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Is Insteon Gone?: What Happened and What to Use Instead

If you have been keeping up with the world of home automation, you may have noticed that Insteon, once a popular choice for smart home enthusiasts, seems like it has disappeared. Many are wondering, "Is Insteon gone?" In this post, we'll dive into what has been happening with Insteon, what to do if you own Insteon devices, and the best alternatives available for those who want to upgrade their home automation.

What Happened to Insteon?

Insteon has been a reliable choice for home automation enthusiasts for over a decade. Its devices were often praised for their reliability and compatibility with a broad range of different smart home ecosystems. However, in recent years, Insteon has been losing ground. Reports of customer service issues and a lack of new product releases have put the company in a difficult position.

Rumors of the company being sold or going bankrupt have been swirling around the Internet for some time now. The most recent news that we could find is from early 2020, where it was reported that Insteon's parent company, SmartLabs, had sold its Insteon brand to a new entity called Insteon IP. Unfortunately, beyond this report, it has been tough to ascertain what has been happening with Insteon.

What to Do if You Have Insteon Devices

If you do own Insteon devices, don't worry. Your devices will not stop working. You can continue to use them, and your smart home will still function as it should. However, if you do run into any issues, it may be difficult to find support. Insteon's customer service has been lacking in recent years, and we don't know if that will improve.

We recommend that you make a plan to gradually transition your smart home technology away from Insteon. Many alternatives are available that are reliable, supported, and offer more advanced features.

The Best Alternatives to Insteon

Several good alternatives are available if you are looking to replace your Insteon devices. Here are our top picks:

1. Philips Hue

Philips Hue is one of the most popular choices on the market for smart lighting. Their ecosystem includes bulbs, light strips, and accessories that allow you to control your lighting with your voice, smartphone, or tablet. Hue is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Philips Hue also offers more advanced features such as sunrise and sunset schedules, the ability to sync your lights with music, and more.

2. Samsung SmartThings

Samsung SmartThings is a popular choice for those who want to integrate a wide range of devices. Its ecosystem includes sensors, plugs, and switches that work together seamlessly to create a smart home experience. SmartThings' app also makes it easy to control all of your devices. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Bixby.

3. Lutron Caseta

Lutron Caseta is a popular choice for those who want a reliable, easy-to-use system for controlling their lighting. Its ecosystem includes dimmer switches, plug-in modules, and smart bridge devices. Lutron Caseta is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It also offers advanced features such as schedules, geofencing, and voice control.

Conclusion

While it is unclear what has been happening with Insteon, it is clear that alternatives abound. If you are a home automation enthusiast, you have plenty of reliable options available, such as Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, and Lutron Caseta. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful in your search for the best smart home technology available.

Posted on: Jul 26, 2022 Last updated at: May 4, 2023

Frequently asked questions

Is Insteon gone?
Insteon is not completely gone but it has gone through some changes recently that have left some users concerned about its future.
Why does it seem like Insteon is gone?
Insteon has recently discontinued some of its products and shifted its focus towards a new platform, which has caused confusion among users.
What should I do if I already own Insteon devices?
If you already own Insteon devices, you can continue to use them as normal, but you may want to consider future-proofing your home automation setup by investing in devices from a more reliable brand.
What are the benefits of using Insteon devices?
Insteon devices offer high-quality home automation features, including lighting and HVAC controls, as well as support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
What are the alternatives to Insteon?
Good alternatives to Insteon include brands like Philips Hue, Lutron, and Nest, all of which offer reliable home automation products and support for popular voice assistants.
Which is the best alternative to Insteon?
The best alternative to Insteon depends on your needs, but Lutron is a popular choice for its high-quality devices and reliable performance.
What should I look for when choosing an alternative to Insteon?
When choosing an alternative to Insteon, consider factors like the type of devices supported, compatibility with voice assistants, and the reliability of the products.
Is it difficult to switch from Insteon to another brand?
Switching from Insteon to another brand may require some effort, but it is not difficult, and most brands offer easy-to-use setup and installation processes.
Will I lose any features if I switch from Insteon to another brand?
Switching from Insteon to another brand may result in some differences in features and compatibility, but most alternative brands offer comparable, if not improved, features.
Where can I find more information about Insteon alternatives?
You can find more information about Insteon alternatives by researching reputable review sites, home automation forums, and consulting with a local home automation expert.