HomeTechTested topic guide

Home Assistant Guides and Real Setups

Home Assistant can bring devices from different brands together without making every automation depend on a vendor cloud. This collection starts with setups we actually run, then moves into practical installation and compatibility guidance. Use it to choose an integration path, build useful automations, and understand where local control ends and a manufacturer service is still involved.

Real Home Assistant Setups

Documented systems and automations used in our own smart homes.

Hands-on

TP-Link Tapo Cameras with Home Assistant: My Setup (2026)

I run 4 Tapo cameras with Home Assistant. No cloud, no subscription, local RTSP streaming. Here's my complete setup and what I've learned after a year.

 Real setup

Dreame Robot Vacuum + Home Assistant: My Automations (2026)

I automated my Dreame vacuum with Home Assistant. It cleans when I leave, avoids rooms when occupied, and empties itself at night. Here's how.

 Real setup

Zigbee2MQTT Setup Guide: Cloud-Free Smart Home (2026)

Complete Zigbee2MQTT setup guide for 2026. I run 40+ Zigbee devices without touching the cloud. Here's how to set it up from scratch.

Practical Guides

Implementation help for voice, cameras, automations, and integrations.

Practical guide

Home Assistant Voice Setup: Local Control Without the Cloud (2026)

Set up local voice control in Home Assistant with Wyoming or ESPHome. No cloud, no subscriptions, no data leaving your home.

 Practical guide

10 Home Assistant Automations for Beginners That Actually Matter (2026)

Practical Home Assistant automations for beginners. Motion lights, door alerts, thermostat schedules, presence detection, and more.

 Practical guide

Reolink Cameras Home Assistant Setup: PoE, RTSP, and Frigate Guide (2026)

Complete setup guide for Reolink PoE cameras with Home Assistant. RTSP streams, person detection, NVR vs direct integration.

More home assistant Articles

The latest published guidance and comparisons in this topic.