Loxone vs KNX
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Loxone as a KNX alternative?
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More Than Just a KNX Alternative: The Differences Between LOXONE and KNX
A direct comparison between LOXONE and KNX.
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LOXONE or KNX? – A Fact-Based Comparison
KNX is a global standard for building automation. Different manufacturers develop sensors, actuators, and software solutions that can be combined with each other. This results in a wide variety of products – but also a high degree of complexity in implementation.
LOXONE takes a different approach: as a manufacturer of software and hardware, LOXONE offers a complete solution for building automation – from single-family homes to commercial properties.
LOXONE is used by many specialist companies worldwide as an alternative to KNX. Below, we compare the most important differences between the two systems.
Openness
LOXONE: Thanks to numerous interfaces, standards such as KNX, DALI, Modbus, EnOcean, and DMX can be integrated. In addition, LOXONE is officially certified by Apple HomeKit, Bosch-Siemens, Belimo, and other manufacturers. LOXONE offers a flexible basis that is often used as a KNX alternative.
KNX: KNX is an open protocol. Various manufacturers offer a wide range of components for KNX installations, but this can lead to problems in implementation.
Scalability
LOXONE: Projects are freely scalable – from single-family homes to large commercial properties. The client gateway solution allows multiple Miniservers to be operated in a network and even across multiple locations.
KNX: KNX systems are also relatively freely scalable depending on the area of application, desired functionality, and scope. However, from 64 connections onwards, additional hardware such as further power supplies is required, the connection of which generates additional effort.
Intelligence
LOXONE: The Miniserver is the central element of LOXONE home and building automation. It handles all control and automation tasks.
KNX: The intelligence of a KNX system is decentralized in the sensors and actuators.
Visualization
LOXONE: Visualization is created automatically and is completely free of charge.
KNX: Additional programming and hardware are required, which increases costs.
Software
KNX: KNX projects require ETS software, which is subject to a fee. Updates and additional tools must also be purchased separately.
Konfiguration/PrograÂmmierung
LOXONE: LOXONE Config makes commissioning quick and efficient. Over 250 preconfigured logic blocks and auto-config enable largely automatic setup. Individual adjustments are still possible, however.
KNX: Programming in the ETS software is complex and time-consuming. Differences between manufacturers often lead to additional effort.
Costs & Licenses
LOXONE: There are no license costs. Thanks to the uniform platform, investment and follow-up costs are clearly calculable. For many electricians, this makes LOXONE an economically attractive KNX alternative.
KNX: In addition to the purchase of components, there are additional costs for ETS licenses, updates, and, in some cases, additional software tools. This results in a less transparent cost model.
Support & Maintenance
KNX: Since different manufacturers are involved, support and services also vary. This can lead to greater coordination effort and longer response times during operation.
Openness
LOXONE: Thanks to numerous interfaces, standards such as KNX, DALI, Modbus, EnOcean, and DMX can be integrated. In addition, LOXONE is officially certified by Apple HomeKit, Bosch-Siemens, Belimo, and other manufacturers. LOXONE offers a flexible basis that is often used as a KNX alternative.
KNX: KNX is an open protocol. Various manufacturers offer a wide range of components for KNX installations, but this can lead to problems in implementation.
Scalability
LOXONE: Projects are freely scalable – from single-family homes to large commercial properties. The client gateway solution allows multiple Miniservers to be operated in a network and even across multiple locations.
KNX: KNX systems are also relatively freely scalable depending on the area of application, desired functionality, and scope. However, from 64 connections onwards, additional hardware such as further power supplies is required, the connection of which generates additional effort.
Intelligence
LOXONE: The Miniserver is the central element of LOXONE home and building automation. It handles all control and automation tasks.
KNX: The intelligence of a KNX system is decentralized in the sensors and actuators.
Visualization
LOXONE: Visualization is created automatically and is completely free of charge.
KNX: Additional programming and hardware are required, which increases costs.
Software
LOXONE: All software and apps are available free of charge and without license – including updates and external access.
KNX: KNX projects require ETS software, which is subject to a fee. Updates and additional tools must also be purchased separately.
Configuration/Programming
LOXONE: LOXONE Config makes commissioning quick and efficient. Over 250 preconfigured logic blocks and auto-config enable largely automatic setup. Individual adjustments are still possible, however.
KNX: Programming in the ETS software is complex and time-consuming. Differences between manufacturers often lead to additional effort.
Costs & Licenses
LOXONE: There are no license costs. Thanks to the uniform platform, investment and follow-up costs are clearly calculable. For many electricians, this makes LOXONE an economically attractive KNX alternative.
KNX: In addition to the purchase of components, there are additional costs for ETS licenses, updates, and, in some cases, additional software tools. This results in a less transparent cost model.
Support & Maintenance
LOXONE: All components come from a single source and there is a personal contact person. This reduces the coordination effort for maintenance and support. Automatic updates and central logic in the Miniserver ensure additional reliability.
KNX: Since different manufacturers are involved, support and services also vary. This can lead to greater coordination effort and longer response times during operation.
FAQ
Can LOXONE and KNX be combined?
Yes – thanks to the openness of the LOXONE system, you can combine the advantages of both solutions.
Add a LOXONE Miniserver to your KNX installations and benefit from one of the most powerful KNX visualizations on the market. With over 250 pre-built program blocks, you can quickly and easily implement complex logic – and if you have any questions, your personal partner coach is there to help!
What does functional guarantee mean?
With the development of our in-house technologies, LOXONE Tree and LOXONE Air, we have pursued a clear goal: to reduce installation costs in residential and commercial properties to a minimum. The big advantage: everything is easily configured via Plug & Play and works together perfectly. It just works. We are so confident of this that we offer our partners within the LOXONE system a functional 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 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 healthy global company that is also one of the fastest growing companies in the industry worldwide. Here are some facts and figures:
- Founded in 2009
- More than 1,200 employees
- 45+ locations worldwide
- More than 300,000 projects completed in more than 100 countries
- 25,000 Loxone partners
The new Loxone Campus is impressive proof of our economic success. The European center for home and building automation was built in 2023 in Kollerschlag, Austria. 300 new jobs, $60 million in investment, and 20 acres of space are just a few of the figures that briefly describe this unique project comprising offices, a hotel, a training center, and a logistics center.
BSH (Bosch-Siemens Home Appliances), Schüco, Griesser, Fronius, Viessmann, and many other strong partnerships further support our market position. Discover all our partners >>
How is the LOXONE Partner Program structured?
Our Partner Program is based on transparency and fairness. The assignment of one of four possible partner statuses allows us to treat all partners equally and offer transparent discounts and conditions.
Depending on the partner status, the Loxone Partner Program offers numerous advantages: from purchasing discounts to ticket and telephone support to listing in the partner search.
Would you like to learn more about the Loxone Partner Program? Leave us your contact details and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Is there territorial protection?
No, LOXONE does not offer territorial protection.
How do I get started with LOXONE?
In just 2 minutes, you can register online and start shopping immediately as a Registered LOXONE Partner.
- No risk
- No minimum turnover
- Flexible discount levels
*The prerequisite is that your activity falls into at least one of the following business areas: electrical installation, IT, heating/air conditioning/ventilation, measurement and control technology, solar and PV, electrical planning, system integration.
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