Nabu Casa vs HARelay
Looking for a free alternative to Nabu Casa for remote access? HARelay provides the same core functionality without the monthly subscription.
Side by Side
See how the two services compare
| Feature | Nabu Casa | HARelay |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $6.50/month | Free |
| Remote Access |
|
|
| No Port Forwarding |
|
|
| SSL/HTTPS Included |
|
|
| Setup Complexity | Account linking | Simple pairing code |
| Google/Alexa Integration |
|
|
Choose What's Right for You
Choose Nabu Casa if...
- You need Google Home or Alexa voice control
- You want to support HA development financially
$6.50/month subscription
Choose HARelay if...
- You want free remote access without monthly fees
- You prefer the simplest possible setup
- You don't need Google/Alexa voice integration
Save $78/year
Common Questions
Is HARelay really free?
Yes, HARelay is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees, no premium tiers, and no credit card required.
Can I switch from Nabu Casa to HARelay?
Yes, you can use HARelay alongside or instead of Nabu Casa for remote access. Simply install our app (formerly add-on) and pair your device. Note that Google/Alexa integrations will still require Nabu Casa.
Is HARelay as secure as Nabu Casa?
Both services use encrypted connections and don't require port forwarding. HARelay uses WebSocket tunneling with TLS encryption, similar to how Nabu Casa works.
Why is HARelay free if Nabu Casa costs money?
Nabu Casa funds Home Assistant development and provides additional services like voice assistant integration. HARelay focuses only on remote access with minimal infrastructure costs, allowing us to offer it for free.
Ready to get started?
Create your free account and connect your Home Assistant in minutes.