3 Best Mini PCs for Home Assistant in 2024

Have you ever considered the convenience that a mini PC could add to your smart home setup? When you’re looking to streamline your Home Assistant hub, size and efficiency are key, and that’s where mini PCs come in.

They’re compact, powerful, and, best of all, they can tuck away neatly without cluttering your space.

As you weigh your options, you’ll find the Beelink SER5 stands out for its robust performance, while the Blackview MP80 offers competitive features as a runner-up. If your budget is tight, don’t overlook the Bmax B1 Pro, which offers a surprisingly capable package for its price point.

But beyond the models, it’s essential to understand why a mini PC could be your best bet for Home Assistant and the crucial factors that should guide your decision.

Best Overall: Beelink SER5

For the tech-savvy homeowner seeking a powerful and versatile hub for their smart home system, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC stands out as the best overall choice.

Packed with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, you’re guaranteed a smooth experience whether you’re streaming, working, or gaming. You’ll appreciate the fast 500GB M.2 SSD, ensuring quick boot-up times and ample storage for your apps and files.

Expansion isn’t an issue either; you can upgrade to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD if you need more space and power. And with Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, you’ll enjoy a seamless and stable connection for all your devices. Thankfully, the efficient cooling system ensures your Mini PC runs cool, even under heavy loads.

Best For: Homeowners looking for a compact, yet powerful mini PC to act as the centerpiece of a smart home setup or to enhance their multi-monitor workstation.

Pros:

• Equipped with powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 16GB RAM for high performance.
• Multiple expansion options with the capability to upgrade RAM and storage.
• Triple display support with 4K resolution for an immersive visual experience.

Cons:

• Limited upgradability beyond the already high 32GB RAM and 2TB storage cap.

Best Runner-Up: Blackview MP80

If you’re seeking a powerful yet compact solution for your home assistant setup, the Blackview MP80 Mini PC, with its latest 12th Gen Intel processor and 16GB of rapid LPDDR5 RAM, emerges as a top contender.

Its 512GB M.2 SSD ensures swift data access, while the Windows 11 Pro operating system provides a stable foundation for your tasks. You’ll enjoy 4K UHD output across three HDMI ports, perfect for a triple screen display setup that enhances your work and entertainment space.

The Blackview MP80 doesn’t just offer raw power; it’s designed for efficiency with a 4-in-1 cooling system and active noise-canceling technology for quiet operation. In addition, with dual-band WiFi and 11 ports, connecting devices is a breeze. And with a 2-year warranty and lifetime support, it’s a smart choice for a reliable home assistant hub.

Best For: Power users and multitaskers who need a high-performance, compact, and quiet mini PC with excellent multi-display support.

Pros:

• Equipped with a powerful 12th Gen Intel processor and high-speed 16GB LPDDR5 RAM for top-notch performance.
• Triple HDMI ports allow for a multi-screen setup, enhancing productivity and entertainment experiences.
• Comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime technical support, ensuring peace of mind and reliability.

Cons:

• Despite its high performance, the mini PC form factor may limit future upgrade options compared to a full-sized desktop.

Best Budget: Bmax B1 Pro

Value-conscious smart home enthusiasts will appreciate the Bmax B1 Pro Mini PC, with its robust Intel Gemini Lake N4000 processor and dual 4K display support, as an economical yet powerful hub for managing home automation tasks.

You’ll find its performance exceeds expectations, particularly considering the price point. With up to 2.6 GHz of speed and options for SSD expansion, you’re set for a smooth operation.

It comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD, ensuring quick access to your apps and services. The Bmax B1 Pro’s slim design isn’t just about looks—it houses a silent heatsink for efficient cooling, meaning you’ll enjoy a quiet environment as you control your smart home devices.

Plus, with the peace of mind of a 12-month warranty and lifetime service, it’s a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on reliability.

Best For: Value-conscious smart home enthusiasts looking for an economical yet capable hub for home automation.

Pros:

• Robust Intel Gemini Lake N4000 processor and 8 GB RAM for efficient multitasking
• Dual 4K display support and multiple connectivity options for versatile use
• Silent heatsink for efficient cooling and quiet operation

Cons:

• Some users report issues with continuous restarts and failure to turn on

Reasons to Use a Mini PC for Home Assistant

Mini PCs combine performance with convenience, making them a smart pick for your Home Assistant hub. Here are some compelling reasons:

• Energy Efficiency: Mini PCs consume far less power than traditional desktops, saving you money on your electricity bill.
• Space-Saving: Their compact size allows them to fit almost anywhere, decluttering your workspace or living area.
• Silent Operation: Many are designed to run quietly, which is perfect for an uninterrupted smart home experience.
• Dedicated Device: With a mini PC, you can have a dedicated system for Home Assistant, ensuring smoother operation and better security.
• Expandability: Despite their size, many offer enough ports and connectivity options to grow with your smart home needs.

You’ll find that using a mini PC not only makes your setup look cleaner but also offers a hassle-free and efficient way to manage your devices.

The performance and reliability offered can provide you with a stable and responsive smart home environment, which is exactly what you need for the heart of your home’s intelligence.

Factors to Consider

When selecting a mini PC for Home Assistant, it’s crucial to assess several key factors to ensure optimal compatibility and performance for your smart home system.

• CPU Power – First and foremost, consider the processor’s power. You’ll need enough grunt to handle multiple smart devices and any automations you plan to run. Don’t skimp on this; a faster processor can mean the difference between a responsive and a sluggish system.

• RAM – More memory allows for smoother multitasking and can accommodate future expansions in your smart home setup. Generally, 4GB is a safe starting point, but 8GB or more is better for heavier workloads.

• Storage Capacity – While unlike a mini PC for emulation, Home Assistant doesn’t require a ton of space, you’ll want enough to store logs, add-ons, and updates. Opt for an SSD for faster boot times and data access.

• Connectivity – Ensure the mini PC has enough USB ports for dongles and other peripherals, as well as reliable Wi-Fi and Ethernet for stable network connections.

• Compatibility – Lastly, consider the mini PC’s compatibility with Home Assistant. It’s best to choose hardware that’s known to work well with the platform, which can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Want to choose your own hardware? Check out a barebone mini pc that only comes with essentials and allows for full customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Run Other Smart Home Services Concurrently on These Mini PCs Without Affecting Home Assistant’s Performance?

Yes, you can run multiple smart home services alongside Home Assistant, but you’ll need to ensure the mini PC has enough resources to prevent performance issues. Monitor usage to avoid overloading the system.

Are These Compatible With Zigbee and Z-Wave USB Sticks for Home Assistant Integrations?

Yes, you can plug Zigbee and Z-Wave USB sticks into these mini PCs to seamlessly integrate with Home Assistant, expanding your smart home capabilities without any compatibility issues.

How Do These Mini PCs Handle Software Updates and Home Assistant Version Upgrades?

You’ll find that these PCs smoothly manage software updates and Home Assistant version upgrades, ensuring your system stays current with minimal hassle. Regular, automated updates keep your setup running optimally.

Can I Use a Battery Backup With These Mini PCs to Ensure Home Assistant Remains Operational During a Power Outage?

Sure, you can use a battery backup, like an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), to keep your mini PC running smoothly during power outages. It’ll maintain your operations until the power comes back.

Final Thoughts

So, you’re eyeing a compact powerhouse for your smart home setup? Whether it’s the top-notch Beelink SER5, the almost-there Blackview MP80, or the wallet-friendly Bmax B1 Pro, you’ve got stellar options.

Remember, a mini PC for Home Assistant fuses convenience with control, all in a space-saving design. Consider core specs, connectivity, and reliability before you buy.

Dive in, pick your match, and elevate your home’s IQ without cramping its style!