head to head · open source
homebridge vs ring
homebridge has 25,503 GitHub stars, 2,011 forks, 21 open issues and last shipped 26 days ago. ring has 1,523 stars, 213 forks, 37 open issues and last shipped 2 days ago. homebridge leads on adoption by 1,575% (25,503 vs 1,523 stars). homebridge is written in TypeScript under Apache-2.0; ring is written in TypeScript under MIT. homebridge has attracted 8% as many forks as stars, ring 14%. ring was the more recently maintained of the two, and both are self-hostable with no licence fee. The two share 2 topic tags (homebridge, homekit), so they are genuine substitutes rather than adjacent tools.
Two open source projects, one decision. Both are free and self-hostable — the differences are community size, license terms, language stack and release pace.
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Side by side
| homebridge | ring | |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | ★ 26K | ★ 1.5K |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Written in | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Last push | 2026-08-30 | 2026-09-23 |
| Forks | ⑂ 2.0K | ⑂ 213 |
| Self-hosting | Yes | Yes |
| Data ownership | Your server | Your server |
pick homebridge if
- You weight community size — 26K stars and counting
- You want the Apache-2.0 license terms
- Your stack matches TypeScript
- You value the larger contributor base for long-term maintenance
pick ring if
- You want the ring feature set and don't need the biggest community
- You prefer the MIT license terms
- Your stack matches TypeScript
- You evaluated both and ring fits your workflow better
About homebridge
Homebridge is a lightweight, free and open source Node.js server that emulates the HomeKit Accessory Protocol (HAP) on a home network, so that smart home devices without native HomeKit support can be controlled through Apple's Home app and Siri.
read the full homebridge overview →
About ring
Ring is an unofficial, MIT licensed TypeScript project that packages interaction and automation for the majority of Ring doorbells, cameras, alarm systems and smart lighting, aimed at developers building their own Ring integrations and at homebridge users who want those devices inside Apple HomeKit.
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Frequently asked questions
Is homebridge or ring more popular?
homebridge has 25,503 GitHub stars and ring has 1,523. homebridge has the larger community by that measure.
Are homebridge and ring free?
Both are open source. homebridge is licensed under Apache-2.0 and ring under MIT. Neither carries a licence fee.
What is the difference between homebridge and ring?
homebridge is written in TypeScript and ring in TypeScript. The practical differences are community size, licence terms, language stack and release cadence — all compared in the table above.
Which should I choose, homebridge or ring?
Choose homebridge if you want the larger community (25,503 stars) or its Apache-2.0 licence terms. Choose ring if its feature set, stack or MIT licence fits better. Both are self-hostable.