head to head · open source
homebridge vs homeThing
homebridge has 25,501 GitHub stars, 2,011 forks, 21 open issues and last shipped 26 days ago. homeThing has 546 stars, 42 forks, 13 open issues and last shipped 29 days ago. homebridge leads on adoption by 4,571% (25,501 vs 546 stars). homebridge is written in TypeScript under Apache-2.0; homeThing is written in C++ under GPL-3.0. homebridge has attracted 8% as many forks as stars, homeThing 8%. homebridge was the more recently maintained of the two, and both are self-hostable with no licence fee.
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 | homeThing | |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | ★ 26K | ★ 546 |
| License | Apache-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Written in | TypeScript | C++ |
| Last push | 2026-08-30 | 2026-08-27 |
| Forks | ⑂ 2.0K | ⑂ 42 |
| 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 homeThing if
- You want the homeThing feature set and don't need the biggest community
- You prefer the GPL-3.0 license terms
- Your stack matches C++
- You evaluated both and homeThing 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 homeThing
homeThing is a collection of open source hardware and software — a 3D printable ESP32 remote, an ESPHome menu system, and components for controlling Home Assistant devices — for makers and Home Assistant users who want a battery powered physical remote with a screen and scroll wheel instead of a touch screen.
read the full homeThing overview →
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Frequently asked questions
Is homebridge or homeThing more popular?
homebridge has 25,501 GitHub stars and homeThing has 546. homebridge has the larger community by that measure.
Are homebridge and homeThing free?
Both are open source. homebridge is licensed under Apache-2.0 and homeThing under GPL-3.0. Neither carries a licence fee.
What is the difference between homebridge and homeThing?
homebridge is written in TypeScript and homeThing in C++. 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 homeThing?
Choose homebridge if you want the larger community (25,501 stars) or its Apache-2.0 licence terms. Choose homeThing if its feature set, stack or GPL-3.0 licence fits better. Both are self-hostable.