Sonoff Smart Home Hub (iHost)

by Sonoff

The local Smart Home Hub for Privacy and Performance

Introducing the Sonoff iHost Smart Home Hub, the ultimate private local server for your connected home. Designed with privacy, reliability, and flexibility in mind, this hub seamlessly integrates your Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and LAN devices into one intelligent system – no cloud dependency required!

✨What's New?

Ready to take your next home automation to the next level? You can now install Home Assistant on iHost, making a convenient, all-in-one smart home gateway running open source software and with built in Zigbee support. You'll need a micro SD card to install Home Assistant - these instructions will walk you through setting it all up.

Why We Love It

Perfect for privacy-conscious users and smart home enthusiasts, the Sonoff iHost puts you in control of your data and your home. Build your smart life your way, with security, reliability, and flexibility at its core.

  • Private and Local Control: Keep your data safe and secure with local storage for scenes, operations, and security logs – no cloud involved.
  • Wide Compatibility: Supports Wi-Fi LAN devices and Zigbee devices using standard protocols, managing up to 128 sub-devices with ease. Extend your Zigbee network with router devices for full-house coverage.
  • Reliable Offline Functionality: Even if your internet goes down, your devices and automations keep running smoothly.
  • Smart Security: Customise security settings for different scenes, giving you peace of mind for your home.
  • Open API & Add-Ons: Take control with open API support and Docker containerisation. Install or develop add-ons to expand functionality and tailor your smart home experience.
  • Multi-Platform Smart Home Gateway: Comes with Sonoff's iHost software pre-installed and ready to go. It now also supports Home Assistant - open-source smart home software that's compatible with lots of different ecosystems.

Your smarter, safer, and more private home starts here. 🏠✨

In The Box

  • iHost Smart Home Hub
  • Ethernet network cable (1m)
  • USB-A to USB-C cable (1m) (Note that if you want to plug it into a wall socket you'll need a USB-C power supply).
  • Reset pin
  • Quick start guide

Tech Specs

  • Power: USB-C (5V - 2A max)
  • Connectivity: Zigbee 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, Ethernet
  • Environment: -10°C to 60°C (5 to 95% relative humidity)
  • Storage: microSD card (max 256GB) (not included)
  • Dimensions: 135×120×41 mm

Resources

What Is Zigbee?

Zigbee is a wireless standard enabling low-power, secure connections between smart devices. Widely used in home automation for devices such as thermostats, sensors, and locks, its energy efficiency allows some devices to operate for years on a single coin cell battery.

The key advantage of Zigbee is its local nature – no need for cloud subscriptions or even an internet connection. Everything can remain within your home, ensuring both high security and resilience against internet outages.

Top brands like IKEA, Philips Hue, Tuya, and Sonoff offer Zigbee-supported devices. This allows you to combine products from various manufacturers into one smart home setup, ensuring you’re not locked into a single vendor – brilliant!

With an indoor range of 10–100 metres and extended outdoor coverage, Zigbee’s mesh networking ensures reliable communication, even if some devices go offline. Its robust security features, including encryption and key protection, safeguard your smart home and keep it under your control.

Learn more about Zigbee on the official Zigbee website.