Calaos
Calaos: A capable open-source hub for DIY users who need PLC, KNX and MQTT support. Ranked #23 of 25 in Home Automation by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source users wanting PLC, KNX and MQTT support.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source users wanting PLC, KNX and MQTT support
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Local controlYes
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source automation with scenarios and rules
- Supports Wago PLC, KNX, MQTT and Zigbee2MQTT
- Web, touchscreen and mobile interfaces with camera and energy integrations
Where it doesn't
- Requires a dedicated computer or self-hosted setup
- Community-maintained project
- No AI features
Our verdict on Calaos
Calaos is an open-source home-automation project for DIY users and installers building a local control system. It combines a server, configuration tools, interfaces and Calaos OS, with automation for connected devices such as lights, shutters and heating. Scenarios can respond to time or other conditions, while local control is available through web, touchscreen and mobile interfaces for iOS and Android. As open-source software, it is available without a paid subscription.
Its strongest fit is an ecosystem built around established home and building protocols. Calaos documents support for Wago PLC, KNX, MQTT and Zigbee through Zigbee2MQTT, alongside integrations for MJPEG cameras, Enphase Envoy photovoltaic gateways and Philips Hue through Hue2mqtt. That combination gives technically oriented households a path to combine automation, surveillance and energy monitoring in one system. Users choosing Calaos should confirm that their devices use these supported protocols or have a compatible bridge.
Deployment is the main consideration. Calaos OS is intended for installation on a dedicated computer, and the project also supports self-hosted and mobile deployment. That setup suits owners comfortable managing local infrastructure, but it is less appropriate for anyone seeking a hosted, turnkey service. The project is community-maintained, and it does not include AI features. Choose Calaos when open-source control, local operation and protocol coverage matter more than a managed onboarding experience; consider another home-automation option if you prefer minimal administration or a broader assistant-led feature set.
Questions about Calaos
What does Calaos run on? Web, Linux, iOS and Android. It runs in the cloud, self-hosted and as a mobile app.
What does Calaos integrate with? 7 integrations, including Wago PLC, KNX, MQTT, Zigbee2MQTT and MJPEG cameras.
Who is Calaos built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
Your product? Our editors can test Calaos in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Calaos pricing
Calaos fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Local control | Yes |
| Matter support | Not verified |
| Zigbee support | Yes |
| Z-Wave support | Not verified |
| Voice assistant support | Not verified |
| Camera integration | Yes |
| Energy monitoring | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Email |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Wago PLC, KNX, MQTT, Zigbee2MQTT, MJPEG cameras, Enphase Envoy … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | calaos.fr |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Calaos integrations
Calaos lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Wago PLC
- KNX
- MQTT
- Zigbee2MQTT
- MJPEG cameras
- Enphase Envoy
- Philips Hue via Hue2mqtt
Alternatives to Calaos
- Google HomeFree smart-home control with device organization, routines, Matter and Nest viewing.9.2
- HomeyFlexible cloud and hub options pair smart-home control with advanced automations.9.1
- openHABFlexible, local-first device integration for people comfortable self-hosting.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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