HOOBS All in One Box, Automation WiFi Connector and Smart Outlet, Perfect for Remote Systems and WiFi Extender, Automatic Light Switch, Smart Home Gadgets

The promise of Homebridge in a box is realised by HOOBS. Works as described and did so right of out of the box. Interface is quite intuitive and I’ve installed a range of plugins that all work.1. UniFi Protect for security cameras2. Daikin Airbase for air conditioning3. GogoGate2 for garage door4. Denon Heos for surround sound5. Wiser for Wiser1/2 on Clipsal CBUS lighting and blind automation

Essentially, you are getting a very marked up Raspberry Pi with low specs and no special abilities, running Node server with a really poorly thought out Frankenstein of software attempting to glue together a bunch of plugins of very varying quality.It doesn’t feel like anyone put any thought into UX or architecture of the monstrosity.Of course, based on marketing material, I expected to find a plug and play solution working right out of the box, perhaps after entering a few credentials here and there to connect it with other systems.When I realized what it was, I decided to timebox my effort to an hour. I spent it trying to get it to work with Nest cameras, Dyson, Hue and a few other plugins. The unifying theme: nothing works, and even documentation seems to disagree with itself.Programming is my day job. I don’t like dealing with crap code at my leisure. I expected a polished hardware solution with minimal, well thought out UI. I did not expect having to go read other people’s code on GitHub in hopes to understand what they meant to do.After that hour, I put it back in its box. It’s going back to people who made it. I still don’t understand how they can sell this commercially with straight face. I would have died of shame if it were my product.On the bright side: HomeKit integration problem still has an opportunity. For someone with at least a little bit of a vision, that is.

I had 2 issues. The first was some kind of way I was locked out of my account.After an email message for Hoobs Support they told me how to reset my account.The problem was the instructions on how you get devices into HomeKit had changed.Another email from Hoobs Support resolve that issue.What I like is that most of my non HomeKit devices now function under HomeKit. I have had few issues with Hoobs once I got it up and running. I was able to include my ring door and my myQ garage doors in HomeKit using Hoobs.Now I couldn’t bring my Google Mini Speakers into HomeKit but I was able to include the major devices.I would recommend this product.Kenny D

I ordered this when Insteon shut down, leaving me completely unable to control some devices. It arrived quickly and I had it talking to my hub and controlling a device in about 30 minutes. It took about two days to fully re-map all my ~50 devices' addresses to names. I am also using Alexa voice control via the home bridge skill ($2/mo presently). That is also working smoothly. At this point, I don't think I would go back even if the Insteon Cloud servers came back.

I had some technical issues with setting it up but they were promptly resolved by the Hoobs team and now Its the center of everything in my smart home. Smartthings is good but Homekit real deal.Its Worth it!

Can be tricky because there is an issue with not being able to disconnect WIFI if you decide, later, you want to set up with ethernet instead. I ultimately left mine on WIFI. There is no longer a QR code for the "box" itself. That caused some confusion for me, initially, because outdated YouTube videos suggested otherwise. The QR codes are now (v 4) provided with each plug-in. I am using for TP Link bulbs and switches, Harmony Hub, Orbit Lawn Sprinkler system and Nest Thermostat. Fairly simple, but it is necessary to add some information with some of the plug-ins. I am not a computer whiz, but I can get around pretty well. All in all, well worth it. Just might need to have some patience. I ended up putting in a lot of unnecessary hours due to the issues mentioned above. I also did not have great WIFi at the time of install, which made it a bit slower for devices to respond once plug-ins were installed. I have since added TP Link Deco Mesh to my small house and everything is running completely smoothly. Really love this device.UPDATE 10-31-22 - Haven't been able to update operating system for Hoobs in months. Cannot access terminal to try any kind of fix for major issues with plugins not installing. Just replaced TPlink products with HomeKit certified, so I don't need to rely on Hoobs. Beginning to regret the purchase of Hoobs, especially with HomeKit devices coming down in price.UPDATE 11-26-22 - After many, many hours of intense research, reprogramming and re-flashing card several times, I finally got it back up and running. However, I have made the decision to begin moving away from Hoobs. It is just too complicated and time consuming to maintain. BOTTOM LINE - device is NOT "plug and play". So, unless you have time to continually read forum comments, etc., "re-boot" device over and over again and investigate issues, I would not bother. I have had it for just over a year. It was a good solution, originally, but system seems to be too unstable to rely on. Currently, all of my items are working in HomeKit, but I cannot sign on to the terminal, via desktop or browser, to do anything within Hoobs. I do not want to take the chance to unplug the device for fear of having to do it all over again, and it is not good for SD card to "kill" the power; however, if the terminal cannot be reached, there is no other way to "re-boot". I have already replaced all my bulbs and most of my plugs with HomeKit native products and I will continue to do so until I no longer need Hoobs. All of that being said, if you have the knowledge or time and willingness to learn, it could be a great solution to get non-HomeKit devices into HomeKit.Update 2-20-25: I decided to give my Hoobs box a try again, due to the updated firmware and new app for phone. I flashed the card again and started from scratch. I also used ethernet when I reconnected this time. It's been up for just over a week and has been very smooth sailing. It seems the company has overhauled the whole system – it is a bit different now to install plugins, but not too difficult to figure out. So far, not one problem. I now only use it, mainly, for Harmony Hub, older Nest Thermostat and a few older TPlink plugs and bulbs. I do have a Homey Pro that I'm testing out, as a backup plan. Bottom line, you have to like this kind of stuff to want to put in the time.