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A shared home dashboard gives each household member a recognizable link to the apps and services you run, so no one has to remember their IP addresses. For app shortcuts and service widgets, Homepage is a natural fit; for checking household devices and controlling them, Home Assistant dashboards are designed for a different job. Either way, the dashboard is a convenient front door—not a replacement for the services behind it.
Choose a dashboard for the job you want it to do
| What you want | Good fit | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| A page of links to self-hosted apps, with optional service information | Homepage | It supports service integrations and widgets, and can discover Docker services when its Docker integration is configured. Widgets may expose personal information, so the dashboard’s access controls matter. Homepage documentation |
| A view of household devices, room status, and controls | Home Assistant dashboards | Consider the devices and integrations you use, how much visual customization you want, and whether household members need different dashboards. Home Assistant dashboard documentation and multiple dashboards documentation |
| To show an existing app page inside another interface | A Home Assistant webpage dashboard may work | Embedding is not universal: an app’s browser security headers can block it, and the app’s own authentication still applies. Files served from Home Assistant’s /local/ path are not protected by Home Assistant authentication. Webpage dashboard documentation and HTTP integration documentation |
These options overlap, but they are not interchangeable. Homepage centers on finding apps and viewing selected information about them; Home Assistant centers on household state and device control. Pick one based on the task rather than assuming every service page belongs inside a smart-home interface.
Make the dashboard useful to people who do not manage the server
Put the dashboard at a memorable local address and use clear names such as “Photos,” “Music,” or “Home automation” instead of raw addresses or technical container names. Each entry should point to the service’s actual page. A widget can add a quick status or summary, but the service itself remains the place to do the work.
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If your services run in Docker, Homepage can read labels to discover service entries. This depends on configuring its Docker integration; it is not automatic for every installation. Discovery can reduce the need to maintain a separate list by hand as the containerized setup changes. Homepage Docker integration documentation
#1 Best Overall
- (1)This is an all-in-one Android multimedia tablet designed specifically for smart home consumers, integrating touch, computer, multimedia, audio, Internet, and LED ambient lighting
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Add widgets selectively
Homepage integrations can display information from supported services. Treat each widget as a decision to expose data to the dashboard, not merely as decoration: an API-backed widget may show personal or household information. Add only what helps someone answer a useful question at a glance, and account for that information when deciding who can reach the dashboard. Homepage widget documentation
Protect it before making it reachable outside the home
A dashboard that shows service names, status, or API-backed information can reveal more than a simple bookmark page. The Homepage project’s security notice says that when exposed to an untrusted network it “must sit behind a reverse proxy (and/or VPN) that enforces authentication, TLS, and strictly validates Host headers.” Follow that guidance rather than treating an obscure URL as protection. Homepage security guidance
Rank #2
- 7.3″ Color E Ink Spectra6 Display - Enjoy vibrant colors and sharp text with the 7.3-inch 800×480 E Ink Spectra 6 display. It stays clear in bright light and uses almost no power while holding an image—perfect for home dashboards, smart displays, reminders and daily information boards.
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Keep local convenience and remote access as separate decisions. If the dashboard is only for devices on your trusted home network, do not expose it publicly just to make it convenient. For remote access to Home Assistant, its documentation recommends VPN-based approaches such as Tailscale or ZeroTier One; it also documents reverse-proxy setups. Home Assistant remote access documentation and HTTP integration documentation
Use an existing server before buying hardware
A dedicated computer is optional. Homepage publishes AMD64 and ARM64 container images, so an existing compatible server may be enough. Home Assistant documents a Raspberry Pi Container installation path, although its general recommendation for most users is Home Assistant OS; the Container route is standalone and has different capabilities. Homepage installation documentation and Home Assistant Raspberry Pi installation documentation
Rank #3
- 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬: When someone rings the doorbell, unlocks the door, or is detected by the camera, the display automatically lights up with a live feed and a voice alert. Know who's there instantly, hands-free.
- 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧: View your entire property at a glance through four simultaneous live feeds while maintaining full control and near-instant access to live video streams. The moment something happens, you're instantly in the know.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐍𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐍𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Historical events are automatically downloaded to local storage so you can replay past moments instantly—no delays, no buffering.
- 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Using advanced facial and package recognition (powered by HomeBase 3), the display intelligently compiles daily summaries, including stats and video recordings for quick insights.
- 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: The user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen is simple enough for kids and seniors, ensuring ease of use for everyone. Designed for flexible monitoring wherever you need it.
Compare an existing machine with a dedicated low-power host by looking at what already runs there, available storage, how comfortable you are maintaining it, and whether device integrations need access to hardware. For Home Assistant Container, the official Raspberry Pi guidance describes mapping device files into the container when an integration requires them. Do not buy a particular computer until those requirements are clear.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Unique Portable Design — Built for Pi & DIY Projects】 Designed specifically for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, this uniquely designed portable hdmi monitor lets you mount your Pi directly to the back — a clean raspberry pi with screen solution with hidden wiring. Four corner mounting holes make it easy to integrate this small monitor into your diy touchscreen and IoT projects. Includes 2 detachable stands for flexible placement — perfect for on-the-go prototyping, workbench coding, and embedded maker monitor applications
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- 【IPS 1024×600 HD Display & 178° Wide Viewing Angle】 Experience crisp, vivid visuals on this ROADOM 7 inch touch screen monitor featuring a sharp 1024×600 HD resolution — a significant upgrade from standard 800×480 displays. The IPS touch screen panel delivers rich colors and a wide 178° viewing angle, ensuring clear picture quality whether viewing head-on or from the side. This 7 inch monitor delivers 300cd/m² brightness and a 700:1 contrast ratio. For the best touch experience, remove the pre-installed screen protector before use
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Rank #4
- TWO COMPLETE GIFT SETS: Each set includes one mini resin bunny figurine, one glass vase with artificial flowers, paper filler, a bow, a seal sticker, and a removable fixing pad, giving you two individually boxed gifts.
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Set it up in an order that avoids common mistakes
- Inventory what the household uses. List the services people need to find and note whether the goal is links, service status, device controls, or some combination.
- Choose the interface. Start with Homepage for a service directory and integrations, Home Assistant for household controls, or consider a webpage dashboard only when embedding is appropriate.
- Pick a host you can maintain. Check compatibility and hardware access needs before choosing an existing server or a dedicated machine.
- Add names and links first. Confirm every link opens the intended service for a household member before adding widgets or embedding pages.
- Configure integrations deliberately. For Docker discovery in Homepage, configure its Docker integration and labels; for widgets, decide which information the dashboard should display.
- Set the access boundary. Keep it local unless remote use is needed. Before exposure to an untrusted network, apply the relevant authentication, TLS, Host-header, proxy, and/or VPN protections described by the projects.
- Test as a household member. Open the dashboard from a normal household device and check that names make sense, links work, and the page does not expose information to someone who should not see it.
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