About Home Assistant
Home Assistant is an open-source home automation platform that focuses on privacy, flexibility, and local control. It is developed in Python and was originally launched in 2013.
Since then, it has become one of the most popular solutions among smart home enthusiasts. Unlike cloud-based platforms, Home Assistant runs locally on devices such as a Raspberry Pi, a dedicated server, or a virtual machine. Nabu Casa also offers a pre-installed Home Assistant solution on the Home Assistant Green hub. This means that automations continue to work even when the internet is down, and all data remains fully private.
Home Assistant provides a unified dashboard to monitor and control devices from various manufacturers, allowing them to work together seamlessly. Its modular architecture is based on over 2,000 integrations—plug-ins that connect Home Assistant to different devices, services, and technologies such as MQTT, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and more.
One of Home Assistant's standout features is its YAML-based configuration, which allows deep customization for advanced users. At the same time, it offers a user-friendly graphical interface (Lovelace UI) for users with less technical experience. Automations can be created using visual builders or scripting, making the platform suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike.
HA's compatibility with Sonoff and other eWeLink devices
Sonoff devices—and compatible brands like SmartWise and WDYK—use the eWeLink cloud platform for control and automation. Their product lineup includes affordable and high-quality smart switches, relays, plugs, and sensors, available in both Wi-Fi and Zigbee versions.
Integrating Sonoff and SmartWise Wi-Fi devices with Home Assistant
Home Assistant can integrate Sonoff Wi-Fi devices in several ways:
1. Official eWeLink Smart Home Add-on
Installation: Available through the Home Assistant Supervisor interface from the official GitHub repository: eWeLink.
Operation: Communicates primarily over the local network (LAN). If a device does not support LAN mode or is unreachable on the local network, it falls back to cloud control.
Supported Devices: Currently supports mainly switches and plugs, but support is gradually expanding.
Note: This add-on is not frequently updated, and certain features—such as firmware updates and advanced settings—are not available.
2. SonoffLAN (Community Integration by AlexxIT)
Installation: Can be installed via the Home Assistant Community Store (HACS).
Operation: Supports local (LAN) control and can optionally fall back to cloud communication when necessary.
Advantages:
No need to flash custom firmware.
Supports multi-channel devices, sensors, thermostats, and other advanced devices.
Fast and reliable performance over the local network.
Note: Actively maintained by the community, with constantly expanding device support.
Both integrations allow Sonoff and eWeLink devices to work with Home Assistant, but SonoffLAN offers wider device support and more active development. If local control and device compatibility are important, SonoffLAN is highly recommended.
3. Other integration options:
DIY Mode: Some Sonoff devices (e.g., Basic R3) support a "Sonoff DIY" mode, enabling local control via REST API without cloud dependency.
Note: Newer Sonoff models no longer support "DIY mode" or REST API access.
Tasmota / ESPHome: Advanced users often flash Tasmota or ESPHome firmware onto their devices, enabling full local control and integration via MQTT. While this requires some technical knowledge, it provides maximum flexibility and privacy.
Integration of Sonoff and SmartWise Zigbee devices to Home Assistant
Zigbee-based Sonoff devices (such as temperature sensors, buttons, and plugs) generally work well with Home Assistant, especially when used with a compatible Zigbee coordinator (e.g., Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 Dongle, ConBee III, Home Assistant ZBT-1 USB stick).
These coordinators handle Zigbee communication locally within Home Assistant.
Sonoff Zigbee devices are popular in the Home Assistant community due to their affordability and reliable performance. When integrated via ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT, they work locally without the cloud and can be easily included in automations.
Summary
Home Assistant is a professional, privacy-focused, and locally operating home automation platform that supports a wide range of smart devices and protocols. It offers high compatibility with Sonoff and eWeLink-based devices, including both Wi-Fi and Zigbee versions.
Wi-Fi devices can be used locally via the official or community-developed eWeLink integration, or they can be flashed with custom firmware like Tasmota or ESPHome for full local control.
Zigbee devices integrate seamlessly through a compatible Zigbee coordinator, enabling reliable and private home automation without relying on cloud services.