Introduction
Savant and Control4 represent two distinct approaches to professional home automation. While both deliver comprehensive smart home experiences, their philosophies, interfaces, and target markets differ in important ways.
This comparison will help you understand which platform aligns better with your preferences, budget, and home automation goals.
Company Backgrounds
**Savant** was founded in 2005 with a focus on the luxury residential market. The company has cultivated a reputation for elegant design and seamless user experiences, often drawing comparisons to Apple's approach to consumer electronics.
**Control4** has been serving the professional automation market since 2003. Now part of Snap One, Control4 offers a broader range of solutions spanning from accessible entry-level systems to comprehensive luxury installations.
Security Features Comparison
Both platforms integrate security components rather than manufacturing their own:
| Feature | Savant | Control4 |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Integration | Third-party | Luma + third-party |
| Smart Locks | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Access Logging | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Responses | Yes | Yes |
Control4's advantage lies in its Luma partnership, which provides tightly integrated surveillance. Savant relies entirely on third-party cameras but integrates them elegantly into its interface.
User Interface Comparison
This is where the platforms diverge most significantly:
**Savant** offers an interface that feels immediately familiar to iPhone users. The design language emphasizes visual elegance, with room-based navigation and intuitive gestures. Many users describe it as the "Apple of home automation."
**Control4** provides a more traditional automation interface with comprehensive functionality. While perhaps less visually striking than Savant, it offers deep customization and clear information hierarchy.
Pricing Comparison
| System Size | Savant | Control4 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $20,000 - $40,000 | $10,000 - $25,000 |
| Mid-range | $40,000 - $100,000 | $25,000 - $75,000 |
| Luxury | $100,000 - $300,000+ | $75,000 - $200,000 |
Savant typically commands a premium, partly due to its positioning and partly due to the caliber of integrators who typically install it.
Ecosystem and Integrations
**Savant** excels with Apple ecosystem integration, including native AirPlay 2 support and Apple TV integration. The platform also offers its own high-end audio products.
**Control4** boasts one of the largest driver libraries in the industry, with integrations for thousands of devices and services. This breadth makes it adaptable to virtually any requirement.
Verdict and Recommendations
Choose Savant if:
Choose Control4 if:
