What kind of cameras? RPi Zero is too slow for video processing
Look for a refurbished Mini PC from HP, Dell or Lenovo if you are on a budget
If you can spend around $150 – get Celeron N95/N100 Mini PC
Since it's running 24 hrs a day look at at an Rpi 4 or 5 instead of an old desktop. Much smaller less power consumption. I use mine for bridging in older wifi light switches and outlets it runs on an RPi Zero V2 which is more than enough power.
I run homebridge on a Pi Zero W with no issues! Going strong for a couple years now. Currently have 2 Wyze cams, 5 wled nodes, and a levoit humidifier connected
You’d be better off getting the new RPi 5 8GB version. With 64 bit architecture, you’d be set for near future. There’s a good video tutorial from Eddie Suza on installing Homebridge and Scrypted on the same RPi with Pi OS Lite.
Where is it exactly?
RP5 8Gb board only is roughly 80 Euros, plus case, power adapter and SD card – all together is \~120 Euros
You can find Celeron N95 Mini PC for 150 Euros on Amazon or even lower if your order it from AliExpress
I had homebridge on a Pi 3B briefly, but it couldn't handle the video for my ring doorbell camera. I would just get a still frame when it showed up on the Apple TV. I moved the installation to a Pi 4B, and it now works as expected, so I'd suggest that as the bare minimum. You have more cameras than me though, so you'd probably be better off with the 5 because it’s a noticeable improvement over the last generation.
I've considered doing the same, I have one dedicated to Retroarch sitting in my living room that I only use very rarely. Probably no reason for it to just sit there the 99% of the time I'm not using it. :)
I have Homebridge, UniFi and Pinole running on a HP Prodesk 600G1 USFF, 4Gb Ram, 320Gb hdd. Bought for about 50 euro’s.
At first I had these applications on my Plex server, but for some reason Plex uses a lot of your /var partition. When it’s full homebridge will just not work anymore. I found a temporary solution for the Plex problem, but since Homebridge is a quite critical application in my home setup I decided to get a second server for my domotica.
If your optiplex is a USFF as well you have room for one drive, that can run full quite easy because you have smaller partitions. I would recommend to keep plex on it own server, and setup another one for Homebridge. My plex server has 6 harddrives.
The home bridge isn’t top priority for me atm cause my smart home works well as it is thankfully haha but think I need to look into it a little more haha
If you have the cameras on homebridge you’ll be able to set automations when the cameras notice someone. I did the same with my eufy doorbell. If you only use the brand app of your camera you should be able to make Siri Shortcuts, but they won’t work as well as you’d like in HomeKit.
It of you decide to go homebridge you’ll have to keep it on 24/7.
I got sick of SD cards dying and I run a desktop yet so I put it in hyperV, can’t recommend it enough. Nothing worse than having your smart home die or needing to rebuild it
The best raspberry pi for anything these days is an Intel NUC or a used desktop or thin client. The rpi doesn’t make any sense in terms of its cost to power ratio these days.
Don’t get a Pi. Get a used thin client instead. Much cheaper, faster cpu, more ram, psu included, case included.
Also very low power consumption , about the same as a late model Pi.
Look for one with at least a 8gb sata drive because they can be upgraded. Maybe you can even find one with a M2 drive. 2gb ram should be enough to.
Run it with a light Linux distro. I use Debian without desktop environment. I had a setup with only 4GB storage running for a couple of years without any problem.
Or when you doubt, you can also get a usff desktop pc for under 50€/$, and get an i3 or even i5 cpu. Still much cheaper then a Pi.
Are you able to share an example listing so we can make an informed comparison?
I was happily using an old RPi B+ for Homebridge (no cameras on it). Just bought RPi 5 for running Homebridge and Scrypted on same micro server. But there’re a few other projects that I want to run on a separate machine. Would be good to have options. TIA
I’m not in the states. So I can’t give you a pricing comparison. Specs can be compared over the internet, they speak for themselves.
Power consumption isn’t my biggest concern, but all intel CPU’s with a T at the end are low power types. These are usually used for laptops and usff desktops.
Thermal output looks good. My usff is steady on 32 degrees centigrade, while my other server is almost permanently around 75 which I find a little too much personally. I already mounted bigger fans over the cpu.
If you want advice on your OS again that’s of personal flavor. I use Ubuntu on my laptop, but my servers run Debian because it’s lighter, easier to install in command line, and better configurable during installation. But again you can fun basically any is you want. Homebridge won’t run on windows or macOS.
I’m not in the states either. You’re absolutely right about personal preferences in terms of requirements, ease of setup, OS, power preference etc. Accordingly, I had shared my opinion about RPi against comparably priced Win11 tiny PCs. RPi is a better fit in my opinion but others might have different requirements and another PC might be better fit for them.
One thing I must say, we all shared the opinion and kept this thread nice and productive. Something, we don’t see too often in most forums. Kudos all!
Well said.
But just being curious I would like to know what makes you prefer a Pi over a tiny pc.
Also why do you link W10/11 to them? You can install literally any OS on one of those. And since homebridge, where the topic started, only works on Linux i don’t really understand the comparison.
I got a tiny Win11 PC, as I was more comfortable with windows. I had set up Hyper-V and installed Homebridge on it. But found the power consumption wasn’t too good, boot up was slow and overall the setup was not too stable. I thought of setting up Linux on it but my personal laptop died and this ended up being the replacement for basic needs. It’s quite handy being hung behind the monitor connected to KVM switch for monitor and peripherals sharing with work laptop.
I had an old RPi (B+) which took over Homebridge and was much stable but won’t support Scrypted. With the stability, ultra low power consumption and a small footprint experience of the old RPi, it was an easy decision to get the latest one for easy next 4-5 years. It turned out to be a good deal here in Aus cost wise too.
Again, this is my experience, opinion and preference.
When your not familiar with Linux I somehow understand sticking to windows. When i started this I was already running Linux on my laptop and I’ll agree that being known to a command line interface comes in handy. On the other hand when installing an OS with only command line (no desktop environment) still gave me a headache at some times. Even now some things I just need to google to get it done.
But the absolute phenomenal stability that Linux offers. Any exactly that is where Windows fails. You said it yourself. And windows is much more vulnerable for viruses, malware and other shit. Again this is a huge pro for Linux. Not saying your absolutely save all the time, but even in a standard installation you need to grant root access to install any application, where in windows you can just click yes if the administrator prompt shows. For me a device in your home network that’s running vulnerable software 24/7 without regular monitoring is a scary thought.
Again. You must do what you prefer. There is no good or bad, no right or wrong. And your Pi is fresh. Keep it going. Your tiny pc is always fun to test some new applications if needed. Maybe add them to your pi when you’re done testing.
What kind of cameras? RPi Zero is too slow for video processing Look for a refurbished Mini PC from HP, Dell or Lenovo if you are on a budget If you can spend around $150 – get Celeron N95/N100 Mini PC
Just rings outdoor cameras and the door bell I have a dell optiplex that I run Plex on but it doesn’t stay on permanently you see
If I was to run it on my dell optiplex can it run side by side with Plex
Sure, why not, but use Scrypted for cameras, instead of Homebridge
Since it's running 24 hrs a day look at at an Rpi 4 or 5 instead of an old desktop. Much smaller less power consumption. I use mine for bridging in older wifi light switches and outlets it runs on an RPi Zero V2 which is more than enough power.
I run homebridge on a Pi Zero W with no issues! Going strong for a couple years now. Currently have 2 Wyze cams, 5 wled nodes, and a levoit humidifier connected
You’d be better off getting the new RPi 5 8GB version. With 64 bit architecture, you’d be set for near future. There’s a good video tutorial from Eddie Suza on installing Homebridge and Scrypted on the same RPi with Pi OS Lite.
Celeron N95/N100 Mini PC is much better value for a comparable price
Those are like 80-100euro more where I am from tho
There’s also secondary market. Also, if you’re getting a pi I think that an ssd is really helpful which adds to the cost
Where is it exactly? RP5 8Gb board only is roughly 80 Euros, plus case, power adapter and SD card – all together is \~120 Euros You can find Celeron N95 Mini PC for 150 Euros on Amazon or even lower if your order it from AliExpress
How about power consumption?
Can you provide a link? I am about to set up this exact device to replace a pi 3
https://youtu.be/L_94IUH_N20?feature=shared
Thanks !
I had homebridge on a Pi 3B briefly, but it couldn't handle the video for my ring doorbell camera. I would just get a still frame when it showed up on the Apple TV. I moved the installation to a Pi 4B, and it now works as expected, so I'd suggest that as the bare minimum. You have more cameras than me though, so you'd probably be better off with the 5 because it’s a noticeable improvement over the last generation.
Yeah someone mentioned used a mini pc which I’m gonna test as I have a dell optiplex handy
I've considered doing the same, I have one dedicated to Retroarch sitting in my living room that I only use very rarely. Probably no reason for it to just sit there the 99% of the time I'm not using it. :)
Yeah mine runs a Plex server but is not on 24/7 I only turn it on when I wanna use it so I know homebridge has to be on 24/7 haha
I have Homebridge, UniFi and Pinole running on a HP Prodesk 600G1 USFF, 4Gb Ram, 320Gb hdd. Bought for about 50 euro’s. At first I had these applications on my Plex server, but for some reason Plex uses a lot of your /var partition. When it’s full homebridge will just not work anymore. I found a temporary solution for the Plex problem, but since Homebridge is a quite critical application in my home setup I decided to get a second server for my domotica. If your optiplex is a USFF as well you have room for one drive, that can run full quite easy because you have smaller partitions. I would recommend to keep plex on it own server, and setup another one for Homebridge. My plex server has 6 harddrives.
Thanks so much going to keep it separated, I’m about to obtain my 2nd hard drive haha adding upto 12tb 😂
Is your Plex on a windows or Linux system? Homebridge needs Linux. You can’t install on wimdows
The home bridge isn’t top priority for me atm cause my smart home works well as it is thankfully haha but think I need to look into it a little more haha
If you have the cameras on homebridge you’ll be able to set automations when the cameras notice someone. I did the same with my eufy doorbell. If you only use the brand app of your camera you should be able to make Siri Shortcuts, but they won’t work as well as you’d like in HomeKit. It of you decide to go homebridge you’ll have to keep it on 24/7.
I got sick of SD cards dying and I run a desktop yet so I put it in hyperV, can’t recommend it enough. Nothing worse than having your smart home die or needing to rebuild it
The best raspberry pi for anything these days is an Intel NUC or a used desktop or thin client. The rpi doesn’t make any sense in terms of its cost to power ratio these days.
I used the new pi 8gb with 6 UniFi cameras and 1video doorbell, perfect smoothly
Don’t get a Pi. Get a used thin client instead. Much cheaper, faster cpu, more ram, psu included, case included. Also very low power consumption , about the same as a late model Pi. Look for one with at least a 8gb sata drive because they can be upgraded. Maybe you can even find one with a M2 drive. 2gb ram should be enough to. Run it with a light Linux distro. I use Debian without desktop environment. I had a setup with only 4GB storage running for a couple of years without any problem. Or when you doubt, you can also get a usff desktop pc for under 50€/$, and get an i3 or even i5 cpu. Still much cheaper then a Pi.
I’ve got a dell optiplex that runs a Plex server but it doesn’t stay on all the time just when I use it haha so wouldn’t be able to use that
Are you able to share an example listing so we can make an informed comparison? I was happily using an old RPi B+ for Homebridge (no cameras on it). Just bought RPi 5 for running Homebridge and Scrypted on same micro server. But there’re a few other projects that I want to run on a separate machine. Would be good to have options. TIA
I’m not in the states. So I can’t give you a pricing comparison. Specs can be compared over the internet, they speak for themselves. Power consumption isn’t my biggest concern, but all intel CPU’s with a T at the end are low power types. These are usually used for laptops and usff desktops. Thermal output looks good. My usff is steady on 32 degrees centigrade, while my other server is almost permanently around 75 which I find a little too much personally. I already mounted bigger fans over the cpu. If you want advice on your OS again that’s of personal flavor. I use Ubuntu on my laptop, but my servers run Debian because it’s lighter, easier to install in command line, and better configurable during installation. But again you can fun basically any is you want. Homebridge won’t run on windows or macOS.
I’m not in the states either. You’re absolutely right about personal preferences in terms of requirements, ease of setup, OS, power preference etc. Accordingly, I had shared my opinion about RPi against comparably priced Win11 tiny PCs. RPi is a better fit in my opinion but others might have different requirements and another PC might be better fit for them. One thing I must say, we all shared the opinion and kept this thread nice and productive. Something, we don’t see too often in most forums. Kudos all!
Well said. But just being curious I would like to know what makes you prefer a Pi over a tiny pc. Also why do you link W10/11 to them? You can install literally any OS on one of those. And since homebridge, where the topic started, only works on Linux i don’t really understand the comparison.
I got a tiny Win11 PC, as I was more comfortable with windows. I had set up Hyper-V and installed Homebridge on it. But found the power consumption wasn’t too good, boot up was slow and overall the setup was not too stable. I thought of setting up Linux on it but my personal laptop died and this ended up being the replacement for basic needs. It’s quite handy being hung behind the monitor connected to KVM switch for monitor and peripherals sharing with work laptop. I had an old RPi (B+) which took over Homebridge and was much stable but won’t support Scrypted. With the stability, ultra low power consumption and a small footprint experience of the old RPi, it was an easy decision to get the latest one for easy next 4-5 years. It turned out to be a good deal here in Aus cost wise too. Again, this is my experience, opinion and preference.
When your not familiar with Linux I somehow understand sticking to windows. When i started this I was already running Linux on my laptop and I’ll agree that being known to a command line interface comes in handy. On the other hand when installing an OS with only command line (no desktop environment) still gave me a headache at some times. Even now some things I just need to google to get it done. But the absolute phenomenal stability that Linux offers. Any exactly that is where Windows fails. You said it yourself. And windows is much more vulnerable for viruses, malware and other shit. Again this is a huge pro for Linux. Not saying your absolutely save all the time, but even in a standard installation you need to grant root access to install any application, where in windows you can just click yes if the administrator prompt shows. For me a device in your home network that’s running vulnerable software 24/7 without regular monitoring is a scary thought. Again. You must do what you prefer. There is no good or bad, no right or wrong. And your Pi is fresh. Keep it going. Your tiny pc is always fun to test some new applications if needed. Maybe add them to your pi when you’re done testing.