Smart Home Systems
Privacy evaluation of smart home devices and systems. Analyzed by Data Champion® for surveillance risks, data collection, and user control.
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Observed good or bad data practices in smart home systems? Your insights help the community make informed decisions.
Report Data Practices🏆 Data Champion® Awards
Gold
90
Home Assistant
Nabu Casa
Free - $6.50/moLOW RISK
Silver
82
Hubitat Elevation
Hubitat Inc
$149LOW RISK
Bronze
74
Apple HomeKit
Apple Inc
Free (requires Apple device)MEDIUM RISK
Category Risk Assessment
| Risk Category | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Recording | HIGH | Always-on microphones record conversations |
| Video Surveillance | HIGH | Cameras capture activity inside and outside home |
| Behavioral Patterns | HIGH | Device usage reveals daily routines and habits |
| Third-Party Access | MEDIUM | Cloud services and integrations share data |
| Remote Control | MEDIUM | Devices can be controlled remotely by manufacturer |
| Data Breaches | MEDIUM | Centralized systems are attractive hacking targets |
Product Comparison
| Product | Overall | Data Collection | Security | User Control | Transparency | Data Usage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Home Assistant Nabu Casa | 90 | 95 | 90 | 92 | 88 | 85 | Free - $6.50/mo |
Hubitat Elevation Hubitat Inc | 82 | 85 | 82 | 84 | 80 | 79 | $149 |
Apple HomeKit Apple Inc | 74 | 72 | 80 | 74 | 70 | 74 | Free (requires Apple device) |
 Google Home Google LLC | 52 | 38 | 68 | 52 | 54 | 48 | Free |
 Amazon Alexa Amazon.com Inc | 48 | 32 | 65 | 48 | 50 | 45 | Free |
Scoring Criteria
Data Collection (30%)
Minimal data gathering practices
Security (25%)
Encryption and protection measures
User Control (20%)
Privacy settings and data rights
Transparency (15%)
Clear policies and accountability
Data Usage (10%)
How data is used and shared