HousePanel is a smart home dashboard from Ken Washington LLC, designed for accessing and controlling Hubitat- or ISY-powered smart homes from a tablet, computer, or mobile browser. Built on Node.js and SQLite3, it runs through any JavaScript-enabled browser after installation. Its core positioning is not a cloud SaaS product, but a local control panel running on the userβs own server.
Its biggest strength is customizability. The built-in Tile Editor and Tile Customizer let users adjust both the main page and the appearance and content of individual Tiles. It also supports multiple user accounts, with each user having their own username and password. On the device side, it supports Hubitat and ISY Polisy/EISY, and can bring Hubitat devices into an ISY environment via Hubitat Node Server. Supported device types include switches, dimmers, color lights, buttons, metered outlets, water leak sensors, door/window sensors, motion sensors, presence sensors, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, garage doors, curtains, door locks, thermostats, temperature/humidity sensors, illuminance sensors, and more. It also supports hub-free Tiles such as clocks, weather, images, iFrames, video, and custom content.
Deployment requires running the server component on an always-on device. A Raspberry Pi is recommended, though Linux, BSD, Mac, or PC systems can also be used. Users need to install npm and Node, clone the GitHub repository, run npm install, and then launch hpserver.js. Hubitat users also need to install HousePanel.groovy, while ISY users must manually provide hub information. The source text does not disclose pricing, payment methods, or commercial support details. In terms of documentation, the page provides an installation page, quick start guide, and detailed steps, along with extensive device attribute and command mappings. The technical information is fairly complete, but the setup is not especially beginner-friendly for non-technical users.
The advantages are self-hosting and privacy: the text explicitly states that personal data is not exposed to the developer or third parties. Local control, Tile customization, and device-type support are also strong. The downsides are its dependence on the Hubitat/ISY ecosystem and the fact that installation involves concepts such as Node, Groovy apps, and HNS, which may feel complex for ordinary consumers. It is better suited to advanced users who already have a Hubitat or ISY system, are willing to maintain a local server, and want to build a home control screen.
The source text does not provide information about network access, payment, or mirrors for China, so availability cannot be determined. If GitHub or related weather services are unstable, users in mainland China may need to prepare alternative network access options. More general self-hosted alternatives such as Home Assistant, openHAB, and Node-RED Dashboard are also worth comparing.
β This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on housepanel.net official site.
housepanel.net is an United States Dev Tools provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 6.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Workable. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach housepanel.net directly.