Homey Pro smart home hub review: sleek design, great software and automation
It acts as the brains for your smart home, eliminating the need for separate smart hubs and apps for your lights, locks, thermostats and cameras.
Homey Pro brings everything in your house under its one roof, simplifying the control and use of all your smart home devices.
READ MORE: I tested OnePlus Pad 3 for two months to see if an Android tablet could finally replace my laptop
READ MORE: DJI Mic Mini review: is this the best compact wireless microphone set-up for most people? Homey Pro in everyday use
The shiny circular 12cm wide x 4cm high black device has at its base a glowing RGB halo (much like the latest Siri on Apple iPhone 16e). You can disable the lighting easily enough, if you wish, but I love it. Inside the unit, there is a Linux-based computer with connections for all the major smart home protocols such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread, Bluetooth and infrared.
There are no buttons or switches, just one USB-C port on the side for power. I love the minimalist design and the discrete profile means you can stick the device almost anywhere and it will blend in. You can control the Homey device using your phone, tablet or computer (Image: Homey Pro)
There's an initial bit of setting up with your devices but it's all relatively painless and slick and once you are up and running you get the benefits of the brilliant Homey software which works on Android, iOS and the web. The web version has more capabilities than the mobile apps, but they're all designed exactly the same.
The interface is similar to the Google Home app as everything is organised by room by default. However, you can customise the layout to your choosing.
Each room has a square icon that allows you to control each device. You can also control multiple devices, such as all your lights, using one virtual switch.
You can also create your own automations which Homey calls Flows. Flows are effortless to put together and can be incredibly powerful thanks to their 'when and then' activation system. For example, 'when the sun rises and I am home, then open the living room blinds'. The discrete circular black puck that is Homey Pro (Image: Homey Pro)
Flows are simple to put together, thanks to the Homey app's easy-to-use drag-and-drop card system. They can be as complicated and detailed as you wish or just simple instructions such as when a light bulb is off and motion is detected at night, Homey will turn the bulb on and then turn it off again after your chosen period of inactivity.
Device insights are added to the app and the Dutch firm behind the unit, Athom, said all your data is stored locally on the Homey Pro. Homey Pro verdict
If you have only a handful of smart home devices, then you probably don't need Homey Pro.
But if you have an extensive range of products across your home, then Homey Pro is the perfect all-in-one system for controlling and getting more from your devices. Homey Pro pricing and availability
Homey Pro costs €399 from Harvey Norman.
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