Home Assistant starter kit
Updated
A shopping list to start Home Assistant: a small always-on computer, a Zigbee radio, door and motion sensors, plus optional backup power, storage and energy-monitoring plugs, with realistic prices.
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Before you buy
This kit builds a small, reliable Home Assistant system around Zigbee sensors. If you are still deciding whether Home Assistant is right for you, read Is Home Assistant worth it? first.
Choosing the computer
| Option | Strength | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Preinstalled hub | Needs only power and Ethernet | Radios for Zigbee or Thread are added separately |
| Single-board computer | Low cost and low power | Home Assistant asks for 2 GB of RAM at least, and an A2 microSD card of 32 GB or more; cheap chargers and USB ports cause problems |
| x86-64 mini PC | More speed for add-ons and voice processing | Higher cost and idle power; use Ethernet |
The project recommends Home Assistant OS for most people who bring their own hardware. Estimate the running cost with the device energy cost calculator: enter the idle wattage from the specs and 24 hours a day.
Zigbee radio, and what else you can add
The radio is the piece that turns Home Assistant into a hub. Coordinator and router placement determine stability; the Zigbee coordinator setup guide covers it. If you plan to use Matter devices over Thread, you also need a Thread border router; Home Assistant’s Matter integration lists the requirement. Many smart speakers and streaming boxes already include one. Wi-Fi Matter devices do not need it.
Backups before devices
Turn on automatic backups before you add devices. The documentation recommends a copy on another system and ideally one off-site, and notes that backups are encrypted, so store the emergency kit safely. Network storage or a cloud drive both qualify. If you want remote access, read Home Assistant remote access, done safely before opening anything to the internet.
Where to put sensors first
- Front and back doors: door sensors for an “unlocked or open at night” alert.
- Hallway and bathroom: motion sensors that turn on lights at night and run a fan.
- Garage or basement door: a sensor that tells you it was left open.
Core items
Home Assistant computer
$100–$350Runs Home Assistant around the clock. Choose a hub with Home Assistant preinstalled, or a mini PC or single-board computer you install it on.
What to look for: Ethernet port, Home Assistant OS support, 2 GB of RAM or more (8 GB for room to grow), a drive or card with room for history, a proper power supply
See options on AmazonZigbee USB coordinator
$20–$50Lets Home Assistant talk to Zigbee sensors, plugs and bulbs without a separate brand hub.
What to look for: Zigbee 3.0, on the supported list of ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT, external antenna, updatable firmware
See options on AmazonUSB 2.0 extension cable
$8–$20Moves the radio away from USB 3 ports, drives and the computer, which are known sources of interference.
What to look for: shielded cable, USB 2.0, 20 to 72 inches long
See options on AmazonDoor and window sensors × 3
$10–$25The most useful first sensors: they trigger lights, alerts and routines, and show whether a door was left open.
What to look for: Zigbee, replaceable coin cell, low-battery alert, small enough for your door frames
See options on AmazonMotion sensors × 2
$12–$30Turn on hallway lights, run bathroom fans and detect presence for alerts and routines.
What to look for: Zigbee, adjustable timeout, wide detection angle, battery life of a year or more
See options on AmazonNice to have
UPS for the computer and router
$40–$150Keeps the computer and router running through short power cuts and shuts down cleanly in a long one.
What to look for: 600–900 VA, USB port, enough battery-backed outlets for the computer, router and modem
See options on AmazonBackup drive or network storage
$25–$80A place to copy automatic backups away from the Home Assistant computer.
What to look for: external SSD or USB drive of 128 GB or more, or storage on your network
See options on AmazonEnergy-monitoring smart plugs × 2
$12–$30Shows what a heater, dehumidifier or freezer costs, and gives Home Assistant energy data to chart.
What to look for: Matter or Zigbee, energy reporting, 15 A rating, UL listing
See options on AmazonTemperature and humidity sensors × 2
$10–$25Basement humidity, nursery temperature and unevenly heated rooms become charts and alerts.
What to look for: Zigbee or Thread, display optional, accuracy given in the specs
See options on AmazonStep by step
- Install Home Assistant using the instructions for your computer, connect Ethernet, create your account and give the computer a fixed address in your router.
- Turn on automatic backups, set a copy location and download the emergency kit.
- Plug the Zigbee radio into a USB 2.0 port through the extension cable, away from the computer and the router, and add the Zigbee integration.
- Pair any mains-powered Zigbee devices first, so that they can act as routers.
- Pair the door and motion sensors near a router, then mount them in place.
- Build one simple automation, such as a hallway light on motion at night, then test it for a week before adding more.
- Install each monthly release after taking a backup, and read the release notes first.
Cheaper or upgraded versions
Budget version, about $100–$200: an existing computer or a single-board computer you already own, Home Assistant installed, one Zigbee coordinator and two or three sensors. Use a backup drive you already have.
Upgrade, about $600–$1,000: a mini PC with 16 GB of RAM for add-ons and local voice processing, a UPS, a second coordinator or Thread radio, energy-monitoring plugs on the big appliances and a dozen sensors. See the local voice assistant guide for voice.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start with Home Assistant?
A small always-on computer with Ethernet, a power supply, and a USB radio if you want Zigbee, Z-Wave or Thread devices. Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices work without a radio.
Do I need a Zigbee coordinator?
Only if you want Zigbee devices. Zigbee sensors are inexpensive and long-lasting, but you can start with Wi-Fi or Matter devices and add the radio later.
Should I use a Raspberry Pi or a mini PC?
A single-board computer costs less and uses less power, and Home Assistant supports it with at least 2 GB of RAM. A mini PC has more speed for add-ons and local voice. Both work well with Ethernet.
Why do I need a UPS?
A power cut can corrupt a drive or card and takes the router down, which stops local hubs from sending alerts. A small UPS covers short outages and allows a clean shutdown.