Loxone vs Bosch
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LOXONE as a Bosch Smart Home alternative?
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More Than Just a Bosch Smart Home Alternative: The Differences Between LOXONE and Bosch
A direct comparison between Loxone and Bosch Smart Home.
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LOXONE or Bosch Smart Home?
A fact-based comparison.
Bosch Smart Home is a wireless DIY system aimed primarily at end customers who want to automate individual functions such as heating or lighting. It is easy to set up, but the system is only suitable for professional use or individual logic to a limited extent.
LOXONE takes a holistic approach and offers a complete solution for building automation – from single-family homes to commercial properties. Implementation is carried out by the certified LOXONE partner network.
Below, we highlight the most important differences between the two systems.
Central Control
LOXONE: With LOXONE, the Miniserver connects all components in the smart building – independently of the cloud or the Internet. LOXONE Config allows individual logic and processes to be tailored precisely to the requirements of each project.
Bosch Smart Home: In Bosch Smart Home, the Smart Home Controller forms the center of the system. It manages devices and scenes, but works in conjunction with the Bosch cloud. Local programming or individual logic is not provided.
Logic & Customization
LOXONE: With LOXONE Config, you can freely create custom automations – from simple scenes to complex logic across multiple systems. This allows each project to be tailored precisely to its individual requirements.
Bosch Smart Home: The system works with predefined scenarios that are configured via the app. Custom logic or complex dependencies between different functions can only be implemented to a limited extent, if at all.
Openness & Interfaces
LOXONE: LOXONE offers numerous interfaces such as KNX, DALI, Modbus, EnOcean, and RS485/RS232. In addition, LOXONE is officially certified by Apple HomeKit, Bosch-Siemens, Belimo, and other manufacturers. This means that systems from a wide range of manufacturers can be integrated. As a result, LOXONE is open to almost all areas of application.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is a largely closed system and works primarily with Bosch’s own devices. However, individual third-party devices can be integrated via Zigbee 3.0, Matter, or platforms such as Apple HomeKit.
Communication
LOXONE: Wherever possible, LOXONE relies on wired communication via Tree technology. Alternatively, LOXONE Air offers its own wireless solution, which is particularly reliable and fail-safe thanks to its mesh network. This allows every project to be implemented in a stable and flexible manner – from new builds to retrofits.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is primarily based on wireless communication. Installation is simple and designed for retrofitting in residential areas. However, in larger or radio-intensive environments, the connection may reach its technical limits.
Scalability
LOXONE: LOXONE is freely scalable – from single-family homes to large commercial properties. Multiple Miniservers can be operated in a network or across multiple locations. This makes the system more than just a Bosch Smart Home alternative when it comes to larger projects.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is designed for private residential use. The wireless architecture and range of devices are tailored to apartments and single-family homes. The system reaches its technical limits in larger or commercial properties.
Reliability & Stability
Loxone: LOXONE operates via cable or, when using Air products, via a stable mesh network. All automation runs locally, independently of the internet. Only remote access requires an internet connection.
Bosch Smart Home: The system is entirely radio-based. Communication takes place directly between devices and the Smart Home Controller. Many basic functions run locally, but an internet connection is required for setup, remote app access, voice control, and updates.
Visualization & Operation
LOXONE: Visualization is automatically created in the configuration and can be customized. Control is local or remote via app, voice control, buttons, or automatic functions. Each button can be freely assigned and integrated into complex scenes.
Bosch Smart Home: Operation is via app, voice control, or Bosch buttons. The buttons are predefined and can only be customized to a limited extent. The visualization is fixed. App control and voice functions require internet access.
Area of Application & Target Group
LOXONE: LOXONE is suitable for residential and commercial projects of all sizes. The system is aimed at specialist companies, electricians, and system integrators who want to implement professional building automation with a long-term perspective.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is aimed at end customers and is designed for private homes. The system offers a simple way to retrofit and automate individual functions in your own home or apartment.
Software & Licensing Model
Bosch Smart Home: The Bosch Smart Home app is also free. There is no dedicated programming or planning software. System updates are carried out via the Bosch cloud.
Central Control
LOXONE: At LOXONE, the Miniserver connects all components in the smart building – independently of the cloud or the Internet. LOXONE Config allows individual logic and processes to be tailored precisely to the requirements of each project.
Bosch Smart Home: In Bosch Smart Home, the Smart Home Controller forms the center of the system. It manages devices and scenes, but works in conjunction with the Bosch cloud. Local programming or individual logic is not provided.
Communication
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is a largely closed system and works primarily with Bosch’s own devices. However, individual third-party devices can be integrated via Zigbee 3.0, Matter, or platforms such as Apple HomeKit.
Openness & Interfaces
LOXONE: LOXONE offers numerous interfaces such as KNX, DALI, Modbus, EnOcean, and RS485/RS232. In addition, LOXONE is officially certified by Apple HomeKit, Bosch-Siemens, Belimo, and other manufacturers. This means that systems from a wide range of manufacturers can be integrated. As a result, Loxone is open to almost all areas of application.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is a largely closed system and works primarily with Bosch’s own devices. However, individual third-party devices can be integrated via Zigbee 3.0, Matter, or platforms such as Apple HomeKit.
Logic & Customization
LOXONE: With LOXONE Config, you can freely create custom automations—from simple scenes to complex logic across multiple systems. This allows each project to be tailored precisely to its individual requirements.
Bosch Smart Home: The system works with predefined scenarios that are configured via the app. Custom logic or complex dependencies between different functions can only be implemented to a limited extent, if at all.
Scalability
LOXONE: LOXONE is freely scalable – from single-family homes to large commercial properties. Multiple Miniservers can be operated in a network or across multiple locations. This makes the system more than just a Bosch Smart Home alternative when it comes to larger projects.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is designed for private residential use. The wireless architecture and range of devices are tailored to apartments and single-family homes. The system reaches its technical limits in larger or commercial properties.
Reliability & Stability
LOXONE: LOXONE operates via cable or (when using Air products) via a stable mesh network. All automation runs locally, independently of the internet. Only remote access requires an internet connection.
Bosch Smart Home: The system is entirely radio-based. Communication takes place directly between devices and the Smart Home Controller. Many basic functions run locally, but an internet connection is required for setup, remote app access, voice control, and updates.
Visualization & Operation
LOXONE: Visualization is automatically created in the configuration and can be customized. Control is local or remote via app, voice control, buttons, or automatic functions. Each button can be freely assigned and integrated into complex scenes.
Bosch Smart Home: Operation is via app, voice control, or Bosch buttons. The buttons are predefined and can only be customized to a limited extent. The visualization is fixed. App control and voice functions require internet access.
Software & Licensing Model
LOXONE:LOXONE Config and the app are free and license-free. Updates and remote access are available at no additional cost.
Bosch Smart Home: The Bosch Smart Home app is also free. There is no dedicated programming or planning software. System updates are carried out via the Bosch cloud.
Area of Application & Target Group
LOXONE: LOXONE is suitable for residential and commercial projects of all sizes. The system is aimed at specialist companies, electricians, and system integrators who want to implement professional building automation with a long-term perspective.
Bosch Smart Home: Bosch Smart Home is aimed at end customers and is designed for private homes. The system offers a simple way to retrofit and automate individual functions in your own home or apartment.
FAQ
What is the difference between LOXONE and Bosch Smart Home?
Bosch Smart Home is a wireless-based system for private homes. It is suitable for easy retrofitting of individual functions.
Loxone is a professional building automation solution for residential and commercial properties. All systems work together – wired or wireless.
Is Loxone a Bosch Smart Home alternative?
Yes. LOXONE is used by many specialist companies as a professional Bosch Smart Home alternative. The system covers all areas of building automation – from lighting and shading to energy, access, and climate control – and is scalable to any project size.
Does LOXONE also work wirelessly like Bosch Smart Home?
Yes. In addition to wired Tree technology, LOXONE offers its own wireless solution with Air technology. This works in a stable mesh network and is ideal for retrofitting. This makes LOXONE just as flexible as Bosch, but with a significantly wider range of functions.
Does LOXONE work without the internet?
Yes. LOXONE operates entirely locally. All automations run directly on the Miniserver – independently of a cloud or internet connection. This ensures high stability, data protection, and operational reliability throughout the entire building life cycle. Only remote access requires an internet connection.
Can Bosch Smart Home devices be integrated into LOXONE?
Direct integration is not planned. Individual components can be connected in some cases via platforms such as Apple HomeKit or open interfaces (HTTP, MQTT).
What advantages does LOXONE offer specialist companies compared to Bosch Smart Home?
Bosch Smart Home is an intuitive DIY solution.
LOXONE, on the other hand, was developed specifically for specialist companies. The system offers a freely programmable platform with no license costs. Partners benefit from professional support, automatic and free visualization, and high reliability. This results in less effort and greater planning security in project business.
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.
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 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.Â
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.
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. Our European center for home and building automation was built in Kollerschlag in 2023. 300 new jobs, $60 million in investment, and nearly 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. Assigning 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!
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.
Is there territorial protection?
No, Loxone does not offer territorial protection.