Hey guys, what are the best-rated home automation apps available today? I am seeking to streamline my home setup and am curious about the finest solutions available. Do you have any recommendations for apps that provide seamless integration and user-friendly interfaces for controlling smart devices?
Home Assistant is a great choice! You won’t go wrong with it, and you’ll learn a lot along the way!
Apps can be problematic for several reasons. First, some limitations stem from which manufacturers even offer an API. Then there’s the reliance on cloud-to-cloud agreements, which can change unexpectedly. Performance can also be unpredictable, as it depends on internet stability.
For example, if you want your blinds to close and lights to dim when you set your AV system to “movie” mode, the process can get complicated. The receiver communicates with its cloud, which updates the app’s cloud, which then sends commands to the Lutron and NeoSmart clouds. These clouds, in turn, send commands to the hubs (likely within 30 feet of the AV receiver), which finally control the lights and blinds. It’s a long chain of communication with multiple points of potential failure.
To simplify, you should consider a hub that can interface directly with as many of your systems as possible. For instance, I use HomeSeer, which links directly to Russound, Lutron Pro, and NeoSmart devices. This approach eliminates several points of failure and thousands of miles of unnecessary internet communication. Some Hikvision NVRs can be accessed via URL, which might work with HomeSeer’s IP camera features.
However, some devices, like Ecobee, only have cloud-based APIs. Linking to services like Alarm.com can be tricky. Some security systems offer “IP communicators” (ethernet cards with extra firmware) that might allow you to connect directly to the panel.
The best automation app is no app at all. If you have to control everything via iPads and other devices, then where’s the automation? 
At that point, it’s just a remote control!
All jokes aside, start with Home Assistant. It’s a great starting point, and once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have a better idea of whether it meets your needs or if you need to explore other options. By then, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Why are you using both Hikvision and Alarm.com? You can actually integrate Lutron into Alarm.com, but it depends on how deeply you’re using Lutron’s features. Which Lutron system are you using? Understanding your specific setup could help determine whether it makes sense to consolidate or optimize your system.
Hikvision manages the surveillance cameras, while Alarm.com handles the door contacts, glass break sensors, and motion detectors.
I personally like having cameras and all security like sensors and contacts all on one platform. Is your dealer saying they can’t put the camera ip addresses into alarm.com?