I'm curious, are open-source systems or closed ecosystems more future-proof? For example, are systems that operate on a local network more robust than cloud-dependent ones? In the long run, which protocol (Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread) has the most advantages? Which security approaches are healthier from a security standpoint? In your opinion, which system has the highest stability?
Which Smart Home system is more future-proof?
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Is the question of whether open or closed smart home systems are more future-proof something that's been on your mind too? I've been thinking about this ever since I started experimenting with Home Assistant and later Apple HomeKit about a year ago.
Open systems like Home Assistant or openHAB really shine when it comes to flexibility – you can set up local automations without being forced to use the cloud and integrate devices from any manufacturer, as long as they support an open protocol like Zigbee or Matter. It worked especially well for me when I controlled Philips Hue lights with a Zigbee stick through Home Assistant and used local sensors without an internet connection at the same time. Stability and privacy are just better here because you're not dependent on a single manufacturer.
As for protocols, I've been shifting more towards Thread (for example, with Eve devices or the Google Nest Hub) over the past six months, rather than relying solely on Wi-Fi. Thread is more energy-efficient, more stable on the local network, and scales better – especially when you have dozens of devices. While Zigbee remains a strong choice for affordable sensors and switches, Matter will likely dominate the market long-term because it works across different manufacturers. Cloud-based systems like Alexa or Google Home might be easier to set up, but I've already run into the issue twice where certain routines stopped working because an update changed the API. So, if you want maximum independence and future-proofing, you really can't go wrong with a local solution using Matter/Thread – it's been running smoothly for me for months without a hitch.