Why I Use Home Assistant (And Why You Should Too)

January 22, 2026 • home assistant, smart home, privacy

Not that long ago I had a house full of Google and Nest devices. As my privacy concerns with big tech started to grow, I went looking for a better way — and found Home Assistant.

What’s Covered

In this video I cover why I made the switch to Home Assistant, what it is, and why I think it’s the best platform for running a smart home. I get into the privacy benefits of local control, how I’ve replaced cloud-connected devices with locally controlled ones using Zigbee and Z-Wave, and how my setup has evolved over time.

I also cover how to get started, including hardware options for running Home Assistant whether you’re a beginner or a bit more technical.

Hardware Mentioned

Home Assistant Green — The easiest way to get started, comes with Home Assistant preinstalled
Beelink Mini PC — A good option for a more advanced setup
ZBT-2 Zigbee/Thread Coordinator — Home Assistant’s coordinator for Zigbee and Thread devices
ZWA-2 Z-Wave Coordinator — Home Assistant’s coordinator for Z-Wave and long range Z-Wave

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