has some nice inexpensive sensors.

Matter

Matter is coming - there are a few devices but so far very little selection and functionality is limited at best.