Control4 and Google home – which is better?
If you’ve considered investing in a smart home, it’s likely you’ve thought about the operating system you want to use. Two of the giants in the field are Control4 and Google Home – but which will meet your needs better? Here, we compare their features and compatibility.
How do Control4 and Google Home work?
Google Home is about making home automation more accessible. User-friendly and affordable, it enables tech enthusiasts to connect a variety of devices for a more convenient lifestyle. At its heart is the Google Assistant, a smart speaker that enables you to control your technology with voice commands or a tap of your smartphone.
Control4, on the other hand, is all about customisation. The system is tailored to your exact needs, offering a professional, fully-integrated solution. It’s more sophisticated than Google Home, connecting and communicating with a range of devices and enabling you to control everything with the touch of a button on your smartphone or interface, or via voice commands.
What can Control4 and Google Home do?
Both operating systems enable you to control a wide range of products, including smart lighting, security features, thermostat settings and audio-visual devices. Control4, however, has a wider range of compatible devices including smart appliances, window shading and intercom systems. In fact, the possibilities are nearly endless.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of Google Home?
Google Home is a straight-forward, user-friendly option that works with a wide range of products. It enables you to set up routines and devices that fit your lifestyle, and is affordable. However, it doesn’t offer the level of customisation that a professional platform like Control4 does. It also brings with it certain privacy and security considerations; if something were to go awry, it would be up to you to fix. In addition, it depends on Wi-Fi and third-party devices, meaning you may experience hiccups.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of Control4?
Choosing Control4 means buying into a system that is built for consistency and durability. Control4 is one of the world’s leading smart home operating systems, and with it comes a level of service, maintenance and security that is not available for plug-and-play solutions like Google Home. The system is designed with safety in mind, and can be scaled up or down to suit your changing needs. It also offers unrivalled flexibility and can operate a number of settings all at once, with the touch of a single button.
Due to the quality and professionalism of Control4, it comes with a higher price tag. It’s also not a DIY project; you’ll need an authorised Control4 specialist to install it. That said, your specialist will also be able to monitor the system and carry out periodic updates on your behalf.
Which is better?
Ultimately, the choice between Control4 and Google Home depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a fully automated smart home with multiple devices and a professional level of quality and security, Control4 is the best option. If you have only a handful of smart devices to control and need a quick solution, Google Home will fit the bill.
To get the most from your smart home, contact New Wave AV today. As a professional smart home and Control4 installer, we provide a state-of-the-art solution that brings the highest level of comfort and convenience to your home. We serve Kent, Surrey, Essex, London and Sussex.
