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Yes. A compatible 64-bit x86-64 laptop with UEFI boot support can run Home Assistant OS (HAOS) as a dedicated smart home hub. The simplest route is to install HAOS directly on it—but that installation erases the laptop’s existing operating system and data, so back up anything you need first.
What an old laptop can do as a smart home hub
Home Assistant runs on your own hardware and can coordinate compatible smart-home devices and automations locally. Wi-Fi and Ethernet devices can connect through the laptop’s network, provided Home Assistant supports the device or its integration. Home Assistant says a local installation can keep working when the internet is down, but cloud-dependent integrations and features may not be available offline.
A laptop does not automatically include the radios needed to communicate with Zigbee or Thread devices. Those require suitable radio hardware and, for Thread, a border router. The exact setup depends on the protocols used by your devices.
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Check whether the laptop is suitable
- Processor and boot support: Home Assistant’s generic x86-64 guide covers laptops and requires a 64-bit-capable x86-64 system that supports UEFI boot. Check the generic x86-64 requirements.
- Network: The generic x86-64 setup lists Ethernet. Plan to connect the laptop by Ethernet for installation and network access.
- Condition and availability: Check the power supply, battery condition, ventilation and fan. Configure the laptop not to sleep if you want the hub to remain available. Lid behavior, thermal suitability and energy use vary by model, so verify them for yours.
- Data: Decide whether you can dedicate the laptop to Home Assistant. The direct HAOS installation removes its current operating system and data.
Choose how to run Home Assistant
| Option | Best suited to | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Home Assistant OS | A laptop dedicated to the hub | Recommended for most users; includes Home Assistant Core, Supervisor and support for apps. The installation replaces the existing operating system. |
| Container | Someone who wants to retain and manage a host operating system | You manage the host and updates yourself. Some integrations controlled by apps, including Thread and Z-Wave, do not have out-of-the-box support. |
| Virtual machine | A laptop that must keep another operating system or serve other roles | It can preserve the host system, but adds management and may affect integration support depending on the setup. |
Home Assistant recommends HAOS for most users. Its installation-type guide explains the differences between installation methods.
#1 Best Overall
- Echo Hub — An easy-to-use smart home control panel redesigned for your home. Arrange controls on your dashboard to quickly adjust devices, view cameras, start routines, and more.
- Customize your dashboard — Arrange devices into sections and resize them to focus on what matters most. Create a personalized layout that matches how your family uses their connected devices.
- Reimagined for your home - With an Alexa+ and compatible Ring subscription (sold separately), get Ring camera event summaries to stay in the know. Search your Ring footage using simple voice commands. Create routines by voice, activate modes to manage multiple devices at once, and chat with Alexa to easily control your smart home.
- Home security for the whole family — Use Echo Hub to easily arm and disarm your compatible security system, making it easy for everyone in your family to manage home security. Use the Alexa app and compatible cameras, locks, alarms, and sensors to check in while you're out.
- Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices — WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, and Thread devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub.
Install Home Assistant OS on the laptop
The official generic x86-64 procedure uses a USB flash drive to boot Ubuntu, then installs HAOS onto the laptop’s internal drive. It requires an internet connection and an 8 GB or larger USB flash drive. The guide also directs users to enable UEFI and disable Secure Boot in the BIOS settings.
- Back up the laptop. Copy any files you want to keep to another drive or location. The HAOS procedure writes to the target drive and removes its existing operating system and data.
- Confirm the target. Identify the laptop’s internal drive and make sure you can distinguish it from the USB flash drive before installing. Choosing the wrong drive can erase data you intended to keep.
- Prepare the boot settings. In the laptop’s BIOS or firmware settings, enable UEFI boot and disable Secure Boot, as directed by the installation guide. Menu names vary by manufacturer.
- Boot from Ubuntu on USB. Use an 8 GB or larger USB flash drive and follow the official generic x86-64 installation guide to create the installer and boot the laptop.
- Install HAOS to the internal drive. Follow the guide’s steps carefully, checking the selected target drive before confirming. This is the destructive step that replaces the old operating system.
- Connect the hub to your network. The generic x86-64 setup lists Ethernet; connect it and allow the installation to complete before setting up Home Assistant and adding devices.
Connect smart devices and radios
Wi-Fi and Ethernet devices
Devices that use Wi-Fi or Ethernet can communicate over the laptop’s network connection when Home Assistant supports their integration. A device’s network protocol alone does not guarantee compatibility, so check its supported integration and whether its features require a vendor cloud account.
Rank #2
- MEET ECHO SHOW 15 - A stunning 15.6" Full-HD (1080p) smart display that's perfect for your kitchen and ready to show you more. Use customizable widgets to keep your day on track, watch your favorite shows with Fire TV and powerful vibrant sound, and enjoy natural video calling, with 3.3x zoom and wide field of view.
- FAMILY ORGANIZATION HUB - See your top widgets at a glance, like your family’s calendars and to-do lists, local weather, smart home, and more.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITES, ALL RIGHT HERE - Built-in Fire TV unlocks endless entertainment, so you can enjoy your favorite content from thousands of apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, and more (subscription may be required). Fire TV remote included. Plus, now you can quickly add a device to play music with Active Media - start playing a song in the kitchen, then add the living room and bedroom on the fly.
- SMART HOME CENTRAL - Control smart devices with your voice or a few taps using the smart home dashboard. Easily turn on all your living room lights at once or check live camera feeds to see what's happening around your home.
- YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ON DISPLAY - Brighten your space (and your day) by turning your home screen into a photo slideshow that displays your favorite memories. Auto curate your images and show off your favorite family memories.
Zigbee devices
For Zigbee devices, add compatible Zigbee radio hardware. Home Assistant lists Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 as a USB adapter for Zigbee and Thread. It is an optional accessory for devices that need those protocols, not a requirement for running Home Assistant.
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A Thread-based Matter device needs a Thread border router. Home Assistant lists the ZBT-2 together with its OpenThread Border Router app as one option, alongside third-party border routers. Matter devices can use Wi-Fi or Thread; a Thread product is not necessarily Matter-compatible, so look for the Matter logo or confirmation from the manufacturer.
Rank #3
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
Matter depends on local IPv6 and mDNS traffic. Network segmentation or multicast filtering can prevent device discovery or commissioning, so check those network settings if setup fails. Home Assistant’s Matter integration documentation describes the requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When reusing a laptop makes sense
A laptop is a practical choice if you already own a compatible machine and can dedicate it to HAOS. Home Assistant also describes existing mini PCs and x86-64 computers as suitable options; its Green appliance is presented as plug-and-play. The laptop route involves installing and configuring the system yourself, while an appliance is designed to arrive ready to run. The documentation does not establish universal comparisons for electricity use, noise or total cost, which depend on the laptop and setup.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- New size, more viewing area: The 11“ smart display features a vibrant Full-HD touchscreen with 60% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2025 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content looks and sounds incredible: Watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the vibrant Full-HD 11" screen and enjoy room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: The 11" display makes it easy to see recipes and calendars at a glance, find meal inspo, and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
- Crystal-clear video calls: Video calls feel natural on the vibrant 11" screen with a centered, auto-framing camera, 3.3x zoom, and noise reduction technology. Use live view to check in on your family, pets, and more while you're away.
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