Loxone vs KNX
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LOXONE as a Control4 Alternative?
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LOXONE: The Control4 Alternative that puts YOU in Control
A side-by side look at Loxone and Control4.
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LOXONE or Control4?
Which is the better fit for you?
LOXONE and Control4 both offer premier smart home solutions. But what makes LOXONE the clear choice for a Control4 alternative is its different philosophy towards smart home and building automation.
LOXONE provides a unified ecosystem where hardware, software, and automation logic are developed to integrate natively together. This results in a streamlined installation process, intuitive configuration, a high level of customization, and a lower price tag. LOXONE’s automation-first approach makes it ideal for advanced projects ranging from single-family homes to commercial properties.
Control4 focuses primarily on A/V integrations and a polished user experience backed by an extensive network of third-party integrations. The system is installed and programmed exclusively by certified dealers, ensuring consistency but leaving less room for direct adjustments or ongoing refinements without professional support.
Both platforms are trusted by hundreds of companies and home owners worldwide. Below, we outline the key differences between LOXONE and Control4 in a direct comparison.
Programming
LOXONE: LOXONE Config speeds commissioning by providing hundreds of preconfigured logic blocks and automated setup features. This allows most of the system to be configured in a matter of minutes, while still leaving room for individual customizations to meet specific client needs. The result is faster installations, fewer errors, and greater flexibility for integrators – whether in the field or programming remotely.
Control4: Control4 programming is configured using the Composer platform via “When/If/Then” command logic, which offers powerful customization but often requires significant time and expertise. Setting up advanced automation or integrating multiple third-party devices can be complex, and modifications after install generally require a dealer visit. This can increase both labor time and overall project cost.
System Visualizations
LOXONE: LOXONE automatically generates a full, ready-to-use visualization of the system through the LOXONE App, with no additional licensing or hardware required. As soon as the logic is configured in LOXONE Config, the interface is instantly available to the user. This reduces setup time and ensures that every project, regardless of size, has a complete, consistent, and cost-effective user interface.
Control4: Control4 offers polished user interfaces, but the final experience typically depends on dealer configuration and customization. Creating and adjusting pages, icons, and layouts requires professional programming and certain interface features may require additional controllers or licensing. This increases both installation time and overall system cost, especially when changes are needed after the initial setup.
Control Architecture
LOXONE: LOXONE uses the Miniserver as the central controller for the entire system. It manages logic, coordination, and communication across all devices. This centralized architecture simplifies programming, reduces points of failure, and ensures a consistent automation experience across the entire property. Additional Miniservers can be added for scalability while still maintaining a unified control structure.
Control4: Control4 also relies on a controller-based architecture, but the overall intelligence of the system is more distributed. While the primary controller manages core logic and user interfaces, many integrations rely heavily on third-party drivers and device-specific processors. As a result, system behavior can depend on multiple components working together, and changes or troubleshooting often require dealer intervention to adjust drivers or reprogram logic.
Third-Party Support
LOXONE: LOXONE offers support for widely used building automation standards like Modbus, 0–10V, BACNet, DALI, DMX, and more, making it suitable for residential and commercial applications. Tree and Air technologies also provide reliable wired and wireless options without the fragmentation found in consumer-grade systems. This combination of third-party support, industrial-grade protocols, and cohesive native technology gives integrators a flexible, stable foundation.
Control4: Control4 relies primarily on third-party integrations and driver-based compatibility. While this offers access to a large ecosystem of devices, integration quality can vary depending on manufacturer support and the availability of drivers. And in the case of API updates across third-party peripherals, your clients can find themselves locked out of core functions like light control or even door locks.
Software
LOXONE: All LOXONE software and apps are provided license-free, including regular updates and secure remote access via the LOXONE App. This means integrators and end users can benefit from continuous improvements without recurring fees or additional tools. The result is a predictable, cost-effective platform across the entire lifecycle of the system.
Control4: Control4 relies on licensed dealer software for system configuration, and updates or feature changes typically require professional service visits. While the end-user apps are polished, ongoing adjustments or enhancements must be performed by a certified dealer. Over time, this can greatly increase the overall cost of ownership and maintenance.
Scalability
LOXONE: LOXONE is scalable to the needs of any sized project, from single-family homes to multi-site commercial properties and large scale MDUs. And as client needs grow, the LOXONE system is easy to adjust, optimize, and expanded upon. This makes LOXONE suitable for projects that may grow over time without requiring major reconfiguration.
Control4: Control4 can also be expanded across larger properties, but scaling typically involves additional controllers, licensing, and increased dealer programming time. As systems grow in size or complexity, more integration hardware is often required, which adds cost and coordination effort for installers and end users.
Licensing & Ongoing Fees
LOXONE: LOXONE charges no license fees and its unified platform keeps project costs predictable for you as an installer. Updates, apps, and remote access are all included, so you don’t have to manage add-on charges or explain surprise fees to clients. This transparency, combined with ease of installation, often makes LOXONE the long-term cost-effective choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Control4: Control4’s required licensed software can introduce additional costs for updates, integrations, or advanced features, making long-term project costs harder for installers to predict. These changes often require professional intervention, leading to service calls and time commitments that impact scheduling, margins, and overall scalability. Additionally, Control4 requires a minimum annual spend of $50,000 in order to maintain “Authorized” status.
Tech Support & Maintenance
LOXONE: LOXONE Partner Coaches give integrators direct access to expert technical support, ensuring projects are installed, programmed, and delivered efficiently. This reduces callbacks, simplifies troubleshooting, and provides installers with a reliable safety net on complex jobs. Automatic updates and centralized logic keep the systems stable and standardized, preventing fragmented support situations.
Control4: Control4’s support model places most of the maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting responsibility on the dealer. This means the integrator often becomes the primary point of contact for every issue, small or large. In many cases, resolving problems requires coordination between the dealer, Control4, and third-party device manufacturers, which can extend response times and increase the amount of unbillable support work integrators have to manage.
Hardware Costs
LOXONE: LOXONE offers a hardware lineup designed to cover the majority of residential and commercial automation needs without relying heavily on third-party devices. Because the system is built around the Miniserver and a well-defined set of extensions and peripherals, overall hardware requirements are predictable and often lower in quantity, reducing upfront costs. LOXONE’s components are engineered for broad functionality, meaning fewer specialized modules are needed to achieve complex automation tasks.
Control4: Control4 hardware is positioned at the premium end of the market, with controllers, touchscreens, remotes, and peripherals generally priced higher than comparable alternatives. Many system functions – like lighting, climate, and AV control – often require additional third-party hardware, which can introduce extra cost as well as variability in pricing and availability. Larger or more complex Control4 installations may also need multiple controllers to manage processing loads or expand functionality, further increasing hardware investment.
Training
LOXONE: LOXONE provides an accessible training program designed for electricians, integrators, and installers who want to get up and running quickly. Online courses, video tutorials, and in-person training sessions are available at low or no cost, and most materials are open to anyone, even end users. The training emphasizes practical, real-world workflows using LOXONE Config, enabling new installers to become productive in a short time. And with regularly offered Specialty Trainings, you can expand your skills and business offerings into high-demand and high-revenue fields like Security and Climate Control.
Control4: Control4 training is structured around a certified dealer program, which requires becoming an authorized partner before accessing core training materials. Courses are more extensive and typically involve higher time and financial investment. Training often focuses on advanced AV integration, driver management, and the use of dealer-only tools such as Composer Pro. While comprehensive, the training is geared toward professional integrators who specialize in Control4 and are committed to ongoing certification requirements.
Programming
LOXONE: LOXONE Config speeds commissioning by providing hundreds of preconfigured logic blocks and automated setup features. This allows most of the system to be configured in a matter of minutes, while still leaving room for individual customization to meet specific client needs. The result is faster installations, fewer errors, and greater flexibility for integrators – whether in the field or programming remotely.
Control4: Control4 programming is configured using the Composer platform via “When/If/Then” command logic, which offers powerful customization but often requires significant time and expertise. Setting up advanced automation or integrating multiple third-party devices can be complex, and modifications after install generally require a dealer visit. This can increase both labor time and overall project cost.
Visualizations
LOXONE: LOXONE automatically generates a full, ready-to-use visualization of the system through the LOXONE App, with no additional licensing or hardware required. As soon as the logic is configured in LOXONE Config, the interface is instantly available to the user. This reduces setup time and ensures that every project, regardless of size, has a complete, consistent, and cost-effective user interface.
Control4: Control4 offers polished user interfaces, but the final experience typically depends on dealer configuration and customization. Creating and adjusting pages, icons, and layouts requires professional programming and certain interface features may require additional controllers or licensing. This increases both installation time and overall system cost, especially when changes are needed after the initial setup.
Architecture
LOXONE: LOXONE uses the Miniserver as the central controller for the entire system. It manages logic, coordination, and communication across all devices. This centralized architecture simplifies programming, reduces points of failure, and ensures a consistent automation experience across the entire property. Additional Miniservers can be added for scalability while still maintaining a unified control structure.
Control4: Control4 also relies on a controller-based architecture, but the overall intelligence of the system is more distributed. While the primary controller manages core logic and user interfaces, many integrations rely heavily on third-party drivers and device-specific processors. As a result, system behavior can depend on multiple components working together, and changes or troubleshooting often require dealer intervention to adjust drivers or reprogram logic.
Third Party Integrations
LOXONE: LOXONE offers support for widely used building-automation standards like Modbus, 0–10V, BACNet, DALI, DMX, and more, making it suitable for residential and commercial applications. Tree and Air technologies also provide reliable wired and wireless options without the fragmentation found in consumer-grade systems. This combination of third-party support, industrial-grade protocols, and cohesive native technology gives integrators a flexible, stable foundation.
Control4: Control4 relies primarily on third-party integrations and driver-based compatibility. While this offers access to a large ecosystem of devices, integration quality can vary depending on manufacturer support and the availability of drivers. And in the case of API updates across third-party peripherals, your clients can find themselves locked out of core functions like light control or even door locks.
Software
LOXONE: All LOXONE software and apps are provided license-free, including regular updates and secure remote access via the Loxone App. This means integrators and end users can benefit from continuous improvements without recurring fees or additional tools. The result is a predictable, cost-effective platform across the entire lifecycle of the system.
Control4: Control4 relies on licensed dealer software for system configuration, and updates or feature changes typically require professional service visits. While the end-user apps are polished, ongoing adjustments or enhancements must be performed by a certified dealer. Over time, this can greatly increase the overall cost of ownership and maintenance.
Scalability
LOXONE: LOXONE is scalable to the needs of any sized project, from single-family homes to multi-site commercial properties and large scale MDUs. And as client needs grow, the LOXONE system is easy to adjust, optimize, and expanded upon. This makes LOXONE suitable for projects that may grow over time without requiring major reconfiguration.
Control4: Control4 can also be expanded across larger properties, but scaling typically involves additional controllers, licensing, and increased dealer programming time. As systems grow in size or complexity, more integration hardware is often required, which adds cost and coordination effort for installers and end users.
Licensing & Fees
LOXONE: LOXONE charges no license fees, and its unified platform keeps project costs predictable for you as an installer. Updates, apps, and remote access are all included, so you don’t have to manage add-on charges or explain surprise fees to clients. This transparency, combined with ease of installation, often makes LOXONE the long-term cost-effective choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Control4: Control4’s required licensed software can introduce additional costs for updates, integrations, or advanced features, making long-term project costs harder for installers to predict. These changes often require professional intervention, leading to service calls and time commitments that impact scheduling, margins, and overall scalability. Additionally, Control4 requires a minimum annual spend of $50,000 in order to maintain “Authorized” status.
Support
LOXONE: LOXONE Partner Coaches give integrators direct access to expert technical support, ensuring projects are installed, programmed, and delivered efficiently. This reduces callbacks, simplifies troubleshooting, and provides installers with a reliable safety net on complex jobs. Automatic updates and centralized logic keep the systems stable and standardized, preventing fragmented support situations.
Control4: Control4’s support model places most of the maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting responsibility on the dealer. This means the integrator often becomes the primary point of contact for every issue, small or large. In many cases, resolving problems requires coordination between the dealer, Control4, and third-party device manufacturers, which can extend response times and increase the amount of unbillable support work integrators have to manage.
Hardware Costs
LOXONE: LOXONE offers a hardware lineup designed to cover the majority of residential and commercial automation needs without relying heavily on third-party devices. Because the system is built around the Miniserver and a well-defined set of extensions and peripherals, overall hardware requirements are predictable and often lower in quantity, reducing upfront costs. LOXONE’s components are engineered for broad functionality, meaning fewer specialized modules are needed to achieve complex automation tasks.
Control4: Control4 hardware is positioned at the premium end of the market, with controllers, touchscreens, remotes, and peripherals generally priced higher than comparable alternatives. Many system functions – like lighting, climate, and AV control – often require additional third-party hardware, which can introduce extra cost as well as variability in pricing and availability. Larger or more complex Control4 installations may also need multiple controllers to manage processing loads or expand functionality, further increasing hardware investment.
Training
LOXONE: LOXONE provides an accessible training program designed for electricians, integrators, and installers who want to get up and running quickly. Online courses, video tutorials, and in-person training sessions are available at low or no cost, and most materials are open to anyone, even end users. The training emphasizes practical, real-world workflows using LOXONE Config, enabling new installers to become productive in a short time. And with regularly offered Specialty Trainings, you can expand your skills and business offerings into high-demand and high-revenue fields like Security and Climate Control.
Control4: Control4 training is structured around a certified dealer program, which requires becoming an authorized partner before accessing core training materials. Courses are more extensive and typically involve higher time and financial investment. Training often focuses on advanced AV integration, driver management, and the use of dealer-only tools such as Composer Pro. While comprehensive, the training is geared toward professional integrators who specialize in Control4 and are committed to ongoing certification requirements.
Q&A
How reliable is Loxone's functionality?
With the development of our in-house technologies, Loxone Tree and Loxone Air, we have pursued a clear goal: to reduce the installation effort 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 provide our partners with 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.
As the Miniserver is the central control unit of every Loxone installation. we have prioritized its reliability. The Miniserver has no moving parts and is extremely energy-efficient, which means that heat generation is not a problem. A failure of the Miniserver is 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 internet reliant. An internet failure has no effect on the functionality of a Loxone installation.
How secure is Loxone?
Access to cloud-based smart home systems typically happens through a manufacturer’s website, which can become a central point of attack. Loxone avoids this simply by staying off the cloud. With Loxone, there’s no external hub or cloud login that can be hacked; access to the Miniserver is handled directly by the Miniserver itself. It lives on-site in the customer’s home and doesn’t need an internet connection to perform its functions.
Every Loxone system is protected by the Miniserver’s built-in security mechanisms, ongoing security updates, and the user’s own network security.
What if Loxone no longer exists?
Loxone is a healthy global company and 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 will be built in Kollerschlag by 2023. 300 new jobs, €55 million in investment, and 8 hectares 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.
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 enables 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.
Does Loxone enforce territorial restrictions?
No, Loxone does not offer territorial protection nor enforce territorial restrictions. You are free to do business ANYWHERE.
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 spend
- Adaptive discount levels
*The prerequisite is that you are activley working in 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.