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FHEM
What it is
FHEM is a free, GPL version 2 Perl server for automating household devices and recording events such as temperature, humidity, and power use. It can control lamps, shutters, heating, and compatible equipment through web or smartphone frontends, telnet, or TCP/IP. The system runs locally and can create device entries and logs when new-device data arrives, save filtered events to files or databases, notify external programs or scripts, and execute timed commands. Its modular design lists more than 430 modules and support for additional device integrations, including HomeMatic, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Philips Hue, Alexa, HomeKit, HomeBridge, and MQTT. Text, JSON, and XML interfaces work over TCP/IP, SSL, or HTTP. FHEM requires a continuously available server, Perl, and attached hardware. Installation guidance covers Debian, Ubuntu, Raspbian, Unix, macOS, and Windows.
For and against
For
- Free GPL version 2 software
- Local control through web, smartphone, telnet, or TCP/IP
- More than 430 listed modules
- Supports Z-Wave, HomeKit, MQTT, and other integrations
- Logs events to files or databases
Against
- Requires a continuously running server
- Needs Perl and attached compatible hardware
- Forum support is mostly in German
- Privacy notice cites possible internet security gaps
The verdict
FHEM offers broad, locally controlled automation through a modular Perl server and many device integrations. Its setup requires always-on infrastructure, Perl, and compatible hardware rather than a standalone appliance.
Who it suits
FHEM suits people able to operate a continuously available Perl server and connect compatible household hardware. It is intended for local home automation across varied devices and sensors.
Plans and prices
FHEM
GPL v2 software · requires a continuously running server with Perl and compatible hardware
Read 8 Oct 2026 · fhem.de
On the record
- Automation features
- FHEM can automatically create devices and logs when it receives data from a new device, log events to files or a database with regular-expression filters, notify external programs or scripts, and run timed commands.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Device and service support
- The listed protocol and integration examples include HomeMatic, Z-Wave, EnOcean, Philips Hue, FRITZ!Dect, Alexa, HomeKit, HomeBridge, and MQTT.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Documentation and support
- FHEM provides a command reference, wiki, and forum; the site says users may ask questions in English, though most forum entries are in German, and directs support requests to the forum rather than private email.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Downloads and containers
- The download section lists version 6.4 packages dated 2025-03-29, nightly versions, and a container image for Docker, Kubernetes, and Podman.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Energy monitoring
- Yesfhem.de · read 24 Sep 2026
- Home automation
- FHEM is a Perl server for automating household devices such as lamps, shutters, and heating, and logging events such as temperature, humidity, and power use.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- How it is controlled
- The server can be controlled through web or smartphone frontends, telnet, or TCP/IP directly.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- Its text, JSON, and XML interfaces are available over plain TCP/IP, SSL, or HTTP.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The site identifies FHEM as GPL-licensed and specifies GPL version 2.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Local control
- Yesfhem.de · read 24 Sep 2026
- Media integrations
- The site lists support examples including TVs from LG, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Sony; Bose and Sonos devices; and Kodi, Plex, and Apple TV.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Modules
- The site describes FHEM as modular, with over 430 modules and the ability to add device support.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security and privacy statement
- The privacy notice says internet data transmission may have security gaps and that complete protection from third-party access cannot be guaranteed.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting requirement
- FHEM requires a 24/7 server such as a NAS, Raspberry Pi, PC, or Mac Mini, with Perl and attached hardware to access devices and sensors.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported installation systems
- The installation section covers Debian, Ubuntu, Raspbian, Unix, macOS, and Windows, and advises against deploying FHEM on Fritz!Box under the stated Fritz!OS conditions.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Voice assistant support
- Yesfhem.de · read 24 Sep 2026
- Who it is for
- FHEM is intended for people who can run a continuously available Perl server and connect compatible hardware for household automation.fhem.de · read 8 Oct 2026
- Z-Wave support
- Yesfhem.de · read 24 Sep 2026