LOXONE or Control4
A fact-based comparison.
Find out how these two building automation systems differ in terms of installation, integration, scalability and maintenance.
Get to know LOXONE
More Than Just a Control4 Alternative
We’ll look at the similarities, differences, and how the two systems can interface with each other to work in collaboration.
LOXONE and Control4 are both automation systems that can control a plethora of hardware in your project. Depending on your requirements, you might find that one system in particular is more suitable, or in fact that you could benefit from an installation that uses both LOXONE and Control4.
Openness
LOXONE
LOXONE is a very open system and despite the big variety of in house hardware, almost any third party device could be integrated with the support for inputs, volt free contacts and protocols like (DALI, DMX, Modbus TCP/RTU, UDP, HTTP, RS232, 1-Wire and many more.)
With the addition of the LOXONE library you can download more than 500+ drivers for free.
Control4
Control4 is also open to integrations and developers can create drivers that act as a bridge between two systems. However, most of the drivers require a one-time payment and could have limited support from the developers.
Scalability
LOXONE
The LOXONE system is very scalable, as you can always add newly released devices to your existing system and retrofit new controls at a later stage even if there is no possibility to wire them up.
Control4
The Control4 system can also scale and expand over time and devices could be added at a later stage, the main difference is that most of the devices communicate on the LAN/WLAN (Zigbee) and require a solid network connection.
Intelligence
LOXONE
The Miniserver is going to be the brain of the system, all of the functionality and the configuration will be created, managed and updated by the Miniserver itself. The logic processing all happens locally and does not require an internet connection/the cloud.
Control4
In a similar fashion the Core series of controllers will be responsible for the logic, functionality and automation of the Control4 system.
Software
LOXONE
At LOXONE, the entire software and all apps are available free of charge and licence-free – including free updates and free external access. Any new software features and firmware updates are available free of charge. The visualisation for apps is created automatically as part of the configuration.
Control4
In comparison, the programming software for Control4 is only available to their network of installers.
There is a Control4 for OS app, however in most instances the system requires its own display to navigate through the system.
Configuration / Programming
LOXONE
Configuration for LOXONE Partners is quick and easy with LOXONE Config. From +250 pre-programmed logic blocks to the powerful Auto-Config feature, by which an entire project is pre-configured with just a few mouse clicks, and the option to create extensive custom logic, everything is possible.
Control4
Programming in Composer is usually more time consuming and it’s more of a if this then than type of programming logic. Where one action triggers the next in a sequence, which means that you have less flexibility with custom logic configurations.
Openness
LOXONE
LOXONE is a very open system and despite the big variety of in house hardware, almost any third party device could be integrated with the support for inputs, volt free contacts and protocols like (DALI, DMX, Modbus TCP/RTU, UDP, HTTP, RS232, 1-Wire and many more.)
With the addition of the LOXONE library you can download more than 500+ drivers for free.
Control4
Control4 is also open to integrations and developers can create drivers that act as a bridge between two systems. However, most of the drivers require a one-time payment and could have limited support from the developers.
Scalability
LOXONE
The LOXONE system is very scalable, as you can always add newly released devices to your existing system and retrofit new controls at a later stage even if there is no possibility to wire them up.
Control4
The Control4 system can also scale and expand over time and devices could be added at a later stage, the main difference is that most of the devices communicate on the LAN/WLAN (Zigbee) and require a solid network connection.
Intelligence
LOXONE
The Miniserver is going to be the brain of the system, all of the functionality and the configuration will be created, managed and updated by the Miniserver itself. The logic processing all happens locally and does not require an internet connection/the cloud.
Control4
In a similar fashion the Core series of controllers will be responsible for the logic, functionality and automation of the Control4 system.
Software
LOXONE
At LOXONE, the entire software and all apps are available free of charge and licence-free – including free updates and free external access. Any new software features and firmware updates are available free of charge. The visualisation for apps is created automatically as part of the configuration.
Control4
In comparison, the programming software for Control4 is only available to their network of installers.
There is a Control4 for OS app, however in most instances the system requires its own display to navigate through the system.
Configuration / Programming
LOXONE
Configuration for LOXONE Partners is quick and easy with LOXONE Config. From +250 pre-programmed logic blocks to the powerful Auto-Config feature, by which an entire project is pre-configured with just a few mouse clicks, and the option to create extensive custom logic, everything is possible.
Control4
Programming in Composer is usually more time consuming and it’s more of a if this then than type of programming logic. Where one action triggers the next in a sequence, which means that you have less flexibility with custom logic configurations.
Using LOXONE & Control4 together
The good news is that you don’t have to choose, because despite the differences between them, thanks to the openness of the LOXONE system, you can have the best of both worlds.
With all of the default protocols that are supported by the LOXONE Miniserver and a one-off driver purchase on the Control4 side, you can add a lot of functionality and automation to your projects.
Use cases
Let’s consider automatically closing your blinds as part of a movie mode when you activate your AV system controlled by Control4. You might want to do this by integrating more than just your blinds. The lighting and climate control might already be automated with LOXONE.
So, if your Control4 system is already operating your blinds, we don’t need to add any additional wiring to bring the control into LOXONE. We can simply send signals from the LOXONE Minsierver and make use of the Automatic Shading Function Block. In this video, we take a look at how to configure this example.
Cinema + everything else:
Let’s say that your high-end home cinema is being controlled by Control4, why not optimise every single aspect of it?
The only thing you need to do is decide what you want to watch and the Miniserver will take care of the lights, shading, heating and ventilation to make sure that you have the most comfortable environment possible to enjoy your movie.
Another cool use would be the integration of your climate BMS. Solar forecasting? Energy management and optimisation? Precise control over AC, ASHP and the temperature of every circuit can greatly benefit from the intelligent learning curves of the LOXONE Function Blocks.
LOXONE Miniserver
Add more functionality and a free app interface to your Control4 installations.
Discover more
Access Our Free On-Demand Webinar Introduction to LOXONE
Discover how to enhance your electrical installations with LOXONE’s professional automation solutions. Fill out the form to gain access to the webinar and start exploring the possibilities.
Good to Know
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Can LOXONE and Control4 be combined?
Yes– thanks to LOXONE’s flexibility, you can combine the benefits of both solutions.
With over 250 pre-built function blocks, you can quickly and easily implement complex logic – and your personal project consultant is here to help if you have any questions!
What does the LOXONE functional warranty stand for?
In developing LOXONE Tree and LOXONE Air, we had a clear goal in mind: to minimise the installation effort in residential and commercial properties. The big advantage: everything is easily configured via Plug&Play and works together seamlessly. It just works. We are so confident in this that we offer our partners within the LOXONE system a performance guarantee.
What happens if the Miniserver fails?
Our products and software tools are designed to perform reliably in continuous 24-hour operation throughout the entire lifetime of a building.
The Miniserver is the central control unit of every LOXONE installation. We have therefore paid particular attention to its reliability. The Miniserver has no moving parts, such as fans. In addition, it is extremely energy-efficient, which means that heat generation is not a problem anyway. A failure of the Miniserver is therefore extremely unlikely.
If individual sensors or actuators do fail unexpectedly, this has no effect on the rest of the system.
A LOXONE installation can operate entirely without an internet connection if desired. Only individual services, such as remote access via LOXONE App, are then unavailable. An internet failure therefore has no effect on the functionality of a LOXONE installation.
How secure is LOXONE?
Access to smart home solutions that are operated via the cloud is often gained by logging in to the manufacturer’s website. This login can become a central point of attack. In the LOXONE system, there is no central node or external point of attack that can be hacked, as login to the Miniserver is done exclusively via the Miniserver itself – and this is located at the customer’s home and does not require an internet connection to perform its tasks.
Every LOXONE system is protected by the Miniserver’s security mechanisms, ongoing security updates, and general network security (in the hands of the user).
What if LOXONE no longer exists?
LOXONE is a thriving global company that is also one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry worldwide. Here are some facts and figures:
- 2009 founded
- More than 1,200 employees
- 45+ Locations Worldwide
- More than 300,000 completed projects in over 100 countries
- 30,000 LOXONE Partners
A striking example of our economic success is the LOXONE Campus. 300 jobs, €70 million in investment, and 8 hectares of land are just a few of the figures that briefly describe this unique project, which combines office, hotel, training, and logistics facilities.
BSH (Bosch-Siemens Home Appliances), Schüco, Griesser, Fronius, Viessmann, and many other strong partnerships further strengthen our market position. Discover all our partners >>
How is the LOXONE Partner Program structured?
Our partner program is built on transparency and fairness. Assigning one of four possible partner statuses allows us to treat all LOXONE Partners equally and offer transparent discounts and terms.
Depending on your partner status, the LOXONE Partner Program offers numerous benefits: from purchase discounts and ticket and phone support to listing in the partner directory.
Is there territorial protection?
No, at LOXONE there is no territorial protection.